Transcript Highlights:

• So you're going to have a court-appointed attorney in a criminal case where there's potential jail time
• :27.280><c> where</c><02:22:27.520><c> there's</c><02:22:27.840><c> potential</c><02:22:28.160><c> jail
• </c><02:22:28.479><c> time</c> case where there's potential jail time case where there's potential jail

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee met on April 15, 2025, and opened a hearing on Senate Bill 269, which would remove references to “bride and groom” and replace them with “applicants” in the Vital Records Act. The bill was described by the sponsor’s designee as a housekeeping update requested by the Secretary of State to modernize and standardize the language in light of same-sex marriage and to make the statute gender-neutral. Members asked whether the change would affect the substance of marriage law, marriage ceremonies, age and residence requirements, or open the door to polygamy; the response was that it would not change the law, would still apply to two adults, and would not supersede New Hampshire’s ban on polygamy. Some members noted the bill had passed the Senate unanimously and 18-0, while others questioned whether the change was necessary given existing forms and statutes, and whether it could create confusion with other laws such as alimony or divorce paperwork. The discussion became lengthy and somewhat informal, with members debating whether the terminology update was merely clerical or whether it should be postponed for more information from the Secretary of State’s office. Several members expressed frustration that no representative from that office was present. One member, speaking as a family law attorney, argued the bill was redundant because similar information already appears on vital statistics forms and could potentially create unintended issues; others countered that the Legislature should keep statutes consistent with current law and modern terminology. The committee also briefly discussed how marriage certificates and licenses are labeled and how same-sex couples are designated under current law. After a Republican caucus break, the chair called for a nonbinding thumb vote on whether to postpone the bill. The committee voted to come back to the bill later, and the hearing on SB 269 was closed and postponed to a later executive session date. The chair then shifted to other committee business, including preparations for a later discussion with Chief Administrative Justice Ellen Kristo and a family court subcommittee exercise, but no further action was taken on SB 269 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, sometimes the client would rather be there than they would in jail.
• </c><01:15:52.800><c> they</c><01:15:52.960><c> would</c><01:15:53.120><c> in</c><01:15:53.480><c> jail
• </c> there than they than they would in jail. there than they than they would in jail.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• needed was, I don’t know, let’s say $10,000, and they were very convinced because that person was in jail
• </c><01:20:05.120><c> person</c><01:20:05.440><c> was</c><01:20:05.920><c> in</c><01:20:06.280><c> jail
• </c><01:20:07.280><c> and</c> because that person was in jail and because that person was in jail and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some are boarding in hospitals or jails.
• c><01:43:47.600><c> in</c><01:43:47.840><c> hospitals</c><01:43:48.239><c> or</c><01:43:48.600><c> jails
• </c><01:43:49.600><c> And</c> are boarding in hospitals or jails.
• And are boarding in hospitals or jails.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and up to half the times we ask of the people that wind up in county jails or in need of more care
• 58:18.720><c> county</c> the people that wind up uh in county the people that wind up uh in county jails
• :20.400><c> more</c><00:58:20.640><c> care</c><00:58:20.880><c> than</c><00:58:21.119><c> just</c> jails
• or in need of more care than just jails or in need of more care than just the<00:58:21.920><c> criminal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• their paperwork up to date so they don't get kicked off MA, so the county's not paying for holding at jails
• paying<00:59:33.440><c> for</c><00:59:33.839><c> holding</c><00:59:34.640><c> at</c><00:59:35.040><c> jails
• </c><00:59:35.839><c> because</c> paying for holding at jails because paying for holding at jails because

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if there's an escaped person from a jail or prison, it would make it again quicker, and it would
• a escaped person And then if there's a escaped person from<00:10:05.200><c> a</c><00:10:05.280><c> jail
• </c><00:10:05.840><c> or</c><00:10:06.040><c> prison</c> from a jail or prison from a jail or prison

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• are very few shelters outside the metro, and often the only bed for someone there is in the county jail
• </c><00:20:02.400><c> in</c><00:20:02.640><c> the</c><00:20:02.880><c> county</c><00:20:03.640><c> jail
• </c> for someone there is in the county jail. for someone there is in the county jail.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the child protection system, care programs, NICU, hospitalizations, foster care, respite care, or jails
• foster care, niku, hospitalizations, foster care, respbit<01:20:37.440><c> care,</c><01:20:38.040><c> jails
• Last</c><01:20:39.440><c> week</c><01:20:39.679><c> alone,</c><01:20:40.080><c> we</c> respbit care, jails
• Last week alone, we respbit care, jails.

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• photo, the booking photo that was taken on April 22nd of you dressed all in black at the Becker County Jail
• <01:04:58.560><c> the</c><01:04:58.640><c> Becker</c><01:04:59.000><c> County</c><01:04:59.360><c> Jail
• </c><01:04:59.680><c> was</c><01:04:59.920><c> in</c> at at the Becker County Jail was in at at the Becker
• County Jail was in indeed<01:05:01.600><c> you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My partners and I fight to keep some of these veterans alive, under roofs, and out of jail.
• when he comes through because I've got a bet on the game, and, you know, here's $10,000, you're in jail—that's
• I don't think we should be doing bills that create... $10,000 uh you're in jail that's what $10,000 uh
• you're in jail that's what you<01:19:12.760><c> say</c><01:19:13.120><c> in</c><01:19:13.320><c> that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have a core function of having telecommunicators answer the calls for dispatch, people operate our jails
• have a core function of having telecommunicators answer the calls for dispatch, people operate our jails
• have a core function of having telecommunicators answer the calls for dispatch, people operate our jails
• have a core function of having telecommunicators answer the calls for dispatch, people operate our jails

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember a few years ago I went through the process pretending I was being released from jail and some
• We just had Emerald Daniels in jail for 40 years and he didn't do it.
• We just said my father-in-law spent 12 years in jail and he didn't do it. So mistakes happen.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• phases in her first term with $6.2 million, but that they need to make sure the former Ramsey County jail
• phases in her first term with $6.2 million, and that they need to make sure the former Ramsey County jail
• phases in her first term with $6.2 million, but that they need to make sure the former Ramsey County jail

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Jail stays decreased... ...we were able to decrease those by 66%. Jail stays decreased 86%.
• that we are missing in Bismarck, and that would divert people from the emergency departments and the jail

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring. Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere. Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator O'Malley: Madam President, Senator, it's my understanding that he is in jail.
• That's the way you stop crime, by putting the people that perpetrate the crime in jail.
• It's their unruly kids that are not being kept in the jails, Madam President and Senator, because they're

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation, and handled several announcements and courtesy motions, including excusing some members and relaxing the dress code. The chamber then adopted committee reports on several bills, including Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 30, and Senate Bill 43. It then moved to third reading of Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate Bill 17, the “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act.” SB 17 was read at length and explained by Senator O’Malley and co-sponsor Senator Bergman as a gun crime prevention measure aimed at dealer security, employee training, recordkeeping, reporting requirements, inspections, and a ban on future dealer sales or transfers of certain firearms and accessories, including high-capacity magazines, .50-caliber rifles and cartridges, gas-operated semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, and machine guns. Supporters argued the bill targets the retail-to-criminal pipeline, improves accountability, and would help reduce gun trafficking and violence. Opponents argued it infringes on constitutional rights, would not stop criminals from obtaining guns, and would burden law-abiding citizens and dealers. The chamber then debated Floor Amendment No. 1 by Senator Brantley, which would have struck Section 7, the portion banning certain weapons and devices. Supporters of the amendment said Section 7 was the most constitutionally vulnerable part of the bill and would likely be litigated, while opponents said the section was central to the bill’s purpose and consistent with Second Amendment case law. The amendment failed on a roll call vote, 15-22. A second amendment by Senator Block, which would have exempted certain under-21 employees from the bill’s age restriction if they were military members, veterans, or had completed hunter safety or 4-H programs, was then taken up and debated, with supporters emphasizing military training and youth firearms education as evidence of responsibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we'll have<00:17:04.000><c> it</c><00:17:04.079><c> in</c><00:17:04.160><c> jail</c><00:17:04.480
• > next</c><00:17:05.199><c> this</c><00:17:05.439><c> month</c><00:17:05.760><c> on</c> have it in jail
• card next this month on have it in jail card next this month on the<00:17:06.079><c> 20th.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the Legislative Budget Assistant audit of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification’s response to 12 findings, especially those tied to mental health workforce licensure. The executive director said 10 findings were substantially resolved, one fully resolved, and one partially resolved, with most issues tied to ongoing rulemaking. He explained that the office regulates 61 professions, has limited rules-drafting staff, and is working through a long rulemaking process while also adapting to frequent statutory changes. The committee discussed the first finding on license portability/endorsement, which the director said was the office’s highest priority and had been implemented through universal recognition rules adopted in 2023. Members asked detailed questions about how the office reviews other states’ licensing standards, whether it evaluates jurisdictions case-by-case or maintains a database, and how many jurisdictions qualify for endorsement in various professions. The director said the office initially reviewed all states and professions at once, now maintains and updates a list of substantially similar jurisdictions, and sometimes evaluates narrower jurisdictions such as counties, cities, or foreign countries. He noted that some professions, like nursing, have broad reciprocity, while others, including some mental health-related fields, vary widely and may have only a limited number of qualifying jurisdictions. He also said the office is exploring whether AI could help with research and tracking, though not with final verification. The committee then turned to expedited licensure processing. The director said the office now handles examination, review, and issuance or denial based on board-set criteria, rather than requiring every board to review every application, which has sped up processing. He said delays still occur with criminal background checks and FBI fingerprint processing because of paper forms, federal involvement, and back-and-forth with the Department of Safety when releases are incomplete or incorrect. Members raised concerns about broader state process bottlenecks and asked whether legislation could help streamline the system. A legislator said he was already working on related background-check language for another agency and believed the current draft may satisfy FBI requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• side</c><00:37:32.160><c> of</c><00:37:32.319><c> St</c><00:37:32.640><c> Paul</c><00:37:33.640><c> jail
• </c><00:37:34.000><c> companies</c> east side of St Paul jail companies east side of St Paul jail companies

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, we're putting people at risk of spending seven nights in jail for not knowing the edge of
• it was easier and faster to move legislation to fill a loophole that was accidentally put in by the jail
• it was easier and faster to move legislation to fill a loophole that was accidentally put in by the jail

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session on several House bills. HB 212, allowing a 180-day operation waiver when a vehicle fails an emissions test, was retained at the sponsor’s request for possible modifications. HB 249, which would have let bicyclists treat stop signs as yields and stop lights as stop signs, was recommended inexpedient to legislate (ITL) by a 9-7 vote, with a minority report expected. The committee then retained HB 298, creating an exception for removing VIN tags from pre-1981 vehicles when needed for repair or restoration, by a 15-1 vote. HB 411-FN, making handheld device use while driving a secondary offense, was recommended ITL by consent after members argued the current primary-offense law is more effective for enforcement and safety. On HB 414, which would have barred DMV license suspensions based on debts owed to private towing or storage companies, the committee rejected ITL and instead retained the bill 16-0 after members split over whether the current law unfairly ties driving privileges to private debt collection. HB 441, addressing visible diesel emissions and “rolling coal,” was recommended ITL 16-0 because members said the conduct is already illegal under existing state and federal law. The committee then took up HB 461, concerning Department of Safety and DMV training and testing materials, where members debated whether driver testing should be limited to English and whether multilingual materials are a safety necessity or discriminatory; the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• directed, on or before September 1, 2026, the Department of Corrections or the person in charge of the jails

Keywords: Cannabis Retail Market, Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a, 976, house, all