Transcript Highlights:

• In my brain, or written out in my brain, I have an idea, yes, but it's visiting with them, and I visited
• In my brain, or written out in my brain, I have an idea, yes, but it's visiting with them, and I visited
• That could be kind of an idea. That could be kind of an idea.
• It's kind of sharing the student input and kind of adding that value to the pre-existing ideas of the
• It's kind of sharing the student input and kind of adding that value to the pre-existing kind of ideas

Summary: The committee met at Dakota College at Bottineau, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and heard an extensive campus update from Dean Corey Gorder and other DCB leaders. Gorder described the college’s affiliation with Minot State and its growing use of shared services, including business office functions, HR, institutional research, Title IX, printing, financial aid support through UND, and payroll support through NDSU. He said the arrangement lets DCB focus on its core mission while relying on system partners for specialized administrative work, and noted that accreditation concerns were not believed to limit those shared-service arrangements. He also highlighted DCB’s mission, enrollment growth, dual-credit reach across rural schools, and the college’s emphasis on nursing, dental, paramedic, farm management, and other workforce-oriented programs. Committee members asked detailed questions about dual credit, program delivery, and whether DCB’s partnerships were exclusive. Gorder said the relationships are generally collaborative rather than exclusive, that schools can choose other providers, and that many partnerships began through personal outreach and ongoing relationships with rural schools. Lisa Johnson of the university system added that transfer complaints are rare and that dual credit generally transfers well within North Dakota, though highly selective out-of-state institutions may treat credits differently. Members also asked about stipends for high school instructors, the share of K-12 versus DCB instructors, and the capacity limits in dental hygiene and other programs. Gorder said dental hygiene is capped by space and staffing, that there were more applicants than seats, and that expansion is being considered; he also said he would provide follow-up information on the paramedic program and instructor breakdowns. Gorder closed by identifying long-term challenges, including aging residence halls, recruiting faculty and staff, and the need to review low-enrollment programs. He said DCB should consider expanding into more high-demand trades such as welding, HVAC, and electrical work, and should streamline dual credit and strengthen its Minot programming. The committee then heard from the North Dakota Student Association, whose leaders outlined student priorities from the last session and the interim. Their main concerns included campus housing quality and affordability, food insecurity and food pantries, mental and physical health resources, student-led research funding, academic and career readiness, internships, and campus collaboration. They also discussed dual credit, saying it is valuable but uneven across the state, and raised questions about how to better retain students in North Dakota through the system. Members asked follow-up questions about housing, transferability of dual credit, and whether incentives could be used to encourage students to stay in-state for higher education.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee thought it was a good idea, especially to try to focus more on economic development efforts
• the concern is less with sort of the company that is bringing forth, that it's sort of spurring the idea
• this event, it'll just be in Lincoln and Omaha, but hey, I guess we're the testing ground for new ideas
• But like I said, the... ...for new ideas.
• I think that's not a good idea.

Bills: LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787

Keywords: LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska

Transcript Highlights:

• What terrifies me now about this conversation is the idea that we're going to turn Halstead Bead into
• The idea is that if you have more than 5% of the publicly traded corporation, then you end up in some
• And so the idea is that the system does invest in private equity funds, correct?
• But this is the most fair plan I've seen, and thank you for this creative idea. I think it's next.
• So, you know, for me, I think this is a creative idea.

Bills: HB2143, HB2273, HB2290, HB2373, HB2784, HB2794, HB4037

Keywords: public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, I'm going to start looking across the room quickly to get an idea of questions.
• You're lucky I didn't put APD at the same table with you, but that might have been a good idea.
• When I heard that organization existed, I thought that's a very promising idea, so I joined.
• It condemns the idea that the military should be used as a policing force.
• I just think that's a great idea, Mr. Chair. That's all I really do.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:23.839> fund<00:10:24.079> a<00:10:24.320> bipartisan<00:10:24.959> idea
• new restitution fund a bipartisan idea new restitution fund a bipartisan idea and<00:10:26.800><
• Um, or a baby bonus, which is an idea from Representative Hansen that was also bipartisan, to try to
• 04.880> good increasing the cannabis tax, not a good increasing the cannabis tax, not a good idea
• , especially when the market's just idea, especially when the market's just starting.<00:27:07.120>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea that the majority of departments won't need extra space.
• Taxpayers have no idea this is happening.
• We have no idea how much the hoteling, redoing the cubicles.
• So I turned to work, I don't think it's a good idea.
• You guys have no idea there what we do every day.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this would be a benefit to you, and somewhere along the line somebody thought this would be a good idea
• <00:37:23.440> but<00:37:23.599> I thought this would be a good idea but I thought
• this would be a good idea but I just<00:37:23.839> want<00:37:23.920> to<00:37:24.000><
• But in that reporting and coming forward and saying this happened, the idea of I'm going to have to go
• of I'm going to have to go it the idea of I'm going to have to go through<00:43:46.880> a<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so as we move through this testimony, the idea is because we have to recess at 1:30 to try to get
• I think the idea is just to clarify exactly when we can and cannot use UAVs.
• I think the idea is just to person.
• It'd be a complete fabrication of ideas to try to comply with this.
• It'd be a complete fabrication of ideas to try to comply with this.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• middle we used the money kind of in the middle we used for<00:05:01.840> uh<00:05:02.160> ideas
• and topics that we both had for uh ideas and topics that we both had shared<00:05:04.880> feelings
• <00:25:38.159> I<00:25:38.400> have<00:25:38.480> no<00:25:38.640> idea
• I have no idea how much know nothing.
• I have no idea how much the<00:25:39.440> CEO<00:25:39.679> of<00:25:39.840> this

Bills: HF2446, HF2563, HF2444

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea of opportunity and prosperity in my community are currently not reflected when a family has
• So it's not just the hospital district saying, you guys think it's a good idea?
• Yeah, I think it's a good idea.
• Yes, and, and the What inflation has done to our residents, to just give you an idea.
• Most lawmakers would rightfully reject that idea and so we think um lawmakers should reject this idea

Transcript Highlights:

• It seems a bit odd to me, but my question is, and I appreciate your thoughts, that it's a good idea to
• It seems a bit odd to me, but my question is, and I appreciate your thoughts, that it's a good idea to
• It seems a bit odd to me, but my question is, and I appreciate your thoughts, that it's a good idea to
• It seems a bit odd to me, but my question is, and I appreciate your thoughts, that it's a good idea to
• KDLA seems a bit odd to me, but my question is, and I appreciate your thoughts, that it's a good idea

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:12 SB 4 (Sen. Mays Bledsoe): 01:34 SB 58 (Sen. Webb): 04:53 SB 117 (Sen. Madon): 07:40 SB 121 (Sen. Wheeler): 10:52 SB 237 (Sen. Howell): 13:09 SB 71 (Sen. Boswell): 18:54 SB 174 (Sen. Nunn): 38:18 SB 176 (Sen. Nunn): 40:54 SB 183 (Sen. Nunn): 42:31 Adjournment: 49:51, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, which would create a risk-based AI governance framework for state government and address AI-generated misinformation in campaigns and elections. The sponsor said the bill came from the AI task force and is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible use of AI while distinguishing between internal and external systems. The committee took a roll call vote and reported the bill out 7-0. The committee then heard Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Sen. Webb, which would allow Kentucky Retirement System benefits to be designated to a Special Needs Trust for a beneficiary. Webb said the bill would help families of special-needs children preserve benefits for supplemental needs such as adaptive equipment, technology, and medical or dental care not covered by government programs. He said retirement systems had provided no-impact letters, and the bill passed 7-0. Members also approved Senate Bill 117, which would let cities adjust incentive payments for training by appointed and elected city officials and remove the statutory minimum from ordinance requirements, and Senate Bill 121, which would authorize county judges to contract with rescue groups to deal with wild horse herds in rural areas. SB 117 passed 10-0 and SB 121 passed 10-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 71, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with local library board appointments. Sen. Boswell said the bill was a compromise but that he preferred removing KDLA from the process entirely; library representatives opposed the committee substitute and said they wanted KDLA out of the selection process. Several senators expressed conditional support but said they wanted further changes, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill out after a roll call vote with 10 yeas and 1 pass, with members noting they expected further floor amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that gives you just a real kind of specific idea about what can happen in the state of Arkansas to
• And they give you an idea of what's happening year over year to determine if things are improving or
• So when you look at pay for performance, I would love to see, and this is a crazy idea, I would love
• So when you look at pay for performance, I would love to see, and this is a crazy idea, I would love
• The idea is there are other states who've been doing it for a while, and it's working.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness policy and behavioral health. Testimony focused on the view that Arkansas should shift toward more data-driven, outcomes-based responses to homelessness, including stronger treatment options for serious mental illness and substance use disorder, better data collection, provider accountability, and possible statewide use of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. Speakers from Fort Smith, Restore Hope, Our House, and Western Arkansas Counseling described local work, the need for better coordination across providers, and the role of crisis services, ACT teams, and employment support. Members asked about sex offender tracking, the difference between sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, how to scale successful programs statewide, and whether Arkansas could apply for a statewide Continuum of Care or CCBHC planning grant. The discussion also touched on camping bans, civil commitment, and federal funding changes, with several speakers urging the state to pursue the CCBHC planning grant and more transparent reporting systems. After the homelessness discussion, the committee moved through a series of Department of Energy and Board of Nursing rule reviews. DEQ proposed updating the post-closure cleanup threshold for solid waste matters from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025, and members asked about financial assurance and oversight; the rule was reviewed without objection. The Board of Nursing then presented multiple rule changes tied to recent acts, including adding fees for dialysis patient care technician registration, expanding contact-information requirements, implementing APRN delegation authority to unlicensed workers, clarifying APRN authority for death certificates and durable medical equipment prescriptions, updating certified medication assistant training and insulin-injection authority, and conforming independent-practice rules for clinical nurse specialists. Each rule was reviewed without objection. Near the end of the meeting, Senator Irvin announced that UAMS had completed its NCI designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, calling it an important milestone for the state. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you have any idea what percentage? Because right now it is very expensive.
• So do you have any idea of the time frame where they can do that? Before they would be licensed?
• You know, if headquarters had a good idea...
• You know, headquarters had a good idea, another requirement got put into place.
• And like I said, a lot of good ideas crept in that weren’t necessary.

Summary: The meeting was a presentation and Q&A at Idaho National Laboratory focused on the state of nuclear energy, advanced reactors, and the lab’s role in testing, regulation, and commercialization. Speakers described INL’s broader mission beyond nuclear, including cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, but emphasized its major nuclear capabilities: the Advanced Test Reactor, TREAT, the Materials and Fuels Complex, and other test beds used to accelerate fuel and materials testing. They also highlighted the lab’s size, workforce, internship pipeline, and partnerships with DOE, DHS, DOD, and private companies. A major topic was the federal push to speed up nuclear deployment through executive orders and regulatory reform. Speakers said DOE and the NRC are reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, streamlining environmental reviews, and working toward a goal of having three new nuclear systems achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. They discussed the difference between microreactors, small modular reactors, and traditional gigawatt-scale plants, arguing that advanced reactors can be factory-built, safer, and better suited for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, and other nontraditional uses. They also said the U.S. is rebuilding its nuclear supply chain, including enrichment and fuel fabrication, and that states willing to host parts of the fuel cycle could see major economic benefits. The speakers addressed questions about cost, safety, waste, and international competition. They said advanced reactors rely on passive safety features, TRISO fuel, and natural circulation, and that the industry’s challenge is often cost uncertainty rather than a precise fuel or materials limit. They argued used nuclear fuel should be viewed as a resource rather than waste if recycling becomes policy, and said microreactors should produce relatively small amounts of spent fuel. They also noted that China and Russia continue to build aggressively, with China on pace to surpass the U.S. in total nuclear generation, while U.S. projects such as Palisades, Crane Clean Energy Center, Duane Arnold, Oklo, Aalo, MARVEL, and Project Pele are moving forward under DOE and private-sector partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a very good idea. Senator Brookshire, recognized for a question on the amendment.
• The idea just came to me just now from the good lady from Porter. Senator Brooks, for a follow-up.
• Do we have an idea of where that $92 million is coming from? Thank you. No, no raising of taxes.
• I've had a pretty good outcry from my district from some previous ideas that exited this chamber, and
• Where would education rank if you ask someone who had no idea what happened in that building or what

Bills: SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you agree that it would be maybe a safe idea or at least as our body is looking, the body is looking
• It's not that your idea is not a good idea, but where I live, we don't like to be told you have to do
• We figure that we've got our own ideas and sometimes they work better than the ideas that come from here
• How does this work so we put together this pilot idea.

Bills: HB3552, HB2984, HB4124, HB3934, HB3448, HB3131, HB4200, HB4201, HB3011, HB1912, HB3380, HB3881, HB3538, HB3851, HB3907, HB4430, HB4431, HB4457

Keywords: childcare, differential pricing, Department of Human Services, child care subsidy, licensed providers, emergency legislation, child care, subsidy program, annual report, program integrity, overpayments, ivermectin, over-the-counter medication, pharmacy immunity, healthcare access, FDA approval, prescription, public health, dentistry, licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• I like the idea and concept of this bill.
• I like the idea and concept of this bill.
• I think it's a great idea. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Any pro? Oh, Mr.
• think<00:18:34.400> it's<00:18:34.559> a<00:18:34.720> great<00:18:34.799> idea
• think it's a great idea. Thank you, Mr. think it's a great idea. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3467, a policy bill by Representative Ray Brower that would give the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs clearer statutory authority to collaborate with veterans organizations using staff time, expertise, and other nonmonetary resources. Brower and MDVA testified that the bill is permissive, does not move money, and is intended to help the agency support initiatives related to food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and similar needs. They cited a DAV-led effort to expand veterans food pantry services statewide as the main example, including possible use of MDVA space and staff support, and noted a reporting requirement to legislative veterans committee leaders. John Kelly of MDVA said the bill arose from discussions with agency counsel and is meant to avoid uncertainty about whether the department can partner quickly on emerging initiatives. Stefan Whitehead of the Disabled American Veterans described the food pantry work already underway in Minneapolis, where DAV says it serves about 300 boxes of food a month, and said the organization wants to expand statewide with MDVA’s help in identifying need, coordinating partners, and connecting veterans to benefits and other resources. He emphasized that DAV is not seeking state funding, but rather MDVA expertise and coordination. Members generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the bill’s wording and whether it could be read to allow use of agency resources beyond nonmonetary support or lead to added costs or staff positions. Chair Bliss and Representative Wilson asked for clarifying language to ensure the bill does not authorize spending or full-time employees, and Kelly said MDVA was willing to work on amendments to make that clear. The committee did not take final action and instead laid the bill over for possible amendment and further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Roach: We should be able to disagree on things, debate ideas, and maybe agree to disagree
• So her original idea was to establish a Students and Survivor Grant program for students in school to
• And so her bill, or her idea, won the contest because she wanted to raise awareness so that students
• That is the idea, that is what white supremacy is.
• Representative Roach: It says that in Florida, ideas are answered with ideas.

Transcript Highlights:

• But one day when our kids leave us, they're gonna have no idea what's out there for them.
• Ideas cannot and should never be censored. Let me leave you with one final question.
• The idea is contained in those books and seek but their removal to prescribe what shall be orthodox in
• And let me say this in closing idea Street is not having any problems. Budget wise. We have.
• So our know ya'll take it out and take the idea Street.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought it would be a good idea to have and update on how as being utilized in our departments.
• So we don't maintained vacancies intentionally with the idea of using those dollars to adjust other pay
• But that's the idea that AG critical moments in the recording.
• Do you have any idea how recently that that's one of those 4, 5, that currently being reclassified?
• There's also an idea that's been floated for us to be able to waive people in at this point.

Transcript Highlights:

• brief overview of what we're looking at with our legislative budget request to kind of give you an idea
• But just to give you an idea for the most recent year, 2024-25, it was a little over 14,500 completers
• The idea is that a student's taking 15 hours in the fall or 15 hours in the spring.
• My question might be a little bit beyond the specific scope of this presentation, but the big idea of
• So the idea is, are you successful, right?

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first meeting of the session and heard presentations focused on workforce education in the Florida College System and district technical colleges. Members introduced themselves and discussed their personal connections to higher education, then heard from Department of Education senior chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, South Florida State College president Fred Hawkins, and Pinellas Technical College representative Mark Hunt. O’Farrell outlined the department’s budget request, including increases for adult education, Florida College System program funds, workforce development capitalization grants, apprenticeship and teacher apprenticeship programs, Open Door scholarships, and CAPE industry certification funding. He emphasized record growth in enrollments, completions, dual enrollment, and program offerings, and described grant-funded expansion in fields such as health sciences, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and AI-related programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether current programs match actual labor-market demand, how artificial intelligence may reduce future human labor needs in some fields, and how the state should avoid unwarranted duplication of programs. O’Farrell said the department uses economic forecasts, employer demand data, and a CTE audit process to review programs and phase out those that do not meet performance thresholds. Members also asked for more detail on the teacher apprenticeship model, the transition from technical college clock hours to college credit, job placement and salary outcomes, and the LPN-to-RN pathway. O’Farrell said he would provide additional information later. Hawkins described South Florida State College’s rural service area, low college-going rates, and difficulty recruiting and retaining faculty and staff because salaries lag behind local market alternatives and nearby school district pay. He said the college has had to turn away students in high-demand programs due to staffing and operational limits, while also noting strong outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography. Hunt said Pinellas Technical College serves about 5,000 students annually, including many dual-enrolled high school students, and reported a placement rate above 90% and strong local economic returns. He said many programs have waiting lists and that additional operational funding is needed to meet demand, maintain equipment, and keep pace with salary and cost increases. The meeting ended after public comment was opened and no further business was brought before the committee, and the committee adjourned.