Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative intent'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:42:50.839>
of each spring with the intention of each spring with the intention of selling - Thank you to the members of the committee for your intentional and good questions about this.
- Thank you to the members of the committee for your intentional and good questions about this.
- Thank you to the members of the committee for your intentional and good questions about this.
- <00:58:35.480>
and committee uh for your intentional and committee uh for your intentional
Keywords:
water appropriation, aquifer management, potable water, water conservation, environmental policy, fishing regulation, angling, sustainability, biodiversity, game fish, Carley State Park, Minnesota state parks, state lands, park boundary expansion, Wabasha County, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, public lands, land acquisition, park addition
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we do support the intent.
- of this bill and appreciates the intent of this bill and appreciates the intent um<00:19:31.200>
- We do acknowledge that um intent.
- intent of chapter 127A.
- believe was the original legislative intent<02:18:03.840>
of <02:18:04.000>chapter <02:
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So this really covers a gap with very much needed legislation.
- This legislation does not promote or prefer any particular test.
- I think that would get to the, if that is the intention, I'm concerned.
- Senator Parker, thank you for carrying this legislation.
- Senator Parker, thank you for carrying this legislation.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, received the House message that HB 35 had passed, and heard a gubernatorial message submitting Trinity River Authority board appointments for Senate confirmation. The chamber also adopted a slate of Senate resolutions by voice vote and later postponed reading and referral of bills and resolutions until the end of the calendar. Several members introduced bills with brief explanations before the Senate took them up under suspension of the regular order.
The body then considered and passed a series of measures, often by wide margins, including SB 2846 on wildlife disease control and quarantine authority; CS SB 1224 requiring school superintendents or directors to report certain employee misconduct to local law enforcement; CS SB 2310 on transparency for degree and transfer requirements at public colleges; SB 1502 limiting school districts’ ability to exceed voter-approval tax rates after a failed TRE; CS SB 1141 on notice requirements before full adversary hearings in child-protection cases; CS SB 2568 exempting certain flood-control reservoirs from TCEQ permitting; SB 1524 on confidentiality of information about weapons in foster homes; CS SB 2925 creating a task force on modernizing manufacturing; CS SB 2269 on dispute resolution and enforcement for long-term care facilities; CS SB 1266 on Medicaid provider enrollment and disenrollment notices; SB 243 on migrant labor housing standards; SB 2200 on overweight vehicles transporting hazardous materials; CS SB 2480 on the Texas Physician Health Program; CS SB 1585 restricting government contracts with companies tied to foreign adversaries; CS SB 2357 establishing maternal health training; and SB 1551 requiring accessible AED placement in public schools.
The Senate also debated more contested bills. CS SB 2019, which would extend vaccine exemption rules to medical and veterinary students, advanced only partway after a divided vote. CS SB 1442, directing a study on veterinary telemedicine relationships, and CS SB 1241, which would allow the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study alternative college entrance exams, prompted extended questioning about agency authority and whether changes should return to the legislature before taking effect. CS SB 2753, which would integrate early voting and election day voting into a single in-person voting period, was amended and passed to engrossment despite opposition. CS SB 2201, dealing with gang and foreign terrorist organization intelligence databases, and CS SB 2514, creating a DPS hostile foreign adversaries unit, drew detailed debate over civil liberties and national security. CS SB 2422, aimed at limiting Texas Medical Board discipline related to COVID-19 treatments and practices, also advanced after lengthy discussion and a close vote.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Lydia Hernandez, Legislative District 24.
- So I agree with the intent of the sponsor, and I agree with the intent of this legislation to make sure
- The amendment actually doesn't change the intent of the bill.
- And so I am fine with the bill and its intention.
- And so I am fine with the bill and its intention.
Summary:
The House met with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Members also recognized Doctor of the Day Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum and welcomed visitors for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, along with Judge Kaluli from Veterans Treatment Court. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first readings before taking up a long third-reading calendar.
The floor debate centered on a wide range of bills, especially water, education, elections, public utilities, labor, and criminal justice measures. Members discussed tax administration, groundwater and water-rights issues, superintendent contract transparency, mining reclamation, school employee disclosure, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, probation, veterans and military employment protections, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, real estate licensing, and several education-related appropriations for ESA administration. There were also resolutions and memorials on voting centers and precincts, student athletics, Route 66, and recognizing Judea and Samaria. Several members explained votes, with supporters emphasizing transparency, consumer protection, public safety, and administrative cleanup, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, cost, overreach, lack of accountability, and impacts on schools, elections, and local control.
Most measures passed, often along party-line or near party-line votes, and several emergency measures were adopted with the required two-thirds vote. Notable votes included HB 2016, HB 2026, HB 2028, HB 2049, HB 2075, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2094, HB 2098, HB 2111, HB 2113, HB 2114, HB 2133, HB 2135, HB 2179, HB 2192, HB 2228, HB 2256, HB 2260, HB 2262, HB 2265, HB 2278, HB 2328, HB 2351, HB 2381, HB 2409, HB 2410, HB 2411, HB 2425, HB 2451, HB 2476, HB 2499, HB 2500, HB 2584, HB 2662, HB 2663, HB 2666, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2804, HB 2812, HB 2827, HB 2877, HB 2908, HB 2932, HB 2933, HB 2943, HB 2953, HB 2966, and HB 2985, along with HCM 2007 and HCRs 2003, 2016, and 2047 and HR 2002 and 2003. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of HB 2174 and related amendments.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Cervantes, I don't know if it was intentional. Again, I wasn't there.
- Chair, if I might add, the intent in providing CAHPS is in part to.
- Legislative Council cannot win out in an hour.
- I understand the intention of this.
- And I think that's the intent of the bill.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The intention is purely just a study. The intention is purely just a study.
- That was not my intention.
- That was not my intention. My >> Correct. That was not my intention.
- Um, right now, even well-intentioned Um, right now, even well-intentioned requirements requirements
- It is good legislation.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 5/7/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will designate Friday, May 9th for the adoption
- c> His legislative accomplishments included His legislative accomplishments included the<00:12:31.120
- bipartisan support for his legislative bipartisan support for his legislative goals<00:12:40.399
- <00:13:03.680>
Um our intent to change the statutes. - Um our intent to change the statutes.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 023 Feb 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- out of the Transportation Legislative out of the Transportation Legislative Review<00:40:58.480>
- with worse legislation.
- with worse legislation.
- I asked for a no vote on this, and I do appreciate the intent. The intent is there.
- I asked for a no vote on this, and I do appreciate the intent. The intent is there.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from February 4, 2026. Members then took up resolutions out of order, including Senate Joint Resolution 9 recognizing Missing Persons Day. Supporters described the scale of missing-person cases in Colorado and nationally, emphasized the role of families, law enforcement, and the public, and noted the importance of prompt investigations and technology. The resolution was adopted on a 58-0 vote, with seven excused.
The chamber then moved to special orders and considered House Bill 1041, concerning electronic vehicle records and electronic certificates of title. The committee report was adopted after an amendment clarifying that any party to a vehicle transaction may request a paper or electronic title. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays, costs, and administrative burdens while preserving ownership and lienholder protections and keeping paper titles available as the default. The bill passed the House unanimously.
Finally, the House began consideration of House Bill 1038 on county commissioner redistricting. The sponsor outlined seven committee amendments addressing county commissioner authority, outdated hearing references, competitiveness language, legislative declaration wording, elector standing to challenge maps, a correction to the competitiveness formula, and a bill-number fix. Debate then focused on amendment L10, which would remove the word “integrity” from the short title; supporters said the term could imply wrongdoing, while opponents wanted to keep it. L10 failed on a voice vote. Members then moved to amendment L8, which would carve out smaller counties from the bill’s redistricting requirements; discussion began, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that amendment or the bill itself.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- I think this legislation is necessary, but I can find myself voting for it when we still don't have that
- I think this legislation is necessary, but I can find myself voting for it when we still don't have that
- to vote this bill out of committee today, but with the intention and respect of your concerns that it
- I think that we would like to vote this bill out of committee today, but with the intention and respect
- I serve as the legislative liaison for Eagle.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment met with 13 members present, approved the June 4, 2026 minutes, and took up Senate Bill 947, which concerns dam registration, inspections, and related enforcement. The committee discussed a substitute that made technical changes and implementation adjustments, including lower registration fees for counties with multiple dams, extending registration validity from five to ten years, allowing conditional permits, giving EGLE flexibility to modify deficiency schedules, and adding provisions related to inspection reports and low-hazard dam evaluations. Members also raised an unresolved issue involving FERC preemption and hydroelectric dams; the chair and EGLE said that issue would continue to be worked on, likely through the floor process. Public testimony cards were read in support from a range of environmental and policy groups and individuals. The committee adopted the S-1 substitute 13-0 and then reported SB 947 to the floor on an 8-3 vote with two passes.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 627, which also had been heard previously. No additional questions were raised, and testimony cards were read in support from several organizations, including the Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club, the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum, and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. The committee voted to report SB 627 to the floor with the recommendation that it pass, and the bill was reported on an 11-1 vote with one pass.
Finally, the committee took testimony only on House Bill 4361, sponsored by Representative Green, which would direct the Public Service Commission to create a rule allowing utilities broader vegetation management within rights-of-way to improve grid reliability. Representative Green and Thumb Electric Cooperative’s Kevin Mazur testified that the bill would reduce outages, improve safety, and align statutory standards with existing utility practices. Several senators raised concerns that the language was too broad and could allow extensive tree removal, harming property owners, local control, tree canopy, and environmental and health interests; others said utilities already have similar authority and emphasized reliability and homeowner coordination. The committee did not take action on HB 4361 and adjourned after reading in testimony cards from utilities, environmental groups, and others both supporting and opposing the bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Workforce committee debates HF1325 to change MN's earned sick, safe time law 3/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the opportunity to share our members' support for legislative modifications to the sick
- violations like retaliation intentional violations like retaliation and<00:19:32.480>
to <00:19 - <00:42:12.240>
to goals of esst I urge legislators to goals of esst I urge legislators to - We believe it helps align more closely with what we believe was the original intent: providing earned
- <01:10:18.679>
by this place where we're legislating by this place where we're legislating
Summary:
The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties.
Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing.
Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, before we start, we're going to begin with a review of the legislation that we went through.
- Legislators are learning more. Agencies are asking better questions. We have a terrific ombudsman.
- And so maybe work, whether it be from us as legislators or the tribal folks to...
- It'd be from us as legislators or the tribal folks to kind of get the message out.
- I mean, there's so much legislation... ...good legislation that doesn't pass the first time, doesn't
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Under current law, when a municipality acts to disannex territory from an ESD, notification of intent
- As part of the legislative ... process to create the MUD, I met in person with legislative representatives
- This is a legislative council draft and it utilizes the MUD template.
- Notice of intent to introduce the legislation was given on February 4th, 2025, and it became eligible
- The intent of this legislation was to ensure municipalities joined residents as mutual stakeholders in
Bills:
HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665
Keywords:
traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- How does this legislation do that?
- But you know what, when I file legislation, too, though, and if I'm filing controversial legislation,
- Would you say that the intention of some is, Intention of some is to get trans kids out of our state,
- I think through this legislation.
- Solely focused on this piece of legislation, and I'm solely focused on this piece of legislation and.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 24th, 2026 at 09:09 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- The authority should not conflict with legislative intent of the operating budget as specified in Section
- And nine times out of ten, those things aren't really intentional.
- And nine times out of ten, those things aren't really intentional.
- This is legislation that's been worked on throughout the interim.
- The legislature passed some legislation last year.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So that all stays the same under this legislation.
- I think that the intentions of this bill are very good.
- And that's really where the intent of this bill lies.
- Coffey: I don't think that's the intent of our group, no sir.
- And I know that Chairman Cook, it's not your intention.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 6th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's my intention with this.
- And so that's so the the crux of the bill and the intent of the bill.
- So that's the intent of the bill. Thank you so much, Senator.
- My first piece of legislation...
- Thank you, Senator Klein-Peter, for being here and bringing this legislation.
Bills:
HCR50, HB123, HB219, HB251, HB404, HB769, HB1065, SB58, SB81, SB92, SB97, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB207, SB396, SB410
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, GPS ankle monitor, ankle bracelet, pretrial release, post-conviction supervision, bail monitoring, house arrest, corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecuting authority, court reporting, provider registration, LCLE, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice, data privacy, personal information, cybersecurity, confidentiality, monitoring violations
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and first considered SB 396, which would allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference. After adopting an amendment to clarify the in-person six-month review requirement and require OJJ staff to participate virtually as well, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 181, which creates a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations and allows related entities within a health system to operate under one charitable gaming license; after adopting the amendment, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee next debated SB 81 and SB 97, companion measures dealing with waiver of jury trials in non-capital felony cases. Supporters, including the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, argued that requiring prosecutorial consent would align Louisiana with federal practice and many other states and would reduce abuse of jury-trial waivers. Opponents, including criminal defense lawyers, the ACLU, and Vote, argued the bills would shift power to the state, reduce defendants’ control over their mode of trial, and could worsen delays and pressure on jailed defendants. SB 81 and SB 97 both passed on divided roll-call votes, 7-3.
The committee also reported SB 207 favorably, extending the prescriptive period for certain public corruption offenses to 10 years after an elected official or public employee leaves office; SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system; SB 156, increasing the maximum penalty for negligent homicide, with a technical amendment; SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum for aggravated flight from an officer and dedicating fine proceeds to pursuit training/technology; SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board to the Louisiana Supreme Court; and SB 410, creating enhanced penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses. Later, HB 769, dealing with a holding period for certain domestic violence-related offenders, was reported favorably as amended after debate over its relationship to existing “Gwen’s Law” procedures, and HB 251, requiring notice to victims or families in resentencing matters, was also reported favorably as amended after concerns about post-conviction procedure and possible duplication of existing notice requirements. The committee additionally voluntarily deferred HB 404 and heard HCR 50, which calls for reporting on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and clarification of funding guidance.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Intelligent speed assistance program established 2/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >
won't <00:14:31.440>solve This legislation, while it won't solve This legislation, while - But in terms of legislating, with that.
- comfortable uh seeding legislative comfortable uh seeding legislative authority<00:30:06.000>
- I don't think it's an appropriate way of legislating.
- I don't think it's an appropriate way of legislating.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- citizens they protect this legislation citizens they protect this legislation we<00:20:34.720>
- In respect to excluding private schools from this, that was the intent of the original legislation.
- In respect to excluding private schools from this, that was the intent of the original legislation.
- intent of the<00:39:43.960>
original <00:39:44.560>initial <00:39:44.960>legislation - unaddressed this piece of legislation unaddressed this piece of legislation does<01:02:57.760>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- But this legislation is not just about maintenance; it is also about modernization.
- Programs funded in this legislation are based on real needs identified by communities and supported by
- So our intent with these funds is that these are all other projects.
- Another look, and I think the intent is to think about how we can do as much as possible given all the
- The debt service—I just want to make clear—the intent for both programs would be not to just issue one
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit.
Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Government and Veterans Affairs Apr 9th, 2025 at 11:01 am
Government and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Representative Steiner, for the record, Dustin Richard, Legislative Council.
- That's not coming from any legislator. Thank you. All righty.
- And then the Secretary of State takes legislative, judicial, and statewide. Okay.
- Madam Chair, Representative Vetter, the intent... It says as reported aggregate only.
- Mr. or Madam Chair, Representative Vetter, the intent of the amendment is to make everything under $250
Bills:
SB2156
Keywords:
campaign finance, disclosure, political contributions, election transparency, North Dakota Century Code, 908, all
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review HB 2156, which reorganizes North Dakota campaign finance disclosure law by repealing Chapter 16.1 and moving the provisions into a new Chapter 16.2 with mostly technical cross-reference updates. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State’s office walked through the bill section by section, explaining that most language is carried over from current law, with some cleanup to definitions, reporting requirements, public access rules, and filing procedures. The committee discussed how the new chapter would apply to candidates, candidate committees, political committees, political parties, ballot measure groups, and conduits.
Several substantive issues were raised and adjusted during the discussion. Members questioned the open-records language for expenditures and contributions over $250, the use of “deposit” versus “receipt” as the reporting trigger, and whether the 48-hour supplemental reporting deadline should be changed to three calendar days; the group ultimately favored keeping 48 hours and using “deposit” consistently. They also clarified reporting dates, including changing one special-election deadline from 40 days to 39 days, and confirmed that balances of campaign funds would be reported but not made publicly available. The Secretary of State’s office also explained that the bill would make late fees public and that the chapter-wide penalty for willful violations remains a Class A misdemeanor.
The main policy change debated at length was the late-filing fee schedule. Members expressed concern that the existing penalties were too low to deter intentional non-filers, and after discussion the committee agreed to increase the final late fee from $100 to $500 while keeping the new public posting of delinquent filers. The committee also reviewed an inflation-adjustment provision for reporting thresholds and the “ultimate true source of funds” language, which was described as existing law being carried into the new chapter. The meeting ended with the understanding that additional drafting changes would be made and that the bill would be ready for further committee action later in the week.