Video & Transcript Research : 'cognitive function'
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MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 20 March, 2026; 9:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- passed it through here for the deadlines, they continued to work with the board to try to get a very functional
- board to to try to get with the board to to try to get a<00:28:22.560>
very <00:28:22.800>functional - a very functional a very functional uh<00:28:24.640>
framework <00:28:25.280>for <00
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation by Dr. C. J. Rhodes, and the pledge of allegiance. Routine motions were adopted to dispense with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including Ryan Golden of Congregation Beth Israel, students from First Baptist’s Friday program, the Magnolia Bar, Leadership Greater Jackson Youth Cohort members, a Doctor of the Day, and students from Anchor Christian Academy.
On the calendar, the Senate took up a large block of resolutions and nominations. The chamber adopted numerous commendations and tributes, including resolutions honoring educators at MGCCC, Kappa Alpha Psi, Wavy Dave Chambers, Jasmine Ware, Nora Miller, multiple state championship teams, the Mississippi Forest Commission’s centennial, Colonel Charles Haynes, Robert “Bob” Dunlap, and others. The Senate also confirmed a block of Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority and advisory board nominations tied to the state’s NG911 implementation, after questions about who made the nominations; the response was that seven were gubernatorial and six lieutenant gubernatorial appointments. The nominations passed by morning roll call, with Senator McClendon voting no.
The Senate then considered Senate Nomination No. 41, reappointing Thomas Allen Tom Wicker to the Information Technology Services Authority for a five-year term. Supporters cited his institutional and legal knowledge and long public service. That nomination also passed by morning roll call. Later, the Senate approved additional nominations in a block for the State Personnel Board and Public Procurement Review Board, including Donald Geary Don Brown, Hollis Raymond Ray Smith Jr. in two terms, and Rita Teresa Ray, with members noting clean peer reports and statutory eligibility; these too passed by morning roll call.
In other business, the Senate concurred in a conference report on the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering bill, with Senator Johnson explaining that the House made technical changes, removed executive director language and a reverse appeal, and added a June 30, 2028 repeal date. The Senate also adopted a block of nominations and resolutions without objection. At the end of the session, members requested excused absences and adjournments in memory of several individuals, and the Senate agreed to stand in recess until noon, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 4:00 p.m. Monday.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill to formally end housing stabilization services program 2/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we put some uh safeguards to the program because we meant to make sure that the program was more functional
- to make sure that the program was meant to make sure that the program was more<00:02:49.920>
functional - 50.959>
we <00:02:51.200>put <00:02:51.360>all <00:02:51.519>those more functional - Uh we put all those more functional.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3379, a technical bill dealing with the housing stabilization supports program in human services. The bill’s author explained that the program had been terminated at the state’s request and approved by CMS, and the bill would remove it from statute so the legislature would have a role if the program is later brought back. The discussion quickly broadened into a debate over legislative versus executive authority in Medicaid and human services programs, with members arguing about whether the department should be able to terminate or redesign programs without legislative approval and how to protect vulnerable participants.
Members discussed three amendments. The A1 amendment sought to require 30-day public comment periods for Medicaid waiver and state plan changes, require publication of comment text online, and prohibit the commissioner from terminating legislatively enacted Medicaid waivers or benefits or requesting federal assistance to do so without legislative involvement. The A3 amendment was offered as a modification to A1 to address concerns about requiring the legislature to be called back in during the interim; however, after debate over whether the amendment would give the commissioner too much authority and whether it could affect existing fraud-sanction procedures under section 256B.064, A1 was withdrawn and A3 was also set aside. A2, described as a technical cleanup amendment from nonpartisan staff, was then adopted.
The committee then voted on the bill as amended. The motion to re-refer House File 3379 to the General Register passed on a voice vote, and the bill was recommended to be placed on the General Register. Throughout the discussion, members emphasized different priorities: some stressed oversight, public input, and legislative control over program changes, while others argued the department needed flexibility to address fraud and protect services for seniors, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable residents.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to make is the bill doesn't include provisions that are usually typical when transferring functions
- :38.480>
transferring usually typical when transferring usually typical when transferring functions - >
one <00:20:39.840>department <00:20:40.159>or <00:20:40.400>agency functions - from one department or agency functions from one department or agency to<00:20:41.039>
another,
Bills:
SB2187
Keywords:
housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony.
HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change.
During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Functionally, there's very little difference between a freestanding ER and a rural emergency hospital
- Functionally,<00:34:46.960>
there's <00:34:47.119>very <00:34:47.280>little Functionally - , there's very little Functionally, there's very little difference<00:34:47.679>
between <00:34
Keywords:
immigration, law enforcement, fingerprints, DNA collection, illegal aliens, Alabama state law, SB80, Buddy Sharpless Education Institute, Alabama Local Government Training Institute, county commissioner training, local government training, ethics training, State Ethics Commission, county commissioners, Association of County Commissions of Alabama, local emergency management director, public officials, municipal officials, Alabama Code Title 11, Alabama Code Title 31
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is for literally the operation and functioning of that Reconnect system that a Floridian uses
- Patrol is, as I say, in the name of the agency; that is the core function of what they do.
- prevents more costly emergency repairs in the future and ensures our facilities remain safe and functional
- An ADU is a smaller, independent, fully functioning house located on the same property as a stand-alone
Bills:
S0048
Keywords:
housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, local government, zoning regulations, military families, density bonus, homeownership, property taxes
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard presentations on the Governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and then considered one bill, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, with transportation and economic development receiving about $18 billion statewide and $601 million in general revenue. Agency heads then presented priorities for Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, State, Transportation, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard, emphasizing workforce development, housing, tourism marketing, aviation and space infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, emergency preparedness, and military readiness.
In the Commerce presentation, Secretary Kelly highlighted funding for housing programs, the Hometown Heroes program, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, rural infrastructure and workforce grants, Reconnect and Florida WINS systems, law enforcement and firefighter recruitment bonuses, defense support, Visit Florida, Space Florida, and SelectFlorida. Senators asked about Visit Florida’s private match requirements and whether the agency fully leveraged prior appropriations; Visit Florida’s CEO said the match was met and exceeded, though it is difficult but important. The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles presentation focused on trooper pay, pursuit vehicles, aviation assets, and enterprise data systems, with questions about immigration enforcement and body cameras. Military Affairs requested funding for readiness centers, training facilities, education and health benefits for Guardsmen, and maintenance of existing armories; members discussed Guard deployments, staffing levels, and a proposed firing range project. The Department of State requested funds for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and defended its arts grant process and rule changes. Transportation’s budget emphasized a $14.3 billion work program, road and bridge maintenance, aviation and aerospace, safety initiatives, and seaport investments, while Emergency Management requested funding for preparedness, flood mitigation, WebEOC, grants management, and alert systems; senators also asked about the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility.
For CS/SB 48, Senator Gates explained that the bill would require local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs would be allowed by right without a separate hearing. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, saying ADUs could help provide long-term housing for service workers. After questions about local government and HOA authority, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 48 favorably by roll call vote.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- attending its monthly meetings basically since its inception as an observer, and so I can attest to its function
- Their primary function is to review cases of police conduct after an investigation has already been completed
- that would be barred from accessing many of the files related to police conduct essential to their function
- Yes, that would be a clear administrative function that would be subject to the Public Information Act
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 14, which would create a confidential department file for law enforcement officers and jailers and limit public access to records involving unsubstantiated misconduct, while preserving access for hiring agencies, TCOLE, and certain criminal justice uses. TCOLE’s Gretchen Grigsby explained the current rollout of law enforcement recordkeeping reforms, including the distinction between the public personnel file and the confidential G-file, and answered questions about when TCOLE would request files during investigations. Senator Perry and other members focused on how the bill would interact with existing personnel-file rules, public transparency, and criminal discovery obligations.
Public testimony was largely opposed. Critics argued the bill was drafted too broadly, could sweep in records beyond misconduct files, and would reduce transparency for the public, journalists, oversight bodies, and families seeking answers in cases such as Uvalde and jail deaths in Tarrant County. Several witnesses said the bill could allow small or single-officer agencies, including elected constables, to shield their own records, and some warned it could chill reporting and oversight. Supporters, including law enforcement representatives, said the bill would protect officers from false or unsubstantiated allegations, align agencies without civil-service protections with those that already have G-files, and preserve confidentiality for records that should not be public. Dallas County prosecutors and Harris County deputies supported the general policy but asked for clarifying amendments, especially to separate language they said could affect the Michael Morton Act and to preserve existing protections through in-camera review or protective orders.
Committee members spent significant time questioning witnesses about how substantiated versus unsubstantiated allegations would be handled, whether body camera footage and case files would remain public, and how the bill would affect discovery in criminal cases. After hearing all registered witnesses, the chair closed public testimony. Senate Bill 14 was left pending, and the committee recessed.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant May 30th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Land grants function and how they were recognized has been a slow, cumbersome process and a little bit
- budgets well below $5,000, it was really big sales and fundraisers that they would try to use to function
- and If enough transfers happened, it would unravel the fabric of that Asequia to where it wouldn't function
- At its core, the Asequia's primary function, even though we have this big legal framework, at their most
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- At its core, homeland security is a law enforcement function, and Texas needs a law enforcement agency
- transnational threats requires a security apparatus that is both proactive and independent, capable of functioning
- It is a military function to counter foreign terrorist organizations, not just a local law enforcement
- We rely on them to ensure that justice continues to function, that public events remain safe, and that
Bills:
HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023, SB 36
Keywords:
employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database, Department of Public Safety
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 7, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the other functions of our division is that we procure and adopt enterprise-wide agreements to
- then there's times where we would bring in consulting services to help with a kind of an oversight function
- We often look... consulting services to help with a kind of an oversight function or just a we need help
- It's not like a law enforcement function.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard a panel on Florida’s IT procurement process from the Florida Digital Service, the Department of Management Services, and the Department of Financial Services. Witnesses walked through the procurement lifecycle, including planning, market research, solicitation, evaluation, award, implementation, and closeout, and emphasized the role of budget timing, contract managers, and subject matter experts. DMS described the state’s enterprise contracting system, noting more than 1,100 active vendor agreements, over 800 involving IT services, and the statutory requirement to request 25 quotes for certain IT purchases. DFS demonstrated the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACS), explaining how agencies upload contract and payment data and how the public can search contracts and related documents online.
Members focused on accountability, transparency, and whether the state is getting the best products and vendors. Questions addressed how contracts are vetted, how technical evaluations are performed, how financial consequences are used for missed deliverables, how public records and confidential information are handled, and how the state screens vendors for foreign-concern or bad-actor issues. Witnesses said agencies rely on technical experts for evaluations, that contract terms should include measurable deliverables and meaningful financial consequences, and that agencies—not procurement staff—generally manage performance, though Florida Digital Service oversees large IT projects of $10 million or more.
The committee then shifted to broader policy discussion, including Senate Bill 7026 and proposals to reorganize state IT governance. Several members argued for stronger centralization under a state CIO or similar enterprise authority, while others cautioned against abrupt restructuring and stressed the need for a transition plan. Members also raised concerns about workforce retention, consulting services, recurring project overruns, and the need for better planning and periodic monitoring. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the subcommittee.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 3rd, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- substitute would require more detailed financial reporting as well as reporting related to funding, function
- Until 1985, there was nothing to preserve kidney function, nothing. She went on dialysis in '86.
- It looks like it could preserve kidney function for a very long time.
- So I'm just wondering, what are we missing at our institutions that we need to create a new function
Bills:
HB46
Keywords:
local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine restoring Boeing's status as a great American manufacturer, focusing on safety first. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So how is it that this is going to change and will you commit today to a fully functioning safety management
- had abused its authority, Boeing had knowingly and repeatedly produced 737 MAX aircraft with non-functioning
- the MAX crashes, we ... mandated that you cannot delegate certification tasks related to critical functions
- important one, but in reality, we decided as a committee, we're not allowing the delegation. of critical functions
Keywords:
Boeing, aviation safety, safety management system, military aviation, air traffic control, transparency, oversight, accountability
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on significant safety concerns surrounding Boeing and its compliance with federal aviation standards. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the Army's failure to provide requested operational transparency regarding helicopter operations near Washington, D.C., amid recent incidents indicating a strained air traffic control situation. Several members called for reform in Boeing's oversight, emphasizing the need for a robust safety culture and mandatory safety management systems to prevent future disasters like the 737 MAX crashes. The discussions were passionate, with survivors and families impacted by past accidents present, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the issues at hand.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- as a body are pushing hard towards supporting agriculture by enforcing the laws that govern the function
- as a body are pushing hard towards supporting agriculture by enforcing the laws that govern the function
- as a body are pushing hard towards supporting agriculture by enforcing the laws that govern the function
- as a body are pushing hard towards supporting agriculture by enforcing the laws that govern the function
Summary:
The Senate convened, took roll, approved the previous day’s journal, and spent much of the first portion of the meeting recognizing Education Week honorees. Senators introduced students and coaches from the LifeSmarts Consumer Education Competition, including first-place Iolani School, second-place Kahalani High School, and Oahu teams placing third and fourth. The Senate also recognized 2025 Senate Youth Delegate Wilson Chow and thanked staff and community partners for supporting Education Week 2025.
The chamber then moved to executive business, adopting standing committee reports 1210 through 1349 and confirming Governor’s Message No. 644, Steven Logan, as Adjutant General of the Department of Defense by unanimous consent. Senators spoke in support of Logan’s military and public safety experience, and he was confirmed with 23 ayes. The Senate also confirmed Governor’s Message No. 645, Mike Lambert, as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement, with senators citing his HPD background, work on homelessness, vice, agricultural crimes, and school enforcement; the confirmation passed with 22 ayes.
After the confirmations, the Senate recognized the newly appointed officials and their families and guests. The body then passed House Bill 991, Senate Draft 1, relating to criminal history record checks, on third reading by unanimous consent with 22 ayes. The session concluded with announcements, including a YWCA clothing drive, a personal letter from Representative Gene Ward announcing his resignation from the House effective at the end of the month due to health issues, and a motion to adjourn until Monday, March 24th at 11:30 a.m., which was adopted without objection.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (3-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- that would increase traffic flow beyond current levels or enable their emergency services to not function
- enable their emergency services<00:21:49.159>
to <00:21:49.320>not <00:21:49.480>function - c><00:21:49.880>
as <00:21:50.039>they <00:21:50.360>should services to not function - as they should services to not function as they should um<00:21:51.799>
would <00:21:52.039>
Keywords:
Consideration of SB 176 01:52
Consideration of SB 104 05:03
Consideration of SB 9 08:09
Consideration of SB 129 18:50
Consideration of SB 178 31:20, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, adopting committee substitutes where offered. Senate Bill 176, relating to statutory committees within the Legislative Research Commission, was presented by Senator Matt Nunn as a cleanup and process-streamlining measure for appointments, vacancies, and appointing authorities. It passed the committee 15-0 with a title amendment.
Senate Bill 104, presented by Senator Scott Maiden and the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority, would update deferred compensation law by adding a fiduciary standard, allowing less expensive liability insurance, making federal-law compliance self-correcting, and authorizing a self-directed brokerage account option. It passed 15-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 9, presented by Senator Jimmy Higdon, would change teacher retirement-related leave provisions, including up to 30 days of maternity leave, a 13-day annual rollover toward retirement, limits on using annual leave to increase retirement benefits, reporting requirements, and related cleanup provisions. After questions about maternity leave, district flexibility, and the actuarial cost of additional days, it passed 15-0 with favorable expression.
Senate Bill 129, presented by Senator Rocky Adams and House sponsor Representative John Hudson, was described as a housing and redevelopment measure aimed at vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties in Louisville. Testimony focused on allowing qualified nonprofits to purchase certain tax-delinquent properties after a waiting period, along with provisions on density development, accessory dwelling units, urban development incentives, fire and code enforcement recovery, a Central Business District tax fix, and changes to binding elements. Members raised concerns about nonprofit qualifications, land bank overlap, and county clerk burden; the bill passed 13-1 with one pass and received a title amendment. Senate Bill 178, presented by Senator Mike Nemes, was a short reorganization bill to codify the transfer of the Department of Disability Determination Services Program from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Labor Cabinet. It passed 12-0. The committee then recorded additional votes and adjourned, with the chair thanking members and staff, noting it was likely the final meeting of the year.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee during the 119th Congress; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine eliminating waste by the foreign aid bureaucracy. Feb 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- organization to funnel 1.1 million to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. which was conducting risky gain-of-function
- If we continue to let President Trump and Musk unilaterally decide which agencies can function... and
- So I think it's a great time for the Congress. to, you know, recreate an aid function that is sort of
- very common thing. course it was one of the main reasons that we wanted to end that risky gain of function
Keywords:
fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign aid, funding resolution, legislative oversight
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed government spending and foreign aid, with a particular emphasis on perceived wasteful expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a funding resolution for the committee, which received unanimous support from the members present. The chair noted a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, signaling that the committee was ready to conduct its business. Discussions highlighted ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the necessity of legislative oversight, notably regarding foreign aid allocations and their implications for domestic fiscal health.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have departments, but everything gets a function number, or a sign for function. Okay.
- The majority of clerks also carry the comptroller function for their counties.
- In the courts division, we oversee all court-supported functions.
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues.
A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support.
Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So just wanted to say this is not a new piece of jewelry, it's just functional, trying to get the nose
- So just wanted to say this is not a new piece of jewelry, it's just functional, trying to get the nose
- Our agency's core functions are, one, providing legal representation to the state, its officials, and
- But when we were not functioning at a high level, those days to first payment were almost 180 days, a
Bills:
SB 1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement
Summary:
The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- It's just gonna make it a lot easier for the boards to function and have, well, maybe not half, several
- Uh, I do believe this bill will allow these boards to be more accountable, more functionable, and more
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Functions as basic as it is important, such as economic forecasting, auditing, and government accountability
- have a responsibility to our constituents and to the State of Florida to have three robust, well-functioning
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We have to get rid of duplicative functions.
- The office of child advocate functions.
- Um there there are two kinds function.
- <06:34:08.080>
inside similar functions inside similar functions inside DCF.<06:34:10.320> - They're not it's not worth functions.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so they're that is functioning in a way that maybe hasn't been fully explained.
- But it functions the same as release authority. They just call it placement.
- Yes, I think that these outcomes are a function of that.
- Sentencing is a judicial function. And so it's not my opinion.
- So something is not functioning right. It's kind of like you still feel, you know.
Summary:
The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations.
The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute.
Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees.
Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.