Transcript Highlights:

• Not only that, but the Open Meetings Act puts liability directly on individual bad actors and, in many
• Well, I thought that this might have been where many would welcome transparency, liability protections
• So it could be meaningful to a community if MPRO recommends a reduction from immediate jeopardy to actual

Bills: HB2510, HB3589, HB4611, HB4655, HB4665, HB4666, HB4670, HB4700, HB4730, HB4798, HB4838, HB5136, HB5243, HB5302, HB5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• When faced with increased liability, compliance, and complexity, they respond in predictable ways: they
• When faced with increased liability,<02:58:05.840> compliance,<02:58:06.560> complexity,
• ><02:58:07.840> they liability, compliance, complexity, they liability, compliance, complexity

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I tax reduction as a ballot initiative?
• why we have incorporated the reduction why we have incorporated the reduction of<00:36:14.800>
• a reduction in agency 206 division 1300. a reduction in agency 206 division 1300.
• Um we have a reduction we're doing here.
• > due<02:33:04.560> to<02:33:05.680> an of that reduction is due to an of that reduction

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• back won't be available next year for a back of the<01:51:55.599> budget<01:51:55.840> reduction
• Um so those are of the budget reduction.
• So we have not been at the fiscal liability, I think, for 12 plus years.
• I think for 12 uh the fiscal liability I think for 12 plus<03:51:12.800> years.
• in the overall would see a net reduction in the overall revenue<03:56:28.000> that<03:56:28.319

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• :37:18.960> of<00:37:19.119> care<00:37:19.359> is<00:37:19.599> for liability
• The standard of care is for liability.
• <00:37:25.040> And it's a it's a harm reduction model.
• And it's a it's a harm reduction model.
• which is it is a harm reduction model. which is it is a harm reduction model.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans. DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment. The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services. Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• the committee is that a like amount appropriation be added to this bill with a dollar-for-dollar reduction
• the committee is that a like amount appropriation be added to this bill with a dollar-for-dollar reduction
• Uh, to not only be able to pay for that, but offer liability protections for that.
• There's the UDub reduction.
• Um, you chose to restore $20 million of reduction, and we chose to restore on the Senate side all of

Bills: SF0032, SF0010, SF0001, HB0001

Keywords: 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• The MVMA believes the civil liability portion of this bill is not needed for a number of reasons.
• There is a reduction to the Soil Health Financial Assistance Grants of $320,000 from the general fund
• each fiscal year, for a reduction of $640,000 in the 2026-27 biennium and savings of $640,000 in the
• <01:05:03.760> in here's the corresponding reduction in here's the corresponding reduction
• financial<01:29:53.120> reporting reduction in the financial reporting reduction in the financial

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• company or a limited limited liability company or a limited partnership<04:50:38.200> but<04:
• <05:07:31.520> let's from unjust criminal liability let's from unjust criminal liability let's
• These cuts will result in a $286 billion real deficit reduction over 10 years.
• These cuts will result in a $286 billion real deficit reduction over 10 years.
• These cuts will result in a $286 billion real deficit reduction over 10 years.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And unfortunately, the larger operators look at lower marginal wells or stripper wells as a liability
• And really, it's a reduction in value that leads to a credit benefit of sorts.
• So we call it a credit, but technically speaking, it's a reduction in valuation of the property.
• unfilled, and potential future reductions in staff.
• Each reported that levy reductions were made tied to the cap.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees. A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale. The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• She said the bill ignores the simple and reductive definition of sex and the rudimentary understanding
• ><04:11:18.040> the<04:11:18.159> simple<04:11:18.479> and<04:11:18.800> reductive
• 377 ignoring the simple and reductive 377 ignoring the simple and reductive definition<04:11:19.920

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see that probably in a few minutes here, and there's also a lot of rate add-ons and rate reductions
• that make that much more rate reductions that make that much more complicated<00:03:27.200> so
• So it's where we start, and then from there there have been several rate add-ons and rate reductions
• <00:07:39.319> over<00:07:39.520> the add-ons and rate reductions over the add-ons
• so that we can and rate reductions so that we can increase<00:09:02.000> the<00:09:02.160>

Bills: HF1005

Keywords: health insurance, medical assistance, behavioral health, reimbursement rates, primary care services, physician fee schedule, managed care, residential services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 58.080> civil criminal prosecution rather than civil criminal prosecution rather than civil liability
• effect,<02:39:00.319> what<02:39:00.560> is<02:39:00.720> happening liability
• In effect, what is happening liability.
• in<03:34:56.960> the<03:34:57.120> general<03:34:57.359> fund temporary reduction
• in the general fund temporary reduction in the general fund reserve. reserve. reserve.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 163 with substitute by Representative Stubs, relating to the Property Insurance and Energy Reduction
• 57:30.000> Insurance<00:57:30.559> and<00:57:30.799> Energy<00:57:31.280> Reduction
• Property Insurance and Energy Reduction Property Insurance and Energy Reduction Act.
• <01:51:39.280> that<01:51:39.520> we One of the biggest liabilities that we One of
• the biggest liabilities that we carry<01:51:40.239> every<01:51:40.639> year<01:51:40.960

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll take on the liability.
• understand, and I can understand from the industry perspective just being concerned about what sort of liability
• where you could exempt a roof and some do to say you have no roof coverage, but if this is for a liability
• where you could exempt a roof and some do to say you have no roof coverage, but if this is for a liability
• proposal, and I don't see that we're going to be able to make progress on any specific health care cost reduction

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Correct, and there's probably huge liability issues on that because we're selling product that's considered
• c><00:54:16.400> huge correct and there's probably huge correct and there's probably huge liability
• issues on that because we're liability issues on that because we're selling<00:54:19.599> product
• 01:15:43.400> represents<01:15:43.840> a<01:15:44.000> 28%<01:15:44.800> reduction
• <01:15:45.239> so year which represents a 28% reduction so year which represents a 28% reduction

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony first from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson outlined short-term goals to reduce overcrowding, improve living and working conditions, fill vacancies, expand mental health services, and update the correctional master plan. He said the department is still dealing with severe overcrowding at facilities such as OCCC and HCCC, with 947 people at OCCC against a design capacity of 628, and noted 938 inmates are currently housed on the mainland because of temporary repairs at Halawa. He also reported progress on staffing, saying the correctional officer vacancy rate has dropped from 34.3% to 24% through expanded recruitment. The department’s major budget request was $30 million for planning and design for a new Old Triple C project, along with other requests for re-entry services, identification documents, security systems, radios, sink-toilet modules, and trauma-informed care. Members asked about the timing and scope of the OCCC project, courtroom space in new facilities, and the department’s plan to use the funding to improve re-entry and reduce recidivism. The committee then heard from the Department of Law Enforcement on a wide range of priorities. The department described requests to expand agricultural crime enforcement, traffic enforcement, illegal fireworks enforcement, and facilities such as a police building at the DKI airport, a state training center, and new police facilities in central and Leeward Oahu. It also discussed a major IT request for a statewide law enforcement and critical infrastructure notification platform, plus funding for grants management, the Wahiawa Civic Center and court complex, the prescription monitoring program, narcotics enforcement operations, and the narcotics lab. A significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed traffic enforcement program for commercial vehicle inspections, speeding, and DUI enforcement, which the department said would be funded with federal dollars and would operate concurrently with county police. Committee members questioned whether the effort duplicated county jurisdiction and how the program would be trained and staffed. Members also pressed the department on salary disparities for deputy sheriffs and related vacancies, and the department said the administration was working on a supplemental agreement and placeholder funding to address the issue. Additional discussion covered agricultural crime staffing, the Silver Alert program, and expansion of the forensic lab to handle explosives, firearms, and related evidence. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the meeting moved from the corrections presentation to the law enforcement budget review with questions and answers throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lower- and middle-income earners are going to see a larger percentage of reductions in their total liability
• in their total percentage of reductions in their total liability.<00:34:14.800> So<00:34:15.280
• So when the cuts are fully liability.
• <00:58:33.840> If >> significant tax reductions, right?
• If >> significant tax reductions, right?

Bills: HB2459, HB1616, HB1799, HB1604, HB1732, HB1736, HB1931, HB772, HB2153, HB2122, HB2009, HB2012, HB1779, HB2296, HB2397, HB2398, HB1596, HB2233, HB1976, HB1563, HB815, HB1655, HB1851, HB1941, HB2037, HB1635, HB2201, HB1943, HB1163, HB2452, HB2429, HB2148, HB2306, HB2007, HB2049, HB2616

Keywords: food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification, performance indicators, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, housing development, commercial projects, county authority, public works, construction standards, exemption, zoning, housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it trying to fill gaps, or is it really trying to drive near-term emissions reductions?
• Is it trying to fill gaps or is it really trying to drive near-term emissions reductions?
• One of the bills I worked on last session was around establishing a presumption of liability when a pedestrian

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• The government recommended a $26 million general revenue reduction.
• The government recommended a $26 million general revenue reduction.
• There's a limited liability company.

Summary: The House took up a series of conference committee reports and third-read Senate bills near the end of session, with several members also recognizing House drafters and research staff. The chamber first adopted and finally passed Senate Joint Resolution 87, which drew debate over whether the measure would remove the City of St. Louis sheriff as an elected office; supporters said the change also applied to other charter governments, while opponents argued it reduced local autonomy. The report and final passage both succeeded on 95-46 votes. Members then adopted and finally passed Senate Bill 973, a package combining a wholesaler/real estate transparency measure with a land bank provision. Senate Bill 1421, a broad public safety bill, was also advanced after a motion to exceed the conference differences; supporters highlighted provisions on clean slate, masked intimidation, prosecuting attorney salaries, fentanyl, gift card fraud, unmanned aircraft, and other public safety items. The conference report passed 116-18, the bill finally passed 110-25, and the emergency clause for the drone-related portion passed 136-5. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate Bills 835 and 1111, a combined conference report that included insurance consumer protections, court administration updates, treatment court and judgeship provisions, a St. Louis civil case surcharge, and the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. Senate Bill 1408 was stripped back to a single issue authorizing MoDOT to consider raising rural interstate speed limits from 70 to 75 mph, and it passed 93-46. Senate Bill 913, extending several agriculture tax credits and adding a short line railroad credit, prompted extended debate over tax credits, budget pressures, and whether such incentives should be extended now or later; a proposed child tax credit amendment was withdrawn, and the bill ultimately passed 107-30. The House then began debate on Senate Bill 1553, a critical minerals and pharmaceutical manufacturing incentive bill, with supporters framing it as a jobs and supply-chain security measure and opponents raising questions about tax incentives and local impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Projects stall, liability increases because unqualified practice is going to happen, and this increases
• evaluate the training and whether we should be traveling and going to training, so we would have a reduction
• Rising operational costs, increased license renewal volumes, and implementation of statutory reductions

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To align assets, dollars coming into the pension system with liabilities that will be going out.
• <01:08:42.159> that pension system with liabilities that pension system with liabilities that
• <01:18:30.080> for<01:18:30.320> the generating no new liabilities for the generating
• And multiple times we're increasing the liability on taxpayers, Mr. President. Rasmmanson.
• It's important to our mayors, and I would encourage a no vote. putting their family uh the liability

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took the roll, establishing a quorum. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of Senate File 3720, a workers’ compensation bill adopting 2026 recommendations of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and then moved through routine author changes and motions, including sending House File 3825 to the Finance Committee and advancing House File 3298, which was described as funding the removal and replacement of underground tanks to protect water supplies. A major floor item was Senate File 4282, the education forecast-adjustment bill. Senator Kunish explained that the conference committee updated appropriations to reflect forecast changes, added language on highly qualified paraprofessionals for Title I special education, provided tribal contract aid if a permanent school fund amendment passes, allowed districts to use operating capital for utility costs, extended grants for gender-neutral bathrooms, and made two school district fund transfers. The Senate adopted the conference report and passed the bill 34-33. The Senate then considered House File 3489, which would establish a felony offense of grooming, require reporting to licensing boards, update school and mandated reporter rules, and add funding for investigators. Supporters framed it as a child-protection measure based on a survivor’s testimony and a teacher-abuse case; one member also spoke in favor, while another offered a strongly partisan critique of public education. The Senate adopted the A11 amendment, gave the bill third reading, and passed it 66-0, then recessed briefly to honor guests in the gallery. After recess, the Senate took up House File 5074, the annual claims settlement bill. Senator Clark said it appropriates just over $5.1 million for claims including exoneration payments and a permanent injury claim, highlighting compensation for James Lamar Davis, Clayton Douglas Groves, and Marvin Haynes. The bill drew some debate over the Haynes payment and the calculation for an ankle injury claim, but it ultimately passed 64-2. The final item was House File 4074, the 2026 omnibus pension bill, described as improving public safety and other public employee retirement benefits, removing a COLA delay, creating work groups on duty disability, and addressing pension provisions for probation officers, 911 telecommunicators, St. Paul teachers, and other groups; the discussion was underway when the transcript ended.