Transcript Highlights:

• Where it was determined that that windfall couldn't be spent efficiently in one single year, there was
• not well run, and if a private equity firm comes in and takes over, they can help them run more efficiently
• So, all the transactions on a Bitcoin network are auditable.
• Every transaction that ever occurs on the network is auditable. It goes on the blockchain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Health, um, was moved to the Healthcare Authority, and part of that was to create greater efficiencies
• Disability Supports division to work directly to improve communications and great and allow greater efficiencies
• So, sir, can I assume that you, your organization or somebody does periodic audits to make sure that
• Uh, Madam Chair, Senator Block, yes, we do, we do audits. Yes, good.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a unit that goes out to the sponsoring organizations on a cycle bases and we do audit them
• They also have to file yearly audits with us or smaller organization of a new affirmations of how they
• So it's a, you know, very smooth and efficient process.
• But again, it's a very efficient way to again for these other states for us to support these other partners

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the efficiency budget was what was intended to be put forward. It wasn't.
• Yes, Melissa reminded me that I had the audit behind me.
• Yes, Melissa reminded me that I had the audit behind me.
• Melissa reminded me that I had the audit Melissa reminded me that I had the audit behind<02:24:31.280
• So right at the audit time, behind me.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what are the conversations happening with the zones to make them more efficient in delivering
• Or how they can be more collaborative long-term in helping the system be more efficient and more effective
• But, you know, those are the deeper discussions from a framework on making government more efficient
• I think we're very efficient in terms of our economics.
• It remains based on the audited financial systems and results in more effective monitoring.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to conduct these proceedings efficiently while ensuring everyone has the opportunity to observe
• proceedings Our goal is to conduct these proceedings Our goal is to conduct these proceedings efficiently
• while<00:01:32.160> ensuring<00:01:32.520> everyone<00:01:32.880> has efficiently
• while ensuring everyone has efficiently while ensuring everyone has the<00:01:33.160> opportunity
• process in a fair and efficient manner. process in a fair and efficient manner.

Bills: HF3900, HF1849

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund

Transcript Highlights:

• And additionally, it's an opportunity to pause, complete further research, like a task force or audit
• that would provide task force or audit that would provide background<01:03:25.600> and<01:03:
• A 7-hour phone break<01:09:40.200> is<01:09:40.359> an<01:09:40.440> efficient<01
• :09:40.920> intervention<01:09:41.880> that break is an efficient intervention that break
• is an efficient intervention that immediately<01:09:42.880> protects<01:09:43.440> high

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• time, if folks could just be mindful if they are testifying so we can get through the committee as efficiently
• we can get through the<00:18:22.720> committee<00:18:23.039> as<00:18:23.280> efficiently
• <00:18:23.760> as the committee as efficiently as the committee as efficiently as possible
• Um, there needs to be more effort put into looking at the expenses and maximizing operational efficiencies
• <00:42:26.800> that might be discovered in audit that might be discovered in audit that somebody

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1688, which would provide a general excise tax exemption for certain aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and facility construction, received comments from the Department of Taxation and support from Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Kohala Coast Resort, the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. Testimony indicated the measure was intended to clarify an existing exemption rather than create a new one. The bulk of the hearing focused on HB 2386, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to establish automatic adjustment mechanisms and a water carrier inflationary cost index. The Department of Transportation said it would change its testimony to support the bill, citing a 2020 working group recommendation, while the PUC and DCCA offered comments. Matson, the Maritime Group, Hawaii Harbors Users Group, and Young Brothers supported the measure, arguing it would modernize regulation, improve predictability, and help maintain reliable interisland shipping. Hawaii Farm Bureau offered comments, while Hawaii Food Industry Association, Maui Brewing Company, Lani Kai Brewing Company, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii opposed it, arguing automatic rate increases were not the solution and that underlying costs and efficiencies should be addressed first. The chair noted the bill was essentially the same as one previously considered, and asked questions about how Hawaii’s water carrier regulation compares with other states. The committee also heard HB 1691, which would allow electronic signatures for certain motor vehicle title transfers after total-loss insurance settlements and remove the notary requirement for that narrow transaction. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and one individual supported it, with Copart saying the change would reduce delays and could allow a faster, largely electronic settlement process. Members asked about county impacts, and Copart said counties would only see a different form with no added cost or electronic integration. HB 1680, requiring county finance directors to notify agencies through a centralized system for vehicle transfers, drew opposition from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services and one individual in support. HB 2516, raising helmet requirements for electric foot scooters and bicycles and requiring helmets for high-speed or Class 3 electric bicycles, received support from DOT, DOH, AAA Hawaii, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. HB 193, allowing deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement, drew support from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, the Hawaii Disabilities Rights Center, and an individual who suggested amendments to broaden the bill to deaf and hard of hearing individuals and adjust the proof standard. HB 2442, increasing required accessible and van-accessible parking spaces in larger parking lots, was supported by the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Disability Rights Center, which said the bill would address shortages of accessible parking and may need technical amendments to align terminology with the ADA.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are audited every two years by the Appraisal Subcommittee, or ASC.
• <01:08:51.960> with operating very very efficiently with operating very very efficiently with
• And then is that where we're going to find some of this efficiency?
• <01:37:35.440> or going to find some of this efficiency or going to find some of this efficiency
• Thank you. probably there are efficiencies to be probably there are efficiencies to be gained<01:39:03.599

Bills: HF2335, HF2400, HF2401, HF2522

Keywords: Medicare, health insurance, supplement policies, preexisting conditions, medical assistance, premium classification, real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, continuing education, out-of-state, licensing, commerce, fraud prevention, automobile theft, law enforcement, insurance crimes, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• The good news is that we have a very elegant and efficient solution, which is rental assistance, and
• solution uh which elegant and efficient solution uh which is<00:23:59.360> uh<00:23:59.600>
• Uh, we have an annual independent financial audit.
• Uh we have an annual independent<00:43:13.200> financial<00:43:13.680> audit.
• <00:43:14.800> uh<00:43:14.960> the independent financial audit. uh the independent

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be continuing in order to improve<00:10:53.680> efficiency<00:10:54.160> and<00:10
• improve efficiency and effectiveness. improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• In some cases, outdated buildings will need to be consolidated to improve operating efficiencies and
• This monitoring includes desk audits and reviews of annual and quarterly financial statements.
• This monitoring includes<00:30:38.240> desk<00:30:38.559> audits<00:30:39.360> and

Transcript Highlights:

• we were respectfully asked that you be clear and concise in your remarks to help us maintain an efficient
• Alliance, a 504 network, has focused on identifying and contracting with the highest quality and efficient
• Alliance, a 504 network has focused on identifying and contracting with the highest quality and efficient
• And if used properly, they can make the hiring process faster and more efficient.
• And if used properly, they can make the hiring process faster and more efficient.

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• to redeploy that small amount of funds that are left over is not terribly efficient.
• to redeploy that small amount of funds that are left over is not terribly efficient.
• to redeploy that small amount of funds that are left over is not terribly efficient.
• to redeploy that small amount of funds that are left over is not terribly efficient.
• <03:28:21.359> way<03:28:21.680> to not the most efficient way to not the most efficient

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we'll secure a thorough and efficient we'll secure a thorough and efficient system<00:21:08.960>
• In terms of whether the state were to essentially perform an auditing function and have a dispute saying
• In terms of whether the state were to essentially perform an auditing function and have a dispute saying
• In terms of whether the state were to essentially perform an auditing function and have a dispute saying
• function and and have a dispute auditing function and and have a dispute saying<01:06:10.559> we<

Bills: HF3490, HF4040

Keywords: education finance, scholarship-granting organizations, charitable purposes, student scholarships, nonpublic schools, K-12 education, tax credit, advance payment, Minnesota tax law, child education expenses, taxpayer assistance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to have transparency where the audits will go on to the state websites.
• The State Auditor's office will audit the programs, and it'll have till 2027 to set up the program.
• What it will do is allow the PSC to require some of them to have third-party audit so we can kind of
• Uh, would I be thinking... maximizing efficiency and safeguarding maximizing efficiency and safeguarding
• <06:38:12.478> and accountability efficiency and accountability efficiency and transparency

Keywords: MS House Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum and dispensed with the reading of the journal. Members also introduced a number of guests and visitors, including University of Southern Mississippi programs, 4-H participants from across the state, and several local constituents. A Mississippi 4-H president, Morgan White, addressed the chamber and spoke about the value of 4-H in building leadership, confidence, and agricultural skills, and noted the state’s first-in-the-nation 4-H slingshot curriculum and competition. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up several bills. House Bill 943 was called up and passed after a committee substitute was adopted; the bill was explained as removing a repealer related to joint reports of examination by the Commissioner of Banking and Finance and the Federal Reserve Bank. House Bill 1265 also passed after being explained as extending a repealer for the debt service management act. House Bill 1477 was taken up next and generated extended discussion; it would create a process for abandoned safety deposit box contents, requiring notice to owners, allowing a period to cure delinquency, and then transferring contents to the Treasury Department for eventual disposition. Members asked several questions about House Bill 1477, especially about how long property would be held, how heirs would be notified, how cash and tangible items would be treated, and whether documents such as wills should be scanned or preserved before destruction. The bill’s sponsor said cash would remain unclaimed property, tangible items would generally be sold at public auction, and the Treasury Department would hold property for a minimum period before sale, with heirs still able to claim it for a time. The sponsor also said the bill had support from banking and credit union groups. No final vote on House Bill 1477 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• from the Department if she were to lose the audit.
• <01:41:48.199> and incorrect returns managing Audits and incorrect returns managing Audits
• and make sure Revenue notices and Audits and make sure they<01:43:06.440> were<01:43:06.920><
• came after the fact and somebody audit came after the fact and somebody had<01:43:27.119> already
• This will be significant in terms of expense, extensive time, and human resources needed to efficiently

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At present, DOE only receives audits from districts but does not report to districts.
• If other legislation requires feedback on those audits from DRA, this assures that it is sent to all
• At present, DOE only receives<01:23:16.159> audits<01:23:16.639> from<01:23:16.960>
• from DRRA, this assures that it audits from DRRA, this assures that it is<01:23:26.000> sent<
• I think that digital email communication is efficient, cost-effective, and appropriate.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• required quarterly and annual reporting for the program, in addition to regular state and federal audits
• Reinsurance has successfully and efficiently done exactly what it was intended to do, and that is lower
• We had a testifier who said that this report is an audit.
• um have you seen this report an audit um have you seen this report and<00:46:53.119> can<00:46
• <00:47:51.240> may you can can show on that the audit may you can can show on that the audit

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got some real concerns about our efficiency here.
• One of the things that we had requested was an efficiency study.
• This will ensure more efficient utilization of resources.
• It's an important aspect of maintaining safety and efficiency.
• It also aligns with government efficiency.

Bills: SB1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only audit data department rules.
• Waiting for the audit constituents.
• and we don't expect to see this audit and we don't expect to see this audit report<05:11:21.520>
• They're usually specific audit controls.
• commonly recognized audit terms. commonly recognized audit terms.

Keywords: 1189, house, all