Transcript Highlights:

• But it worked itself out. It worked itself out, worked itself out.
• It worked itself out, worked itself out. It worked itself out, you know.
• I'm ready to work. Uhhuh. I know you. I'm ready to work. Uhhuh. I know you. I'm ready to work.
• we have worked diligently and I worked with you guys and most of you worked with you guys and most of
• working within 12 months scheduled to be working within 12 months scheduled to be working within 12

Bills: SJR 59, SCR 30, SCR 46, SB 31, SB 127, SB 324, SB 401, SB 407, SB 467, SB 482, SB 506, SB 529, SB 584, SB 619, SB 636, SB 646, SB 647, SB 659, SB 715, SB 732, SB 735, SB 771, SB 784, SB 800, SB 801, SB 816, SB 1013, SB 1026, SB 1049, SB 1055, SB 1065, SB 1137, SB 1169, SB 1181, SB 1383, SB 1395, SB 1410, SB 1433, SB 1524, SB 1531, SB 1568, SB 1640, SB 1666, SB 1681, SB 1718, SB 1754, SB 1757, SB 1972, SB 1980, SB 2004, SB 2007, SB 2041, SB 2046, SB 2050, SB 2075, SB 2076, SB 2154, SB 2173, SB 2206, SB 2225, SB 2253, SB 2268, SB 2306, SB 2308, SB 2314, SB 2322, SB 2330, SB 2351, SB 2366, SB 2371, SB 2392, SB 2398, SB 2476, SB 2533, SB 2540, SB 2544, SB 2589, SB 2610, SB 2623, SB 2660, SB 2662, SB 2693, SB 2707, SB 2717, SB 2722, SB 2742, SB 2753, SB 2779, SB 2807, SB 2843, SB 2844, SB 2858, SB 2877, SB 2880, SB 2885, SB 2920, SB 2938, SB 2986, HJR 4, HCR 35, SJR 3, SJR 18, SB 5, SB 260, SB 1786, SB 914, SB 963, SB 1197, SB 1415, SB 1437, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 84, SJR 59, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 46, SCR 48, SCR 19, SCR 30, SCR 3, SB 2023, SB 1433, SB 2322, SB 2877, SB 407, SB 1718, SB 1395, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 1502, SB 507, SB 1026, SB 1434, SB 1376, SB 1585, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 619, SB 1122, SB 732, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 261, SB 1882, SB 393, SB 1791, SB 529, SB 209, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 510, SB 2253, SB 584, SB 1085, SB 2314, SB 2046, SB 1975, SB 2717, SB 1262, SB 1524, SB 1137, SB 636, SB 2056, SB 884, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1410, SB 1845, SB 1863, SB 2681, SB 2200, SB 2199, SB 1757, SB 2050, SB 2458, SB 2201, SB 1055, SB 2660, SB 2662, SB 1065, SB 801, SB 2533, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 758, SB 647, SB 1721, SB 2268, SB 2366, SB 1013, SB 2797, SB 2371, SB 2383, SB 646, SB 1169, SB 1754, SB 2779, SB 2004, SB 2119, SB 2448, SB 1777, SB 1283, SB 2392, SB 2076, SB 2786, SB 2876, SB 2284, SB 2225, SB 1540, SB 2920, SB 2929, SB 1972, SB 2540, SB 2742, SB 2595, SB 2217, SB 715, SB 2330, SB 1383, SB 500, SB 1640, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2722, SB 506, SB 2514, SB 2623, SB 2753, SB 2398, SB 1241, SB 2927, SB 2173, SB 2538, SB 898, SB 467, SB 1449, SB 2529, SB 1531, SB 2846, SB 2476, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2864, SB 31, SB 2880, SB 1359, SB 2386, SB 771, SB 2844, SB 2550, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, SB 2351, SB 410, SB 659, SB 816, SB 2776, SB 2693, SB 2580, SB 1980, SB 1886, SB 1234, SB 739, SB 482, SB 456, SB 127, SB 1666, SB 2843, SB 2801, SB 800, SB 2055, SB 784, SB 2986, SB 735, SB 1012, SB 324, SB 2926, SB 2938, SB 2007, SB 2138, SB 1242, SB 2615, SB 1049, SB 2310, SB 1224, SB 2972, SB 1568, SB 2841, SB 2885, SB 3016, SB 2858, SB 2610, SB 2139, SB 1856, SB 2035, SB 2308, SB 2306, SB 2041, SB 1528, SB 1681, SB 1141, SB 2401, SB 2530, SB 2375, SB 547, SB 1266, SB 1373, SB 1467, SB 2069, SB 2269, SB 2480, SB 2544, SB 672, SB 904, SB 2695, SB 2891, SB 2422, SB 2543, SB 1854, SB 317, SB 2539, SB 2532, SB 2925, SB 1250, SB 2082, SB 2203, SB 457, SB 2357, HJR 4, HB 135, HB 1109, HCR 35, HCR 64, SB 2721, SB 243, SB 1285, SB 2568, SB 1959, SB 1442, SB 1454, SB 2520, SB 2541, SB 1708, SB 1237, SB 1844, SB 1586, SB 1, SB 260, SB 31, SB 467, SB 482, SB 647, SB 732, SB 816, SB 1055, SB 1137, SB 1169, SB 2004, SB 2253, SB 2268, SB 2314, SB 2351, SB 2371, SB 2623, SB 2722, SB 2779, SB 2920, HJR 4, SB 407, SB 1395, SB 1433, SB 1718, SB 2322, SB 2877, SB 619, SB 646, SB 1026, SB 2742, SB 2880, SR 443, SR 449, SR 456, SR 460, SR 465, SCR 46, SB 260, SB 3062, HJR 8, HJR 31, HJR 72, HJR 99, HJR 133, HB 29, HB 33, HB 50, HB 107, HB 116, HB 125, HB 140, HB 141, HB 155, HB 171, HB 227, HB 255, HB 363, HB 368, HB 491, HB 609, HB 630, HB 745, HB 767, HB 913, HB 917, HB 1135, HB 1188, HB 1238, HB 1242, HB 1261, HB 1318, HB 1404, HB 1495, HB 1507, HB 1606, HB 1708, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2002, HB 2003, HB 2198, HB 2355, HB 2358, HB 2415, HB 2457, HB 2495, HB 2546, HB 2637, HB 2763, HB 2765, HB 2798, HB 2818, HB 3228, HB 3307, HB 4116, HCR 29, SB 1410, SB 3062, HJR 8, HJR 31, HJR 72, HJR 99, HJR 133, HB 29, HB 33, HB 50, HB 107, HB 116, HB 125, HB 140, HB 141, HB 155, HB 171, HB 227, HB 255, HB 363, HB 368, HB 491, HB 609, HB 630, HB 745, HB 767, HB 913, HB 917, HB 1135, HB 1188, HB 1238, HB 1242, HB 1261, HB 1318, HB 1404, HB 1495, HB 1507, HB 1606, HB 1708, HB 1748, HB 1851, HB 1922, HB 2002, HB 2003, HB 2198, HB 2355, HB 2358, HB 2415, HB 2457, HB 2495, HB 2546, HB 2637, HB 2763, HB 2765, HB 2798, HB 2818, HB 3228, HB 3307, HB 4116, HCR 29, SB 1410

Keywords: education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature, Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment

Transcript Highlights:

• in our you've done some preliminary work in our you've done some preliminary work in<00:22:28.559
• working directly with electric including working directly with electric utilities<01:43:16.040> to
• division of Forestry of wildlife working division of Forestry of wildlife working on<02:03:34.599
• the work necessary?
• of Public Works to provide some of the equipment and the work necessary?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.

Transcript Highlights:

• surmountable problem that we could work surmountable problem that we could work through<00:23:38.000
• <00:54:29.760> to do you feel like it was more work to do you feel like it was more work to
• Um, it's already in the works.
• Um, it's already in the works.
• have a conversation about electricity have a conversation about electricity and<02:15:28.400>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2030 is a bill I've been working on.
• I've been working on this bill since 2022.
• key stakeholders on this to make sure that we can implement it in a way that is possible and that works
• I've been working in this space for a few years now.
• I've been working in this space for a few years now.

Bills: SB137, SB504, SB1213, SB1216, SB1221, SB1224, SB1232, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1264, SB1266, SB1325, SB1441, SB1448, SB1450, SB1460, SB1496, SB1543, SB1589, SB1597, SB1621, SB1655, SB1679, SB1687, SB1716, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1921, SB1932, SB1936, SB1980, SB2011, SB2030, SB2084, SB2112, SB2170, SB2182

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits, prison programs

Transcript Highlights:

• together arm in arm it works your work together arm in arm it works your work together arm in arm it
• with on I had a lawy I had a guy working with me I was working at one of the highest me I was working
• and I told him I work for the state work and I told him I work for the state of Alabama then he asked
• yes of course uh appreciate your work yes of course uh appreciate your work and working with with me
• they would be work they would be work they would be working see we we we shouldn't just turn working

Bills: HCR 21, HCR 22, HCR 23, HCR 24, HCR 25, HCR 26, HCR 27, HCR 31, HCR 41, HCR 42, HCR 43, HCR 44, HCR 45, HCR 52, HCR 53, HCR 66, HCR 67, HCR 73, HR 8, HR 10, HR 13, HR 20, HR 21, HR 50, HR 59, HR 61, HR 71, HR 74, HR 79, HR 84, HR 86, HR 90, HR 91, HR 102, HR 103, HR 107, HR 113, HR 125, HR 126, HR 132, HR 142, HR 145, HR 149, HR 150, HR 152, HR 167, HR 179, HR 181, HR 183, HR 186, HR 192, HR 196, HR 199, HR 207, HR 211, HR 212, HR 213, HR 216, HR 249, HR 256, HR 259, HR 261, HR 263, HR 272, HR 281, HR 285, HR 294, HR 295, HR 300, HR 305, HR 311, HR 313, HR 315, HR 316, HR 323, HR 331, HR 339, HR 340, HR 346, HR 349, HR 352, HR 357, HR 358, HR 360, HR 363, HR 374, HR 377, HCR 20, HCR 28, HCR 30, HCR 32, HCR 49, HR 14, HR 15, HR 19, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 29, HR 47, HR 48, HR 55, HR 56, HR 66, HR 85, HR 92, HR 93, HR 95, HR 96, HR 140, HR 155, HR 164, HR 204, HR 241, HR 242, HR 250, HR 253, HR 260, HR 262, HR 265, HR 279, HR 310, HR 312, HR 328, HR 332, HR 359, HR 362, HR 367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• His work with the Texas General Land Office and the Texas Veterans Land Board reflected his dedication
• Many sacrificed time with their family, working long hours. to solve cases and build trust.
• So we want to thank them for their work not just in San Antonio but throughout the state. especially
• I mean, we are so blessed, and that would not have happened could work for amazing women in American
• Individual against individual, city against suburb. and region against region. work together to make

Bills: HCR21, HCR22, HCR23, HCR24, HCR25, HCR26, HCR27, HCR31, HCR41, HCR42, HCR43, HCR44, HCR45, HCR52, HCR53, HCR66, HCR67, HCR73, HR8, HR10, HR13, HR20, HR21, HR50, HR59, HR61, HR71, HR74, HR79, HR84, HR86, HR90, HR91, HR102, HR103, HR107, HR113, HR125, HR126, HR132, HR142, HR145, HR149, HR150, HR152, HR167, HR179, HR181, HR183, HR186, HR192, HR196, HR199, HR207, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR216, HR249, HR256, HR259, HR261, HR263, HR272, HR281, HR285, HR294, HR295, HR300, HR305, HR311, HR313, HR315, HR316, HR323, HR331, HR339, HR340, HR346, HR349, HR352, HR357, HR358, HR360, HR363, HR374, HR377, HCR20, HCR28, HCR30, HCR32, HCR49, HR14, HR15, HR19, HR23, HR24, HR25, HR26, HR27, HR29, HR47, HR48, HR55, HR56, HR66, HR85, HR92, HR93, HR95, HR96, HR140, HR155, HR164, HR204, HR241, HR242, HR250, HR253, HR260, HR262, HR265, HR279, HR310, HR312, HR328, HR332, HR359, HR362, HR367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to address a failure by the operator to maintain electric
• power lines serving the well site, or surface facilities in accordance with the National Electric Code
• Public Education. 2534 by Morales of Harris relating to the right of an employee to time off from work
• HB 2542 by Kitzman relating to the establishment of a work group to study the recommendations on certain

Transcript Highlights:

• work for the people of Minnesota.
• working together to find what will work working together to find what will work for<00:01:57.960
• working in the winter.
• You're often working alone.
• You're often working alone.

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Transcript Highlights:

• > on<00:08:48.440> uh highlight we work we're working on uh highlight we work we're working
• So we're going to continue to work with the Senator, see if we can't work this out and work out the economics
• So we're going to continue to work with the Senator, see if we can't work this out and work out the economics
• So we're going to continue to work with the Senator, see if we can't work this out and work out the economics
• So we're going to continue to work with the Senator, see if we can't work this out and work out the economics

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• May our work honor the speak.
• work on those. work on those.
• Thank the gentleman for his work. Thank the gentleman for his work.
• You're not going to work for everybody. Even jail don't work for everybody.
• So, let us work. Let us try to see if it's going to work.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pleasure to work with him.
• And that is G&G Electric, the electric company in Montgomery County.
• We are also working on completing the work around the site.
• We were also working with SpaceX down in the Rio Grande regarding how we work.
• Working with our T.C.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to work close.
• I'll now turn to the board's work to promote DTSC's fiscal stability, including its work on fees and
• a good portion of the work in this space.
• That's why we worked with people like Ms.
• The agency must do the difficult work to reorient its work to prioritize source reduction across its

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it works for mental health. It works for obesity. It works for diabetes.
• We are working on that.
• Currently in the works.
• We will continue to work through these as a team while we work through deployment.
• Why did we invest in programs that aren't working? Why are they not working?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it works for mental health. It works for obesity. It works for diabetes.
• And it works for mental health. It works for obesity. It works for diabetes.
• So that is being worked out.
• And we are working on that.
• Why did we invest in programs that aren't working? Why are they not working?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, the roll was taken, and the March 18 minutes were approved. Members then received several project and program updates, beginning with CHI St. Alexius’s behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks. St. Alexius reported that the Bismarck project remains on track for June 2027 completion, with demolition underway and final design work nearing completion. Williston reported construction is progressing, staffing recruitment is underway for psychiatrists and other staff, and an air handler replacement is creating a roughly $750,000 unbudgeted barrier that will slightly delay the timeline. Grand Forks reported its expansion is about 30% complete, with no major barriers beyond weather, and leaders said the project should be substantially complete in the first quarter of 2027. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented a series of budget and program updates. Donna Ockland explained several recent line-item transfers as technical corrections that net to zero and do not require new spending, then reviewed salaries, wages, and FTE counts, noting the department remains within its authorized staffing levels. Pat Rainer followed with an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying 12 opportunities have been posted, 422 applications received, and $8.4 million obligated so far, with a goal of obligating the full $199 million by September. He described grants for workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community gardens, school wellness, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, equipment, technology, EMS, and other initiatives, emphasizing that the program is intended to be transformational and tied to metrics. Members asked extensive questions about how rural eligibility is defined, how grants will support both rural facilities and hub hospitals, and how future years of funding will build on current awards. The committee also heard an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller, who said North Dakota has been accepted as a demonstration state, implementation is underway in Williston, North Central/Minot, Fargo, and Dickinson, and care coordination and service counts are increasing. Rebecca Askins then reviewed SNAP payment error rates, saying the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89%, with the state aiming to get below 6% through policy updates, training, data tools, and a quality assurance team. Members pressed her on the causes of the error rate, the role of the SPACES software system, and the need for accountability and improvements. Finally, Dirk Wilkie reported the state laboratory project reached substantial completion on June 12 and is on budget at about $69.95 million, though a service elevator had to be redesigned because it was too small for equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't all work, but we don't want them to work.
• They're working; they're trying to figure out how to make them work.
• So your nursing works with your occupational therapy, who works with pharmacy, who works with the doctors
• They've been working the workforce.
• They've been working the workforce.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it works for mental health. It works for obesity. It works for diabetes.
• And it works for mental health. It works for obesity. It works for diabetes.
• So that is being worked out. I will tell you we're working out with CMS.
• Currently in the works.
• Why did we invest in programs that aren't working? Why are they not working?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on major health-related projects and programs. CHI St. Alexius representatives reported progress on behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks, including demolition and construction milestones, staffing plans, and timelines. The Bismarck project remains on track for completion in June 2027 with about $346,500 spent to date. Williston reported construction underway, a $750,000 unbudgeted air handler replacement, active recruitment for psychiatrists and other staff, and a projected substantial completion in early 2027. Grand Forks reported about 30% completion, weather-tight status expected in August, and continued staffing ramp-up as the facility expands from its current 24-bed operation. The Department of Health and Human Services then reviewed a set of technical line-item transfers, emphasizing that they were administrative corrections with no net change in funding. The department also walked through the Salaries and Wages Block Grant and FTE counts, noting overall staffing remained within appropriated limits and that behavioral health staffing had increased. Members asked about vacancies, consultant use, and the mix of in-state versus out-of-state expertise for the Rural Health Transformation Program. HHS said it had posted 12 funding opportunities, received 422 applications, obligated $8.4 million so far, hired 26 people, and was preparing additional grant rounds and a CMS budget submission. The department said the program is structured around workforce, prevention/healthy living, care closer to home, and technology/data, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and community forums. The committee also heard on the certified community behavioral health clinic implementation plan, SNAP payment error rates, and the state laboratory project. HHS said CCBHC certification is being implemented in four regions—Williston, Minot/North Central, Fargo/Southeast, and Dickinson/Badlands—with care coordination expanding and baseline data still being collected. On SNAP, the department reported a 2025 payment error rate of 9.89%, acknowledged cost impacts under HR1, and said it is using training, system changes, and pre-authorization quality checks to reduce errors toward a 6% target over the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, Public Health reported the state laboratory reached substantial completion on June 12, with total costs at $69.95 million of the $70 million budget, though a service elevator issue will require a new lift to be added using contingency funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public Service to conduct a study on the deployment of energy interconnection process into the electrical
• Public Service to conduct a study on the deployment of energy interconnection process into the electrical

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met for its first March meeting, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker. Members discussed a short agenda of energy-related bills focused on grid modernization, interconnection studies, geothermal development, microgrids for extreme weather resilience, and a proposed Grid Modernization Commission. Senators Mattera and Walczyk were absent but had voting sheets submitted; Senator Kavanagh joined later in the meeting. The committee advanced several measures: S.1227A, directing the Department of Public Service to study deployment of the energy interconnection process into the electrical grid, was moved to third reading; S.2708, advancing grid enhancement technologies, was also sent to third reading. S.2486A, creating geothermal energy generation facilities, was advanced to the Finance Committee, as was S.4205 on microgrids for extreme weather and public security, and S.4590 establishing the New York State Grid Modernization Commission. During the votes, some members were recorded as voting without recommendation, including Senator Walczyk on multiple bills and Senator Hinchey on the geothermal bill. No testimony or substantive debate was presented beyond brief procedural questions, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't all work, but we don't want them to work.
• They're working, they're trying to figure out how to make them work.
• So your nursing works with your occupational therapy, who works with pharmacy, who works with the doctors
• They've been working the workforce.
• They've been working the workforce.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The need for our career work is great.
• The need for our career work is great.
• :00.720> Mortonson, works with companies like Mortonson, works with companies like Mortonson,
• of our work at SA. of our work at SA.
• the work shoes that I still use today. the work shoes that I still use today.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They don’t all work, but we don’t want them to work. They’re trying to...
• They’re working, they’re trying to figure out how to make them work.
• So your nursing works with your occupational therapy, who works with pharmacy, who works with the doctors
• They've been working the workforce.
• They've been working the workforce.

Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.