Transcript Highlights:

• We have in that classification branch, I think, six vacancies at the moment, including the branch chief
• We have in that classification branch, I think, six vacancies at the moment, including the branch chief
• And how many employees do you have in your classification branch right now?
• Yes, so it’s in our classification branch, of which there are nine positions total.
• <01:31:09.800> uh division uh in the compliance Branch uh division uh in the compliance Branch

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• instruction, foreign language, world geography, and officially representing the school, and military branches
• And certainly the flags are very meaningful to those folks that represent the different branches of government
• you know, represent the different you you know, represent the different you know,<00:15:11.839> branches
• > of<00:15:12.240> government<00:15:12.760> and<00:15:12.920> the know, branches
• of government and the know, branches of government and the Gold<00:15:13.320> Star<00:15:13.560

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe it was, you asked the Legislative Council staff to take a look at office or legislative branch
• the space that... ...they were on site a while back, reviewed all of the space that the legislative branch
• They walked through all the legislative branch rooms, also the spaces that we use.
• rooms that we share part-time with the executive branch.
• But I can't speak for the executive branch. Okay. Any other questions? Any other questions?

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership, approved the December 11 minutes, and received a series of informational updates on the state’s finances and related policy issues. The Office of Management and Budget reported the general fund is tracking very close to forecast, with revenues about $2 million above forecast and an estimated ending balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. OMB also reviewed balances in major funds, including the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, and answered questions about oil tax revenues and fund management. The Tax Department provided updates on taxable sales and purchases by county and industry, noting Cass County as the largest county by taxable sales and that retail trade remains the largest industry sector. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus also discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its estimated effects on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the projected revenue impacts are measured against a 2025 baseline and that some provisions are temporary while others are permanent. He also reported that primary residence tax credit applications were running ahead of last year, with more than 154,000 received so far and an expectation of roughly 160,000-plus applications. The committee also heard fee-study presentations from the Department of Transportation and the Information Technology Department. DOT explained that driver’s license fees cover only about half of program costs and that the shortfall is subsidized by the highway fund, while also noting recent changes such as the blackout plate and motor vehicle excise tax distribution changes. NDIT described its internal service fund model, current billing structure, and possible future changes to simplify invoices and billing frequency. Legislative staff also updated the committee on office space needs in Bismarck-Mandan and on legislative branch space planning, and subcommittees reported progress on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including a visit to the Burleigh-Morton detention facility and discussion of future prison bed needs. No formal votes or legislative actions beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the committee adjourned with its next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• the CPUC to accept customer complaints, why isn't the CPUC requesting staff in the Consumer Affairs Branch
• While we are always training our Consumer Affairs Branch staff to listen to the wider range of calls
• Couldn't you just train the people in the Consumer Affairs Branch because that's where the complaints
• isn't, what I heard was this branch isn't trained up enough so we're going to put them over here when
• this branch is supposed to be trained up enough to deal with it.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• well our Public Works division has a well our Public Works division has a planning<00:08:31.719> Branch
• um<00:08:32.959> who<00:08:33.200> works<00:08:33.640> directly planning Branch
• um who works directly planning Branch um who works directly with<00:08:34.279> the<00:08:34.440
• We're also going to specify in the measure that the assessment is only applicable to executive branch
• We're also going to specify in the measure that the assessment is only applicable to executive branch

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met for joint decision-making on several measures related to elections, telework, procurement, hiring, public records, and public meetings. On Senate Bill 444, testimony was largely opposed or in comment, and the chairs said the bill raised real issues that needed more time; they deferred it for the year. Senate Bill 1091 on telework and space allocation drew support and discussion about DAGS’ role versus the Department of Human Resources; the committee agreed to amend it in a Senate Draft 1 to remove reference to OE, add a DAGS management analyst position, change “positions” to “allocations,” limit the assessment to executive branch departments in DAGS-managed or DAGS-leased facilities, and add a defective date, then passed it with amendments. Senate Bill 1057 on apprenticeship-related bid incentives received mixed testimony, including support from labor and opposition from some contractor groups, and was passed as a Senate Draft 1 with technical amendments and a defective date. Senate Bill 1065 on skills-based hiring, which would bar bachelor’s degree requirements for most state jobs with exemptions, had support from the Comptroller and outside groups and was passed with technical amendments and a defective date. The committee also took up several procurement and accountability measures. Senate Bill 92 on emergency medical response/defibrillators was deferred indefinitely because a pilot project is already underway in the Capitol building and the committee wants to use that information before expanding. Senate Bill 1175 on a past-performance procurement database was amended to add general fund appropriations and committee-report language about funding needs, then passed. Senate Bill 1587 on retainage was heavily amended to define total project budget, revise retainage language, leave key percentage and day limits blank for further review, limit application to contracts executed after January 1, 2026, and add a defective date; it passed as amended. Senate Bill 1543 on government accountability was amended to incorporate procurement officer changes and add language ensuring inherent government functions are not delegated to contractors, then passed. Senate Bill 1255 on government records was amended to clarify that records used in performing a government function are public records subject to UIPA, add contractor recordkeeping/access requirements, protect certain confidential contract information, and add a defective date; it passed. Additional measures were either deferred or advanced with amendments. Senate Bill 1513 on appropriations was deferred to a time certain on February 11. Senate Bill 1616 on care centers was converted into a feasibility study and passed with a defective date. Senate Bill 74 on state construction projects was deferred indefinitely due to concerns it could slow projects and duplicate another measure. Senate Bill 125 on state organizations and administrations was amended to codify Administrative Directive 19-02, with a note about a possible title issue, and passed. Senate Bill 786 on government records was deferred to February 11 for further amendment work. Senate Bill 1611 on government positions was amended by removing section two and passed. Senate Bill 1637 was deferred for the year after testimony indicated the action could already be done. Senate Bill 1651 on public meetings was amended to require board packets by the third business day before a meeting, remove the word “full,” and adjust notice language, then passed. Senate Bill 1617 on public meetings was deferred because the Office of Information Practices reported no complaints. Senate Bill 1253 on boards and commissions was deferred indefinitely due to no testimony. Senate Bill 1031 on advisory referendums was deferred to February 11 for possible amendments. Senate Bill 1306 on a procurement automation special fund was amended to align procurement statutes and add the School Facilities Authority executive director as a chief procurement officer, then passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• an automatic requirement, it does require that we reference and refer to the appropriate executive branch
• automatic requirement it does require that we reference and refer to you know the appropriate executive branch
• agree, and I think my co-chair and I agree that we're specifically still looking into which executive branch
• As someone who has been in the executive branch and now is in the legislative branch, I appreciate that

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology met to review its work on intentional microstamping and personalized firearms and to discuss draft recommendations for a final report. The co-chairs summarized testimony received from manufacturers, advocates, law enforcement, and officials from New Jersey, New York, and California. For microstamping, the discussion focused on how the technology could help trace spent casings, its limits in forensic use, and concerns about wear, tampering, implementation costs, and whether it would burden lawful gun owners. For personalized firearms, members reviewed testimony about biometric smart guns, their current commercial availability, higher cost, and potential benefits for preventing accidental shootings and unauthorized use, especially involving children and suicide prevention. Commissioners expressed a range of views. Several supported microstamping as a crime-solving tool and endorsed a recommendation that the legislature direct a feasibility and viability study, set standards and training, fund implementation, and create penalties for tampering. Others opposed microstamping, arguing it has not worked in other states, may not reduce crime, and could impose costs on manufacturers and owners. On personalized firearms, most commissioners supported encouraging the technology, but there was disagreement over whether to create a temporary sales tax exemption; some favored an incentive to promote adoption, while others opposed any tax subsidy for firearms or questioned whether the data justified it. The co-chairs said they would draft a report reflecting the majority consensus and circulate it for review before a final vote at a later meeting, likely in July. The commission also discussed which executive branch agency should conduct the microstamping feasibility study, with the Attorney General’s office and EOPSS mentioned as possibilities. The meeting ended with agreement to reconvene for final votes on the report and recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• with um litigation that the state of Minnesota's engaged in um and and trying to um to to let that judicial
• would interfere with litigation that the state of Minnesota's engaged in and trying to let that judicial
• <01:36:16.400> to<01:36:16.560> let<01:36:16.719> that<01:36:16.960> judicious
• <01:36:17.520> judicial to um to to let that judicious judicial to um to to let that judicious
• judicial process<01:36:18.560> work<01:36:18.800> its<01:36:19.040> way<01:36:19.199

Bills: SF1750, HF4250, HF3938, HF3904, HF3642

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• This pilot is a critical first step to build this capability across executive branch programs with recent
• The pilot is a critical first step to build this capability across executive branch programs with recent
• The executive branch of Minnesota, within my office, all technology procurement goes through my office
• the core of building a technological capability that can be leveraged broadly across the executive branch
• the core of building a technological capability that can be leveraged broadly across the executive branch

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's all executive branch agencies, so whether or not they received some money at... ...office.
• It's all executive branch agencies, so whether or not they received some money at that time, I don't
• So you have an executive branch constitutional officer that is expected to do the duties of... ...an
• executive branch constitutional officer that is expected to do the duties of, leave the Senate during

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request. Office representatives said they wanted to move the office to the state pay plan to better align salaries with other constitutional offices and remain competitive, noting that OPM had approved the positions and grades. Senators questioned the size of the requested increases and the office’s workload, and after discussion the motion to adopt the proposal failed on an 8-8 tie. The committee then voted to expunge that vote and returned to the regular agenda. The committee approved a series of Governor’s letters involving position transfers and appropriation adjustments across several agencies. These included changes for AETN, the Department of Health and Nursing Board/Dietetics Board, multiple DHS divisions, DFA shared services and budget management, and the Department of Public Safety shared services division. Most of these items involved moving positions and associated salary appropriations between divisions, with no major opposition and motions passing. A lengthy discussion followed on the transfer of child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture. Education and DFA officials explained that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the funding and commodities are tied to USDA programs, and they clarified that both state and federal funding and all related positions would move. Senators raised concerns about the math in the letters, the split between state and federal funding, and whether all program resources were being transferred. After the explanation, the committee approved the Education side of the transfer and then approved the Agriculture companion letter. The committee also discussed the Educational Freedom Account program budget. Officials said the $309 million request matched current participation and included a $70 million reserve in case applications increase. Several senators expressed concern about the program’s growth and its effect on public education funding and adequacy, while others noted that the program’s rules and funding levels could be adjusted through the State Board and future legislative action. The committee then approved a Public Safety classification change and a member amendment changing a title at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor, with no change in positions or appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's all executive branch agencies, so whether or not they receive some money at... ...office, it's all
• executive branch agencies, so whether or not they receive some money at that time I don't know, but
• ago stripped a lot of power from and made them a part-time position, and so you have an executive branch
• constitutional officer that is expected to do the duties of... ...an executive branch constitutional

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request to move that office onto the state pay plan and increase salaries for its positions. Office representatives said the request was intended to make pay competitive with other constitutional offices and state agencies, that OPM had approved the grades, and that the office did not plan to max out any positions. Members questioned the size of the increase and the office’s workload. A motion to adopt the proposal failed on a tie vote, and the committee then voted to expunge the vote before moving on. The committee then approved a series of Governor’s letters and related personnel transfers, including cuts for Arkansas Educational Television Network, transfers within the Department of Health and several DHS divisions, and a DFA shared services reorganization. The committee also approved moving child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture, with department officials explaining that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the grants come from USDA and the transfer would include the positions and funding tied to the programs. Members raised questions about how the appropriations and positions were split between state and federal funding, and about the broader implications of the transfer, but the committee ultimately approved both the Education and Agriculture sides of the move. The meeting also included extended discussion of the Educational Freedom Account program. Members questioned the $309 million appropriation, whether it matched current participation, and whether future demand could require additional funding. Department officials said the amount covered current participation and that the governor had set aside an additional $70 million in case applications increased, but that any amount beyond the appropriation would require returning to the committee. Some members argued the program’s growth could threaten funding for public schools and adequacy, while others noted that the program is governed by rules under the LEARNS Act. The committee also approved a technical title change at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor.

Transcript Highlights:

• That change impacts our consumer protection branch within the office, and it deals with how they look
• That change impacts our consumer<00:05:09.040> protection<00:05:09.680> branch<00:05:10.200
• > within<00:05:10.480> the consumer protection branch within the consumer protection branch

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the Housing Division and the executive branch for the hours that we have worked together
• I want to thank the executive branch, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, because this took
• I want to thank the executive branch, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, because this took
• I want to thank the executive branch, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, because this took

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• us more in the process, but I, I do have a great concern with, uh, billionaire tech bros owning branches
• things as you're, you're moving through on various issues, we, we like goalposts in, in the executive branch
• Could, could somehow through budget execution, the executive branch increase the multiply what the legislature
• Would you think that was inappropriate on the executive for the executive branch to, I just add an amount

Bills: SB 21, SB 72, SB 140, SB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842

Keywords: cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver, consumer rights, business regulations, refund policy, telephone solicitation, telemarketing, text message marketing, SMS marketing, robotext, spam text, consumer protection, deceptive trade practices, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Jool Lee from the DAGS Public Works Branch is present to answer any questions. sir<00:10:26.000> hello
• controller jool Lee from The dags Public controller jool Lee from The dags Public Works<00:10:35.680> branch
• c> present<00:10:36.720> to<00:10:36.920> answer<00:10:37.279> any Works branch
• is present to answer any Works branch is present to answer any questions<00:10:38.959> okay<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Government Operations and Transportation, Culture and the Arts committees considered three bills. SB 1092 would establish a transportation demand management program for state employees, including a parking cash-out option. Testimony was largely in support, including from state planning, energy, labor, and several individuals, while committee members raised concerns about whether the program was mandatory and whether there was a full implementation plan. The bill’s proponents said it was voluntary and intended to reduce long parking waitlists by incentivizing employees to opt out of parking. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1092 be passed with amendments, and the measure was adopted in both committees. SB 1093 would create a parking demand management program and require DAGS to transition state employees from monthly parking to daily-rate parking. Testimony included strong opposition from most individuals and several agencies, with one supporter. A committee question focused on the loss of pre-tax payroll deductions under a daily-rate system, and the Deputy Attorney General explained that the current monthly arrangement allows deductions from gross pay, which would not work the same way with daily payments. Given the opposition and concerns, the committees recommended deferral indefinitely. SB 1121 would establish a procurement preference, beginning in 2027, for construction companies with electric vehicles. Testimony included comments from DAGS, the Department of Transportation, and others, with opposition noted from DOT. Committee members questioned charging infrastructure and battery disposal for electric vehicles used in construction. After discussion, the committees concluded it was in the best interest to defer the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• warrant for the detained individuals on board, that had a judicial warrant and administrative warrant
• warrant for the detained individuals on board, that had a judicial warrant and administrative warrant
• And we were very judicious in offering these amendments.
• And we were very judicious bills better.
• And we were very judicious um<00:37:30.600> in<00:37:31.400> offering<00:37:31.840>

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 126 members present, heard the prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and then took up a series of Senate messages and committee reports. Senate bills on consent calendars 21 and 22 were read the first time and referred to committees. The House then adopted favorable reports, often without amendment, on a wide range of bills including workers’ compensation evaluation procedures (HB 1325), a state shark designation (HB 97), several local alcoholic beverages measures, commemorative months for Muslim American Heritage and Jewish American Heritage (HB 661), and local license commissioner changes in Anne Arundel, Worcester, Harford, Baltimore City, and Prince George’s counties. Several bills were amended before being ordered printed for third reading. HB 121 (Baltimore County alcohol sales) was amended to change the sponsor to the Baltimore County delegation. HB 1335 on Department of Information Technology workforce recruitment and retention was amended to convert the measure into a study and recommendations report. HB 1037 on PSC oversight of broadband and VoIP was similarly amended from direct oversight to a study and report. HB 1164 on water and sewage rate consolidation and limited-income mechanisms was amended to remove rate-consolidation provisions, require a PSC study, and delay implementation. HB 1381 on stopping or parking in bike lanes added exceptions for emergency, transit, disability pickup/drop-off, disabled vehicles, loading/unloading, and construction or maintenance; HB 1504 prioritized sidewalk and bicycle pathway projects near highways with complete streets or Vision Zero policies; HB 912 adjusted community cat trap-neuter-return rules; and HB 969 clarified electric vehicle charging billing and service fees. The most extended debate centered on HB 639, the Transportation Aviation Passenger Health and Safety Act. After amendments turned it into a reporting measure for fixed-base operators and aviation service companies regarding flights carrying detained individuals, warrants, refueling, and emergency-response documentation, members questioned its practical operation, safety implications, and possible federal preemption issues. The floor leader explained the bill as amended was intended to gather information for Maryland safety and emergency planning. On motion of the committee chair, the House agreed to special order HB 639 until the end of the session for further clarification. The House also amended and advanced HB 1063 on hunting management, including deer damage permits and Sunday hunting rules, and heard a brief statement from an Eastern Shore delegate about the Rural Caucus’s approach to offering amendments rather than opposing bills outright. The session ended with HB 972, creating the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund, amended to rename the bill in honor of the late Delegate Charles Otto and to replace lottery funding with an annual appropriation; the House adopted the amendments and the favorable report.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's a whole argument of leveraging the Senate process against the judicial proceedings while
• simultaneously leveraging the judicial proceedings against our Senate process here.
• simultaneously leveraging the judicial proceedings against our Senate process here.
• <00:41:21.920> proceedings<00:41:22.600> while the judicial proceedings while the judicial
• simultaneously leveraging the judicial simultaneously leveraging the judicial proceedings<00:41:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I, you know, from the judicial side, I think there's important discussions there too, but I will
• And I, you know, from the judicial side, I think there's important discussions there too, but I will
• And I, you know, from the judicial side, I think there's important discussions there too, but I will
• And I, you know, from the judicial side, I think there's important discussions there too, but I will
• And I, you know, from the judicial side, I think there's important discussions there too, but I will

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I I just appreciate this bill because those are the ones that we want to go start a dairy or uh branch
• And I I just appreciate this bill because those are the ones that we want to go start a dairy or uh branch
• a<00:16:17.040> dairy<00:16:17.519> or<00:16:18.480> uh<00:16:18.720> branch
• <00:16:19.040> off<00:16:19.199> and to go start a dairy or uh branch off and to go
• start a dairy or uh branch off and start<00:16:19.680> something<00:16:19.920> new<00:

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for the executive branch agencies of the state, and that fully supports zero-trust architecture
• For all executive branch agencies, we've standardized on two tools for authentication: UTID and Entra
• so the approach that's been worked out with the legislature, legislative leadership, the executive branch
• We are collaborating across the board with all branches of government, legislators, leadership.
• There are also different department heads in the executive branch, including the directors of DEQ, DNR

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the history, fish has been handled by the Plant Quarantine Branch, and we think it'd be better
• So in the history, fish has been handled by the Plant Quarantine Branch, and we think it'd be better
• In the history, fish has been handled by the Plant Quarantine Branch, and we think it'd be better and
• Thank you. committee uh my name is Gavin AB I'm the committee uh my name is Gavin AB I'm the branch<00
• administrator at hopono services branch administrator at hopono services for<00:19:02.720> the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee heard five bills on January 24, 2025. SB 1 would phase out disposable air filters and require reusable air filters by 2030; testimony was limited, with one supporter urging clearer definitions of fiberglass and paper and several opponents listed, and the committee later deferred the bill indefinitely for lack of support testimony. SB 13 would create an aquaculture investment tax credit beginning in 2026; state agencies and several industry groups supported it, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about loose definitions, internal inconsistencies, and blanks that made the bill hard to estimate or vet. The committee passed SB 13 with amendments and technical changes, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2015 as stated on the record. SB 177 would shift aquatic livestock import and movement permitting to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, require a risk-based assessment and biocontainment standards, and seek a $1 million appropriation for research and staffing. The Department of Agriculture said the bill would help expand aquaculture while managing risks to native species; aquaculture and farm groups supported it, while Animal Rights Hawaii was listed in opposition. The committee passed SB 177 with amendments, blanking the appropriation for committee report consideration, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 184 would raise the beverage container deposit and refund from 5 cents to 10 cents. Supporters said the higher deposit could improve recycling and environmental outcomes, while opponents, including the Tax Foundation, cited fraud concerns, the program’s existing fund balance, and practical challenges in redemption; the Department of Human Services also noted potential impacts on blind vendors. The committee took the bill up but deferred decision-making until Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:01 p.m. in Room 224. The committee also heard SB 250, which would increase the income tax credit for interisland transportation costs for agricultural products. Agricultural and industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to offset rising shipping costs and preserve access to markets, while the Tax Foundation preferred direct appropriations over tax credits and objected to missing bill details. The committee passed SB 250 with amendments from the Department of Agriculture and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. Separately, a joint hearing on SB 240, the Right to Farm bill, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Agriculture supported further study and raised concerns about the bill’s fragmented approach, while farm, cattle, and other industry witnesses split between support for protecting customary Native Hawaiian subsistence farming and opposition to excluding CAFOs and certain business structures. No vote was taken on SB 240 in the portion provided.