Transcript Highlights:

• So they scored very high, and $64 in Iowa.
• It will be those good individuals at the local level to connect the dots, and I think that is going to

Bills: HB1623

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date. Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability. Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for example, when we’re talking about cover crops, we have partnerships with Iowa State University
• So, for example, when we’re talking about cover crops, we have partnerships with Iowa State University
• So, for example, when we’re talking about cover crops, we have partnerships with Iowa State University
• So, just trying to connect some dots. Thanks.
• </c> trying to connect some dots. Thanks. trying to connect some dots. Thanks.

Bills: HF4698 , HF4608

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Bills: SB24 , SB83 , SB142 , SB140 , SB94 , SB24 , SB83 , SB142 , SB140 , SB94 , HB132 , HB37 , HB51 , HB105 , HB54 , HB7 , HB158 , HB188 , HB189 , HB111 , HB13 , HB192 , HB149 , HB132 , HB37 , HB51 , HB105 , HB54 , HB7 , HB158 , HB188 , HB189 , HB111 , HB13 , HB192 , HB149

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: body-worn camera, public records, law enforcement transparency, recording disclosure, civil rights, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities, historic property

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as a taxpayer, I could choose to designate and send $1,700 to Iowa. To an SGO in Iowa.
• So, as a taxpayer, I could choose to designate and send $1,700 to Iowa. To an SGO in Iowa.
• So, as a taxpayer, I could choose to designate and send $1,700 to Iowa. To an SGO in Iowa.
• So, as a taxpayer, I could choose to designate and send $1,700 to Iowa. To an SGO in Iowa.
• So, as a taxpayer, I could choose to designate and send $1,700 to Iowa. To an SGO in Iowa.

Summary: House Republican leaders and Speaker Melissa Hortman held a press event promoting House File 3490, which would opt Minnesota into a federal education tax credit program. They argued the bill has no state cost and would keep donations made by Minnesotans benefiting Minnesota students and schools rather than out-of-state scholarship organizations. Supporters said the funds could help with tutoring, extracurriculars, school supplies, special education-related services, learning loss, and other school needs, and they repeatedly urged Governor Tim Walz to opt in or publicly explain why he would not. Rep. Andrew Myers, the bill’s chief author, said the proposal is personal to him as a parent and legislator and described recent school budget pressures, including staff and resource cuts and larger class sizes. Rep. Ben Bakeberg, a middle school principal, said the bill could generate significant funding if many taxpayers participate and argued it could help offset school district shortfalls and the Blue Ribbon Commission. Rep. Griesbach also backed the bill, calling it a “no-brainer” and saying he would not work with the governor on other budget items unless the governor opted in. In response to questions, supporters said scholarship-granting organizations could be created by a variety of entities, including education foundations, and could support both private-school tuition and public-school-related costs such as extracurricular fees, field trips, and transportation for summer learning. They rejected the idea that the bill pits public and nonpublic schools against each other, saying it is meant to expand educational opportunity for all students. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the event; it ended with questions from reporters on the bill and other Republican priorities such as rental assistance, gas taxes, and energy costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Matt was raised outside of Des Moines, Iowa, and went on to graduate from the University of Iowa,
• Iowa Hawkeyes.
• University of Northern Iowa.
• I have a sweetheart from Iowa my wife's and also grad the University of Iowa So go Hawkeyes here on behalf
• In Iowa, USAID attributed, accounted for $64 million. dollars in funds that were bought from Iowa farmers

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• What if the trustees at the same time lived in the state of Iowa and had the language in Iowa that’s
• It would be taxable in Iowa if those decisions and those distributions were made outside of Iowa.
• It would be a nonresident trust in Iowa if two of those three were made in Iowa.
• </c> being um um put in place by Iowa being um um put in place by Iowa resident<01:02:34.599><c> also
• </c> here if they had your your bill in Iowa here if they had your your bill in Iowa that that that was

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• direction that corn and soybeans nationally are really important crops, especially in states like Iowa
• DOT.
• DOT, state DOTs, not just North Dakota DOT, but the DOTs in our region and the transportation industry
• Our transportation learning network serves four state DOTs and tribal nations and trains and provides
• know I can attest, based on some of the work that we did in Government Operations for the North Dakota DOT

Summary: The committee first reviewed the 2024-25 tuition waiver report for the North Dakota University System. Staff explained that waivers were reported for degree-seeking students and broken out by residency, institution, and waiver type. Members asked about partial versus full waivers, institutional discretion, athletic waivers, and whether campuses have published guardrails or transparency requirements. Staff said most waivers are set by institutions, with some statutory and board-required categories, and that athletic waivers are a small share of total waiver dollars. The report showed total gross tuition of $354.5 million, tuition waived of $38.9 million, and 11,193 of 42,040 students receiving some waiver. Members also discussed how waivers affect net tuition revenue, housing and food collections, and whether campuses are using waivers strategically compared with scholarships and other funding sources. The committee then heard a presentation on tuition rates by campus and State Board policy. Staff explained the board’s tuition factors for resident, Minnesota reciprocity, contiguous-state/U.S. nonresident, and international students, and noted that campuses often seek exceptions based on program-specific competition and enrollment goals. Members asked whether rates are based on cost or competition, and staff said campuses typically bring forward estimates and market comparisons when requesting special rates. The presentation also reviewed general fund appropriations versus net tuition revenue by campus, and members discussed how local tuition decisions and waivers do not directly affect the state funding formula, though they do affect institutional revenue and reserves. Questions were also raised about the Higher Learning Commission’s financial composite indicator and how it differs from the more intuitive reserve and revenue figures. The committee next received a broad overview of non-higher-education entities affiliated with the State Board of Higher Education, beginning with NDSU agriculture-related units. Dr. Greg Lardy described the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, the NDSU Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the branch research centers, emphasizing their statewide role in crop and livestock research, extension education, and county-based outreach. He outlined funding mixes for extension, the experiment station, and branch stations, noting that grants and contracts support both research and education, while the agronomy seed farm is self-funded through seed sales. Members asked about the new and vacant FTE pool, R1 research status, matching requirements for grants, and whether state appropriations count toward research expenditures. Dr. Lardy also highlighted major research impacts, including crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, and NDAWN weather data. The Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute also presented. NCI described its role in market development, technical services, and education for regional agriculture, its governance through the Northern Crops Council, and its funding from state appropriations, other states, and earned revenue. Members asked about the source of out-of-state funding, intellectual property, and the institute’s international reach. UGPTI then outlined its transportation research, federal and state funding structure, and work on road and bridge condition assessments, travel demand modeling, and workforce training. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Iowa should be the Tuscany of North America, except now Iowa has a water crisis.
• Iowa should be the Tuscany of North America, except now Iowa has a water crisis.
• </c> of Iowa and the late Paul Wellstone. of Iowa and the late Paul Wellstone.
• I saw what Iowa used to be in my lifetime. Iowa fell apart.
• Iowa fell apart. It's sad lifetime. Iowa fell apart.

Bills: HF3718

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• , I mean, I do show your concern because I know you were a former council member, and so was... ...Iowa
• DOT Secretary's Railhood and Anthony Fox, and formerly by the recently passed Rod Deer Don Sr.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills on transportation, privacy, enforcement, and high-speed rail, with most measures discussed under a quorum and then formally voted on later. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases that are dismissed through diversion; the author, a victim’s mother, and CHP representatives argued it would help identify high-risk drivers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson, as amended, would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations; supporters said it would improve compliance and safety, while a privacy group remained cautious but said the amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED messaging signs; supporters said it preserves local revenue and avoids fines, while billboard industry opponents warned about federal compliance and highway funding risk. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy rules through DOJ audits, employee training, hot-list limits, and a 30-day retention cap; privacy advocates supported it as a needed safeguard, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention limit and query restrictions as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; Oakland officials and local government groups strongly supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill drew no opposition in the room. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require intercity and regional rail operators to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events; transit and rail advocates supported it, while some agencies were neutral or “work with author” pending further changes. SB 1425, the chair’s bill, would create a permitting process for encroachments in the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would streamline construction and protect the project, while utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns about reciprocity, enforcement, and local infrastructure impacts. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters said it could leverage private capital and save costs, while local agencies from Merced expressed concerns but noted amendments addressed some issues. After roll calls, SB 1013 failed to advance on a 4-1 vote and remained on call, while the consent calendar and the other bills moved forward on unanimous or near-unanimous committee votes and remained on call pending final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I mean, I do show your concern because I know you were a former council member, and so was Iowa and
• DOT Secretary Ray LaHood and Anthony Foxx, and formerly by the recently passed Rod Diridon Sr. U.S.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• And by the way, while you're coming, Dusty Kurz Iowa, Holly Hays, Dr Morgan Davies and Bentley Stewart
• Our review date out for another year to allow us to examine the section 2.82, DOT 3, 1, 8, public record

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got Iowa now to the North, got Illinois Cross River.
• I actually come from the beautiful town of Hannibal, Missouri, right on the Illinois, Missouri, Iowa
• The 12 states this compact would include are Ohio, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee
• The 12 states this compact would include are Ohio, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee
• The 12 states this compact would include are Ohio, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee

Committees: House Economic Development , House Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And he went on to state, if Iowa can force every station in the state to sell E-15, why can't we make
• Quaker Oats use Iowa oats?
• And the reason why Quaker does not use Iowa oats is because Iowa can't grow the oats.
• Quaker does not use Iowa oats because Iowa can't grow the oats that Quaker uses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Sickler, members of the committee, so that we actually have a dotted line with me involved now
• , and Bruce constantly tells me to keep that dotted line going, because there has to be some oversight
• like pharmacy, radiologic sciences, or other health professions already do with their agreements in Iowa
• like pharmacy, radiologic sciences, or other health professions already do with their agreements in Iowa

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think a lot of these ideas – I always wonder how much we're connecting the dots with districts
• just literally in the last few months have a staff person who now can, Help connect some of those dots
• We have to go to short courses to Iowa State or other places to get some training.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is not a dot. Now we're back in the bill.
• It has not resulted in decreased populi participation by banks in the Iowa program.
• The Jake UC employees who receive and investigate these complaints have experienced online dot thing

Transcript Highlights:

• finally, I’m the founder and CEO of Babel AI, formerly a professor of astrophysics at the University of Iowa
• My name is Todd Bailey, and I'm the founder of Gray Dot Media. Good afternoon.
• My name is Todd Bailey, and I'm the founder of Gray Dot Media, a small business that helps other businesses

Summary: The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills, with most of the discussion focused on AI and social media. AB 1405 would create a state registry for AI auditors and set basic transparency, ethics, and qualification standards for those auditors; supporters said it would build trust and provide a foundation for future AI oversight, while some members questioned whether government should define auditor qualifications instead of industry groups. The bill was moved out on a 5-1 vote to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2, by Assemblymember Lowenthal, would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. Supporters, including a grieving parent and Common Sense Media, argued the bill would create accountability for harmful algorithms and design choices, while opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned it was vague, could chill speech, invite censorship, and raise Section 230 and First Amendment concerns. Committee members debated private right of action versus public enforcement, possible shakedown lawsuits, and whether the bill should be narrowed; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open. AB 410 would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and truthfully if asked, rather than only prohibiting deceptive bots in limited commercial or election contexts. Supporters said the measure would help users, especially youth and vulnerable people, know when they are interacting with AI and reduce deception online; one privacy group withdrew opposition after amendments, and other industry groups said they were no longer opposed or had no formal position. The bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations with the roll left open. The committee also approved AB 1327, which lets consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail and requires phone assistance for cancellations; the Contractor State License Board withdrew opposition after amendments, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open.

Transcript Highlights:

• finally, I'm the founder and CEO of Babel AI, formerly a professor of astrophysics at the University of Iowa
• My name is Todd Bailey, and I'm the founder of Gray Dot Media. Good afternoon.
• My name is Todd Bailey, and I'm the founder of Gray Dot Media, a small business that helps other businesses

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills. AB 1405 by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan would create a state registry of AI auditors and set baseline transparency and ethics requirements for auditors, with the author accepting committee amendments. Supporters said the bill would help establish independent oversight and consumer trust in AI, while some members questioned whether government should be creating the registry rather than industry groups and raised concerns about unclear standards. The bill passed the committee on a 5-1 vote and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters, including grieving parents and Common Sense Media, argued that platforms know their products can contribute to addiction, self-harm, drug sales, and other harms but have not done enough to protect young users. Opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned the bill was vague, could chill speech, invite broad litigation, and raise First Amendment and Section 230 concerns. Several members expressed support for the goal but asked for changes, especially around the private right of action and clearer standards; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary. AB 410 by Assembly Member Wilson would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and not misrepresent themselves as human. Supporters said the bill would reduce deception in online interactions and help vulnerable users, while some members worried it was too broad and could affect ordinary automated responses or out-of-state users. After amendments and discussions, opposition softened or withdrew, and the bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations. AB 1327 by Assembly Member Aguirre-Currie would let consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail, with a phone-number assistance requirement added in committee; the Contractors State License Board withdrew opposition, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 566 by Assembly Member Lowenthal, which would require browsers and mobile operating systems to support one-step opt-out privacy signals across online businesses, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I travel nurse for four years throughout Alaska, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
• I travel nurse for four years throughout Alaska, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
• I travel nurse for four years throughout Alaska, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
• I get my Alaska, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
• In Iowa, I had up to eight with it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Robbins addresses this issue by having Minnesota join other states like California, Iowa
• Representative Robbins addresses this issue by having Minnesota join other states like California, Iowa
• Representative Robbins addresses this issue by having Minnesota join other states like California, Iowa
• We are incentivizing them to go pick California, Texas, Iowa, Massachusetts, or Wisconsin to do their
• We are incentivizing them to go pick California, Texas, Iowa, Massachusetts, or Wisconsin to do their