Transcript Highlights:

• Be quite simple, but I could be oversimplifying it as well.
• On page two of your amendment, you have a fee scale here for 100, 250 megawatt, 2 million... 2.5 million
• It's based on a pretty simple concept.
• So, on to the bill, and I will tell you, even though the concept is simple, there is a decent amount
• There are thousands of us in Minnesota who will voluntarily pay for the plate fee to support the Bowser

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Bruce, I just got a simple question. I mean, we asked us to some of the other ones, too.
• So, Bruce, I just got a simple question. I mean, we asked this of some of the other ones, too.
• I mean, just something basically that simple. And then there's been complaints about bias.
• And so, I mean, just a simple check by myself found out that these numbers aren't accurate.
• Number four... finding 2025-04, changes to the renewal period and late fees.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice President, uh, very simple question on the source of funds. Uh, Mr.
• Vice President, uh, very simple >> Mr.
• Um, you know, just some long-term considerations here that may not be quite as simple as we want them
• Um, you know, just some long-term considerations here that may not be quite as simple as we want them
• <03:04:19.920> authorization not, this isn't a simple authorization not, this isn't a simple

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But more complex than a simple answer.
• Over 50% of our revenue comes through either air permit fees, asbestos fees, or motor vehicle fees.
• motor permit fees, asbestous fees, or motor permit fees, asbestous fees, or motor vehicles<01
• :00:00.240> fees.
• Uh, those motor vehicle vehicles fees.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are the mineral fees, the fees that get paid?
• Through the fees that we pay to NDIT, for those computers to sit on our desks and the desktop support
• And then during session, I believe the request was to increase their fees.
• Our holding company had to do it, and we had to pay fees, and we went through that fee structure every
• you It's trying to figure out, and there's the state's paying for the administrative fees, right?

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:

• So in Austin, they may have a convenience fee, they may have a service fee, they may have a health care
• fee.
• I'm sure they're going to come with a tariff fee.
• , you pay a 3% convenience fee, a 3% healthcare fee, and knows what on a tariff fee.
• All those fees add up, and fees are just taxes. It's just a nice way of saying tax.

Bills: HB1958, HB2031, HB2879, HB3285, HB3995, HB4487, HB4558, HB4560, HB4876, HB4899, HB5212, HB5317, HB5543, HB5567, SB1333

Keywords: firearm possession, tenant rights, landlord regulations, civil penalties, property code, justified use of force, deadly force, property rights, home defense, smart devices, data privacy, personal data collection, user consent, mobile application, data transparency, HOA, property owners association, property owners' association, Texas Property Code, Chapter 202

Transcript Highlights:

• But under the QM, they allow you two bona fide discount points that don't count towards the fee restriction
• complaint I have, and I've actually talked with both Mark and Dustin about this, My struggle is the fees
• I wish that those fees were split between the customer as well as the company.
• The underlying bill is a lot more simple than the substitute.
• The database fee is presently set up to $3. This proposes to just lock it at $3.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:09 Discussion SB 157 02:43 Vote SB 157 09:04 Discussion SB 219 09:53 Vote SB 219 13:00, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Simple bill: what this bill does is allow for the use of electronic...
• Members, what we’re doing here is we’re trying to clean up the court fines and fees costs collection.
• What we’re doing here is we’re trying to clean up the court fines and fees collection process, make it
• However, I do wonder about the fees associated with it.
• Is there a way to accomplish this without adding in more fees?

Bills: HB1322, HB3053, HB3180, HB3244, HB3269, HB3299, HB3301, HB3302, HB3430, HB3497, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3606, HB3742, HB3743, HB3755, HB3764, HB3767, HB3835, HB3848, HB3903, HB3905, HB4108, HB4130, HB4142, HB4227, HB3996

Keywords: domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, elderly, parole, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, Oklahoma statutes, firearms, handgun permits, self-defense, training requirements, Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, elderly exploitation, identity theft, crimes and punishments, criminal offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• And the program is so simple to navigate.
• Chairman, simple bill.
• The intent is very simple.
• The intent is very simple.
• Uh, the goal is simple.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 4 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, received an invocation from Dr. Lenon Duncan, and led the pledge of allegiance. Routine business followed, including unanimous consent to dispense with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including a governmental affairs representative, a doctor of the day and medical student, a county leadership group, agricultural youth council participants, a former senator’s spouse, and MSMS students. The chamber then took up several appropriations and finance measures. Senate Bill 2189, the transfer bill for state funds and agency budget setup, passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2190 increased the Working Cash Stabilization Reserve Fund minimum balance from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue; supporters said it would strengthen the state’s fiscal position, and it passed by morning roll call after no questions. Senate Bill 2480, a capacity project bill providing $265 million from CAPEX to MDOT for highway projects in Madison and Rankin counties and initial work on Highway 90, was amended to make it effective upon passage and then passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2832 extended the railroad tax credit repealer to 2029, and Senate Bill 2847 required state and local tax calculations to round to the nearest nickel in response to the federal penny phaseout; both passed by morning roll call. The Senate also approved Senate Bill 2191, which expands the purposes for which municipal use tax funds may be spent to include sidewalk repair and building acquisition/rehabilitation, after questions about municipal and subdivision sidewalks. Senate Bill 2885 created the Mississippi Work and Save Program, a voluntary retirement savings option for small employers and employees, with the sponsor emphasizing that participation is optional and that the program is intended to help workers without access to retirement plans; it passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2834, the omnibus tag bill, and Senate Bill 2838, the omnibus qualified resort area bill, were each amended with committee substitutes and passed by morning roll call. Later, the Senate suspended the rules and took up a large block of resolutions and commemorative measures, including sympathy and congratulatory resolutions, arts awards, sports championships, and other recognitions, along with House concurrent resolutions and two House bills designating observances. The transcript ends while the clerk is reading the long list of titles in the block.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's how simple this bill is, and that's how it looks. Is there any debate on the bill?
• That's how simple this bill is, and that's how it looks. Only one, two, three lines.
• That's how simple this bill is, and that's how life-changing these three sentences are, Madam Chair.
• Senate Bill 372, public post-secondary tuition and fee waivers for sheriff's office employees.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one appointment. SB 720, by Senator Osgood, would allow formerly incarcerated Florida residents to retain their residency status for tuition purposes so they can qualify for in-state rates after release. Senator Osgood and supporter Eddie Fordham testified that the bill addresses documentation barriers faced by long-term incarcerated people and supports reentry and rehabilitation; several organizations waved in support. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 372, by Senator Trumbull, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis. The Florida Sheriffs Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. SB 176, by Senator Berman, would require public postsecondary institutions to provide clearer, publicly available procedures for reporting threats to physical safety and identifying responsible contacts and protective steps. Support came from several education and faculty groups, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous roll call. Members then recommended confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the State University System Board of Governors. Finally, SB 816, by Senator Bradley, would establish the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance diabetes research, education, prevention, and outreach. Senators emphasized the institute’s potential to improve outcomes and attract grant funding, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :31.440> a ways. about 15% are reimbursed through a ways. about 15% are reimbursed through a fee
• In 2024, the fee-for-service pharmacy dispensing fee, which is intended to cover the cost associated
• Um, and it's a much tougher question than just a simple, hey, this is going to fix it.
• <01:10:53.440> And<01:10:53.600> unlike non-specific formulary fees.
• And unlike non-specific formulary fees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• some adjustments to the fee structure.
• He works at BCI, to discuss the fees and the current structure.
• of the fees had been adjusted since it was established.
• of the fees had been adjusted since it was established.
• It's pretty simple. Public safety is the incentive. Prison safety is the incentive.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• fees, I know we have that courage.
• This bill sought to require a registration fee of $50 for anchored seasonal platforms on public waters
• It's a simple transparency question.
• It's a simple transparency expenses?
• It's a simple transparency question.<01:43:24.600> I<01:43:24.720> ask<01:43:24.960>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• okay so I got one very simple okay so I got one very simple question<00:52:00.079> who<00
• Their 2024 annual report for spirit fees, beer tax, wine tax, and liquor license fees comes to $265 million
• Their 2024 annual report for spirit fees, beer tax, wine tax, and liquor license fees comes to $265 million
• Their 2024 annual report for spirit fees, beer tax, wine tax, and liquor license fees comes to $265 million
• Their 2024 annual report for spirit fees, beer tax, wine tax, and liquor license fees comes to $265 million

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with House Bill 242, a liquor bill concerning brew pub licenses. Testimony from the New Hampshire Beer Distributors Association, the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, and the Liquor Commission explained that the bill is intended to correct a clerical error from the prior session and restore the agreed-upon language. The bill would allow a brew pub, within the existing 2,500-barrel limit, to self-distribute its own product to one authorized on- or off-premise license; otherwise it must use wholesale distribution. Witnesses said the measure is a narrow fix specific to brew pubs and does not affect other manufacturing licenses. No opposition was raised during the hearing, and the chair closed the hearing after no committee questions remained. The committee then heard House Bill 81, which would allow patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restaurant restrooms. The sponsor argued the current prohibition is outdated and can create safety risks by forcing people to set drinks down, citing concerns about drink tampering and a personal story about a friend who was drugged and assaulted after leaving a drink unattended. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would increase liability for restaurants, how enforcement would work, and whether the current law is aimed at preventing underage handoffs or drink spiking. The sponsor said the bill would be permissive for establishments, not mandatory, and that liability would still depend on overservice and Liquor Commission investigations. The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association testified in opposition, saying the bill could raise liability and create concerns about underage consumption in bathrooms. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting the bill would move on to further committee/subcommittee consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment is simple.
• <03:41:54.479> another their fees another their fees another $1.5<03:41:56.720> million
• Uh, we should be decreasing fees. The bill increases fees $1.5 million.
• Um, you know the proposed fees in article six increases filing fees that would generate more revenue
• Senator Lang votes I. raise fees. But what we have going on, raise fees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's protect and fee without PILT.
• One thing to mention is that for protect and fee with PILT, there's 2,485 acres, and looking back at
• with pilt there's for protectant fee with pilt there's 2,485<00:23:12.240> acres<00:23:12.559
• On the other extreme side of protect and fee with PILT, it would cost $9,600.
• Other Extreme side of the protectant fee Other Extreme side of the protectant fee with<00:25:08.120

Bills: HF1250

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that fee associated with it.
• I mean, it's that simple.
• I mean, it's that simple. their toilets. I mean, it's that simple.
• Let me repeat that. funded by fees paid Let me repeat that. funded by fees paid by<04:10:59.680>
• it's fees that we've collected. it's fees that we've collected.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and changing distribution of collected fees and penalties, providing for the enforcement of fees by
• It's a simple amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• It with an award not to exceed the full cost of tuition and fees.
• Speaker, does cover some fees, books, and otherwise. Mr.
• So, no fees are covered in this as well, Mr. Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Larson: Section 4, number one, it does talk about that it carries a fee of $150.
• Our Constitution is a much higher governing authority than a simple law.
• The amendment the House made is very simple.
• The amendment the House made is very simple.
• Their revenues are generated by the fees that they charge for their services, but occasionally in the

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, we have reduced fees, waived fees, and even gotten fee eliminations going to the legislature
• in fact we have reduced fees we fees in fact we have reduced fees we have<02:05:31.639> waved
• It's 100% funded by patient application fees and ATC licensing fees. And ATC licensing fees.
• <02:09:59.079> for fees um uh to application fees for fees um uh to application fees for certain
• those fees and in fact that was the fee those fees and in fact that was the fee that<02:11:16.880

Keywords: 1189, house, all