Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fairness, and efficiency to state law. fairness, and efficiency to state law.
• :09:09.839><c> more</c> manage existing resources more manage existing resources more effectively<00:
• ,</c><00:27:35.200><c> and</c> a way that is clear, efficient, and a way that is clear, efficient, and
• I know our community based resources.
• </c><00:38:51.920><c> in</c> systems that concentrate resources in systems that concentrate resources

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when the IEP student needs grow, but the resources don't grow at the same rate... ...when the
• So at each of those needs, we're allocating resources accordingly.
• And so if we could work more efficiently, we're already spending the money.
• We talked about the efficiency of school districts, and, you know, as a multi-district unit, we do a
• And, you know, we'll have resource rooms that maybe have 10 to 12 kids, and we'll have seven or eight

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then received a lengthy DPI presentation from Stanley Schauer on statewide reading and math assessment data for students with and without disabilities. He explained the assessment systems used over time, the absence of 2019-20 data, and how North Dakota’s standards are set by educators. Members asked about alternate assessments, cohort trends, the apparent drop in proficiency in higher grades, and the new NDA+ assessment. Schauer emphasized that the biggest pattern in the data was the relative stability of students with disabilities, the post-pandemic drop and partial recovery, and the need to focus on reducing the novice category. He also said the state plans to revisit high school standard setting and that future data could be broken out by program, disability category, and schools using science-of-math or other initiatives. Public testimony from special education staff suggested that the flat performance of students with disabilities during COVID likely reflected continued services and intensive supports, and committee members discussed whether the current disparity goal is realistic and whether growth measures would be more useful than simple proficiency buckets. After the presentation, the committee took a short break and then moved into discussion of special education funding models. Chair Richter said members should contact Schauer directly with ideas for additional data views and noted that the committee would continue its work on funding and possible model changes. Brandon Bomback of Grand Forks Public Schools began a presentation arguing that the special education funding formula, especially the weighting factor, should be reconsidered if the committee wants a system that better reflects accountability and student needs. He said his comments were based on the perspective of a larger district and focused on the special education weighting factor rather than other parts of the formula. The remainder of his presentation was not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Meals on Wheels are highly effective and efficient at what... we do.
• But with one call, 2-1-1 connects her to the resource center and the resources she needs: food banks,
• It is also a vital resource for the non-profit sector as well as government agencies.
• When different organizations create separate lists of resources, it leads to confusion.
• I'm the CEO of Hill Resources, an IDD provider, and founder of...

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, these guys are not out there raping the resources.
• They could be more efficient.
• Justice should be accessible and efficient, not bottlenecked.
• Senate Bill 1509 is a request from the Water Resources Board.
• They are 95%... ...efficient users of water in the state of Oklahoma. They are 95% efficient.

Bills: SB1778, SB1570, SB134, SB1966, SB1636, SB1725, SB1726, SB259, SB504, SB592, SB2030, SB1572, SB843, SB1242, SB1255, SB1262, SB1264, SB1286, SB1581, SB1290, SB1316, SB1319, SB1369, SB1379, SB1381, SB1400, SB1427, SB1436, SB1461, SB1496, SB1509, SB1534, SB1553, SB904, SB1592, SB1645, SB1684, SB1767, SB1772, SB1813, SB1894, SB1928, SB1946, SB1980, SB2040, SB2060, SB2061

Keywords: reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, memorial highways, bridge designations

Summary: The Senate first handled several gallery introductions recognizing visiting groups, including Muskogee Day, domestic violence advocates, Wagner High School leadership students, the Bixby Chamber and football team, and the Heartland Home Educators co-op. The chamber also adopted a motion to suspend debate rules for the remainder of the day so third-reading bills could be debated under shortened time limits. Senate Bill 134, which shortens the waiting period for Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System retirees to return to public employment from one year to six months, drew questions about “double dipping,” actuarial impact, and workforce shortages. The author said the bill was requested by the Association of County Commissioners to help counties retain experienced workers, noted an actuarial estimate that the system would drop from 107% to 105% funded, and explained there were no special safeguards beyond existing limits. The bill advanced and then passed 47-0. Senate Bill 196, a measure naming multiple bridges, highways, and interchanges for veterans, law enforcement officers, and other honorees, was presented as a personal bill by the author, including a bridge named for his grandfather. After brief questions, it advanced and passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1636, which allows immediate family members or similar individuals to request OSBI review of cold homicide cases after a local law enforcement case-file review, also advanced after questions about eligibility, timing, and workload; supporters said it would give families a path to seek answers in long-unsolved cases. It passed 47-0. The chamber then considered Senate Bill 1725, which addresses expressive activity on higher-education campuses by allowing content-neutral security fees, limiting discipline to narrowly defined harassment, and requiring free speech training for first-year students. Debate centered on campus free speech, university accountability, and whether the bill would add costs or sufficient enforcement; it passed 40-17 and was advanced as an emergency measure. Senate Bill 1726, a companion bill requiring training for graduate assistants who teach, emphasizing classroom management, academic integrity, and viewpoint neutrality, passed 41-7 and was also advanced as an emergency measure. Finally, Senate Bill 259, a long-debated water bill requiring metering or approved measuring devices for groundwater use, drew extensive discussion over costs, property rights, regional differences, and regulation of irrigators; the bill was advanced to final passage after a 34-8 vote, with debate continuing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• morning and welcome to day three, or, for us, the second hearing of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources
• It's about saying let's go look at how we maximize those efficiencies in a strategic way.
• It's about saying let's go look at how we maximize those efficiencies in a strategic way.
• Oftentimes we are the only food resource for communities, especially in rural areas.
• Natural Resources.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee opened its first formal public hearing agenda of the session with House Bill 2238, which would direct the Department of Agriculture to coordinate statewide food security efforts and develop a food security strategy due to the Legislature by December 1, 2027. Staff explained the bill would add food security coordination and food system monitoring to the department’s duties and require collaboration with state agencies, nonprofits, experts, and tribes. Prime sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves described the bill as a way to codify and continue work the department had done under COVID emergency authority, while also addressing food insecurity, farm viability, food access, and supply chain resilience. She and several testifiers emphasized rising food costs, food deserts, and the need for a coordinated statewide approach. Testimony in support came from Second Harvest of Spokane, Northwest Harvest, Washington wheat, potato, onion, and cattle groups, the Washington State Farmers Market Association, Harvest Against Hunger, Pierce County Councilmember Brian Yambay, the Washington Food Industry Association, Food Lifeline, the Coalition of Accountable Communities of Health, and small producers, many of whom stressed the importance of coordination, affordability, data, and including people with lived experience and small farmers in the process. No one testified in opposition during the hearing, though the sign-in record showed 137 pro and 166 con positions overall. The committee then moved into executive session on several 2025 bills, including measures on gray wolf management (HB 1311), farmed octopus (HB 1608), force-feeding birds and foie gras (HB 1735), grizzly bear management (HB 1825), invasive species education for pet sales (HB 1976), and maple syrup processing operations (HB 262). Staff briefed each bill, and members discussed proposed amendments on HB 1735 and HB 1976, but the committee deferred action on all bills except HB 1608. During caucus, members indicated HB 1608 was the only bill to be voted on that day. On HB 1608, which would ban knowingly possessing, transporting, or distributing farmed octopus and authorize a civil penalty, members debated animal welfare and the bill’s policy merits. Rep. Birnbaum supported the measure as a humane step, while Rep. Dent said he had concerns and was not ready to support it. The committee then voted 6-5 to report HB 1608 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after that vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Concurrent Resolution 117 by the Resources and Environment Committee: a concurrent
• In the Senate, Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, by the Resources and Environment Committee, a concurrent
• We are supporting in this resolution continued efficiency and modernization.
• So, you know, as we understand that we continue to have these draws on our water resources, particularly
• Because as we make these investments in recharge, in efficiencies, and making sure that the dam systems

Summary: The Senate convened with 34 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, and heard an opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The chaplain’s prayer focused on drought, low snowpack, and asking for rain and conservation, and the Senate also noted Senator Woodward’s absence due to his son’s injury. Senator Den Hartog outlined the day’s plan, including gubernatorial appointments and several water-related concurrent resolutions. The Senate confirmed David Dean to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board and Amy Anderson to the Commission of Pardons and Parole after committee reports and brief debate highlighting Dean’s financial and business background and Anderson’s 30 years with the Department of Corrections. The chamber also received House Bill 559 and introduced several Senate bills, including measures on state budget limits, rural health transformation, chiropractic prescribing, mental health detention, blindness reporting, and child protection. The main policy action centered on water resolutions. SCR 117, supporting Water District 4 projects such as managed aquifer recharge, cloud seeding, infrastructure modernization, and the Upper Snake River Study, passed after debate. SCR 118, supporting Water District 3 projects in the Magic Valley, including Milner Dam work, the Little Wood River Channel project, and canal improvements, also passed by roll call despite several senators voting no over cloud seeding language. SCR 119, supporting Water District 2 projects including Treasure Valley recharge, the Mountain Home Air Force Base water conveyance project, and Anderson Ranch Dam work, was adopted by voice vote. The Senate then moved through second-reading business, referred SB 1232 to the 14th order for possible amendment, and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in terms of resources, that's sort of what the burden looks like, that administrative sort of piece
• It's just a more efficient way to get things done.
• In New Mexico, however, we lack the resources necessary to provide such support.
• This is only because I have the training, but not the resources, to provide them with such care.
• I do not have the resources to provide the same level of care to other children in New Mexico.

Bills: SJR1, SM2

Keywords: school elections, partisan elections, voting rights, constitutional amendment, New Mexico, elector registration, pediatric palliative care, pediatric hospice, Medicaid, state plan amendment, Health Care Authority, children with serious illness, life-limiting conditions, complex medical conditions, curative care, concurrent care, family-centered care, hospice services, managed care, pain management

Transcript Highlights:

• c> in</c><00:02:34.680><c> Perry</c><00:02:35.040><c> County</c><00:02:35.519><c> PR</c> natural resources
• in Perry County PR natural resources in Perry County PR 3567<00:02:37.959><c> pursuant</c><00:02:38.400
• This project includes renovation of Middleton Hall to improve energy efficiency and residential life
• This project includes renovation of Middleton Hall to improve energy efficiency and residential life
• This project includes renovation of Middleton Hall to improve energy efficiency and residential life

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• But to make it truly efficient, we must stop employers from exploiting state resources to delay justice
• It's not a matter of, you know, and some can argue resources. Yes, they might need more resources.
• I'm not ever going to say don't give them more resources, but how are those resources being used?
• And are they being used effectively and efficiently? And the answer is no.
• Many GSAs have limited staff, time, and resources.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Concurrent Resolution 117 by the Resources and Environment Committee: a concurrent
• In the Senate, Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 by the Resources and Environment Committee: a concurrent
• We are supporting in this resolution continued efficiency and modernization.
• So, you know, as we understand that we continue to have these draws on our water resources, particularly
• Because as we make these investments in recharge, in efficiencies, and making sure that the dam systems

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Economics is the allocation of scarce resources.
• Economics is the allocation of scarce resources.
• . resources. resources.
• Um there there are and the resources.
• </c> problem and connect them with resources. problem and connect them with resources.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Using a Medicaid-based measure ensures that taxpayer dollars are targeted efficiently.
• Using a Medicaid-based measure ensures that taxpayer dollars are targeted efficiently.
• </c><00:58:58.039><c> approach</c><00:58:58.640><c> to</c> as a tax efficient approach to as a tax efficient
• efficient efficient longterm<01:00:50.240><c> questions</c><01:00:51.200><c> Senator</c> longterm questions
• </c><01:15:10.040><c> will</c> Hillsboro all our rural resources will Hillsboro all our rural resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need manpower, resources, and financing. That's why we're here.
• This is a giant transfer of resources from the private sector to the public sector, which defies the
• from the private transfer of resources from the private sector<00:10:09.160><c> to</c><00:10:09.399>
• manner so trying to figure out efficient manner so trying to figure out how<00:41:18.280><c> not</c>
• </c><00:41:26.680><c> manner</c> in a efficient manner in a efficient manner and<00:41:28.440><c> get

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1295 HD2, relating to clean energy, and then on Senate Concurrent Resolution 140 and Senate Resolution 158, which seek an Article V Convention of States application. HB 1295 drew brief supportive testimony from listed supporters and one witness who said the bill would help future generations and address pollution, runoff, watershed planning, and cleaner energy alternatives. No committee action or vote was taken on the clean energy bill during the portion provided. Most of the hearing focused on SCR 140 and SR 158. Supporters argued the resolutions would let states, including Hawaii, propose constitutional amendments to address federal overreach, fiscal responsibility, deficit spending, term limits, and the balance of power between Washington and the states. Several supporters said state legislators are closer to the people and that Article V gives states a legitimate role in proposing amendments; some also cited debt, executive orders, and the need for long-term reforms. One witness from Convention of States Action said the movement is active nationwide and that the convention process would still require ratification by 38 states. Opponents, including representatives of Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Common Cause, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, and individual testifiers, warned there are no real guardrails on a convention and that it could open the door to broader constitutional changes. They said the effort is unnecessary, risky, and potentially harmful to environmental protections, social safety net programs, and civil rights, and argued that federal action is sometimes needed during recessions and emergencies. Committee members asked questions about whether the proposal was merely procedural and whether the states should act without Congress; the discussion ended with continued questioning, and no vote or final committee action is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• While number seven addresses energy efficiency measures in building optimization.
• accomplish our academic goals with fewer resources.
• Over 90% of our students participate in these resources.
• She's also human resources, payroll, and many other operational responsibilities.
• She's also human resources, payroll, and many other operational responsibilities.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a pathway for us to get efficiency of scale in the state, which we drastically need.
• It's a pathway for us to get efficiency of scale in the state, which we drastically need.
• It's a pathway for us to get efficiency of scale in the state, which we drastically need.
• </c> finance committee on resources finance committee on resources Recreation<05:22:17.320><c> and</c
• The role of government is to be responsible stewards of public resources.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• make sure everyone understands that the Assembly has rules to ensure we maintain order and run an efficient
• We will be as effective and efficient as we can to bring broadband to as many locations as possible.
• Because remember, when we have a finite resource, we must figure out how to utilize this to the best
• SB 156 also provided some efficiencies to really facilitate the project, including a streamlined CEQA
• In Caltrans with CDT, we worked with state and federal resource agencies to create these programmatic

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Who is responsible to coordinate the resources and people we need?
• This is good. the coordination the efficiencies the the coordination the efficiencies the innovations
• </c><00:44:29.720><c> that's</c> this sub cabinet is a resource that's this sub cabinet is a resource
• We can also accommodate the efficiencies there as well.
• This is a matter of efficiency.

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• that we're doing in transition, in making sure that we do it the right way and that we still have resources
• For example, shovel-ready projects in Southern California that are much-needed resources to get ready
• Once and for all, members, stop wasting hardworking taxpayer dollars and use it more efficiently, either
• California's older adult population with resources in their own communities.
• System by providing Alameda County with enhanced flexibility to improve oversight, operational efficiency

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and several ceremonial presentations. Members welcomed Jack and Jill of America’s Far West Region and a large education bus trip from Senate District 15. The body also adopted SCR 151 designating May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month, SR 105 declaring May as National Tennis Month, SCR 175 recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month, SCR 176 designating May as Small Business Month, and SCR 178 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. These resolutions drew broad support, with many senators speaking to the health, civic, economic, and cultural themes in the measures, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and solidarity across communities. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointees unanimously: Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, the chamber approved a motion to suspend Joint Rule 62(a) so the Committee on Local Government could hear AB 1768, after debate over the procedure and a roll call vote. On legislation, the Senate passed a series of bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 1311 on updates to consumer affairs boards and licensing rules, SB 1143 on access to forensic interview recordings in child abuse cases, SB 1307 on clearing forged real estate documents, SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting, SB 971 on community networks for older adults, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on lien authority for a groundwater sustainability agency, SB 1115 on public cemetery district governance, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on automated driving system software update reporting, and SB 1398 on recognizing Green Globes as an equivalent state building certification. Earlier, a motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee failed on a 22-22 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> powered chatbot to make it efficiency powered chatbot to make it efficiency higher.<00:13:44.720
• </c> bring resources and they bring resources bring resources and they bring resources to<00:15:39.760
• </c><00:21:21.679><c> need</c> about how and where those resources need about how and where those resources
• Have we done everything that we can to be as efficient as we can? And, Mr.
• </c><01:16:04.880><c> Chairman,</c> efficient as we can? And Mr. Chairman, efficient as we can?

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are resources that the state manages on behalf of others.
• Therefore, the resources are not available for state operations.
• efficiently as it relates to legal expenses?
• Board to use public resources more efficiently as it relates to legal expenses.
• And at the end of the day, we're making Dickinson more efficient, NDSU, and the system more efficient

Summary: The Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and a review of the state’s annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and the Office of Management and Budget reported a clean opinion on the state’s financial statements and described continued growth in net position, strong general fund balance, and significant Legacy Fund investment income. Committee members asked about how the report reflects long-term finances and how North Dakota compares with other states, and OMB noted that the ACFR is based on audited actual results rather than budget forecasts. The committee then heard the North Dakota University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund construction money, insufficient monitoring of service organizations, improper bank reconciliations at several campuses, and investment/cash recording issues at Bismarck State College. University System officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations and greater use of shared services. Members also questioned practices such as campus use of certificates of deposit and whether repeated findings were being adequately addressed. Additional audits were presented for the State Fair Association, State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Securities Department, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Most received clean opinions with no findings; exceptions included a repeat component-unit issue at the State Fair Foundation, a securities personnel-evaluation finding, and a Housing Finance Agency finding involving a late return of escrow surplus. The committee also discussed broader oversight issues, including the need for independent auditing of the Ethics Commission, possible legislative changes to give the State Auditor more subpoena power and independent legal counsel, and future work on data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, and audit capacity. The meeting recessed for lunch after these discussions.