Video & Transcript Research : 'weight limits'
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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:
- And let's remember, this isn't the first time a president has tested the limits of law when it comes
- Thus, the geopolitical implications of the fight over foreign aid are fairly limited.
- the rails from the very beginning because it opens the door to the idea that there is potentially no limit
- tell a billion people on X that this is happening but when it was only a few people that knew or my limited
- Defense contractor from Britain, you had a DOD contractor in the United States on a on a kind of limited
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.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 5th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I looked at other states that have somewhat similar laws, but they're limited in scope to where a resident
- And this bill is not limited just to collection of rents. This bill is for anybody.
- We also have court cases that go on for extended periods of time because the courts are limited in how
- And Madam Chair and Representative, but this isn't going to limit you.
- This bill isn't going to limit you from working on that fire, right?
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And ultimately, at the end of the day, that is, did I beat the index funds or the weighted average of
- in did I beat the index funds<00:11:37.519>
or <00:11:37.760>the <00:11:37.920>weighted - <00:11:38.320>
average <00:11:38.560>of <00:11:38.720>the funds or the weighted - average of the funds or the weighted average of the index<00:11:39.279>
funds.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Attendance Roll Call: 01:02
Approval of Minutes: 02:03
Annual Investment Review: 04:10
Adjournment: 37:34, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, welcomed new staff member Sean Parks, and announced that it would not meet in November. The next meeting was scheduled for December 8 at 10:00 a.m., with the chair noting that pension bills would be heard then and emphasizing that all pension bills must go through the full process and include actuarial analysis.
Brad Gross of the Public Pension Oversight Board presented a detailed review of Kentucky retirement systems’ investments and funding. He said fiscal year 2025 ended with about $50.5 billion in pension assets and $12.52 billion in retiree health assets, both up from the prior year. He reported strong investment performance across the systems, with all Kentucky public pension funds exceeding their policy benchmarks and the median peer return of 10.4%. He also discussed long-term return trends, asset allocation differences among the systems, fee levels, and cash flow, noting that cash flow remains a key monitoring issue and that supplemental appropriations have improved the cash position of some funds, especially the Kentucky State Police and TRS systems.
Gross also explained that assumed rates of return have generally fallen over time, which increases unfunded liabilities and required contributions, and said the systems’ current assumptions range from 5.25% to 7.1%. He noted that the committee’s materials included peer comparisons and historical charts, and that all asset classes were within target ranges. In response to a question from Senator Funky From, Gross was asked about pension spiking and whether supplemental general fund contributions could create a false sense of security in cash flow analysis; the question was raised but not resolved in the portion of the transcript provided.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there an age limit to become a Ranger?
- Representative Lopez was wondering, I think, I think there is an age limit.
- I think it's, well, I know SEALs, the age limit is 42 because that's under discussion, right?
- This budgetary limitation was passed by the legislature in 001.
- The VA says, well, you're not a doctor, your penny doesn't carry any weight.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And how do we make sure we allocate the limited resources we have, and they will be more limited as we
- And how do we make sure we allocate the limited resources we have, and they will be more limited as we
- We have to limit it. We want to get through all our questions.
- And I'm going to limit it to about 20 minutes of conversation on each question.
- It does limit financial stability.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat.
The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students.
In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Kashyap Patel, of Nevada, to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice. Jan 30th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask members to do their best to adhere to these limits so that we can proceed efficiently.
- In 1976, Congress passed a law that limits the FBI Director to a single term of 10 years, which was intended
- I know what it feels like to have the full weight of the United States government barreling down on you
- will do everything, if confirmed as FBI Director, to make sure the American public knows the full weight
- Blackburn and I led legislation that was signed into law that eliminated statutes of limitation for federal
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - Part 1 - 03/27/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- specific to that profession are limited. specific to that profession are limited.
- On page four, the limits of practice. On page four, the limits of practice.
- It just limits bill limits employment.
- It limits them think it's not limiting.
- <01:21:56.280>
Thank it limits them. It's a good bill. Thank it limits them.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations May 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Now in Michigan, they have specific criteria that they give greater weight to.
- They have specific criteria that they give greater weight to.
Summary:
The Senate Labor Committee met on March 14 and adopted the prior minutes. It voluntarily deferred Senate Bill 358, which would have addressed workers’ compensation coverage for independent contractors and sole-proprietor subcontractors. Senator Abraham said the bill would instead be studied to determine whether such workers should be able to buy occupational accident coverage or be required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, particularly where no employees are involved.
The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand and clarify workers’ compensation petition requirements and broaden employers’ and payers’ ability to file disputed claims beyond fraud and medical-director appeals to other disputes under the chapter. The bill drew strong support from business groups and strong opposition from injured-worker attorneys, who argued it would revive problems seen in 2012 when employers could sue injured workers without a ripe dispute, burden unrepresented claimants, and increase litigation and administrative costs. Supporters said it would improve access to the courts and help employers investigate questionable claims. After debate, the committee voted 5-1 to report HB 456 favorably, with Senator Barrow voting no.
The committee also heard House Bill 549, which creates the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, or Bayou Works, a proposed statewide workforce training grant program aimed at helping employers quickly train workers for specific skill needs. The sponsor and Louisiana Workforce Commission representatives said it would be privately funded, modeled on Michigan’s “Going Pro” program, and coordinated with technical colleges, apprenticeships, internships, and other workforce partners. Members asked about statewide reach, youth pipeline efforts, and timing; the department said implementation would likely begin later next year. The committee reported HB 549 favorably by unanimous consent and then adjourned.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- what was lost, I am hoping that this body, we can honor her by remembering that our choices carry weight
- I am hoping that this body we can honor her by remembering that our choices carry weight.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE Feb 18th, 2026
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE
Transcript Highlights:
- know, this was a repeated behavior that was occurring with an officer who was literally throwing his weight
- around and Who was literally throwing his weight around, bragging about it to other officers, and harassing
Summary:
The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported.
The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues.
Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:39.239>
employment to the state a law to limit employment to the state a law to limit - <00:52:53.160>
the to fund important work in limiting the to fund important work in limiting - <01:14:11.840>
that so uh in this ensures that limit that so uh in this ensures that limit - Also, a net worth limit is being proposed to ensure the limited revolving fund gets to the Minnesota
- Then we have a maximum annual payment rate of $15,750. limit of 150 acres for the program uh we limit
Keywords:
agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jun 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Elevators are still voluntary, and one limitation...
- Elevators are still voluntary, and one limitation that was determined by the technical advisory group
- From my memory, and there were strong advocates on both sides of this issue, I think the limitation,
- Elevators are still voluntary, and one limitation.
- Some want to limit development. We've seen a few that don't want any development in some cases.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on local government issues, beginning with an update from the State Building Code Council on four legislatively mandated code amendments now in CR-102 rulemaking: temporary emergency shelters, reduced minimum dwelling unit size, multiplex housing up to three stories and six units, and single-exit apartment buildings up to six stories. Council staff also described a separate embodied-carbon appendix proposal that remains under public review, with testimony both supporting and opposing it. Members asked about the rationale for some of the code limits, including the restriction on connecting multiplex buildings.
The committee then heard a panel on annexations from MRSC, Pierce County, and the Association of Washington Cities. Witnesses reviewed annexation methods, including petition, election, and interlocal agreement approaches, and said larger annexations are increasingly using interlocal agreements because they can address infrastructure, revenue sharing, and public process concerns. They described barriers such as inconsistent local standards, the cost of infrastructure, referendum risk, census requirements, and the difficulty of persuading residents and local officials to support annexation. Members asked about the five-year restriction on residential zoning changes in one annexation method and whether a hearing examiner could reduce political pressure on local decision-makers.
A second panel discussed subdivision reform. The Master Builders Association urged raising the short-plat threshold within urban growth areas to 30 lots as a simpler first step, citing permitting delays and added housing costs. The City of Spokane described implementation problems with recent housing laws, including uncertainty about how to review plats under HB 1110, lot-splitting administration, and added notice requirements for unit lot subdivisions. AWC said there was broad agreement that subdivision decisions should be more administrative, but public hearings remained a point of disagreement. The committee also heard from FutureWise, the Washington State Association of Counties, and Lewis County on county development regulation and enforcement, with witnesses emphasizing underfunded code enforcement, inconsistent standards between counties and cities, and the need for better coordination, incentives, and possibly stronger enforcement tools. No votes were taken; the chair said the committee would continue working on possible solutions in future sessions.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The current ban limits consumer education and also raises First Amendment concerns.
- The current ban limits... a time when health care decisions are more complex and personal than ever.
- The current ban limits consumer education and also raises First Amendment concerns.
- And we can't limit that language to solely the act of physically selling a product.
- Many churches across Florida feel the weight of an unfortunate, hostile world that we now live in.
Keywords:
places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services, faith-based institutions, public safety, military jurisdiction, delinquency, concurrent jurisdiction
Summary:
The committee considered several bills and reported each favorably. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part. Supporters said it would expand provider options and help address a shortage of certified programs; opponents raised concerns about mixing government-ordered programming with religion and about the state’s prior rule change. The bill passed 7-2.
The committee also approved CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction barring licensed insurance agents from partnering with health care sharing ministries to market or sell their programs. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores free speech, consumer choice, and access to faith-based alternatives, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, higher commissions, and weak protections because these ministries are not insurance. After extended debate, the measure passed 8-2.
Other measures advanced unanimously or near-unanimously. CS/SB 502, as amended, would give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in the state system; it passed 9-0. CS/SB 52 would exempt volunteer armed security for houses of worship from Class D or G licensing requirements, and supporters cited rising threats to churches and the need for organized volunteer security; it passed 9-0. SB 840, a cleanup bill to narrow and clarify last year’s emergency-related land-use restrictions after hurricanes, also passed 9-0, and CS/SB 758, which updates the membership of the Justice Administration Commission, passed 9-0 after an amendment restoring two public defenders to the commission.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Dec 16th, 2025 at 09:08 am
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a reform measure within the more limited context of legal and administrative reform.
- But it's also the year that we did the 3% limitation on the valuation of property to limit what is known
- But we can't do this work with the limited resources we have.
- You know, the cap limits it can't go much higher than that. And what we do see is phasing.
- What are those limitations Chair, Representative, they agreed not to develop the property.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I know I've only had about four hours of sleep, but I don't see why being small or large would limit
- For 18-wheelers, for example, the policy limits, depending on the weight of the truck, range from $750,000
- However, we cannot overcome manpower and money, which is always a limitation.
- However, he is limited in being able to do it.
- House Bill 4518. as a more limited version of existing law, in this case, Texas Business Organization
Bills:
HB111
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Taylor's time limitations, maybe one more question if anybody has one. I have one.
- The income limit for this coverage group is 185% of the federal poverty level, and it's really limited
- But it is limited to family-planning-related services.
- The income limit for that is also 185% of the federal poverty level.
- The income limit is 185% of the federal poverty level.
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met to discuss maternal and infant health, beginning with a presentation from New Jersey’s Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MiHA). Pamela Taylor described New Jersey’s statewide effort to reduce maternal mortality and racial disparities through the Nurture New Jersey campaign, a strategic plan with more than 80 recommendations, universal home visiting, Medicaid-covered doula care, hospital report cards, limits on non-medically indicated early elective C-sections, and a new maternal and infant health innovation center. Senators asked about doula certification, funding, home visiting, and how New Jersey coordinates across agencies; Taylor said the authority uses quarterly stakeholder meetings, annual summits, and a tracker for recommendations, and that community input helped shape its programs.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer then outlined Florida Medicaid’s maternal coverage and managed care structure. He reviewed eligibility and services for pregnant women, labor and delivery, postpartum coverage, newborn coverage, and family planning, noting 12 months of postpartum coverage, expanded benefits in managed care plans, and new contracts launching February 1 with more maternal-health-focused benefits, quality measures, and a new quality withhold incentive structure. Senators questioned doula certification and duplication with Healthy Start, provider access and network adequacy, kick payments, quality reporting, and whether Florida should consider broader eligibility standards; Meyer said many details are still plan-driven, that quality metrics are public, and that the agency is working on maternal-health work groups and incentives.
Department of Health Division Director Shea Holloway followed with an overview of Florida’s maternal and child health programs and data. She cited Florida CHARTS data showing pregnancy-related deaths, severe maternal morbidity, and infant mortality trends, and described the Title V block grant, the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, the electronic prenatal risk screen, Healthy Babies, BH Impact for perinatal mental health, Healthy Start, WIC, family planning, telehealth maternity care, and the Pregnancy Care Network. Senators asked about delays in mortality review reporting, preterm birth, substance use disorder in pregnancy, WIC participation, cesarean rates, and the impact of the abortion ban; Holloway said the department is continuing to monitor outcomes, expand screening and telehealth, and use data and hospital partnerships to improve care. The committee then adjourned without further business.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 9:15 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- 0.15, which is nearly double<00:46:13.920>
the <00:46:14.160>legal <00:46:14.480>limit - ,<00:46:14.960>
pose <00:46:15.280>a double the legal limit, pose a double the legal - limit, pose a significant<00:46:15.920>
threat <00:46:16.160>on <00:46:16.319>our - And there are other the speed limit.
- the amount of the comparable state weight tax.
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation heard several vehicle and traffic safety measures. HB 2347, which would require the director of transportation to adopt rules allowing mobile vehicle safety inspections, drew support from DOT and individual testifiers who said it would add convenience and efficiency for passenger vehicle owners. Committee members questioned how home or driveway inspections would handle safety standards such as headlight checks and whether added convenience would come with higher costs; DOT also said it would follow up on inspection fees and audit procedures. HB 182, which would exempt motorcycles and passenger cars from safety inspections, received opposition from DOT, the Hawaii Police Department, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, with Grassroot Institute in support. HB 2022, which would equalize county and state annual vehicle registration fees, was opposed by the Hawaii Transportation Association because it would raise costs that would likely be passed on to consumers.
The committee also took testimony on HB 1708, which would make operating a vehicle under the influence at a high intoxication level a class C felony and add probation requirements. Prosecutors, police, DOT, and the Honolulu customer services department supported the bill, while the Public Defender’s Office opposed it, arguing that it would increase court workload, require more defense resources, and create collateral consequences, including possible immigration impacts. Several witnesses and members discussed a proposed HD1 that would change the bill to a graduated penalty structure, making a first offense a misdemeanor and a second offense a felony, while also addressing deferred pleas and DUI deferrals. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill’s intent but warned that Oahu lacks a reliable electronic or telephonic warrant system, which could lead to more refusals and additional court impacts.
HB 2086, which would amend negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, received support from DOT, county prosecutors, police, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. Honolulu’s prosecutor supported the bill but recommended against the attached HD1, saying the current drafting better preserves negligent injury as a lesser included offense and avoids blending it with a separate statutory scheme. HB 2154, which would create a framework for intelligent speed assist technology and require a report to the legislature, was supported by DOT, county police, Smart Start LLC, AAA Hawaii, and others, with the Alliance for Automobile Innovation offering comments and proposed amendments. A testifier described the bill as a way to prevent repeat speeding by limiting vehicles from accelerating beyond the speed limit. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, December 2, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gary has recently been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
- The weight of those payments followed me for years.
- We are not limited to taking action in only December of 2025.
- It prohibits the health insurance industry from setting an annual or lifetime limit.
- <05:46:57.120>
of that problem of the creeping weight of that problem of the creeping weight
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:53:53.480>
women's side effect of further limiting women's side effect of further limiting - I'm going to have to limit follow-ups at this point and limit you to one opportunity to ask a question
- I'm going to have to limit follow-ups at this point and limit you to one opportunity to ask a question
- I'm going to have to limit follow-ups at this point and limit you to one opportunity to ask a question
- ’s your time limit.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232 from prime sponsor Representative Mark Pearson, who said the bill is intended to protect conscience rights for health care professionals and students, especially in relation to abortion and sterilization-related procedures. He argued that protecting ethical objections would help retain and recruit medical workers in New Hampshire, reduce moral injury, and preserve patient access to care. Pearson said the bill is not meant to allow discrimination based on protected characteristics and emphasized that it is limited to objections to specific procedures, with an amendment added to address concerns raised by Chairman Lynn.
Members questioned Pearson closely about the scope of the bill and amendment, including whether it could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers or receptionists, whether a provider could refuse emergency care, and who would determine when an emergency exists. Pearson said the bill does not apply to emergency situations or to treatment after an abortion has already occurred, and he stated that emergency triage would control in obvious emergencies. He also said the intent was not to allow a person to take a job and then unexpectedly refuse duties, and he suggested the amendment could be tweaked to clarify its application to facilities and staff.
Additional questions focused on whether the bill should be broader than the procedures listed, how it would interact with federal conscience protections, and whether it could affect contraception-related services, including pharmacies. Pearson responded that the bill addresses the specific issues raised by people he and his wife had spoken with, and he was open to revising the amendment to reduce ambiguity. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Energy Development and Transmission Committee Feb 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And the program provides assistance on royalty issues, operators, under the definition, and it limits
- We put a lot of weight onto what our resident landowners give us for feedback.
- More so than the weight capacity, it'll be going to pavement over gravel.
- And we'll limit it to 15 minutes.
- Tyler, what's the temperature limitation with the drilling technology we have today?
Summary:
The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval.
Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development.
Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines.
Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.