Video & Transcript Research : 'unexpected needs'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 5/19/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um it's kind of something, it's needed.
- We're going to have a task need to do.
- Um we need to thank um need to thank.
- <00:39:35.839>
to teachers that are 60 61 that need to teachers that are 60 61 that need to - treatment and Minnesota legislators need treatment and Minnesota legislators need to<00:49:07.920
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Committee Members Address ICE Presence Near Minnesota Schools - 01/27/26
Transcript Highlights:
- resources to support families who need resources to support families who need stable<00:09:54.480
- And I need to say this community.
- We need helpers. We need leaders, advocates, and We need leaders, advocates, and helpers.
- Children ask, "Can and Minnesota needs them back in school and Minnesota needs them back in school soon
- , our schools have what they need, and our families have what they need to succeed.
Summary:
The meeting focused on the impact of recent ICE enforcement activity in Minnesota, especially on schools, students, and families. Speakers, including legislators, superintendents, a school board chair, teachers, parents, and a student, described fear in immigrant and non-immigrant communities, increased absenteeism, disrupted school routines, and broader trauma affecting children’s mental health and learning. Several speakers said students were staying home, families were avoiding bus stops and public places, and educators were taking on extra duties such as transporting students, delivering food, and helping with housing and remote learning options.
Testimony included specific examples from Columbia Heights, Fidley Public Schools, Rochester, and Maple Grove. Speakers reported detained students and family members, canceled in-person classes in some districts, expanded virtual learning, and sharp attendance declines; one superintendent cited more than 530 additional daily absences in Rochester and large increases in excused absences among multilingual, low-income, Asian-American, and Latino students. A parent and student speaker described organizing neighborhood safety efforts and a planned student walkout to demand safe busing, suspension of a policy that unenrolls students after 15 consecutive absences, and a pause on standardized testing.
The speakers repeatedly called for ICE to be removed from schools and from Minnesota, and urged elected officials to act to protect children and educators. One senator reflected on democracy, liberty, and freedom from fear, linking the situation to the purpose of public education. No formal committee vote or legislative action was taken during the excerpt; the session ended with a transition to questions and a call for community responsibility and support.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 9th, 2025 at 08:40 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We need more social workers. We need to educate more in New Mexico. So we need more education.
- We need more other policies.
- We need to really look back and say do we need those positions? If we do, we'll fill them.
- They need to get cleaned up, if they need clothing, if they need food, whatever, while our workers go
- Our staff need it, our families need it, and our children deserve it.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/10/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:26:16.239>
So regarding capacity need. So regarding capacity need. - needs that needs to be t that needs to needs that needs to be t that needs to take<02:00:00.639>
that - c><02:00:18.400>
put <02:00:18.480>the but we need but we need to put the but we need but - we need to do more investigating." we need to do more investigating."
- I just I think that we need action. I just I think that we need action.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we need to add a...
- So maybe we need to ask them.
- Why do countywide locations need to be affected to accomplish what you need to accomplish?
- That means there's less staff needed, less equipment needed, so I think it's a savings.
- Ergo, the ballots need to be pre-numbered. Ergo, the ballots need to be pre-numbered.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 3709, which would change the partial manual audit process so early voting could be audited by voting location rather than by randomly selected precincts. The author and several supporters said the current precinct-based process is antiquated, labor-intensive, and especially difficult in countywide voting systems and large counties. Opponents and some neutral witnesses raised concerns about whether the change would still allow an apples-to-apples audit against official precinct results, whether random selection procedures should be more clearly defined, and how ballot secrecy and mail ballots would be handled. The Secretary of State’s office said counties already use random selection methods and that the bill would largely standardize early voting audits with election-day procedures, while also noting ballot privacy issues can arise in public records requests. After testimony, the bill was left pending.
The committee then took up House Bill 766, as substituted, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both, while making that contact information confidential. Supporters said the change would help parties and local officials contact applicants more efficiently. Opponents argued it could expose personal contact information to public records requests and harassment, and some suggested the information should instead be handled through party rules. The bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn.
House Bill 3775 followed and would set clearer timelines for when early voting ballot boards may begin opening carrier envelopes, with different start times based on county size. Supporters said the bill would address counties opening ballots too early and improve ballot security, while opponents warned it could delay defect notices and cure opportunities for mail voters and create problems in large counties that process high volumes of ballots. Testimony also focused on whether the bill referred to carrier envelopes or secrecy envelopes and on how counties like Harris County currently image and secure ballot materials. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4275, which would require countywide polling systems to have polling places in each election precinct, intended to address uneven distribution of polling locations across county commissioner precincts. Supporters said the bill would make polling place distribution fairer and more consistent, especially in Harris County, while opponents said it would undermine countywide voting, increase costs, require more equipment and staff, and reduce local flexibility. Several witnesses also raised concerns about ballot secrecy and the practical burden on large and rural counties. The bill remained under discussion as testimony continued.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We need more housing in more places to give people the choices that they need.
- Mental health needs, personal health needs, all kinds of individual needs that the students have.
- We need to do more of it; we need more of it.
- We need more housing, and we need it fast. Thank you.
- Mental health needs. Personal health needs. All kinds of individual needs that the students have.
Keywords:
zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy May 19th, 2026
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- . need some reporting on that as it moves along.
- You need to—we need to figure that out. Okay, I've opened a conversation. I think we all are.
- I think we have some data needs that we would need to evaluate, and I know that it probably would require
- I don't really see a need to coordinate with them.
- Well, no, we need to agree to our agenda.
Summary:
The Executive Committee approved the April minutes by roll call vote, with members present voting aye and the minutes adopted. The committee then received an Attorney General update on several pension-related cases. Counsel discussed the newly filed Dawson class action, which seeks to invalidate Gross Second Substitute House Bill 2034 on federal and state constitutional grounds; she said the pleadings were unclear, the committee’s involvement was uncertain, and the case would need monitoring. She also reported that the Dolan case appears concluded after the Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s ruling on constructive payment of attorney fees, and that the Fowler case remains pending after an oral ruling for plaintiffs on retroactive interest and possible disgorgement of state gains, with a written ruling still awaited.
The actuarial update said June would include the preliminary 2025 valuation results and contribution-rate discussion, along with commentary on the demographic experience study, and staff noted actuarial resources were limited for additional items until later in the summer or fall. The committee then discussed the interim work plan and correspondence, including letters supporting a Plan 1 COLA recommendation, retiree organization comments, and a request from Senator Robinson to study whether certain animal control technicians should be included in PERS. Members emphasized the need to keep working on an ad hoc COLA for Plan 1 retirees while also exploring a longer-term COLA mechanism, including possible budget proviso language to require COLA consideration each budget cycle.
Staff also explained changes to correspondence handling: materials will no longer be posted publicly on the website, but will still be available through public records requests and distributed securely to members by email or form submission. The committee agreed to add a June briefing on the PERS animal control technician issue and an introductory discussion of Plan 3, and to bring back COLA proposals in July for further executive committee review. The agenda was approved as amended, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sure every department agency needs help with that.
- We need it to mitigate our risk and prevent vulnerability.
- Can I just list off the ones that I think we need to just look at?
- And that total that we would need is over 2,000.
- But the community needs to meet with you.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management.
Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications.
Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't need to send that data to the cloud.
- We do not need to send.
- As we we need the positions. We have the the workload for them.
- And then if the judge needs that, we need to produce a transcript.
- attorneys to draft that they are going to need support staff and the need to investigate or a victim
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think what we need to now recognize is that that usage exists today, and we need to understand
- They need to be protected.
- More resources are needed for roads and bridges, too.
- And so that's going to need to be a focus.
- So like what do we need to do with vertiports, you know, what type of technology is going to be needed
Summary:
The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations.
FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely.
The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Nov 12th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Think about the people that we need to do this research.
- We need to pivot away.
- We need to work together.
- Quickly to the places that we need to go.
- you will, the next steps of what we need to do.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine insurance markets and the role of mitigation policies. May 1st, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- you need to be precise about the quantity the other thing you need to be very clear on since most of
- We need local and state officials to have the courage to tell their communities what they need to do
- We need to have...
- We need some certainty. We need reform.
- Just we need to stop...
Keywords:
homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions
Summary:
The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- It just depends on what their needs are. It just depends on what their needs are.
- our state, the needs of the workforce, the needs of business and industry.
- What I usually do is I usually think, what do you all need to hear and what do you need to see to be
- We need this. We need that. And we're able to, we call it, turn on a dime. Great.
- That the state really needs.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received an overview of Florida’s career and technical education (CTE) system from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, who described the state’s CTE pathways, program types, enrollment and completion growth, quality audit metrics, and the Master Credentials List used to identify credentials of value. He highlighted record postsecondary CTE enrollment and completions, strong statewide performance in talent attraction, and several funding tools supporting expansion, including Open Door, the Florida First Responder Scholarship, Workforce Development Capitalization grants, Perkins funding, CAPE performance incentives, and apprenticeship grants. Senators asked about eligibility for Open Door and first responder aid, top industry certifications, and the teacher apprenticeship initiative.
A panel of college and technical school leaders then described how state and federal funding has supported local program growth and facility expansion. Santa Fe College, Palm Beach State College, North Florida Technical College, Lake Technical College, Florida Gateway College, and Manatee Technical College each cited increases in enrollment, high placement or licensure pass rates, and new or expanded programs in nursing, welding, CDL, automotive, manufacturing, public safety, and apprenticeship. Several speakers emphasized partnerships with hospitals, employers, school districts, and local governments, and noted that grants helped fund equipment, renovations, and new training hubs. Palm Beach State also raised a request to broaden line funding beyond nursing to other health science fields, and multiple presenters asked for more flexibility, multi-year support, and continued or increased funding to sustain growth.
Members discussed broader challenges, including the difficulty of sustaining grant-funded growth after initial awards, the lag between enrollment growth and funding formulas, and alignment problems for dual enrollment and technical programs with high school schedules. Senators also noted the need to balance support for high-demand core programs like nursing and welding with the ability to respond quickly to emerging industries such as AI and space. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond adjournment after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Higher Education Institutions Committee
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture (10-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Government needs to do better.
- they need to be brought in front of us. they need to be brought in front of us.
- needs to be a year long? needs to be a year long?
- this is only one piece, but this needs this is only one piece, but this needs to<01:13:03.280>
- we need to do before we go into session. we need to do before we go into session.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:24
Approval of September 18, 2025 Minutes: 00:02:03
Discussion on the Condemnation of Agricultural Land: 00:03:12
Discussion on the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative: 00:50:00
Adjournment: 01:19:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Joint Agriculture Committee met in October with a quorum present and approved the September minutes. The main presentation focused on condemnation of agricultural land and eminent domain, featuring testimony from Stephanie Barnett of a family-run livestock and farming business in Todd County, with support from Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barnett described a state road project that would take about 29 feet of frontage and affect entrances, fencing, a sign, drainage, a water well, and parking, saying the process involved poor communication, correspondence sent to the wrong address, and limited opportunity to negotiate changes such as a turning lane or relocated entrances. She said the business was not opposed to progress, but wanted the property restored and fairly compensated for the full impact on the operation, not just the land value.
Committee members broadly agreed that eminent domain is sometimes necessary but should be handled with more transparency, communication, and fairness. Several members said the issue affects both rural and urban property owners and raised concerns about fair market value, compensation for agricultural infrastructure improvements, long-term impacts on farm operations, and the cost and delay of litigation. One member asked about the firm involved and suggested hearing from the people responsible for the correspondence problems; Barnett said she would share names after negotiations conclude. Another member noted that the maps had already been drawn before the landowner was brought in and said local meetings and clearer public input could reduce conflict.
Chairman Dossett said he was interested in pursuing legislation for the upcoming session focused on property owner protection, fair treatment, and fair compensation, not just for agricultural land but for all Kentucky property owners. Members discussed possible ideas such as requiring better notice, more public transparency, and accounting for related costs like wells, fencing, drainage, and access changes. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the approval of minutes and the discussion of potential future legislation.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS DEFER, HHS-LBT, HHS Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We need some new money.
- We need help.
- <00:32:26.639>
help <00:32:27.000>we we need they need help they need help we we need - We need you to wrap up.
- We need you to wrap up.
Summary:
The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is.
On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided.
The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We need all of the scales of solar.
- the distributed generation and they need the distributed generation and they need additional<00:
- need to be<00:36:23.839>
uh <00:36:24.000>we'll <00:36:24.200>need <00:36:24.319> - dramatically larger than what they need dramatically larger than what they need I'd<00:55:27.119
- <01:31:11.440>
to think for me I don't think we need to think for me I don't think we need
Bills:
HF845
Keywords:
net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we need Um the minutes are approved. Do we need a<00:01:06.840>
second? - assessed needs. assessed needs.
- You You You We<00:47:38.480>
need <00:47:39.120>help. We need help. We need help. - complex needs hasn't changed. complex needs hasn't changed.
- they need to remain in community. they need to remain in community.
Keywords:
Medical Assistance, Medicaid, prepayment review, claims review, fee-for-service, provider integrity, high-risk provider, high-risk service, fraud prevention, program integrity, Department of Human Services, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care billing, medical claims, provider enrollment, Indian Health Service, Minnesota Statutes chapter 256B, human services, medical assistance
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Health and Family Services. (1-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- people who needed had the more needs. people who needed had the more needs.
- The needs are there.
- The needs are there.
- The needs are there.
- And the need is great.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:36
Department for Medicaid Services 00:01:44, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met for an overview of the Department for Medicaid Services budget. Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beal described Kentucky Medicaid enrollment at about 1.4 million members, including more than 600,000 children, and said the agency’s 2025 total budget was $20.6 billion. They reviewed enrollment trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 public health emergency, noting that redeterminations begun in 2023 reduced enrollment from its peak but that total membership remains above pre-COVID levels. They also explained the difference between the fee-for-service population, which includes long-term care and waiver members, and managed care members, and gave examples of the kinds of services and diagnoses seen in each group.
A major focus was the governor’s recommended Medicaid budget and the department’s forecast process. Lee said the budget is split into benefits and administration, with benefits covering fee-for-service services, managed care capitation, transportation, and Medicare premiums, while administration covers contracts, personnel, operating costs, and IT-related advanced planning documents. She said the department uses a consensus forecasting group and actuary input, and that its forecasts have been within 1% of actual spending in recent years. The department also said the governor’s budget includes new waiver slots to address waiting lists, a 2% staff COLA, and a 10% phase-down on state-directed payments beginning in January 2028.
Much of the discussion centered on House Resolution 1 and the funding needed to implement its Medicaid-related provisions, including community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, and future cost sharing. Lee said the department requested about $35 million in total funds for fiscal 2027, including about $8.2 million in general funds for system changes to the integrated eligibility system, claims processing, notices, and monitoring; and about $11 million in fiscal 2028 for ongoing maintenance, with about $1.6 million in general funds. She said the department expects to seek federal APD matching funds for the IT work. In response to questions, she explained that community engagement would apply to Medicaid expansion members, with qualifying activities including work, school, volunteering, or equivalent income, and that certain groups such as pregnant women, children, caretaker relatives, and some people with chronic disease or substance use disorder would be excluded. She said the department identified roughly 70,000 expansion members who could be subject to the requirement. No votes or formal actions were taken.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- I need a motion. No. Moved by Hogan, seconded by S.
- I need a motion. No. Moved by Hogan, seconded by S. I need a motion.
- What you described would not be, you know, any changes to a proposal need to be, need to occur through
- So I may need Ms.
- Yeah, and that kind of answers my question of, do we need this? Why do we need this?
Summary:
The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion.
OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated.
The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.