Transcript Highlights:

• Starting now, building out a schedule collaboratively, bringing some folks outside to do some facilitation
• It is everything from collaborative leadership, from the court to detention officers, to rehabilitation
• districts, to local law enforcement—lots of different policies and programs and best management practices
• But it also has a best practice that's threaded throughout, and it also fiscally makes sense.
• We heard about not being able to get to visitations in a way that we know is best practice.

Bills: SB6062

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've also worked a little bit in private practice for a few years.
• I've also worked a little bit in private practice for a few years.
• They have to have this certification in order to practice and utilize their skill sets.
• I think maybe we were captured in this bill potentially by accident based on our practice model.
• This is not a small facet of our practice, and we already have three team members.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 5899, which would create a chiropractic license endorsement allowing qualified chiropractors to perform chiropractic diagnosis and adjustments on non-human animals. The sponsor described it as a complementary tool to veterinary care, especially in rural areas with limited access to veterinarians. Testimony was mixed: supporters said the bill would expand access to animal chiropractic with training, certification, and veterinary referral to non-chiropractic issues, while opponents from the veterinary community warned about animal and public safety, disease detection, and the lack of a required veterinary referral. The hearing on SB 5899 was suspended and later reopened; testimony concluded with strong support from animal chiropractic practitioners and opposition from veterinarians, and the committee noted 57 signed in pro, 4 con, and 1 other. The committee then held a work session on dental workforce shortages. Presenters from the CORA Foundation, the University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies, tribal dental programs, and the Washington State Dental Association described major access gaps, especially for Apple Health enrollees, rural communities, and communities of color. They highlighted low preventive-care utilization, high rates of untreated decay, workforce vacancies for hygienists and assistants, and the value of career ladders such as community health aides and proposed oral preventive assistants. Several speakers emphasized that training pathways, retention, and sustained Medicaid reimbursement are key to improving access and keeping providers in the system. Senate Bill 6138, requiring a multi-provider system for dental procedures performed under deep sedation, drew testimony centered on patient safety after recent deaths in dental settings. The sponsor said the bill responds to a pattern of tragic incidents and would ensure one person is dedicated to monitoring sedation. Supporters from anesthesiology and some oral surgery groups backed stronger monitoring requirements, while oral surgeons and dental representatives argued the current rules already require multiple trained personnel and that the bill could reduce access and increase costs, especially in rural and Medicaid-serving practices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6072, which would update veterinarian-client-patient relationship rules to allow telemedicine-based relationships and limited telehealth services; animal welfare and veterinary telehealth advocates supported it as an access-to-care measure, while the veterinary association sought clearer guardrails and federal-law language. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6094 on pediatric transitional care services, which would create a Medicaid payment pathway and related program changes for residential care for substance-exposed infants; supporters said the model helps infants and parents, improves outcomes, and is financially unsustainable under current funding, and the hearing began with testimony in favor before time expired.

Transcript Highlights:

• this deterrent is yet one more practices this deterrent is yet one more way<00:14:10.199><c> that</c
• An essential guardrail to further secure economic stability and ensure fair employer-labor practices
• </c><00:40:04.440><c> refusing</c><00:40:04.880><c> to</c> unfair labor practices refusing to unfair
• </c><01:27:48.800><c> together</c> legislators have to collaborate together legislators have to collaborate
• </c> capacity and more closely collaborate capacity and more closely collaborate with<01:46:53.520><c

Bills: HF3023, HF3078, HF107, HF2171, HF3079, HF689, HF1316

Keywords: unemployment benefits, iron ore mining, economic support, workforce development, Minnesota, unemployment insurance, deferred resignation, employment, worker rights, benefits eligibility, Ellsworth Independent School District, ISD 514, school construction, school renovation, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, construction materials, HVAC replacement, boiler replacement, window replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• It really wasn't best practice or sustainable.
• </c> much easier to talk and collaborate much easier to talk and collaborate would<00:21:36.480><c> you
• So the influence of vaccination rates and that tracking is really a best-practice measure, just like
• One of our focuses for this year is health officer collaboration.
• </c><01:27:23.400><c> and</c> bullet items with collaborate and bullet items with collaborate and support

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled organizational business, electing Representative Mark Pearson as chair for the coming term, appointing Representative Lucy Weber as clerk, and approving the November 22 minutes with abstentions from members who were absent. Members also noted excused absences for Senator Avard and Representative Jessica Lontine. After the vote, the committee moved to the DHHS commissioners’ update. DHHS associate commissioners Patricia Tilly and Chris Santinello described a process-improvement effort to improve transitions for youth moving from DCF care into adult developmental services and Medicaid. They said the old process was fragmented, dependent on personal relationships, and not sustainable, so staff from DCF, the Bureau of Family Assistance, Developmental Services, and public health used a Kaizen/Lean event to map the workflow, identify bottlenecks, clarify roles, and create a more consistent playbook. Members asked about IT support and whether the process would create new bureaucracy; DHHS said current systems are antiquated, especially DCF’s CWIS, but the goal is to streamline coordination, not add bureaucracy, and future systems like Granite Families may help with reminders and age-based ticklers. Several members praised the work, including a CASA volunteer who said the added attention has improved services for vulnerable youth. The committee then received the annual healthcare-associated infections update from Ctin Hansen of the Division of Public Health Services. Hansen reported that New Hampshire’s HAI program, created by statute, tracks infections in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities. For 2023, hospitals reported fewer infections than predicted nationally, with 135 infections statewide and 174 C. diff infections also below national rates; hospital influenza vaccination was 89.9%. Ambulatory surgery centers reported low infection counts and an 80.1% staff flu vaccination rate; dialysis centers reported fewer infections overall than the prior year but higher local access-site infections, with staff vaccination at 52.6%; and long-term care facilities reported a 50.1% flu vaccination rate, up from 37.8%. Hansen also said the program conducted over 100 investigations, handled 84 antibiotic-resistant organism reports, completed 20 infection-prevention assessments, and operated on a budget of about $348,000 plus grant funding, including an Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Grant that was later reduced.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are working on this across the state in collaboration with the CTC. ...and that is to refine what
• And then I also want to just say that the work that the K-16 collaborative grants have done around the
• I've seen some phenomenal programs up and down the state through those collaboratives—again, kids who
• through teacher residencies, grow-your-own programs, financial incentives, and early hiring practices
• through teacher residencies, grow your own programs, financial incentives, and early hiring practices

Summary: The committee heard an informational discussion on California’s educator pipeline and shortages, with testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Learning Policy Institute, CSU educator preparation leaders, and CTA. Witnesses said state investments of more than $2.1 billion have helped rebuild teacher supply, with credential issuance and preparation enrollment rebounding after COVID, but demand remains high because of turnover, early-career attrition, and persistent vacancies. Panelists emphasized that shortages are especially acute in special education, bilingual education, STEM, and in high-need schools and regions, and that underprepared teachers, substitutes, and emergency permits remain heavily used. Several speakers stressed that retention, working conditions, compensation, and stable funding are as important as recruitment. Members focused on whether current data systems are sufficient to measure need and track where teachers end up working. The Commission said it can monitor assignments for credential alignment, but does not have full employment data to determine whether grant recipients or credentialed teachers are actually deployed in the shortage areas for which they were trained. The chair asked for better regional and subject-area data, and the committee discussed the risk that layoffs and budget instability could undermine teacher pipeline investments. CSU representatives urged stronger support for student-teacher stipends, better coordination with districts, more capacity for special education preparation, and more stable CSU funding to expand educator preparation. CTA testified that school climate, class size, health benefits, and administrative support are essential to retaining teachers. The committee then moved to budget proposals. For the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, Finance proposed a $14.4 million reappropriation for 2026-27, and the Student Aid Commission supported continued funding, saying the program has influenced candidates’ decisions to enter teaching and work in priority schools. For educator residencies, Finance proposed $250 million one-time Proposition 98 funding through 2029-30; the LAO said it could be adopted if aligned with legislative priorities, and CTC said the program has strong uptake and supports retention. For the computer science supplementary authorization grant, Finance proposed increasing awards from $2,500 to $6,000 and reducing the match requirement, but the LAO recommended rejecting the change because only about one-fifth of the original funding has been used. The committee also discussed registered apprenticeship pathways, rural access, and whether federal Title II, Title III, or IDEA funds could support bilingual and special education teacher preparation. Several items were held open for further information and follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• I say she never goes out of practice because she's married to me.
• Fewer discipline in practice. So solutions, the way that we look at it for solutions for us here.
• So then they go to practice.
• And after practice gets over at 5:30, 6 o'clock, they drive an hour and a half home, depending on how
• You know, we talked about this collaborations with All the different groups, math teachers, English,

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the $3.9 billion as a percentage of the, I'm trying to compare it to past practice on settle-up
• Is this language consistent with previous practice on identifying growth numbers?
• I'm also been offered to put support for the Latino Media Collaborative. Thank you.
• They are the administrative agent of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. Okay.
• And is this done in collaboration with the CDE Foundation?

Summary: The committee heard an overview of the May Revision’s Proposition 98 changes for K-12 and community colleges. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, full payment of the prior settle-up, and larger deposits into the school rainy-day fund. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF updates were reasonable, but urged caution about the settle-up approach and recommended using more of the available funding to protect ongoing programs and build budget resilience. Members focused heavily on the size of the proposed $3.9 billion settle-up, the $10.3 billion reserve deposit, declining K-12 enrollment, and how much of the new funding should be ongoing versus one-time. The committee then reviewed the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described the May Revision’s higher SCFF COLA, additional funding for enrollment growth, a student support block grant, apprenticeship adjustments, and continued funding for deferred maintenance, Calbright, Common Cloud, and credit for prior learning. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended prioritizing the statutory COLA increase, noted that more than half of districts are already above current-year growth targets, and said the new adult learner demonstration project should be rejected because districts already have tools to support similar services. Members also discussed a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall, which Finance said was discovered too late for the May Revision and would need to be addressed later. Finally, the committee took up the proposed implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the California Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career to build eligibility and data systems, along with trailer bill changes to set up state approval processes. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, that California lacks the needed infrastructure, and that the state will need emergency regulations, data linkages, and ongoing funding beyond the one-time proposal. The LAO agreed that some initial funding is needed but warned that the amounts and ongoing costs remain uncertain and that the Legislature should carefully draft the trailer bill language. Members asked about timing, other states’ actions, and how the state would ensure the program is ready for students and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the $3.9 billion as a percentage of the, I'm trying to compare it to past practice on settle-up
• Is this language consistent with previous practice on identifying growth numbers?
• Is this language consistent with previous practice on identifying growth numbers?
• I have also been asked to put support for the Latino Media Collaborative. Thank you. Thank you.
• And is this done in collaboration with the CDE Foundation?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> best practices. best practices.
• They're two separate and distinct processes, but they work collaboratively together.
• Superintendent Evans: They work collaboratively together.
• We have to do this collaboratively. We can't just go off on our own.
• We can't just go off on collaboratively. We can't just go off on our<01:15:29.120><c> own.

Bills: SF856, HF3168, HF3528, HF389

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, ethnic councils, diversity, governance, state participation, community representation, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, Minnesota Historical Society

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a collaborative effort to get this audit done. It is a large audit.
• This is a collaborative effort to get this audit done. It is a large audit.
• I'm not sure what their practices are. If I got it, I'm sorry.
• Is that a normal practice for schools to do in this sort of thing?
• I want to comment on the wonderful collaboration of NDSU.

Summary: The Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and a review of the state’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and the Office of Management and Budget reported a clean opinion on the state’s financial statements and described continued growth in net position, strong general fund balance, and significant Legacy Fund investment income. Committee members asked about how the report reflects long-term finances and how North Dakota compares with other states, and OMB noted that the ACFR is based on audited actual results rather than budget forecasts. The committee then heard the North Dakota University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund construction money, insufficient monitoring of service organizations, improper bank reconciliations at several campuses, and investment/cash recording issues at Bismarck State College. University System officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations and greater use of shared services. Members also questioned practices such as campus use of certificates of deposit and whether repeated findings were being adequately addressed. Additional audits were presented for the State Fair Association, State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Securities Department, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Most received clean opinions with no findings; exceptions included a repeat component-unit issue at the State Fair Foundation, a securities personnel-evaluation finding, and a Housing Finance Agency finding involving a late return of escrow surplus. The committee also discussed broader oversight issues, including the need for independent auditing of the Ethics Commission, possible legislative changes to give the State Auditor more subpoena power and independent legal counsel, and future work on data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, and audit capacity. The meeting recessed for lunch after these discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure what their practices are. If I got a... I'm sorry.
• I got a comment on the wonderful collaboration of NDSU...
• I got a comment on the wonderful collaboration of NDSU.
• I got a comment on the wonderful collaboration of NDS.
• I got a comment on the wonderful collaboration of NDSU.

Summary: The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts. The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects. Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee of conference report before us represents the collaborative work between our two bodies
• Madam Speaker, when it comes to protecting Vermonters from ICE, obstruction is collaboration.
• We've worked hard together to model collaboration and compromise.
• They want policies grounded grounded in affordability, practicality, and common sense.
• That additional balance and collaboration mattered this session.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are willing to continue working collaboratively to restore trust and improve clarity.
• working collaboratively to restore trust and improve clarity.
• We want to continue that collaboration. Labor partners and legislators in good faith.
• We want to continue that collaboration.
• Thank you for your time today, and we look forward to the collaboration. Thank you.

Bills: HB2513, HB2524, HB2611

Keywords: plumbing contractor, plumber, license suspension, credential suspension, administrative penalty, infractions, repeat violator, consumer protection, residential plumbing, construction licensing, Washington Department of Labor and Industries, advisory board of plumbers, plumbing certificate fund, code enforcement, professional licensing, trade regulation, security, regulation, employment standards, security guards

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:45.480><c> or</c><00:03:45.720><c> or</c> practice is canceled today or or practice is canceled
• Or collaboration.
• ><c> our</c><00:43:07.120><c> job</c> collaboration.
• We hear from our job collaboration.
• </c> work and collaborate and problem solve. work and collaborate and problem solve.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo for your support. certification practices across Hawaii certification practices across Hawaii
• </c> practice situations. practice situations.
• </c> shall also to the extent practicable shall also to the extent practicable have<00:53:28.000><c>
• </c> is a vehicle for limiting collaboration is a vehicle for limiting collaboration with<02:10:03.599
• , limiting its collaboration.

Bills: HB1838, HB1870, HB2445, HB2540, HB1886, HB1839, HB2269, HB1939, HB2037, HB1635, HB1941, HB1576, HB2568, HB2267, HB2590, HB2266, HB2597, HB2499, HB2500, HB2502, HB2607, HB2137, HB2357, HB1782

Keywords: HB1838, Hawaii, Act 142, U visa, T visa, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, immigration certification, visa certification, Form I-918 Supplement B, Form I-914 Supplement B, noncitizen victims, crime victim, human trafficking, victim helpfulness, law enforcement certification, prosecutor certification, judicial review, circuit court, confidentiality

Summary: The committee opened testimony on House Bill 1838, relating to visas. Testifiers from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the legal clinic, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the ACLU, CARES, and immigrant-rights groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would bring Hawaii into compliance with federal law, standardize and speed up certification for U and T visa applicants, and better protect survivors of crime and trafficking. Supporters emphasized that delays in certification can leave eligible survivors waiting years for federal visa access and can undermine public safety by discouraging victims from reporting crimes. The chair announced there were 103 testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on the bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1870, concerning protected locations and immigration enforcement. Testimony from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, ACLU of Hawaii, educators, students, and community advocates supported limiting immigration enforcement at schools and other essential-service sites, arguing that families should be able to access education, health care, shelters, libraries, and social services without fear. The Department of Education said it had already issued guidance in March 2025 for how staff should respond when law enforcement comes onto campus, and the Public Charter School Commission noted implementation would need to occur at the school level. Testifiers said the bill would create standardized protocols and protect students and families from fear and disruption; the chair reported 142 testimonies in support, one in opposition, and five comments. The committee then took up House Bill 2445, relating to student safety and law enforcement on campus. The Department of Education again said it had already rolled out statewide guidance and described its process for staff to notify administration, verify law enforcement identification and purpose, and route matters through the complex area superintendent and attorney general, while noting emergencies would be handled differently. A committee member questioned whether the procedures were sufficiently standardized and whether staff were trained for unusual situations. Student and community testifiers supported the bill, saying schools should remain safe havens and that clear procedures are needed if federal immigration enforcement appears on campus. The Department of Law Enforcement testified in opposition to parts of the measure, raising concerns about masking requirements, vehicle markings, officer safety, doxxing, retaliation, costs, and possible supremacy-clause conflicts, and suggested more exemptions and a compromise approach. The chair reported 106 testimonies in support, two comments, and no opposition for the bill before moving on to the next measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• In my private practice, I have some clients that I help...
• In my private practice, I have some clients that I help on insurance matters, but not workers' compensation
• The 2024 updates are less restrictive and more practical, giving builders greater flexibility.
• Idaho worked in collaboration with the Idaho Home Builders and DOPL to draft the 2024 building... ...
• collaboration with Idaho Home Builders and DOPL to draft the 2024 building code proposal.

Summary: The committee first approved the January 29, 2026 minutes without objection. It then considered three RS drafts: RS 33116 on land use planning and short-term rentals, which Senator Harris said was intended to balance local control, property rights, and regulation of short-term rentals, including limits on business licensing requirements for smaller operators; RS 33133 on insurer investments, which Senator Guthrie said would give insurance companies more flexibility in making investments; and RS 33190 on PERSI reemployment rules, which Senator Lakey said would treat certain appointed officials filling vacancies the same as elected officials for retirement benefit purposes. All three RSs were moved to print and the motions carried. The committee also heard several gubernatorial reappointments. Kevin Settles was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board and described his long service and focus on efficient administration. Todd Lakey was reappointed to the State Insurance Fund Board and spoke about the board’s customer-service improvements and ongoing changes. Representative John Weber was reappointed to the State Insurance Fund Board, and Robert Cuio was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board; both were moved to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation, and those motions carried. The remainder of the meeting focused on three rule dockets from DOPL and the Idaho Building Code Board. Two dockets made temporary fee reductions permanent for factory-built structures and building permits, with no public comments and no impact on the general fund. The final docket adopted Idaho-specific updates based on the 2024 building, residential, and energy codes, including provisions on taller wood-frame buildings, mass timber, lithium-ion battery safety in garages, and an alternative prescriptive path to replace blower-door testing. Testimony from building officials and home builders strongly supported the changes as more flexible, affordable, and practical, and the committee approved all three dockets before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• About 80% of the PSEP graduates return to Arizona to practice, and that's really important for our Western
• In Arizona's program, PSEP recipients commit to returning to Arizona to practice in their field for one
• Overall, the state saved about $300,000. 80% of the PSEP graduates return to Arizona to practice, and
• Training, which provides instruction and information on child development, trauma-responsive practices
• Coe, and the entire team for their professionalism and their collaboration on this audit.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OF OUR OFFICE WATER POLICY, AGAIN, IT'S SOMETHING THAT HAS HAD GREAT SUCCESS FOR BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
• WHEN FARMERS USE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, THEY ARE ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM TO MAKE SURE THE NUTRIENT
• WE CONTINUOUSLY WORK THROUGH THE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WITH THE FARMER COMMUNITIES TO CONTINUALLY
• I BELIEVE 23% MORE FARMERS INTO THIS MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
• THEY WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and the question I have is more of a practical question with the fishery in Devils Lake.
• And I'm interested in how do you coordinate or collaborate with the Game and Fish Department in North
• We've actually had that collaboration for as long as I've been at the college.
• Here's what the exclusion means in practical terms.
• For example, where I had previously practiced in Minnesota, there's Rule 20. It's called Rule 20.

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...to turn when they experience unfair practices.
• We are looking for collaboration.
• We are looking for collaboration.
• We are welcome, and the door is open for collaboration.
• We need collaboration. We need to be.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill. AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations. The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.