Video & Transcript Research : 'Division of Consumer Protection'
Page 144 of 500
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- >
of <00:07:40.080>the two-time graduate of the of the two-time graduate of the of the - dean, and as director of a school of social work which is within a larger college of five departments
- School of Dentistry. School of Dentistry.
- :21:21.200>
mass One of my eyes I know one of my mass One of my eyes I know one of my mass school - Is that part of what I'm of social work.
Keywords:
fire chaplains, distinctive license plate, firefighter, volunteer service, criminal penalties, sales tax exemption, baby supplies, baby formula, maternity clothing, menstrual hygiene products, pregnancy, pregnant defendant, incarceration, jail intake, pregnancy test, bail, pre-incarceration probation, supervised probation, electronic monitoring, electronic supervision
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Then the evaluation we've asked it to include, and some of these do, and some of them don't.
- A comparison of our incentives to those elsewhere in our state and out of state.
- Lengths of certain members of the OStrad boardard, which is the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of
- Make carveouts for times of declared emergencies or when necessary to protect life, public safety, and
- they wish to do that on their own, then that falls outside of the purview of this law.
Keywords:
2030 census, complete count committee, census outreach, decennial census, enumeration, population count, hard-to-count populations, hard-to-enumerate areas, State Data Center, Oklahoma Census, multilingual campaign, public outreach, school-based outreach, community organizations, minority groups, ethnic minorities, language minorities, self-response rate, census awareness, federal census
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The process requires the person to secure a surety bond, which serves as a form of insurance to protect
- the interests of the owner or lien holder of the title.
- Many of those are in the districts of several of us, and they represent a lot of other stores in this
- Their Director of the Motor Carrier Division, Jimmy Archer, is here with us as an expert witness.
- To protect that, he has always had, and his predecessors have had since the inception of that, to purchase
Keywords:
education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- So, right now, we don't do... because of something in the nature of... ...because of something in the
- of committee.
- A lot of times we did it, but it's the documentation of it.
- So again, there are a lot of different structures of family.
- Yes, that was one of my major concerns. It says... one of my major concerns.
Keywords:
parole, pardons, paroles board, board of pardons and paroles, Alabama criminal justice, sentencing reform, prison reform, reentry, recidivism, risk assessment, validated risk and needs assessment, supervision, probation, parole denial, parole reconsideration, medical parole, violent offense, nonviolent offense, law enforcement member, board appointments
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of stuff.
- of the rate.
- That's the level of things that are kind of out of whack with this amendment.
- portion of the damages as punishment of the company.
- that I have to climb protects and serves me, the rest of these folks, and the state of Texas.
Keywords:
commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the... ...chief of police of the city of Houston, and I'm here representing the Houston Police Department
- with the municipality that contains more than 40% of the number of lanes. ...of the lane miles.
- We are committed to protecting everyone on Houston's roads, regardless of the jurisdiction.
- Nothing I'm aware of. You're not aware of any of that? No, Chairman. Okay.
- We had $238 million of debt service on top of that.
Keywords:
commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Committee on Technology - February 4, 2020 - Decision Making
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Keywords:
HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS0VbQIk5fQ, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Scheduled for February 4, 2020:
Ke Kōmike ‘Enehana
COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY
Kenekoa/Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator J. Kalani English, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
Ke Kōmike Hana Aupuni
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Kenekoa/Senator Laura H. Thielen, Luna Ho‘omalu/Chair
Kenekoa/Senator Lorraine R. Inouye, Hope Luna Ho‘omalu/Vice Chair
‘Ōlelo Ho‘olaha No Ka ‘Aha Ho‘olohe
NOTICE OF HEARING
Lā / DATE: Pō‘alua,Pepeluali 4, 2020 / Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Hola / TIME: 3:45 p.m.
Wahi / PLACE: Lumi ‘Aha Kūkā 225 / Conference Room 225
Ke Kapikala Moku‘āina / State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street
Papa Kumuhana
A G E N D A
SB 3031 RELATING TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
Requires the department of accounting and general services and the department of budget and finance, in consultation with the office of enterprise technology services, to develop and implement a uniform financial database, with parameters, benefits, and features that are compatible to the software system currently being implemented by the office of enterprise technology services at other agencies for use by all state agencies. Appropriates funds.
TEC/GVO, WAM
No Ka ‘Ike ‘Ē A‘e, E Kelepona Aku I Ke Kākau ‘Ōlelo Kōmike Ma (808) 587-7217.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT (808) 587-7217., 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on General Government (2-26-26)
Transcript Highlights:
our <00:09:04.160>citizens part of and better protects our citizens part of and better- And one would be the creation of a dedicated legal counsel for the unclaimed property division.
- Quite a number of other states have quite extensive programs within their unclaimed property divisions
- Quite a number of other states have quite extensive programs within their unclaimed property divisions
- Quite a number of other states have quite extensive programs within their unclaimed property divisions
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Commonwealth’s Attorneys, County Attorneys, Prosecutor’s Advisory Council 00:00:18
Approval of Minutes 00:20:09
State Treasurer 00:20:33, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting began with testimony from representatives of the Prosecutor’s Advisory Council, including county and commonwealth attorneys, on their proposed budget. They described the scope of their work in district and circuit court, juvenile and dependency cases, specialty courts, guardianship, involuntary hospitalization, and the Rocket Docket program. The witnesses emphasized that their budgets are overwhelmingly personnel costs and warned that proposed cuts could lead to layoffs, reduced retention, and loss of recently added positions. They also said the General Assembly’s recent salary classification plan had improved recruitment and retention, and that underfunding could reverse those gains.
A major topic was the Rocket Docket program, which they said speeds lower-level cases through the system, reduces jail costs, and saves money for both counties and the state. They reported that in one circuit, average jail time for certain cases dropped from about 50 days to about 6 days. They also raised concerns that the Rocket Docket line item may not be clearly included in the committee substitute and asked for clarification on how the budget would treat it. In response, the chair said the intent was to move some of those items into the base budget, though the exact structure was still uncertain.
The presenters also discussed a 2022 subsidy for county attorney employees tied to retirement contributions, saying it totals about $1.3 million and should not be reduced because the obligation remains. They said the budget would need to support the salary classification plan extensions, House Bill 8 subsidies, and a new case management system that they described as essential to modernizing operations and improving communication with victims and law enforcement. The chair thanked them for the testimony and indicated the committee would continue reviewing the budget.
The committee then heard from Deputy State Treasurer Russell Weber, who reported that the treasury has now returned more than $90 million in unclaimed property to Kentuckians. He said the office faces ongoing fraud issues and requested funding for a dedicated legal counsel and a fraud investigator, along with outreach money to educate the public about unclaimed property. He also outlined several capital requests, including the final year of a printer-system lease and replacement of HVAC equipment in the treasury building. Members briefly joked with him about a mineral-rights bill and coal, but no votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning the meeting.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 13 (1-23-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the color of of your own body because of the color of the<00:19:59.760>
skin <00:19:59.919> - president of the United States of president of the United States of America?
- of ammunition or possession of of ammunition or possession of ammunition<00:22:41.600>
off one hits the age of eight of 20 of 18. one hits the age of eight of 20 of 18. - In violation of of the first amendment.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:41
Calendar/2nd Readings 05:37
Orders of the Day 06:14
HB 312 06:41
Interrupted Stream 38:41, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation focused on the approaching storm and the need to check on neighbors, first responders, hospitals, and vulnerable residents. A quorum was established, absent members were excused, the rules were suspended for co-sponsorship and vote modification filings, and the journal from Thursday, January 22, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported Senate passage of SB 13, 22, 46, 51, and 90 and requested concurrence.
Under orders of the day, HB 258 was recommitted to the Transportation Committee. The chamber then took up HB 312, an act relating to concealed firearms and deadly weapons, which would create a provisional concealed carry license for law-abiding 18- to 20-year-olds. The sponsor argued the bill restores equal treatment for adults, aligns Kentucky with other states, and imposes training and background-check requirements. Supporters said the Second Amendment applies to this age group, that military service and other adult responsibilities are already entrusted to them, and that the bill would not change prohibited locations for firearms.
Opponents argued the measure would increase gun violence and public safety risks, citing concerns from school district police, SROs, and empirical research about firearm-related assaults, homicides, and brain development in young adults. They emphasized that concealed weapons reduce visibility for parents, schools, and law enforcement and pointed to local youth-violence prevention efforts in Lexington as progress that could be undermined. Supporters countered that defensive gun use is common, that the CDC and other studies overstate gun harms, and that the bill is about constitutional rights rather than hunting or alcohol analogies. The transcript provided does not include the final vote on HB 312.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (10-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
- And um the last item, which is kind of a newer portion, is instead of listing out the status of major
- the institutions provide their list of the institutions provide their list of uses<00:03:39.200>
- There was nothing ease of reading.
- Just kind of a point in time as of October 1st, anyway.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01
Approval of Minutes 00:01:40
2026-2032 Statewide Capital Improvements Plan 00:02:15, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the prior meeting minutes. The board then reviewed the 2026–2032 statewide capital improvement plan, including project recommendations across maintenance, renovation, IT, and new construction categories. Staff explained that 15 projects were selected in each category and described how the board’s tiebreaker process was used to finalize the recommendations.
Members asked about the asset preservation pool, specifically whether institutions receive a blanket appropriation or must identify projects. Staff explained that the Council on Postsecondary Education serves as the gatekeeper after appropriation, reviewing institution-submitted uses to ensure they meet criteria for maintaining and improving existing facilities rather than new construction. Staff also outlined revisions to the draft plan, including updated summary data, revised wording for clarity, an updated maintenance pool policy recommendation based on Pew research, and a change to cross-reference major state-funded construction project status information rather than listing it directly.
During discussion, one member praised the work on the plan and commented on the budget reserve trust fund, noting disagreement with Pew’s suggestion that the process should be in statute because Kentucky has long used the budget bill to govern deposits and uses. The board then moved to final action and unanimously adopted the draft 2026–2032 statewide capital improvement plan, with authority for staff to make final technical and editorial revisions and insert the comprehensive project list before publication. The chair thanked members for their work, noting it was the final meeting of the year, and the meeting adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence Task Force 2025 (6-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and then you started to see legislation passed that was more of a model bill that was protective
- of consumers but workable for business.
- <00:25:27.920>
protection <00:25:28.360>standpoint it from a consumer protection standpoint - And so, we do see this falling more in the world of consumer protection than let's just take everything
- To be a tool and be something that we can be mindful of consumer privacy and protections, but also where
Keywords:
Meeting Start - 00:00
Roll Call – 00:34
KY Chamber of Commerce KY Business Perspectives – 01:50
COT Update on SB4 – 27:16
Adjournment – 48:18, 958, all
Summary:
The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Task Force met for its first meeting of the year and heard updates on federal AI policy, state implementation of Senate Bill 4, and the business community’s perspective on AI regulation. Co-chairs noted that federal legislation could affect the task force’s work later in the year, but said Kentucky still has significant issues to study, including energy, land use, education, social media, and children’s engagement with AI. The task force had quorum and no votes were taken.
Kate Shanks of the Kentucky Chamber said the business community supports continued discussion but favors a federal approach over a patchwork of state laws. She described the Trump administration’s new AI executive order as emphasizing innovation over regulation, noted the pending federal AI action plan, and discussed congressional action including the Take It Down Act and industry-specific changes to existing laws. She warned that state-by-state AI rules could increase costs and burden businesses, and said the Chamber would prefer incremental, flexible policy that avoids conflict with existing law and limits private rights of action. Members asked about uniform model legislation, education uses of AI, and civil liability; Shanks said a model approach could help avoid fragmentation and that liability should generally be handled through consumer-protection-style enforcement rather than broad litigation.
The Commonwealth Office of Technology then reported on implementation of SB 4, saying it has worked with industry, agencies, other states, and vendors to build an AI policy framework now in final review. Officials said an AI Governance Committee has been established and will meet in July, and a draft RFP is being prepared to meet the bill’s tracking and documentation requirements. They said no major implementation challenges have been identified so far, but the impact of pending federal rules remains uncertain. Members also discussed the need to educate students and teachers about AI, with one member emphasizing that schools should teach both how to use AI and how to think critically about information online.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Please register at one of the kiosks located behind the hearing room.
- and reduce the risk of repeat offenses.
- HB 2407 addresses this issue by amending Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the
- according to the severity of their crimes.
- The bill also reinforces the seriousness of these registration laws, supports the efforts of law enforcement
TX
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health Services (3-14-25) -Upon Recess of House - 6PM
Transcript Highlights:
- tonight deletes all of the original provisions<00:02:38.120>
of <00:02:38.480>the <00:02 - the of the guess various parts of the of the community<00:13:54.160>
or <00:13:54.480>to <00:27:07.760>- > of the income or the re of the um of the of the income or the re of the um of the revenues<00:14:32.759
of <00:27:08.120>how but also got to be conscious of of how but also - still don't have a high degree of still don't have a high degree of comfort<00:27:28.279>
of<
Keywords:
00:25 Call to Order/Roll Call
01:36 Discussion of 25RS SB 153
23:11 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 153
30:56 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Health Services met on March 14, 2025, and took up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 153. The substitute deleted the original bill language and replaced it with provisions from Senate Bill 14, aimed at prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities and adding reporting requirements for those entities. The sponsor explained that the protections would sunset after one year, allowing lawmakers to review data by July 1, 2026, and that Kentucky would continue to follow any future federal changes to the 340B program.
Members asked several questions about the scope of the reporting, including what “total operating cost” means, how duplicate discounts are prevented, whether the reporting applies only to hospitals and not federally qualified health centers, and who would receive the data. The sponsor said the reporting is intended to help the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Office of Health Data Analytics at LRC assess how the program is working, including charity care and community benefits, while preserving protections for rural hospitals and allowing them to continue using contract pharmacies. A representative from LRC confirmed the data would come to the General Assembly through the Office of Health Data Analytics.
The committee expressed mixed views about the balance between transparency and potential burdens on hospitals, especially rural facilities. Several members said they were supportive but had reservations about the reporting requirements and the sunset structure, while others noted concerns about unintended consequences and the possibility of changes on the House floor. The committee ultimately adopted the committee substitute, approved a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 153 with House Committee Substitute 2 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
LA
Keywords:
mandatory reporter, child abuse training, online training, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Education, educator requirements, early childhood education, microcenter, school board, cooperative endeavor, economic disadvantage, vaccination, meningococcal disease, school entry, immunization requirements, public health, academic freedom, free speech, retaliation, faculty rights
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- business or residence of the purchase of the excuse me the place of business or residence of the purchaser
- Half of the sales are delivered, half of the sales are picked up by the consumer.
- And, you know, I'm very, very protective and cautious of any pension bills I run because I run a lot
- the plan and you know I'm very very protective and cautious of any pension bills I run because I run
- And, you know, not all of it. Of course not. Not all of it, of course not.
Keywords:
public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee first set aside House Bill 2794 at the sponsor’s request and then took up House Bill 2290, which would clarify Arizona transaction privilege tax sourcing rules for tangible personal property by specifying that an order is received at a seller’s business location and that server location does not control sourcing. The sponsor said the bill codifies existing, historic treatment and would provide certainty for taxpayers, while the League of Arizona Cities and Towns opposed it, arguing it would be a major departure from current practice, could shift revenue away from rural communities, and could create multiple tax rates for a single transaction. The Department of Revenue said it was neutral, acknowledged ongoing ambiguity and administrative complexity, and explained that a 2023 draft ruling had been based on a legal analysis but was never finalized. Several business and association witnesses supported the bill as necessary to prevent inconsistent audits and to preserve origin-based sourcing for in-state sellers. After extended debate, the committee passed HB 2290 on a 5-3 vote, with one member absent.
The committee then heard House Bill 2373, which would add a space on the individual income tax return for taxpayers to voluntarily direct part of a refund to the Veterans Donations Fund or a veterans service organization fund. The sponsor and a representative of veterans advocacy groups described it as a simple, voluntary way to support veterans organizations and local projects. No opposition was raised, and the bill was approved unanimously by the members present, 8-0, with one absent.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 2143, a technical change to Public Safety Personnel Retirement System law that would limit the 5% ownership cap to publicly traded corporations. PSPRS representatives said the change would reduce compliance costs and avoid unnecessary workarounds while maintaining existing investment safeguards and diversification rules. Members discussed that ASRS does not have the same cap and that PSPRS already has broader limits on concentration risk. The bill was presented as an administrative cleanup measure, and discussion focused on clarifying that it would not increase investment risk.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Now I'd like to say it in Spanish, if it's okay with all of you.
- It's okay with all of you.
- So the amendment, which has a lot of similarities to the bill as it is sitting in front of us right now
- Justin Senior is speaking in information, Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.
- I'm the CEO of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.
Keywords:
pretrial release, bond conditions, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention, first appearance hearing, law enforcement immunity, domestic violence, stalking, battery, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, sexual battery, murder, manslaughter
Summary:
The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began with a notice that the committee would not present its budget that day, explaining that the budget rollout would be coordinated with House partners and Senate notice requirements, with the next opportunity expected the following week. The committee then moved to legislation, starting with CS for SB 760 by Senator McLean, the Victim Safety and Pre-Trial Release Act, which would address willful violations of court-ordered no-contact conditions for defendants on pretrial release for serious violent crimes. The bill had support from the Florida Sheriffs Association, received no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee next considered SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard. The transcript shows the chair moved on before questions or a vote were taken on that bill. The committee then took up CS for SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services, first adopting a leave-filed amendment that revised provisions on inmate welfare trust funds, Medicaid supplemental reimbursement participation, emergency transport reimbursement, and negotiated rates for certain community health care providers, including telehealth and secure-unit care. Justin Senior of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida testified in information, saying the amendment was a major positive move, and the amended bill was then reported favorably.
At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that two agenda items were being temporarily postponed: CS for SB 1582 on statewide data sharing of secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions and SB 1792 on public records for pawnbroker transactions. No further business was raised, and the committee adjourned after a motion by Senator Simon.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint Appropriations Jan 21st, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- From a health care perspective, this funding helps ensure continuity of care, protects emergency response
- Had we even been where Louisiana is at, at second best, it would have cost our consumers a quarter of
- We anticipate needing to continue pursuing the best interests of North Dakota consumers.
- The results of the Commission and their protection of our consumers has been excellent, lowest rates
- Chairman, and I'm sitting here sort of envious of many of you.
Bills:
HB1623
Keywords:
HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action.
The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session.
Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint Appropriations Jan 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Our fourth meeting was for the policy division members to separate out and meet for a final review of
- Data, we're stepping up a division of an office of data and performance measures because we're really
- Mental Health Advocacy Network advocates for a consumer- and family-driven mental health system of care
- Mental Health Advocacy Network advocates for a consumer- and family-driven mental health system of care
- “Cybersecurity and protecting this data needs to be part of this bill.
Bills:
HB1623
Keywords:
HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid
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.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] Chair called to order this meeting of the Ways and Means Committee.
- Our first item of business, however, is approval of our minutes from April 30.
- Chair, and I move the approval of the minutes.
- So all those in favor of my motion say aye. Opposed? Motion prevails.
- there's a matter, you know, for those of there's a matter, you know, for those of you<00:02:19.680
Keywords:
economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, labor market, employment, funding, data analysis, climate finance, energy finance, renewable development account, RDA, weatherization, preweatherization, low-income housing, energy efficiency, clean energy