Transcript Highlights:

• I've been in local government for 21 years, and we've always respected the quality of work that we've
• The only protection that local governments in my district have is a secret process that appears to be
• There is no emergency in terms of the timing, as this affects local government codes adopted after October
• This standard and these sections are based on a misunderstanding of the cost and benefit of energy codes
• We've been working within a larger coalition of other local government environmental stakeholders to

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But local economic development, communities, local government, local schools, all of that for the community
• This section provides an overview of each branch of government as well as considerations related to the
• Well, we work with local government... ...services to help implement those at local government levels
• Well, we work with local governments each and every day.
• So state law requires if a local government sends a bonding fund claim to the DIRF, they hand it over

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it talks about how no state agency, local government, special district, or other political subdivision
• Meyer, if if those laws, the US code<01:20:03.920> or<01:20:04.239> or code or or code
• <01:35:59.760> to codes and apply those codes to codes and apply those codes to construction
• <01:36:20.880> of<01:36:21.040> of has a code that's that's the code of of has a code
• local control that the government<01:51:18.560> closest<01:51:19.040> to<01:51:19.280><

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Local governments decide whether and how to use the authority provided.
• SB 283 gives local governments a practical tool to address this missing middle gap by allowing housing
• So this is an area within the jurisdiction of a local government.
• Key for me is that it's local government option.
• Madam Chair, Senator Bergman's, are you referring to item B, a local government made in Claire?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Bill um allows the local agency to audit a percentage of inspections to ensure compliance with the codes
• Another section allows the building official to modify the requirements of the code and to accept alternative
• Another section allows the building official to modify the requirements of the code and to accept alternative
• Under the International Building Code, section 1703, the very first thing it says is an approved agent

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The health and safety code addresses certain areas, and then we expanded the government code in others
• 418 of the government code.
• It's item 3: coordinate volunteer programs by local governments to ensure programs align with state standards
• It has to be called in by the local government first before they can even put boots on the ground.
• Well, when the county judge is out, there's already a statute, the local government code 81028, that

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We changed the law in 2019 so that local government, governmental entities in rural areas could unite
• Government Code Section 130.913.
• government code that gives us the, the authority and also gives us the notice from the fire, uh, from
• I think it's, uh, local government code.
• that states about the drought is in local government code chapter 352.051C.

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of that, there is one amendment that deletes the section... Code.
• mandate, other international mandates may impact our local development code, our local development needs
• administration because Section 1 calls for an agency and a code official and that kind of thing.
• Well, ...separate section of our code that we default to rather than the international code?
• This is largely an update to code; it hadn't been touched in a while, so it just reorganizes sections

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For those that haven't, this brings forward all the code sections on the different funds that we utilize
• is bringing those code sections forward, um, as that will need to be addressed in the statutes.
• is bringing those code sections forward, um, as that will need to be addressed in the statutes.
• ,<00:24:21.919> EMA The local units of government, EMA The local units of government, EMA
• also<00:27:02.720> have your local units of government also have your local units of government

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2189, described as a transfer bill that brings forward code sections tied to the various funds used to compose the budget. With no questions, the committee adopted a title sufficient do pass motion and reported the bill. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2190, which would raise Mississippi’s rainy day fund cap from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue. The chair explained that the change would gradually build the reserve over time to a little over $1 billion, and clarified in response to questions that the figure did not include money being used for PERS or capex. The bill received a title sufficient do pass recommendation. Next, Senate Bill 2717 was presented as a modernization of the My Kids youth court information system, which was described as 35 to 40 years old and antiquated. Senator Wiggins said the bill follows an audit and would support an $8 million replacement effort, with a three-year implementation and training period, and that the new system would be cloud-based and allow better data sharing among youth court-related agencies while preserving county-level protections. Senators raised concerns about prior ARPA funding, disclosure of youth court records, and the effect of a repealer in current law; Wiggins and others said related disclosure issues were being addressed in separate Judiciary A bills. The committee then voted title sufficient do pass. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2896, a DPS-requested measure tied to pay increases for highway patrol, Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Investigation personnel, with the chair saying the proposal would keep the bill alive through a reverse repealer in the committee substitute. Finally, the committee considered companion bills Senate Bills 2898 and 2924 to provide $20 million to MEMA’s Disaster Assistance Trust Fund in response to the recent ice storm and to cover state disaster expenses. Members discussed federal disaster reimbursement rules, the distinction between individual assistance and public assistance, insurance requirements, and the need for local governments to document eligible expenses. Both bills were adopted by title sufficient do pass, and the committee also passed Senate Bill 2917, which changes Mississippi Valley State University’s request from a new residence hall to repair and renovation of existing residence halls. The chair then set remaining bills aside for a later meeting and the committee rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:58.959> fiscal<00:09:59.480> years<00:09:59.680> 2024 local tax code for
• the fiscal years 2024 local tax code for the fiscal years 2024 through through through 2027 2027 2027
• if a sales tax is locally to be imposed, the local government, with all those guidelines and guardrails
• :55:29.319> government<00:55:30.440> uh the um the Lo that local government uh the um the
• Lo that local government uh uh<00:55:31.720> with<00:55:31.880> all<00:55:32.119> those

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is that it allows local governments to adopt the 2025 building code standards, the local reach
• AB306 would bar this major improvement from being adopted into state or local codes.
• Local building departments review building plans to ensure compliance with state building codes and local
• Action on this bill: do pass to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. Haney, aye.
• Item number one, do pass to the Assembly Committee on Local Government, AB 253.

Summary: The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government. AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.

Transcript Highlights:

• But local economic development, communities, local government, local schools, all of that for the community
• This section provides an overview of each branch of government as well as considerations related to the
• Section 2, the Legislative Assembly shall provide by law for the establishment and the government of
• Well, we work with local government... Well, we work with local governments each and every day.
• So state law requires if a local government sends a bonding fund claim to the DIRF, they hand it over

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That entire section was taken out.
• and 51501 of the Education Code.
• And so let me begin with Section 7, and this is a section where it begins by Section 51500.
• 7, new Section 7, discriminatory Section 7, new Section 7.
• And at other grade levels, a local governing board has the authority to decide, we may use these materials

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students. Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech. Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• while preserving local control, local governments would continue to make decisions on local issues and
• So, from a local perspective, local governments can write more restrictive building codes and ordinances
• code, and those are all by local ordinance, how is a state going to overturn what the local government
• Motion do pass to Local Government. Senators Arreguín, aye. Seyarto, aye.
• the local government amendments to take out.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Section 49-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, no electric public utility may begin construction
• We do have a revolving fund under the hazardous materials section of code.
• We do have a revolving fund under the hazardous materials section of code.
• Well, that may be fine, but you may also need to utilize a QR code published in the local newspaper so
• Agency and governance.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, under section 21.105 of the Transportation Code, the Texas Transportation Commission.
• government with local or federal.
• Currently, there's a conflict with the transportation code and the government code.
• The committee substitute solely amends the government code to exempt the sk from the general revenue
• When a local government leader issues a mandatory order, uh, with that, uh, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• building codes and not building codes building codes and not building codes building<03:30:59.920
• have to meet the state and local have to meet the state and local building<03:45:20.800> code
• board, you know, approvals and local board, you know, approvals and code<03:50:46.479> approvals<
• , the State Board of Education's facility approval, and local building code, there's no changes they
• , the State Board of Education's facility approval, and local building code, there's no changes they

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 460 updates the Delaware Code section that requires municipalities in New Castle County to submit
• permit data to the county government.
• Specifically, Sections 1 through 11 make the following technical corrections: Sections 1 and 2 remove
• This is intended to apply to local elections. Oh, this is just local elections. Interesting.
• relating to the Delaware Code relating to the Delaware Code relating to the Delaware Code relating to

Summary: The Senate received communications from the House on numerous measures, including several bills and resolutions passed with amendments, committee reports on bills such as large energy use facilities, campaign finance, voting rights, and appropriations, and a list of pre-file legislation. The chamber then moved through a long floor session with confirmations, bill readings, and roll-call votes, ultimately confirming the nomination of Morgan T. Zern to the Delaware Supreme Court by a 21-0 vote. Among the major policy items considered were property tax and school tax measures tied to the statewide reassessment. The Senate passed House Bill 460, clarifying monthly municipal permit-data reporting to New Castle County; House Bill 461, granting temporary authority for New Castle County school districts to reset school tax rates for one cycle; and House Bill 462, making the split school tax rate permanent with a lower nonresidential cap. Members discussed the fiscal effects at length, including testimony from a school district finance officer that HB 461 would allow revenue-neutral rate setting and offset the fiscal note on HB 462. The Senate also passed House Bill 365 creating a Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, House Bill 458 on backflow requirements for low-hazard buildings, Senate Bill 27 establishing the Office of New Americans with a sunset and interagency coordination, and Senate Bill 315 on the Delaware Technical Innovation Program. The chamber also approved Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300, a firearms dealer regulation bill, after extensive debate over amendments, confidentiality, background checks, and the balance between public safety and burdens on lawful dealers. Several members raised constitutional and practical objections, while supporters argued the bill would reduce trafficking, straw purchases, and theft from dealers. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 305 creating a diabetes wellness pilot program, with supporters emphasizing the state’s diabetes burden and the program’s federal funding, and House Concurrent Resolution 157, which asks the State Lottery Office to report on iLottery’s impact on small businesses. Senate Bill 325, a fire prevention/background-check bill, was laid on the table after concerns about a late House amendment and requests for more time to consult stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Title II is related to state and local governments.
• I think local governments have a lot more than that.
• I think local governments have a lot more than that.
• The $500,000, in my opinion, is all local governments. Okay. Further questions for Mr. Gardner.
• What Section 1 does is, under current law, there's a section of the Century Code that requires any sale

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• It only applies to municipally owned utility systems that are directly accountable to local governments
• These offices may be structured as departments of local government or operated via contracts with nonprofit
• So this gives the, the government, the or the local municipalities the option to create this.
• House Bill 1063 would allow local governments the ability to create a tenant legal services office to
• Uh, just to confirm, page 2 and line 14 of this bill says, uh, a local government may, and not, it's

Bills: HB303

Keywords: jail standards, living conditions, Harris County jail, safety, inmate welfare