Transcript Highlights:

• Grants were awarded to 23 projects across the state.
• Eligible projects support the construction of new tourism, recreation, entertainment, historic, or cultural
• Second, it has supported a broad range of projects across North Dakota.
• So we're looking at current postings, 10-year projections for employment, and wage earnings.
• The primary beneficiaries of these projects must be income-eligible individuals. The U.S.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services Division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget for the 2027-29 biennium and to receive an update on Commerce programs. Legislative Council staff first walked the committee through the “blue sheet” base budget summary, explaining the major line items, the large share of federal grant authority in Commerce’s budget, and the continuing appropriations that support several Commerce funds. Members asked how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff said collaboration varies by program but is strong in areas like UAS and LIHEAP. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken then presented on current activities, focusing heavily on grant administration, transparency, and economic development programs. Members questioned how grant applicants are selected, whether Commerce tracks applications and return on investment, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. The commissioner said Commerce uses scoring criteria, outside reviewers, a minimum 30-day application window, and typically completes awards within two to three months. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce should open some grants only to intended recipients versus running competitive application processes; Commerce said it follows best-practice grantmaking and that its attorney in the Attorney General’s office approved that approach. Commerce also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, citing long-term investment and job creation results, examples such as Red Trail Energy, Packet Digital, Valiance, Corvent Medical, child care loans, and the Automate ND program. Members asked about acceptable failures, lessons learned, regional economic development coordination, and the expansion of the fund into non-primary sectors. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell then outlined a statewide workforce ecosystem review, a new governor’s workforce sub-cabinet, and three task forces focused on simplifying entry, warm handoffs, and data integration. She discussed the in-demand occupations list, Workforce Pell, apprenticeships, and efforts to better connect students with employers and higher education. Commerce also briefly reviewed housing programs and a new housing sub-cabinet. No votes were taken; the committee simply received testimony, asked questions, and adjourned after setting up the next meeting to hear the Attorney General budget in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• That creates uncertainty for communities, regulators, and project developers alike.
• That creates uncertainty for the communities, regulators, and regulations, projects developers alike.
• Importantly, this bill does not mandate construction of any hydrogen pipelines.
• It does not approve any projects. It does not create a hydrogen deployment program.
• I manage research and policy projects at the Harbor Institute for Immigrants and Economic Justice, and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• center of Lithium Valley development and is experiencing proposals for massive AI data-centered projects
• Many of these projects are currently being challenged in court because of concerns that environmental
• It is certain that it could affect projects related to dual thermal energy, lithium, renewable energy
• It is certain that it could affect projects related to dual thermal energy, lithium, renewable energy
• Dealing with insurance delays, soaring construction costs, and under-insurance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• workers' compensation laws, tax and labor requirements for contractors and subcontractors of public projects
• subcontractors contractors<00:02:08.119> of<00:02:08.200> public<00:02:08.479> projects
• <00:02:09.200> that contractors of public projects that contractors of public projects that
• 51.919> may issue, if you had a violation, you may issue, if you had a violation, you may construct
• yourself in a different way construct yourself in a different way in<00:04:55.560> order<00:04

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• plan disputes that involve an interpretation of... ...concerning local construction plan disputes that
• Act 591 was a 13-page act designed to expedite the plan review process for local construction projects
• Lines 25 through 35 on page 8 provide that if a local government official and the private construction
• interpretation of how the state law or the state-adopted building code applies to the particular project
• Also, the proposed amendment to 17-CAR 255-305 will change the maximum project dollar amount of our light

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're above and beyond construction in the back, and it outlines all of the costs to prepare this space
• They're um by above and beyond construction<00:04:36.240> in<00:04:36.479> the<00:04:36.639
• > back<00:04:36.800> and<00:04:36.960> it<00:04:37.120> outlies construction
• in the back and it outlies construction in the back and it outlies all<00:04:37.919> of<00:04
• <00:12:58.639> uh show you that various project uh show you that various project uh properties

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met to approve the February 24 minutes and complete committee organization by confirming Senator Maki as vice chair. The committee then considered several Department of Safety and Department of Transportation lease requests, along with an informational report from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development. The Department of Safety sought approval for a 15-year lease at 17 Freetown Road in Raymond to relocate DMV operations from Epping. The department said the move was needed because the Epping site had limited parking and inadequate interior space, and that the longer lease was justified by fit-up costs and the need to ensure ADA-compliant accessibility. Members asked about fit-up costs and future DMV space needs, and the request was approved. The Department of Transportation presented a lease for JCB LLC for a private, non-commercial dock and pedestrian at-grade crossing on the Concord-to-Lincoln railroad corridor in Belmont. Members discussed the private nature of the dock, the role of DEIS approval, and the annual lease fee, which was read into the record before the request was approved. The committee then approved a bundled request covering 18 similar dock and mooring lease renewals in Belmont, Meredith, and Laconia, with discussion focused on the renewal process, waiver of administrative fees, and the standardized lease costs. The Council on Resources and Development item was informational only and required no action. The committee set its next meeting for June 30 at 9:30 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It protects them in advance of them starting the project, and it protects them after the project has
• been but ...project and it protects them after the project has been re-delivered back to MoDOT.
• Construction starts, there can be negligent acts by the contractor, which we wouldn't want to extend
• , which we wouldn't want. construction starts, there can be negligent acts by the contractor, which we
• And in which case, if you want to talk about how sovereign immunity could affect cost of a project or

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• costs. projects which is great but the concern projects which is great but the concern I<00:50:12.359
• charge 6 or $10 million for a project charge 6 or $10 million for a project when<00:50:23.319>
• c> be<00:52:31.640> four5 some of the kol projects might be four5 some of the kol projects
• unit um so you know a lot of project unit um so you know a lot of project that<01:09:25.880>
• If they have a project in Central Maui, and if they were to get projects in Leeward or other districts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's when those first distributions to projects can go out.
• This doesn't affect outstanding projects that already exist.
• Just one question: Can Acequias use the Water Trust Board for projects?
• Because if you look at projects now, battery is very expensive, right?
• Because if you look at projects now, battery is very expensive, right?

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: During the legislative meeting, House Bill 287 was discussed, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Health and Human Services Committee to oversee the state's $14.4 billion expenditure in this area. An amendment to the bill was adopted, which clarified funding and operational details. Public comments were solicited, but no one spoke in opposition. The committee ultimately voted, with some members expressing concerns about budget implications, but the motion to pass the bill as amended was made and seconded, with several members opposing it. House Bill 371 was also addressed, which focuses on creating an Acequia Infrastructure Fund to support land grant and Acequia communities. The bill aims to provide a financial mechanism for these communities to access funds for infrastructure projects without relying on capital outlay requests. The committee discussed the bill's implications, potential funding sources, and the need for further amendments regarding representation and oversight. A motion to pass the bill was made, with some opposition noted, particularly regarding the lack of specificity in the bill's provisions. Lastly, Senate Bill 143 was presented, which seeks to raise the caps on inspection fees under the Egg Grading Act, among other agricultural regulations. Supportive testimony was provided by representatives from agricultural organizations, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill's implications for consumers and the agricultural sector, ultimately moving towards a vote to pass the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to documents on the TDCJ website regarding air-conditioned construction projects, could you
• Regarding the 26 units you have, we have added air-conditioning projects.
• Fire alarms, and lots of other projects that we have within that budget.
• , roofing, and all those other projects.
• Texas Civil Rights Project is registered against the bill.

Bills: HB1826, HB2854, HB3006, HB4614, HB5261, HB5639

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, HB 2854, Pokuaa-Flowers Act, parole, mandatory supervision, electronic monitoring, releasee, parole officer, hospital visit approval, general hospital, law enforcement notification, DSHS, Department of State Health Services, corrections, public safety, liability immunity

Transcript Highlights:

• that was then quickly limit construct that was then quickly revamped<00:49:14.440> and<00:49:
• So the offsetting revenues were more impactful with the allowable spending growth cap construct.
• And so a lot of them testified on the underlying bills' construct of an allowable spending growth cap
• President, is also hurting a lot of our rural communities that previously fell under the construct or
• available money for all of the projects available money for all of the projects that<01:45:42.960

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would open up that program so that possibly there would be some projects going forward on those
• This is under their supervision, so I'm assuming they'll have a process to vet the projects and approve
• That hasn't been established yet. ...vet the projects and approve the grants.
• The number of, you know, sizable construction is just, it's not there.
• The project has to be completely producing.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to work on three remaining policy bills. On HB 2225, members discussed an amendment reducing the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund housing grant program from $50 million to $30 million, lowering the maximum grant amount, and clarifying that existing lots can qualify after a certificate of occupancy is issued so the program can help communities like Watford City and Williston use prepared lots. Members also discussed the matching requirements, tribal eligibility, and how Commerce would score applications to ensure the money lowers lot costs rather than being absorbed by political subdivisions. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 22-0, and Representative Murphy was assigned to carry the bill. The committee then took up SB 2200, which funds the 988 crisis hotline. After discussion, members agreed to strip out the proposed phone-line charge approach and instead provide a $500,000 appropriation from the Community Health Care Trust Fund, consistent with the Senate version, to supplement existing funding for increased staffing and texting-related demand. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 22-0, and Representative Nelson will carry the bill. Finally, the committee considered SB 2342, which creates a value-added milk processing facility incentive program. The amendment reduced the proposed line of credit from $10 million to $5 million, with the program intended to support dairy-related processing infrastructure such as utilities, roads, water, wastewater, and rail access. Members noted the program would be administered through the Agriculture Diversification and Development Committee, could potentially support one or multiple facilities, and sunsets June 30, 2027. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 22-0, and Representative Brandenburg will carry the bill. The committee then adjourned, planning to reconvene the next morning to take up additional bills and budget adjustments.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:45.240> are answers faster so that the projects are answers faster so that the projects
• believe that after bidding on a project believe that after bidding on a project I<01:07:00.640><
• for ...to implement mitigation projects for every water body impacted, but we can enable communities
• to take on these projects on their own.
• then for a tax to be imposed on projects then for a tax to be imposed on the<03:11:14.000> rest

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• construction, and airport planning and development.
• There are some projects near these projects that are being funded in other projects, but we're not jeopardizing
• any projects by those transfers.
• Yep, I love that project. I think it's really smart.
• The sweep does not affect those projects.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether inside or outside the committee process, I encourage open and constructive dialogue as we work
• million in recurring funding for the SAIL program that I previously mentioned to fund innovative projects
• million in recurring funding for the sale program that I previously mentioned to fund innovative projects
• The separate AMIs or whatever, are any of them utilizing different AMIs in their projects?
• Those included the cost of land and construction materials, local opposition to development, and the

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs held its first meeting and heard presentations focused on affordable housing implementation under the Live Local Act. Florida Housing Finance Corporation described its role in administering rental and homeownership programs, including SAIL, SHIP, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, disaster recovery efforts, supportive housing, and the Live Local funding and tax incentives. Officials said the first year’s $150 million Live Local rental allocation was fully committed to 23 developments producing 3,171 units with mixed-income set-asides, and they outlined how projects were selected through competitive solicitations tied to statutory priorities such as mixed-use development, publicly owned land, foster youth, rural areas of opportunity, redevelopment, and housing near military installations. They also discussed the tax credit contribution program, the missing-middle property tax exemption, sales tax rebates, and the year-one ad valorem exemption for qualifying affordable projects. Members asked detailed questions about the data and program design, including the use of area median income figures, per-unit subsidy levels, county targeting, tenant relocation during redevelopment, and whether the programs were helping lower-income households. Florida Housing said it uses competitive scoring and data from the Schimberg Center and that redevelopment projects are supposed to include tenant relocation plans. The homeownership portion of the presentation covered the Hometown Heroes program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers, with exceptions for active-duty military and veterans. Staff said the program has assisted more than 21,000 families and leveraged over $6.5 billion in first mortgages, and members asked about repayment rates, credit scores, and whether participants were staying in homes long enough to show the program was serving intended buyers. The committee then heard from OPAGA on two required Live Local evaluations: affordable housing strategies in other states and affordable housing policies in Florida. OPAGA reported that Florida has a high share of cost-burdened households, with 1.5 million households cost burdened and 1.4 million severely cost burdened, and that Florida’s counties and municipalities reported more than $1.4 billion in affordable housing expenditures in fiscal year 2023-24. The report identified 13 innovative out-of-state programs, with three considered high-potential for Florida implementation, and summarized Florida local government practices such as SHIP-funded homeownership and rental assistance, expedited permitting, mixed-income zoning, rehabilitation programs, and interlocal cooperation. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That project is over 40 years old.
• Our project would be a 400-megawatt pumped storage project in Amador and Calaveras counties using existing
• dams and a project labor agreement.
• Category 1 gives 40 days for the connection once the project is actually deemed construction-ready and
• Affordable housing development projects in San Diego Affordable housing development projects in San Diego

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate includes no additional funds online. 85, we've included 5.8 million for maintenance projects
• The Senate funds a large portion out of the trust funds and provides more funding for ADA projects.
• in 18, 80 to those bill today, inspectors must understand and properly report on various construction
• And this state is a big problem for the construction industry.
• And so I know after Hurricane Andrew, I think we move toward scrapping when we did home construction

Transcript Highlights:

• . projects. projects.
• project is shared by future users.
• project is shared by future users.
• what the national highway construction what the national highway construction cost<01:40:51.199>
• and and from the agency the projections and and from the agency the projections in<01:41:14.560>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:06.160> season probably late in the construction season probably late in the construction
• on all the capital projects.
• He said nobody is sitting there going through every single project.
• Um, have you ever included this project Um, have you ever included this project in<01:21:14.719>
• I think that I think the reality... project stuff. Yes. Yeah. Scratch that. project stuff. Yes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 74, which would require agencies issuing certain real-property-related permits to track and report how many permits they issue and how long the process takes. Representative Carol McGuire introduced the bill and said the goal is to gather data on permit timing and fees, especially for DES and DOT permits involving wetlands, alteration of terrain, driveway permits, and similar approvals. Supporters argued the state needs better visibility into permitting delays and whether statutory deadlines are realistic; they also noted the bill had passed the House on a voice vote with no debate. Adam Crapo of the Department of Environmental Services said DES is generally supportive of the reporting concept but warned that the agency’s data are spread across many separate, partly manual databases. He said DES can already do this for some land resources permits through its new system, but not across all of its more than 90 permit types without additional help. DES estimated it would need two part-time positions to compile the reports, especially for waste management and water programs, and said otherwise existing permitting staff would have to do the work, potentially slowing permit processing. He also said the agency is already working to simplify rules and move more permits onto a new online platform, but could not meet the bill’s 2026 reporting deadline with current staffing and systems. Committee members questioned whether delays are often caused by incomplete applications rather than agency inaction, and Crapo said that is frequently the case. He said DES already tracks timelines to some extent for management and statutory compliance, but not at the individual-permit detail the bill would require. He also said some letters and records are captured in One Stop, but not all are. Members expressed support for the bill’s transparency goals while also worrying about added workload and possible slowdowns. The discussion then moved to DOT, where Susan Clawson said DOT is neutral on the bill because it recently implemented Salesforce and now has good data for reporting; DOT’s fiscal note reflects software-related costs, but the agency can already track the required information in its system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judy E., State Building and Construction Trades, in support.
• Judy, State Building and Construction Trades, in support. Hi again.
• This is a reasonable and well-constructed bill to address it.
• It's fundamental to your construct, right?
• It's fundamental to your construct, right?

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on AI, privacy, and surveillance. SB 903 would prohibit AI from independently providing psychotherapy or presenting itself as a licensed mental health provider, require disclosure and informed consent, and reinforce confidentiality and privacy protections for therapy records. Supporters, including a mother and therapist whose son died by suicide after extensive chats with ChatGPT, argued the bill is needed to prevent harmful, crisis-related interactions. Behavioral health groups and labor/privacy organizations supported the measure, while TechNet, the California Medical Association, and the California Hospital Association opposed unless amended, saying the bill could restrict useful clinical tools and create conflicts around triage, screening, and data use. The committee passed SB 903 4-0 to Appropriations, with members noting the need for further work on definitions and implementation. SB 1119 would create a broader framework for chatbot safety for children, including annual risk assessments, crisis response protocols, default child protections, parental controls, notice and time limits, restrictions on advertising and use of children’s data, incident reporting, audits, and a private right of action. The author and supporters again cited the death of Adam Raine as evidence that chatbots can reinforce suicidal ideation and isolate children. Common Sense Media and several labor and privacy groups supported the bill. CalChamber, TechNet, the California State Sheriffs’ Association, and other industry and local government groups opposed unless amended, raising concerns about vague standards, overlap with SB 243, prescriptive design mandates, and litigation risk. The committee approved SB 1119 4-0 to Judiciary, with amendments to be taken there. The committee also heard SB 1013, which would tighten rules for automated license plate reader data by requiring DOJ audits, employee training, and a 30-day retention limit for most data. Supporters said the bill responds to documented misuse and over-retention of data that mostly belongs to innocent drivers. Law enforcement groups opposed, arguing the retention limit would hinder investigations and reduce the usefulness of ALPRs in serious or delayed cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. SB 1292, a local control bill for six cities, would allow camera or sensor-based enforcement of curb and loading zones, with a human reviewing each violation before issuance. Supporters said it would help cities manage congestion and unsafe blocking of bike lanes and loading zones; privacy advocates warned about expanding automated surveillance. It passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard SB 1101, which would require higher education institutions to notify students, faculty, and staff when personal information is shared with federal agencies and limit disclosure to what is legally required. Supporters framed it as a transparency and anti-doxing measure in response to recent federal investigations and subpoenas; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The committee then began hearing SB 951, the California Worker Technological Displacement Act, which would require advance notice and reporting when employers displace workers due to technology and give displaced workers priority for openings, but the transcript cuts off before the hearing concluded.