Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment L001: On page 3, line 9, after 'four' insert 'A.' On page 3, after line 11 insert 'A.'
• I have two family members. I amendment. I have two family members.
• She got two top ones, two quickly.
• as two separate line<04:51:08.080> items line items line items when<04:51:09.720> it<04
• <05:53:12.160> They to over-expend a line. That's it. They to over-expend a line.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports. The Finance Committee reported Senate Bills 155, 49, and 116 with amendments and favorable referral to Appropriations, and House Bill 1188 favorably to Appropriations. The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee reported House Bill 1110 with amendments and a favorable recommendation to the Committee of the Whole, placed on the Consent Calendar, and also recommended confirmation of several appointments, including members of the State Plumbing Board, State Electrical Board, and Workers’ Compensation Cost Containment Board. The chamber then proceeded out of order for personal privileges and a resolution honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., including recognition of visiting members and students participating in its Capitol Day. The Senate next took up House Joint Resolution 1027 concerning remembrance of the Holocaust. The resolution emphasized the history of the Holocaust, rising anti-Semitic incidents, the importance of Holocaust and genocide education, and the need to confront hate and otherization. Senators Weissman and Ball spoke in support, stressing the dangers of hateful rhetoric, the need for vigilance and compassion, and the importance of learning from history. HJR 1027 passed unanimously by roll call, 35-0, and the roll call was listed as co-sponsors. Announcements followed recognizing the Sikh community’s Vaisakhi observance and a langar lunch at the Capitol, along with a proclamation for Sikh Awareness Appreciation Month. There were also notices about a Republican caucus, a Legal Services Committee meeting on Senate Bill 2683 and a litigation update, and a brief personal privilege remark about tax day and agriculture. The Senate then recessed until 10:30 a.m., later raised the call, and moved into special orders for second reading of a large group of House bills on the Consent Calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 70, Committee of the Whole amendment number two, page 60, line 21. >> Thank you, Senator
• Senate File 45, standing committee amendment number one, page two, line 18. Mr.
• "Senate File 52, Committee of the Whole amendment number one, page two, line 13." "Thank you, Mr.
• . two. two.
• Uh, two things.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Real-time, maybe two years.
• Two. Two. And any of those did the ALJ approve? They did not side with the applicant.
• We took two point.
• A line above the gradient line indicates a water tank. will drop, and a line below the gradient line
• So when you go to these new projects the line doesn't do this the line just goes to a new level it goes

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the last two individuals I want want And the last two individuals I want want to<00:09:38.959>
• Two, I've made two decisions in my life that I'm proud I did.
• <00:35:38.640> SBA extends them a line of credit. SBA extends them a line of credit.
• All right, we have two more questions to be asked, or two more representatives to ask questions.
• All right, we have two more questions to be asked, or two more representatives to ask questions.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then spent much of the meeting recognizing members of the Falmouth Police Department and related support personnel. Representatives and senators described the department’s response to a May 17, 2025 shooting between two vehicles, saying officers secured the area, apprehended suspects, and prevented further harm within about 30 minutes. They also recognized Officer Jonathan Bis for helping rescue a person from a burning storage facility on May 3, and honored Chaplain Abram Croer and police administrator Marilyn Belure for their support roles. Members praised the officers’ service and presented citations; one member also noted the recent flooding in Falmouth and the strain on local responders. The committee also observed a moment of silence for a firefighter who died after a vehicle crash while responding to a call. The committee then recognized Sergeant Major Jimmy Thorne, USMC (Ret.), with a lengthy citation for his military service and community involvement. The citation highlighted more than three decades of service, including Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, multiple injuries, exposure to Agent Orange, and numerous decorations such as the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Speakers also noted his continued civic work in Williamstown and Grant County. Thorne thanked the committee, said enlisting in the Marine Corps and moving to Kentucky were two of his proudest decisions, and received a committee coin. Members and guests offered additional remarks about his character and service. Finally, Brigadier General Charles Jones and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave an update on spring storm response and recovery. They said Kentucky has had three declared disasters and one undeclared event this year, with 113 of 120 counties affected in the last 12 months, including February flooding, April flooding, and May tornadoes; a January ice storm appeal was denied. Gibson emphasized the rising frequency and cost of disasters, citing about $350 million in public assistance over the first 10 years of the period reviewed versus about $2 billion in the last five years. He reported on sheltering, disaster recovery centers, FEMA and SBA assistance, and said about $57 million in individual assistance had been paid and nearly $69 million obligated, while public assistance projects were still moving through review and payment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have two other forward. And then we have two other testifiers,<00:10:19.279> Dr.
• That's the the example number two. 2048. That's the the example number two.
• <02:12:20.239> one<02:12:20.719> or uh line one or uh line one or 5.14?
• line uh page<02:12:37.119> five<02:12:37.440> line<02:12:38.360> 14.
• I'm going to start with two.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Two of our colleagues are here today.
• We lined up for the procession.
• We lined up for the procession. place in a very hot gymnasium. We lined up for the procession.
• And we can do it two ways.
• And we do it based on two ways.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, approval of the May 5 minutes, and opening remarks thanking commissioners and the public for their attendance. The commission then heard testimony from former Ambassador Alan Solomont, who argued that antisemitism is rising in multiple forms, including white nationalist antisemitism and antisemitism tied to anti-Israel rhetoric after October 7. He said campus antisemitism should be addressed with nuance, distinguishing protected political speech from conduct that targets Jewish students, and warned against weaponizing antisemitism to attack higher education, civil liberties, or federal research funding. He urged the commission to use multiple definitions and frameworks, including IHRA, Nexus, and the Jerusalem Declaration, and to focus on campus-specific solutions, civic education, and civil discourse. Commissioners asked him about Tufts’ antisemitism training, the role of the federal government, the use of the IHRA definition, and how to improve civic education; he emphasized local campus responses, broader civics instruction, and protecting democracy and due process. The second major witness was Professor David Weber of Boston University, who testified on the BDS movement and anti-BDS laws. He described BDS as a campaign targeting Israeli businesses, universities, and institutions, and argued it functions as a propagandistic and discriminatory effort that fuels antisemitism and chills dialogue on campuses and in public life. He cited examples such as SodaStream, Ben & Jerry’s, and Brown University, and said anti-BDS laws in 37 states have been effective and constitutional because they regulate government economic activity rather than suppress speech. Weber urged Massachusetts to adopt an anti-BDS statute or executive order, saying the state’s large Jewish population and economic ties to Israel make the issue especially important. Commissioners questioned him about which states have such laws, the impact on dialogue and campus culture, possible legal frameworks, and whether BDS is really aimed at the Israeli government or at individuals and institutions; he maintained that BDS targets people and entities connected to Israel and that anti-BDS measures can help draw a line against illiberal conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• It actually resulted in two suicides.
• I'll point members<01:37:45.360> to<01:37:45.600> lines members to lines members to lines
• Um, next is going to be section six on page three, line one through line 3.16.
• <01:59:12.560> one three, line one three, line one through<01:59:14.719> line<01:59
• :15.199> uh through line uh through line uh 3.16. 3.16. 3.16.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, two and a half. I got two and a Oh, two and a half. I got two and a Oh, two and a half.
• And so I'll start here on page two and line so I'll start here on page two and line so I'll start here
• on page two and line 52 and just say that that each each 52 and just say that that each each 52 and
• Two, seat two, a resident of governor. Two, seat two, a resident of governor.
• So So there's a two a two for a ballot. So So there's a two a two for a ballot.

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's kind of a two-step process.
• Did we change two?
• and '25 for the two.
• I'm not sure about the two-to-one, the opposite two-to-one of the one, whatever you want to call.
• two-thirds you match.

Summary: The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting. The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later. A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.

Transcript Highlights:

• on our item of business we have two on our item of business we have two bills<00:02:34.760> we'll
• produce energy uh and the other line produce energy uh and the other line that<00:04:56.880>
• say one last thing the next two say one last thing the next two testifiers<00:08:43.640> won't
• <00:09:03.240> gentlemen has to offer so these two gentlemen has to offer so these two gentlemen
• heart of the issue for me is um on line heart of the issue for me is um on line line<00:36:26.079

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there more than two that you guys noted? We have line five and line 10.
• Senator Al Schiller, you wanted to add on line nine, with a comma, okay, and then one, two, three, four
• wanted to add on line nine on line nine wanted to add on line nine on line nine mhm<00:28:32.039
• on line five and line all right and also on line five and line 10<00:29:30.600> we'd<00:29:30.760
• two years of Prior law enforcement two two years of Prior law enforcement two years<01:07:04.599

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll add just sort of two notes.
• And you see, the red line above, or orange top line, is the operating expenditures for ferries.
• Ferries' capital spending comes, for one, out of two state ferry-specific accounts, two capital-specific
• Ferry's capital spending comes, for one, out of two state fairy-specific accounts, two capital-specific
• Those dashed lines you see there—the top line is if we don't do anything to address our bridges, and

Summary: The committee received a detailed staff presentation on Washington State Ferries’ capital needs, current fleet status, and long-range funding outlook. Staff described the current service pattern, ridership recovery since the pandemic, the aging fleet, and the state’s plan to add three new hybrid-electric Olympic-class vessels under the 2025 budget, with delivery expected around 2030-2032. Members also heard that the fleet is operating with no reserve vessel, that preservation time is below the desired level, and that terminal electrification and vessel conversion plans face timing, cost, and procurement risks. Questions focused on ridership trends, biofuel supply, design-risk allocation in vessel contracts, sequencing of terminal electrification with new vessel delivery, and the cost and feasibility of restoring international Sidney service, which would require a SOLAS-certified vessel. Staff then outlined ferry capital funding, saying recent spending and programmed needs are far above regular ferry-specific revenues and that the system relies on a mix of dedicated accounts, transportation package money, federal grants, and transfers. They said the near-term budget is balanced through 2027-29, but the longer-term capital outlook shows a shortfall of roughly $250 million to $300 million per biennium, with broader unmet needs much higher. The presentation estimated costs for future vessels, life extensions, terminal electrification, and additional Jumbo Mark II conversions, and noted that the current enacted plan does not fully fund fleet replacement, full electrification, or life extension of older vessels. Members asked for follow-up information on terminal seismic/environmental issues, contract options for additional vessels, and the timing and cost of alternative vessel designs. The committee then shifted to WSDOT maintenance and preservation. Pascoe Focktich described maintenance operations, including winter response, guardrail repair, facilities, equipment, and the effects of underfunding and inflation. He said most of the maintenance budget is fixed cost and labor, that material prices have risen sharply, and that many facilities are in poor condition with asbestos issues and deferred upkeep. He also noted growing guardrail damage, increasing pavement claims, and the burden of maintaining aging bridges and facilities. Members asked about prior planning for these needs, the role of asbestos, and whether more proactive sequencing could help budget decisions. Troy Suing then presented the highway preservation program, saying WSDOT is in the early stages of critical failure and has stretched preservation dollars as far as possible. He explained the distinction between pavement, bridge, and other highway asset preservation, said the department is largely reactive, and estimated that delaying work can make it three to five times more expensive later. He said about 40% of roadways are currently due or overdue for preservation, bridge conditions are nearing the federal poor-bridge threshold, and the department’s 10-year preservation need is about $8 billion. Members asked about the cost of deferring work, whether the department could do more if funded, how priorities are set, and whether other states face similar problems. Finally, Evan Grimm and Mike Fay briefed the committee on bridge strikes by overheight vehicles. They described recent incidents on I-90 near Cle Elum and SR 410 near White River, the damage and closures caused, and possible countermeasures such as public outreach, improved trip-planning tools, and a pilot warning system with sensors and flashing beacons. Fay explained the state’s financial recovery process for third-party damage, saying WSDOT recovers roughly $20 million per biennium and about 78% to 80% of billed damages, with money going to the motor vehicle fund. Members asked about prevention, insurance recovery, and whether the state uses claim data to inform future design or safety changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Delete lines 53 through 145 and insert amendment. Senator Truenow, you're recognized.
• Delete lines 53 through 145 and insert amendment.
• Amendment barcode 78758758 by Senator Smith, between lines 31 and 32, and your amendment.
• By Senator Smith, between lines 31 and 32, and their amendment. Senator of the 17th.
• Delete lines 356 through 357 and insert amendment.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator Charlie Dean. Senators also introduced guests, including family members, church leaders, and visiting students. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers. The Senate passed a series of bills focused on consumer protection, transportation safety, health, and financial regulation. CS/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks passed 37-0 after being substituted for SB 198 and amended to adopt Senate language aimed at limiting fraud and setting transaction controls. SB 382 on electric bicycles passed 37-0 after amendment to broaden the task force to micro-mobility devices. SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education passed 37-0, requiring certain health professionals to complete training on care management. SB 1014 on municipal utility service outside city limits passed 37-0, and SB 428 on the swimming lesson voucher program passed 36-0 after amendments expanding the program to ages 1 through 7 and adding drowning-prevention education for new parents. The Senate also passed CS/CS/CS/SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which creates cybersecurity program requirements for certain licensees, expands oversight of some investment advisers, and updates credit union and anti-money-laundering provisions; it passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 1440 on public records passed 35-1 after technical amendments tied to related cybersecurity exemptions and reporting requirements. SB 1594 on veteran benefit payments to minor clients passed 36-0, directing certain benefits for foster youth toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to certify all passed bills to the House and retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• BARCODE 655340 BY SENATOR BURGESS DELETE LINES 43 AND INSERT AN AMENDMENT.
• HAVE THESE COMPANIES TOLD YOU THE COST TO HAVE TWO SEPARATE LABELS, TWO SEPARATE DISTRIBUTION LABELS
• FOR AGRICULTURE EDUCATION ON LINE 3009.
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED FOR TWO QUICK QUESTIONS.
• BARCODE 231 840 BY SENATOR INGOGLIA, BEFORE LINE 14 INSERT AN AMENDMENT.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Two slides. This is me and Julia. One and two. Oh, never mind. Okay, sorry about that.
• I just have two more questions.
• He or she who speaks two languages is worth two people.
• So I have two quick questions that we can make quick.
• And then you end up with your bottom line.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's kind of addressing two separate issues. so those lines fall under subdivision 6 so those lines fall
• I'm looking at section two, subdivision one, item E, on lines 214 through 217.
• office I'm looking at lines office I'm looking at lines 2.14<00:51:53.040> through 2.14 through
• I'm looking at um section two I'm looking at um section two subdivision<00:53:35.440> one
• 00:53:37.839> 214 subdivision one item e on lines 214 subdivision one item e on lines 214 through

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• permits non-compete agreements for two permits non-compete agreements for two categories<00:05:10.400
• confidential work. and two, an employee confidential work. and two, an employee earning<00:05:19.840
• line, 1.5, and line 1.3.
• and say we have an issue with one line and say we have an issue with one line 1.5<00:40:57.599><
• Can we talk about 1.5 and line 1.3.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's two two simply move the sheet.
• number two.
• Absent the line, the fifth line and the ninth line, absent the new license plate upon transfer and the
• line, the fifth line, the fifth line<01:04:14.559> and<01:04:14.799> the<01:04:14.880><
• > new line and the ninth line absent the new line and the ninth line absent the new license<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Two, actually, Mr. President.
• We sat in room 285 going through the bill line by line because I said I wasn't going to be for it, but
• We sat in room 285 going through the bill line by line because I said I wasn't going to be for it, but
• <00:33:54.399> by<00:33:54.640> line going through the bill line by line going through
• the bill line by line because<00:33:55.039> I<00:33:55.200> said<00:33:55.360> I

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum and approved the journal. The House clerk communicated that the House had passed House Bills 34 and 306 and requested concurrence. The State and Local Government Committee reported Senate Bills 20 and 68 favorably, and several new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on Kentucky-grown agricultural procurement, an endowed research fund, unemployment insurance, postsecondary education, wrongful conviction compensation, massage therapy, local fiscal reporting, and a resolution honoring John and Debbie Rogers. The main floor action was on Senate Joint Resolution 23, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, declaring Kentucky a “food is medicine” state and directing state agencies to advance food-as-medicine initiatives. The sponsor described the resolution as a statewide framework to connect nutrition, health care, agriculture, and local food systems, emphasizing partnerships with the Kentucky Hospital Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, better health outcomes, and support for Kentucky farmers and rural communities. Senators from Taylor and Callaway spoke in support, citing local examples and the goal of building Kentucky-based solutions rather than importing them. The committee substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the resolution then passed 35-0. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 56 honoring Elder Nathan Craig and Sister Amy Craig, and Senate Resolution 33 honoring Robert E. “Bob” Pernell, Sr. Senate Resolution 22, honoring Brian J. Hat, was likewise adopted. After the day’s business, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and the Committee on Committees. Later, the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bills 1-4 to Education, Senate Bill 48 to Judiciary, and Senate Bills 84 and 102 to Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Several members made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the VMAP committee, Judiciary, the Kentucky Japan Caucus, the Kentucky Israel Caucus, and an American Cancer Society action day.

Transcript Highlights:

• up instead of getting two hours and um<00:09:24.519> uh<00:09:24.760> two<00:09:25.000
• c><00:23:36.840> when<00:23:37.120> people another two in the two box when people another
• two in the two box when people dial<00:23:37.880> 911<00:23:38.600> in<00:23:38.760>
• <00:36:35.400> as quite as neat and linear of a line as quite as neat and linear of a line
• 2.30 and line this section this line 2.30 and line 2.31<01:21:59.920> needs<01:22:00.159>

Bills: HF696, HF1429, HF1379

Keywords: HF696, rural EMS, ambulance, emergency medical services, uncompensated care, payment pool, rural health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, public safety answering point, PSAP, nontransport, unpaid ambulance calls, EMS reimbursement, rural ambulance provider, general fund appropriation, Minnesota health finance, specialized life support, metropolitan counties, emergency response funding, HF1429