Transcript Highlights:

• , we work with whatever our regulatory, we work with whatever our requirements<00:39:19.760><c> are</
• It really amped up production, and they've gotten incredibly efficient there.
• Any anything that you bumped up against from a process standpoint, a regulatory process, or anything
• Uh, we're under the same regulatory control as they are doing, you know, five, 10 hogs a day.
• </c><01:07:22.000><c> control</c> we're under the same regulatory control we're under the same regulatory

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, approved the June 5, 2025 minutes, and heard a presentation from Don Pemberton and David Buchanan of AgriKim/AgriCam on the Eddyville Riverport fertilizer terminal. They explained that the company supplies fertilizer, crop protection, and seed across western Kentucky, with the Eddyville port serving as a key source for about 100,000 tons of fertilizer annually and supporting roughly 20 counties and 19 wholesale customers. They said the existing facility is aging and vulnerable to river humidity and corrosion, and they proposed reconstructing the fertilizer bins into a fully enclosed, more durable facility with an estimated cost of about $1.76 million, far less than rebuilding from scratch. The presenters argued the project is important to keep fertilizer moving quickly during a short application season, to manage global supply disruptions and tariffs, and to avoid higher freight costs if product had to come through other ports. They also emphasized environmental benefits from a contained facility that would reduce runoff into nearby waters. Committee members asked about supply sources, demand trends, ownership, lease terms, and whether the building’s capacity would change. The witnesses said demand is increasing, much of the product still comes from overseas or other domestic ports, and the building would be owned by the company while the Riverport Authority owns the ground. Several members expressed support for the port’s importance to western Kentucky agriculture and noted the need for timely fertilizer storage and delivery. One member, however, said he was not in favor of using public money to subsidize a private, for-profit business and urged the company to negotiate a longer lease with the Riverport Authority before making such a capital investment. The discussion ended without a vote or formal action on the project, though members indicated the issue may be revisited and that the Riverport Authority will later present additional needs to the transportation committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, HJR 3 undermines that regulatory certainty, discourages investment, and threatens New Mexico's
• It undermines regulatory certainty, discourages investment, and threatens New Mexico's competitiveness
• However, we cannot support H.J.R. 3 as it will create such regulatory uncertainty.
• H.J.R. 3 will create such regulatory uncertainty for renewable energy developers, including heightened
• Interests such as economic growth and diversification, private property rights, or regulatory duties

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We improve patient outcomes and enhance health care team efficiency.
• Um, there's a lot of regulatory red tape in Alabama compared to Tennessee, compared to Georgia, compared
• We've surveyed Alabama PAs and physicians, and a lot of them are very concerned about the regulatory
• red tape in there's a lot of regulatory red tape in Alabama<00:18:32.480><c> compared</c><00:18:32.880
• Uh, you've mentioned several times when you were talking to us about regulatory red tape.

Bills: HB31, HB31

Keywords: absentee voting, disabled, blind, voter assistance, voting rights, SNAP, public assistance, nutritional standards, waiver, food regulation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> track of all of that um regulatory track of all of that um regulatory Services<00:06:21.080><c>
• </c> pesticides and in the uh regulatory pesticides and in the uh regulatory Services<00:28:54.679><c
• It's not a very physically efficient infrastructure.
• </c> uh targeting technology for efficiency uh targeting technology for efficiency and<04:18:26.080><
• I think that there are efficiencies that we can find in the office.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard an overview from the Agriculture Commissioner on the department’s major divisions and staffing. He described the Office of the Commissioner, Agricultural Development, Pesticides, Regulatory Services, Weights and Measures, Animal Industry, Plant Industry, and Soil Conservation, noting that many programs are federally funded or supported by dedicated fees and fines. He said the department has 44 full-time positions plus one DoIT employee shared with other agencies, and that HR services are now contracted through Administrative Services. He also explained that Soil Conservation is administratively attached to the department and funded through Moose Plate grants and county contributions, not direct state funding. Members asked about specific program functions and issues, including weights and measures inspections, animal health, bird flu response, internships, invasive species, and the Big E/New Hampshire building. The commissioner said weights and measures covers nearly all commercial measuring devices and products sold by weight, and that inspectors are currently part-time police officers, though the department is discussing removing that requirement. He said the department is actively involved in bird flu monitoring, including regular calls with USDA and the state veterinarian and collecting milk samples from dairy farms. On invasive species, he focused on Japanese knotweed and bittersweet, saying the department has only one staff person working on the issue, mainly as a coordinator with DOT and towns, and that eradication is extremely difficult. He also said the department does not run student internships and refers inquiries to UNH Cooperative Extension. The committee discussed budget and revenue issues, including three new general fund positions, one of which is the assistant commissioner and another a biological scientist for invasive species. The commissioner said the department had been in “triage mode,” that an assistant commissioner was needed because of workload, and that the department is a net positive to the General Fund each year. He said some fees and fines have not been updated in decades and would require legislation to change, including a proposed $5 fee for each animal database certificate to help fund a system that costs about $250,000 annually to maintain. In response to questions about budget reductions, he said the department protected personnel, reduced the cost-of-care fund, fair grants, and land preservation funding to about $25,000 each, and did not plan to buy new vehicles or computers. He also said he could not support including the $50,000 Conservation District resilience grant program in his budget under the current reduction targets, though he remained hopeful it might be funded another way.

Transcript Highlights:

• So allowing for a more efficient exchange of information would be helpful to the department and for other
• state agencies as well so that there can be a more efficient usage of resources by establishing a baseline
• where data exchanges can flow more freely. ...state agencies as well so that there can be a more efficient
• It will not impact monies dedicated to the oil and gas regulatory fund account.
• To the oil and gas regulatory fund account. Okay. Okay, is there any questions on the amendment?

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended. Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably. The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund. Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• reporting to a different agency at the Department of Industrial Relations, duplicating existing regulatory
• technologies that replace workers and tools that assist employees in performing routine tasks more efficiently
• employees would want to be able to use the systems because, one, it probably makes their job... ...more efficient
• lie with the expansion of the Fair Chance Act to create administrative burdens and a conflicting regulatory
• lie with the expansion of the Fair Chance Act to create administrative burdens and conflicting regulatory

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with testimony largely focused on worker protections, AI, workplace safety, and employment access. AB 1697 would delay implementation of AB 692 on employer debt traps by one year to allow more time to address collective bargaining concerns; it drew support from the NFL and no opposition. AB 2495 would expand prohibitions on immigration-related threats used by employers to intimidate workers, with strong support from immigrant-rights, labor, and legal aid groups describing coercion and fear among undocumented and new-arrival workers; it advanced on a divided roll with some members voting no or not voting. AB 2511 would require DIR to study pay disparities between behavioral health and medical-surgical providers, with supporters arguing low reimbursement drives provider shortages and opponents warning of duplicative reporting, proprietary-data concerns, and added administrative burden; it was moved forward to the Health Committee. AB 2157 would make permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund Pilot Program, with displaced refinery workers and labor/environmental groups supporting the bill as a needed transition tool; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2530 would require 60-day notice for public-employer layoffs, relocations, and closures, narrowed by amendment to public agencies; supporters said public workers deserve the same notice protections as private-sector workers, while some opposition sought clarification, and the bill passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 2488, which would direct DIR and UC to study Cal/OSHA inspector vacancies and recruitment pathways. Supporters, including a laid-off refinery worker and WorkSafe, said chronic understaffing has weakened enforcement and that experienced workers could fill the gap; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2545 would create an EDD study of AI-related workforce displacement and safety-net impacts, with labor and tech-policy supporters warning of large-scale job loss and the need for data to plan for unemployment and other public programs; business groups opposed the reporting and task-force structure but acknowledged the issue, and the bill passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 2027 would restrict employers and vendors from using worker data to train or deploy AI systems that replace workers, while limiting collection to what is necessary for employment administration; supporters framed it as a privacy and anti-displacement measure, and opponents argued the definitions were too broad and could hinder useful workplace technologies. The bill advanced to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 2095, the Fair Chance Act bill, was presented to clarify and strengthen rules limiting conviction-history screening in hiring, including written explanations and protections for applicants seeking promotions or new roles with current employers. Supporters described ongoing discrimination against people with records and the need for a real second chance, while opponents said the bill was too broad, added burdens, and could conflict with existing statewide rules. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on AB 2095, but the discussion centered on balancing reentry opportunities with employer concerns about individualized assessments and safety-based hiring decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that we've found slightly more efficient language.
• finally, plans for programmatic permits based upon project type and tools available to maximize efficiency
• I imagine that this effort on permitting reform and making our regulatory structure more accountable
• And bridges, but it is important that we get this work started and do it as quickly and efficiently as
• For regulatory reform. Follow-up? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Well, I just want to comment here.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s route jurisdiction transfer study. Commissioners and staff said the current state highway system is generally well connected and that wholesale realignment is not needed, but they recommended clarifying statutory criteria, improving the transfer process, increasing interagency coordination, and making data analysis more transparent. Members asked about why transfers occur, who pays for maintenance after a transfer, how often transfers happen, and how the Legislature’s role should be understood. Staff said there have been only 16 RJT transfers since 1991, with a net transfer of about 10 miles of state highway to cities, while DOT abandonments happen more often but are not tracked as consistently. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2172, which would fold longer abandonments and bridge-related abandonments into the RJT process, require pre-request conferences, expand legislative review of costs and risks, and update highway criteria. Tacoma officials, the Transportation Commission, counties, cities, and the Transportation Improvement Board testified in support, citing transparency, local input, and the need to address large bridge and corridor transfers; the bill sponsor said a substitute would allow agreed transfers to proceed without final legislative approval, but send disputed cases to the Legislature. The bill was also described as having an indeterminate fiscal impact, with WSDOT estimating possible added maintenance costs if transfers are delayed. The committee next heard House Bill 1367, which would allow motorcycles to use the right shoulder of limited-access highways under specific congestion conditions. The bill and a proposed substitute would limit shoulder use to wide shoulders, require hazard lights, cap speed at 10 mph over adjacent traffic, and bar passing other vehicles on the shoulder; the fiscal note projected costs for driver education and possible maintenance and signage impacts. The sponsor argued the bill would reduce rider fatigue, heat stress, and rear-end risk in stop-and-go traffic, while opponents from law enforcement and WSDOT said shoulders are intended for emergencies, debris and visibility create safety risks, and the proposal could increase maintenance and enforcement burdens. Several motorcyclists and advocates supported the bill as a safer alternative to lane splitting, while a student and some agencies said it would give riders a more predictable option; the committee then closed the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2174, which would create “crash prevention zones” in areas with repeated serious collisions or fatalities. The bill would allow cities, counties, towns, or WSDOT to designate zones after a public hearing, require engineering and traffic studies, increase enforcement, and impose a $73 penalty for certain infractions within signed zones, with revenue dedicated to safety work in the zone. The sponsor pointed to dangerous stretches of Highway 395 and Highway 12 in eastern Washington and said the bill is intended as a temporary safety tool until long-term fixes are completed. Counties and cities supported the concept and asked for liability protections and language from a Senate companion bill; the committee then moved to House Bill 2718, a transportation permitting and project-delivery bill. Staff said HB 2718 would impose timelines and deemed-approval rules for certain state and federal permits, require early outreach to affected governments and tribes, create a public contractor-rating website, and direct WSDOT to report on permit-streamlining options by December 1, 2027. The sponsor said the bill is meant to reduce delays and costs in transportation projects by improving accountability, coordination, and permitting efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• management is co-management between the national and the state government, which allows us to have efficiencies
• Assembly Member Connolly, you are recognized. us to have efficiencies in terms of enforcement, in terms
• It makes no sense to say, okay, we're going to cut some of the regulatory costs, the litigation costs
• , only to turn around and...” “...the regulatory costs, the litigation costs, only to turn around and
• the district attorney is bowing to public pressure and using it too much and imposing too many regulatory

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long floor session focused heavily on budget trailer bills, labor agreements, housing, environmental review, and several resolutions. Members also introduced visiting guests, including family members, district staff, Mandela Washington Fellows, and UC Berkeley public policy students. Procedural motions were taken up early, including a successful roll-call vote to suspend rules so certain budget-related bills could be heard without reference to file. The chamber approved several major budget measures. SB 129, the labor trailer bill, passed 56-4 after supporters said it made technical budget adjustments, funded collective bargaining, supported In-Home Supportive Services, and addressed pension and project-related issues. SB 131, the public resources and housing trailer bill, passed 50-3 after extensive debate over homelessness funding, CEQA exemptions, advanced manufacturing, high-speed rail, rural access to funds, tribal consultation, and environmental protections; multiple members voiced support while also urging follow-up changes. The Assembly also adopted SB 139, implementing agreements for professional and operating engineers, by 69-1, and SB 140, implementing the correctional officers’ agreement, by 71-0. Later, AB 130, the housing trailer bill, was taken up on concurrence in Senate amendments after a successful rule suspension; members discussed tribal consultation protections, CEQA reform, prevailing wage, and vehicle miles traveled provisions, with debate continuing as the transcript ended. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 927, extending the Williams inspection window for certain school districts, which passed 70-0. In addition, ACR 16 naming the 10th Street Bridge the POW/MIA Bridge passed 70-0. AJR 9, urging full and consistent federal funding for the National Park Service, drew broad bipartisan support and passed 66-0 after members highlighted California parks’ economic and cultural importance. HR 47, recognizing the Fourth of July and the Declaration of Independence, prompted extended remarks on democracy, civics, immigration, military service, and community celebrations before being adopted by voice vote with 64 co-authors added. The consent calendar was also adopted 64-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for instance, if someone is suing the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency because of a regulatory
• </c> like in the instance of a regulatory like in the instance of a regulatory action.<00:13:09.760><
• </c><00:13:14.640><c> action,</c> Agency because of a regulatory action, Agency because of a regulatory
• </c><01:44:08.600><c> use</c> So, it gives us a bit more efficient use So, it gives us a bit more efficient
• </c> delay, faster, more efficient delay, faster, more efficient dispatching<01:48:25.640><c> within<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So looking internally into the department, where can we gain efficiencies and reduce costs in terms of
• And I don't think the only place to look is internal efficiencies to make sure that we're, you know,
• So if you want to repeat it, but it sounded like just looking for efficiencies around the edge versus
• So if you want to repeat it, but it sounded like just looking for efficiencies around the edge versus
• Well, what I thought I heard was, well, we're starting to look at internal, you know, efficiencies and

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that everyone understand the assembly has rules to ensure that we maintain order and run a fair and efficient
• Rather, we should consider additional safeguards to existing regulatory and civil enforcement framework
• On behalf of the California Police Chiefs Association, ...efficiently for the people who rely on them
• On behalf of the California Police Chiefs Association, efficiently for the people who rely on that.
• This simple amendment to the court process will make courts more efficient and increase transparency

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Glahn, there are often a wide array of legal actions challenging our use of regulatory tools.
• Glahn, there are often a wide array of legal actions challenging our use of regulatory tools.
• And finally, we are always focused on improving our regulatory authorities in specific program areas.
• And so from that moment on, much of the interpretation about our regulatory authorities was honestly
• She said that the decisions and regulatory actions MDE makes are defensible when challenged, and that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Number eight, their efficiency has increased substantially.
• ><c> has</c> Number eight, their efficiency has Number eight, their efficiency has increased<08:31:10.760
• </c> that creates a legacy and regulatory that creates a legacy and regulatory climate<08:38:35.200><
• </c> bit tonight about the regulatory bit tonight about the regulatory environment<08:41:52.240><c> and
• </c> pursue policies that provide regulatory pursue policies that provide regulatory relief,<08:53:41.040

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• thank you real quick we got efficiently thank you real quick we got a<00:38:13.680><c> couple</c><00
• So I appreciate the change, the theme to not so much just build, build, build, but let's be efficient
• now I do have a question here efficient now I do have a question here when<00:43:18.079><c> we're</c
• </c><01:03:02.520><c> burdens</c> constraints due to regulatory burdens constraints due to regulatory
• Efficiency is a great thing.

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, as we look at today's regulatory environment in terms of environmental protections, are you
• You've been very... ...do it in the most efficient way possible. I thank you for your time.
• And we are at a place now where we can get efficient enforcement if we just have the information we need
• First, giving the High-Speed Rail Authority this new regulatory authority raises questions about whether
• issue with the assertion that telecommunications and broadband relocation is in need of further regulatory

Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I have relevant experience to this issue from both the practical and regulatory perspectives.
• to this issue from both the Practical to this issue from both the Practical and<00:51:23.839><c> Regulatory
• </c> and Regulatory and Regulatory perspectives<00:51:26.119><c> there</c><00:51:26.280><c> is</c><00
• can order his material and arrange his subcontractors so they can only work on those six homes efficiently
• can order his material and arrange his subcontractors so they can only work on those six homes efficiently

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Local business taxes are about efficiencies.
• Local business tax was created 50 years ago to support a state recognized efficiency where the local
• And this will, I think, make them more efficient at the building department and give them the ability
• Maybe we should stop preempting the local governments and allow them to efficiently run their own communities
• It became clear our law currently lacks meaningful regulatory oversight or protective safeguards for

Transcript Highlights:

• FLORIDA SENIORS THIS DEALS WITH EVERYBODY'S FAVORITES, RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES OR CCRC UNDER OIR'S REGULATORY
• WHICH IS SB 1612 ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. >> SB 1612 WILL HELP FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BE MORE EFFICIENT
• IT'S A REAL FINE BALANCE THERE BECAUSE THE EFFICIENCIES IN THE TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS, THE INNOVATION
• IMPORTANT WE FIND THAT PERFECT BALANCE, AS PERFECT AS WE CAN, BETWEEN ALLOWING FOR THE INNOVATION AND EFFICIENCY
• PEN IN THE FACT THIS IS ONE OF THE PERFECT EXAMPLES OF WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT ALLOWING FOR EFFICIENCIES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have gaming and lottery, which are regulatory and service providers.
• It's obviously not efficient, and it's not accommodating any of the growth that we are seeing in the
• It's obviously not efficient.
• Again, we have a high workload, and we try to be as efficient as we can.
• We do believe that there are some efficient organizations that can run under 60%.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to hear the Attorney General’s budget and related agency presentations. Legislative Council first reviewed the compliance with legislative intent report and the base budget worksheet, highlighting current and ongoing appropriations, FTE changes, one-time funding items, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked about items such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding, and staff explained the funding sources and status of those programs. Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then outlined the Attorney General’s office structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal and investigative work for state and local governments, and concerns about attorney salary competitiveness, the new and vacant FTE pool, and the impact of the 3% operating budget reduction on BCI, IT, and the crime lab. Members also discussed AG opinions, boards and commissions training, and the office’s litigation and settlement recoveries. Ness and committee members raised the possibility of broader attorney salary benchmarking across state government. The crime lab director described severe space and infrastructure constraints, including overcrowding, shared workspaces, glycol leaks, air handling limits, and aging fire and burglar alarm systems. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that a new building on the current health department site would best address the lab’s needs. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, drug, fingerprint, and firearms work, though toxicology had a recent delay after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director described the unit’s fraud, abuse, and neglect work, noted federal-state funding and recent federal scrutiny, and said the unit needs more staff. The gaming division reviewed charitable gaming growth, e-tabs, trust accounts, and compliance issues, while BCI covered its caseload, cybercrime and child sexual abuse material investigations, the missing indigenous person task force, and the use of lottery funds for drug task forces. No formal votes or budget actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have gaming and lottery, which are regulatory and service providers.
• It's obviously not efficient, and it's not accommodating any of the growth that we are seeing in the
• It's obviously not efficient.
• So it definitely creates workflow efficiencies as they all try to work together and coordinate their
• Again, we have a high workload, and we try to be as efficient as we can.

Summary: The committee met as the Commerce and Legal Services Division and first approved the minutes, then received a Legislative Council overview of the Attorney General’s current budget status and a blue-sheet summary of the AG’s base budget for the next biennium. Staff highlighted compliance with legislative intent items, including FTE changes, one-time funding updates, litigation pool spending, opioid settlement receipts, and continuing appropriations. Members asked about specific funds such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund and the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and staff explained the statutory basis and status of those items. The Attorney General’s office then presented an extensive overview of its divisions and budget pressures. Chief Deputy Attorney General Clare Ness described the office’s 14 divisions, the role of the office in defending the state and recouping funds, and concerns about attorney pay, recruitment, and retention. Members discussed whether attorney salaries should be benchmarked across state government and whether more legal work could be centralized in the AG’s office. The office also described challenges with the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, leased office space, and the criminal justice information systems used to connect law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts. The Crime Laboratory director gave a detailed update on space and infrastructure problems, saying the current lab is overcrowded and outdated, with safety, workflow, air-handling, glycol leak, alarm, and maintenance issues that can delay casework and risk evidence integrity. She said a 2024 study projected a need for a much larger facility and that the preferred option would be a new building on the current health department site, at an estimated cost of roughly $40 million to $45 million. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, firearms, fingerprint, and drug cases, though toxicology had recently developed a small backlog after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, gaming division, and BCI also provided updates. MFCU’s new director said the unit is federally funded 75/25, focuses on fraud, abuse, and neglect, and is seeking two attorney hires while continuing to work with federal partners on cases and recertification. Gaming staff reported continued growth in charitable gaming and electronic pull-tab activity, with concerns about site competition, large trust balances, possible ineligible expenditures, and the need for more scrutiny as revenues have grown. BCI outlined its staffing, drug task forces, ICAC work, and the Missing Indigenous Person Task Force, which is using its $250,000 appropriation to help tribal nations develop emergency response plans and purchase alerting tools such as IPAWS. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.