Transcript Highlights:

• There might be some other section of law or some other standing in law.
• of the bill, can you tell us the section of the bill, the page?
• Is the freedom of speech section the only part that you think is vague in that section?
• page<01:03:17.920> four vague in that section that's page four vague in that section that's
• What about that section do you find confusing or vague?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:51.760> 248A often do not understand the Section 248A often do not understand the Section
• Under section two, so we're finally out of section one.
• Uh and section four, the clean comment. Uh and section four, the clean water<00:59:15.320> fund.
• > the<00:59:58.280> waste Um section five establishes the waste Um section five establishes
• <01:01:26.680> of<01:01:26.760> the Section 8 is the repeal of the Section 8 is the

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > just<00:29:58.640> makes Section three and four just makes Section three and four just
• > makes<00:31:02.159> conforming Section six again just makes conforming Section six again
• > conforming Section seven makes other conforming Section seven makes other conforming changes
• And then section 11 correct me.
• section 11 does. Mr. Chair. section 11 does. Mr. Chair. >> All<00:32:11.279> right.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HRS chapter 6E, sections 43, 43.5, and 43.6, in the 1990 legislature.
• <01:36:55.400> three in Maui um we do support section three in Maui um we do support section
• Basically, the first section of the bill states this is natural beach restoration.
• <01:50:59.480> three the park to take the lead section three the park to take the lead section
• <02:17:50.479> um Section um.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 13, 2025, and first announced that SB 1456 would be deferred to the end of the agenda and ultimately worked on later, with the chair indicating the bill would be deferred and revisited in a future measure. The committee then heard SB 841 on marine life conservation districts. DLNR supported the bill, saying it would fund carrying capacity studies to inform rules and policies. Testimony noted a pilot study already underway at the Puka Marine Life Conservation District and another nearing completion at the old Kona Airport MLCD. Members discussed costs, with DLNR estimating about $300,000 per year for one user-experience study, potentially more for ecological analysis, and also discussed possible funding from the Mālama Kai special fund. DLNR said it had no objection to consulting current operators and other users, and explained the program would be a new, ongoing adaptive-management tool. The committee next heard SB 411 on capital improvement projects at small boat harbors. DLNR supported the intent, saying the bill would help expedite use of special funds for CIP work, while the Department of Budget and Finance opposed it, arguing the draft could conflict with constitutional limits on appropriations. Public testimony from an industry representative supported the bill and urged more collaboration with commercial operators, while committee discussion focused on whether DLNR could already use special funds for repairs, how much engineering and bidding work is required before projects go out to bid, and whether the current process creates bottlenecks when bids exceed initial estimates. DLNR said it can do some repairs and maintenance within existing authority and funding ceilings, but that the bill as drafted could be too broad. The committee also heard SB 5 on historic preservation, where DLNR supported the measure and NAOP Hawaii opposed it, saying the bill’s broader definition could expand the scope beyond the stated goal of narrowing reviews and reducing backlog. The committee then took up SB 1462 on the state historic preservation income tax credit. The Department of Taxation said the revenue estimate assumes the cap would be reached each year the credit is available, and DLNR supported the bill. SHPD said the prior credit had sunset, outreach had previously been done in targeted communities such as Chinatown, and owners of eligible historic properties are notified during review. Finally, the committee heard SB 268 on island burial councils. DLNR supported the bill, and OHA strongly supported it, saying the councils have struggled with quorum and expertise and that the measure would restore the original intent of having lineal descendants and cultural practitioners as decision makers, while still allowing landowners and developers to testify and participate. OHA also said it would help provide technical support and urged continued involvement from SHPD and the Attorney General’s office.

Transcript Highlights:

• This phrase is used in the Constitution in Article 11, Section 4.
• This phrase is used in the Constitution in Article 11, Section 4.
• <00:07:27.039> 4 the constitution in article 11 section 4 the constitution in article 11 section
• <00:15:51.720> 16 hear about that as well in section 16 hear about that as well in section
• I would direct you to section 475.53 on those net debt limits.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Capital Investment Committee met on January 16 for an informational overview on state bonding and capital investment. House Research analyst Chelsea Griffin and House Fiscal analyst Andrew Lee explained the nonpartisan roles of their offices and then walked members through the basics of Minnesota bonding: how bonds are issued and repaid, how they are categorized, and the main legal authorities governing state general obligation bonds, including the state constitution, Minnesota statutes, and federal tax law. Griffin emphasized that state GO bond proceeds must be used for a public purpose, for a purpose authorized in the constitution, as specifically described in law, and must mature within 20 years. She also noted that state GO bonding is typically originated in the House and that capital projects financed with state GO bonds generally require a three-fifths vote in each chamber. The presentation also covered practical limits and requirements on bonding projects, including the distinction between state and local GO bonding, the role of bond counsel, restrictions on bond-financed property, the prohibition on reimbursing already-paid costs, and the full funding and non-state match requirements. In response to member questions, Griffin clarified that the full funding requirement in section 16A.502 means a project must be fully funded before the appropriation is available, while section 16A.86 reflects an expectation that local governments provide about half the financing for local projects, though the legislature can choose to fund more than half or waive a local match. She also said she did not believe a bill to make the 50 percent match requirement statutory passed last session. Lee then began a spreadsheet-based overview of the 2023 capital budget laws, explaining how capital investment spreadsheets are organized and how different fund types appear in the documents. He highlighted examples such as University of Minnesota projects funded with GO bonds and Minnesota State projects using user financing, where the system contributes a share of project costs from non-state sources such as tuition or system revenues. The committee did not take any votes or formal actions during this informational meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4523 amends Section 21.105 of the Transportation Code by adding Subsection C, which makes
• Additionally, HB4523 also repeals Section 21.0114, Subsection B of the Transportation Code, which allows
• House Bill 4523 amends section 21.105 of the Transportation Code by adding subsection C, which makes
• A vehicle crash involving 130 vehicles occurred on an elevated section of South.
• Since that day, NTE has closed the section of the roadway where there are no vehicles.

Bills: HB483, HB3345, HB3643, HB3821, HB3849, HB4472, HB4523, HB4524, HB5346, HB5347, HB5376

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• And what the amendment would say is, right now it says the Department of Health, I'm reading section
• And what the amendment would say is, right now it says the Department of Health, I'm reading section
• But to leave it directed under section one and under section two we make it...
• But to leave it directed under section one and under section two we make it...
• two. >> That's just in section two.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The conference committee met on House Bill 69, which concerns Department of Health land transfers involving property from the Wyoming Life Resource Center in Lander. Members reviewed the two main pieces of the bill: a transfer of land to WYDOT for a maintenance yard, and a separate parcel intended for possible residential development. Much of the discussion focused on clarifying that the residential parcel would still be subject to zoning and likely sold through a public process, while the WYDOT parcel would remain a state-to-state transfer. A central issue was whether the City of Lander should be specifically included in the consultation language. Committee members agreed the city should be consulted on both sections, but there was debate over whether the bill should say the department is “authorized and directed” to convey the WYDOT parcel or use more permissive language such as “may” or simply “authorized.” Members noted that the city would have zoning authority over the residential parcel, but not necessarily a veto over the WYDOT transfer. The discussion also covered the practical need for a new WYDOT facility because the current yard is too small. The committee ultimately agreed to add the City of Lander to the consultation language, keep the WYDOT transfer directed, and leave the residential section permissive. They also approved a reporting requirement so the legislature would be notified when the transfers are completed. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the compromise and prepare a conference committee report for signing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Create a new section<00:03:27.760> to<00:03:28.000> require<00:03:28.400> duties
• <00:03:28.879> of<00:03:29.040> the<00:03:29.200> county section to require duties
• of the county section to require duties of the county board<00:03:29.680> of<00:03:29.840>
• of the administrative various sections of the administrative regulations<00:04:46.320> for<00
• The staff-suggested amendments amend various sections to comply with KRS Chapter 13A.

Keywords: 0:00– Meeting start/roll call 0:39 – Approval of minutes 1:11 – Council on Postsecondary Education 3:06 - State Board of Elections 5:33 - Office of the Attorney General; Office of Regulatory Relief 7:02 - Board of Examiners of Psychology 16:38 - Energy and Environment Cabinet; Department for Environmental Protection 17:37 - Education and Labor Cabinet - Department of Education 19:14 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met for its January meeting, approved the minutes from the prior meeting, and welcomed the new regulations compiler. The first item was a repealer from the Council on Postsecondary Education, 13 KAR 2:111, which was explained as necessary because Senate Bill 77 from the 2025 session removed the regulatory authority for advanced practice doctoral degree programs at comprehensive universities. No questions were raised, and the repealer moved forward without objection. The subcommittee then reviewed a large package of State Board of Elections regulations with staff-suggested amendments. The package would update definitions and election procedures, require e-poll books to be ready before polls open, change the standard and timeline for removing an election officer, add oversight by a State Board appointee on election days, recognize the Kentucky party, require voter registration records to be added to electronic voter records, require ballots to fit all races and questions on a single sheet, adjust precinct consolidation petition deadlines, and update incorporated forms and identification references. The package was approved without objection. The Office of the Attorney General’s Office of Regulatory Relief also presented multiple regulations with staff amendments, covering funeral planning declarations, cemetery companies, pre-need cemetery merchandise and funeral/burial contract sellers, and crematory contract sellers. These changes were described as adding specificity, streamlining forms and reporting, and bringing the regulations into compliance with KRS Chapter 13A; they were approved without objection. The Board of Examiners of Psychology presented several regulations, including compact rules, grace-period extensions, and significant fee increases for applications, renewals, reinstatements, exam retakes, and reciprocity. Board representatives said the increases were needed because many fees had not been raised since 2002, the board was operating at a deficit, and legal and administrative costs had risen sharply after the termination of state legal services. Members expressed concern about the size of the increases, but the chair said he would not hold the matter up and would raise the issue with the committee of jurisdiction. The subcommittee also approved staff amendments for the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s air quality regulations and the Education and Labor Cabinet’s education regulations, which updated nontraditional instruction procedures, waiver requests, instruction topics, superintendent assessment requirements, and academic standards. The meeting ended with the next meeting scheduled for February 9 at 1 p.m., and the agenda was adjourned without further objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is within a section of law for the Grant Allen law.
• So, sections 2 and 3. Would be deleted in the amendment.
• If that is the intent, you could orally amend the A-1 amendment to remove sections 2.
• As well, section 2.
• Chair, it's been on the underlying bill, line 1.22, Section 1, subdivision 5, Section 3.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to go section by section. We got this through the House, I think it was 91 to 0.
• Within the bill, section one deals with definitions that will help govern this technology.
• I'm happy to go section by section. We got this through the House, I think it was 91 to 0.
• Within the bill, section one deals with definitions that will help govern this technology.
• this legislation I'm happy to go Section this legislation I'm happy to go Section by<00:12:40.680>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:30 HB421 Discussion: 01:28 HB421 Vote: 02:19 HB184 Discussion: 03:20 HB184 Vote: 05:44 HB210 Discussion: 07:28 HB210 Vote: 08:14 HB415 Discussion: 09:05 HB415 Vote: 09:43 HB701 Discussion: 11:16 HB701 Vote: 13:42, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and moved quickly through several House bills related to health insurance, insurance regulation, dental benefits, and digital assets. Members repeatedly noted the need to keep testimony brief because of overlapping committee schedules and the late-session pace. The chair also reminded House members to coordinate floor sponsors since consent calendars were not being used this year. House Bill 421, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors with support from Dr. Russell Williams, would require full coverage of FDA-approved bowel preps with no out-of-pocket cost and no prior authorization barriers. House Bill 814, presented by Rep. Mike Klein and explained by Sen. Girdler, would extend the insurance regulatory sandbox through December 2030; supporters said the committee substitute was a vetted NAIC model already adopted in 28 states. House Bill 210, presented by Rep. Pollock with Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, would clarify assignment-of-benefit provisions so dentists are paid directly and with more transparency. House Bill 415, also by Rep. Pollock, would clarify that health insurance coverage mandates apply only to primary major medical policies. House Bill 701, presented by Rep. Adam Bowling with Ash Gun of Coinbase, would establish clearer rules for blockchain and digital assets, affirm Kentuckians’ right to hold and transact digital assets, align money transmission licensing with digital assets, and specify that certain crypto activities are not securities. Members discussed the bill in general terms, including a light exchange about crypto market volatility, but no substantive opposition was raised. Each bill received a favorable expression by roll call, and the committee adopted the committee substitute and title amendment on HB 814. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, and the chair said another meeting later in the week was possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, this is required by Century Code Section 54-27-27.
• Chairman, members of the Budget Section Committee.
• Chairman, we have a request for the Budget Section.
• Good morning, Chairman Vigasan, members of the Budget Section.
• Chairman and members of the Budget Section.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's section.
• So what sections are being repealed here? Today, the section that's being repealed is Section 7.
• Chair, Senator, you have in Section 8, which will now be Section 7, repeal Sections 21-22-D-2, 21-22-
• I'm just trying to figure out what Section 8, which is going to be Section 7, is repealing.
• Section 8, which is going to be Section 7. What is it repealing?

Bills: SB241, SB145

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:05:27.440> other<00:05:27.639> portions<00:05:27.960> of<00:05:28.160> section
• conflict with other portions of section conflict with other portions of section 107<00:05:29.360
• The Office of Information Practices can also review it, and that's under HRS section 92F-15.5.
• and that's under HRS section and that's under HRS section 92F<00:17:18.559> um 92F um 92F
• We're going to accept the AG's suggested language by deleting the word from section 52D(a), beginning

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on building codes, taxation, police reports, National Guard benefits, and discriminatory reporting. SB 48 would have required the State Building Code Council to assess financial impacts of code adoption on homes and include utility costs; testimony was mixed, but the bill drew concerns about housing costs and code timing. SB 120 would have changed the State Building Code Council’s responsibilities and code adoption process; the International Code Council and Sierra Club opposed it, while BIA Hawaii and others supported it, arguing current code cycles raise costs and counties need more flexibility. The committee later noted that county building departments had not submitted testimony on SB 48 or SB 120. SB 138 would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for hurricane-resistant safe rooms. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and revenue uncertainty, while Hawaii Emergency Management stood on written comments. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a clarifying tax language change and an effective date of July 1, 2077. SB 112 would allow immediate family members of deceased persons to receive police closing reports after a set period; the Attorney General and prosecuting attorney supported access in principle but requested explicit redaction authority for minors and confidential personal information. The committee adopted amendments reflecting those concerns and passed the bill. SB 88 would authorize allowances for TRICARE, dental, and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. It received support from National Guard and Department of Defense representatives and was passed as is. SB 16 would create civil remedies for discriminatory reporting to law enforcement based on protected characteristics and require public guidance from the Department of Law Enforcement and Civil Rights Commission; it received support from the department and several advocates, with one opposition testimony. The committee passed SB 16 with an amended effective date and technical changes. In final action, the committee deferred SB 48 and SB 120, and adopted the chair’s recommendations on the remaining measures before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says if an agency determines that a bill or a section of a bill, so if I have a section of the bill
• questions on this section? questions on this section?
• >> Director Lesson, please proceed with the second section of the agenda.
• The first option is a cross-section analysis.
• So, we're kind of at a cross-section already, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Caucus Public Commission met with a quorum present, approved the September 3, 2025 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson on proposed updates to the fiscal note uniform standards and procedures. The main changes clarified that agencies must still complete a fiscal note when a bill or section cannot be implemented because of federal law, with the note explaining the implementation issue and costing only the portions that can be implemented. A second change said technical comments about possible future litigation may be included in the narrative but not in the cost tables. Members discussed how these rules would apply when only part of a bill is unimplementable versus when an entire bill is, and whether requiring a note in those cases is the best use of agency time. The commission also approved a new procedure on funding-source assumptions for expanded programs, including assuming the current funding source unless the bill says otherwise and defaulting to the general fund if no source is identified. The updated standards and procedures were adopted by a 7-0 roll call vote, with Senator Wickland excused. The commission then received a second presentation from Director Larson on a possible analysis of the accuracy of fiscal estimates and budget items after enactment. He described this as a variance analysis comparing fiscal note estimates to actual fiscal impacts, intended to improve future estimates, inform the legislature, and increase accountability. He summarized practices in other states, noting that most variance reviews are ad hoc, while Utah and Tennessee have more formalized legislative reports; he also referenced an LBO pilot review done in 2022 based largely on Tennessee’s model. The presentation outlined possible report formats, including a single annual report, standalone briefs, or topic-specific reviews, and raised implementation questions such as who would select items for review, whether the analysis should be limited to fiscal notes, what statutory authority or data access would be needed, and what resources would be required from both agencies and the LBO. Members did not take action on the second presentation. Representative Anderson and Vice Chair Pratt commented that the proposal is complicated but potentially useful for improving future fiscal notes and transparency, and the chair indicated the discussion was for future consideration rather than an immediate decision.

Transcript Highlights:

• second is the non-gerermanine section second is the non-gerermanine section which<00:03:27.360><
• I'm not seeing an online section verify. I'm not seeing an online section for<00:09:12.959> it.
• uh, there are some bad section uh, there are some bad section references<00:10:12.080> and
• And if it’s section one or section four, we don’t have to worry about it.”
• And if it's section one or section.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it's sections 17 and 18 dealing with, um, The training you were referring to earlier, Section 17
• Uh, what's apparently this is Section 19, Sections 2402.107A and B occupations code.
• It's the last section, C and section 4, right before section 5, where it talks about that.
• Section 3 and Section 4 of the bill relating to penalties for victims' rights violations and it clarifies
• Um, there's a section, um. Section 5, but it's Uh, your new B-2.

Bills: HB47

Keywords: HB 47, Texas Tax Code, ad valorem taxes, property tax, voter-approval tax rate, tax rate election, taxing unit, injunction, taxpayer rights, property owner, local government finance, tax refund, attorney's fees, court costs, voter-approved tax increase, tax reform, municipal taxes, county taxes, school district taxes, bond election

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:37.640> allowing proposed draft are new sections allowing proposed draft are new sections
• My reservation stems from the changes in Rule 30, Section 2, in regards to invocations.
• In section one, we have the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.
• In section three, I'm sorry, in section five, we have the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
• three I'm sorry in act in section three I'm sorry in section<01:01:04.480> five<01:01:04.760>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call with 48 members present and three excused, deferred reading of the journal, and received Senate communications noting adoption of House Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 1 and 2. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and guests, including Congresswoman Jill Tuda, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii participants and students, Okinawan visitors, Farrington High School students, James Campbell High School students, and Waiau High School students, many of whom were introduced in connection with Chamber Week activities and educational presentations. The main business was unfinished business on House Resolutions 6 and 7, which adopted the House rules for the 33rd Legislature, including rules for the Committee on Standards of Conduct. Members generally supported the rules package as a transparency and modernization update, citing earlier public access to testimony, a public list of Speaker appointees, changes to conference committee eligibility, telework for staff, social media guidance, and a public list of bills introduced by request. Several members raised reservations or opposition, focusing on concerns about staff involvement in approving written remarks, budget information timing, the Vice Speaker’s role, social media/free speech issues, and whether some changes reduced public access or conflicted with constitutional open-meeting requirements. No vote on the rules package is recorded in the excerpt. The debate ended with multiple members yielding time and the discussion continuing on the merits of the proposed rule changes, especially the balance between transparency, internal House procedure, and public participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• specifically was looking at um section specifically was looking at um section 666,<00:01:59.920>
• <00:07:02.240> 853 removal of the section 853 removal of the section 853 uh<00:07:04.720><
• section.
• This is an outof-date section section.
• Add a new paragraph, definitions, beginning of the new section for purposes of this section.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, line 8, that is the opt-in section for public schools, and they will be automatically in the
• Section 2 is $325,000. Section 2 is $325,000. I don't see a number in Section 3.
• What Section 1 does is, under current law, there's a section of the Century Code that requires any sale
• It's Section 1. It says at the top.
• And then it goes on to section one on page three, with— And then it goes on to section one on page three

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action. The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session. Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.

Transcript Highlights:

• for that reason we recommend amending the bill to remove section one on page one.
• for that reason we recommend amending the bill to remove section one on page one.
• effectuate the purpose of the section effectuate the purpose of the section and<01:42:02.080>
• will be deleting section one of the bill, but moving the other sections on, and it already has an effective
• The recommendation is to pass with amendments. section of the bill is either 90 days um section of the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities. On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates. The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.