Transcript Highlights:

• of I'm I'll make a reliable measure of I'm I'll make a point<00:43:05.160> of<00:43:05.240>
• retirement security of women.
• pro-women's financial security bill. pro-women's financial security bill.
• it also jeopardizes the social security it also jeopardizes the social security payments payments
• and future retirement security of women. and future retirement security of women.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To work in private security or obtain a license, but what we need to do is be able to find those people
• If I own a private security company, I'm going to hire armed guards. To transport money.
• We believe that we have identified strategies to implement and manage some of the security issues.
• We deal with a host of challenges that our security staff, I think, do a remarkable job with.
• My staff have noticed that when customers arrive and see them, they feel secure and engaged.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an emergency measure in response to a failure of that federal advice.
• This is an emergency measure in response to a failure of that federal advice.
• We heard that just a few minutes ago around security.
• Um, but few minutes ago around security.
• :59:08.720> redundant which is the most secure and redundant which is the most secure and redundant

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• stabilization, measures to economic stabilization, measures to economic stabilization, every<00:
• Commissioner Campbell. prevention measures were used on things prevention measures were used on things
• And while Social Security Act of 1935.
• the IRS, the Social Security the IRS, the Social Security Administration,<01:24:48.000> third
• currently in jobs to measure the impact. currently in jobs to measure the impact.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So where is that measure?
• We will be funding it if that measure passes. So we've never taken care of school debt.
• From our perspective, if there's not graduates, then that's hard to measure an ROI from.
• That's hard to measure an ROI from. So this is a very relevant topic.
• And all of that extra is the support, the software, the license, the security.

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:

• <00:05:30.840> system were designed to measure system were designed to measure system performance
• <00:54:05.760> the that if they weren't able to secure the that if they weren't able to secure
• > SAT<00:57:03.680> s what it's being measured on the SAT s what it's being measured on
• phe of MCAS is we're supposed to measure phe of MCAS is we're supposed to measure what<00:59:55.319
• Chair. graduated in the measurement degree um I graduated in the measurement degree um I am<01:26:08.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every measure that you implement in a school, or let's use the school as an example just because it's
• I mean I'm thinking about it right now, but every measure you implement has to pay for itself within
• the estimated useful life of that measure, all right?
• We have third-party engineers that review this to ensure that all the measures that the school district
• Is, has your staff come up with guidelines and measures to address, um, the ongoing issue of this, of

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first item is the Secretary of State Building Security Improvements.
• of State's facility security, resulting in the initiation of the SOS building security improvement project
• of State's facility security, resulting in the initiation of the SOS building security improvement project
• The CARE Project has made significant and measurable progress.
• Care project have made significant and measurable progress.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Even as their opponents fought back, the Golden Bears remained unshakable, securing a 56-47 victory.
• back-to-back, CIF Central Section Division 2, Bear secured back-to-back CIF Central Section Division
• Even as their opponents fought back, the Golden Bears remained unshakable, securing a 56-47 victory.
• No halfway measures today because this beloved part of our heritage deserves our full recognition and
• No halfway measures today because this beloved part of our heritage deserves our full recognition and

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several resolutions and guest introductions, with much of the session focused on commemorations and recognitions. Senate Resolution 87, by Senator Archuleta, marked the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Archuleta and other senators spoke in support of remembrance, historical recognition, and concern for Armenians facing current threats and displacement. The resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote, and the chamber also welcomed members of the Armenian community and other guests. The Senate also adopted SR 93 by Senator Cortese honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career and legacy as a California and Latino sports figure. Senators highlighted his Heisman Trophy, Super Bowl victories, and recent selection for the NFL Hispanic Football Hall of Fame. The resolution passed unanimously. Later, SCR 124 by Senator Wiener recognized transportation barriers faced by Californians with epilepsy and the importance of reliable transit for employment and independence; it was adopted by unanimous roll call. SCR 158 by Senator Allen declared April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, with remarks emphasizing the state’s arts economy and the Council’s history; it also passed unanimously. The Senate further adopted SCR 159 by Senator Alvarado-Gil designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month. Supporters described rodeo as part of California’s agricultural and Western heritage, noted its economic impact, and highlighted the roles of Black cowboys, women competitors, and rural communities. Each resolution was followed by introductions of related guests, including Armenian community members, Jim Plunkett and family, epilepsy advocates, arts leaders such as Luis Valdez and Cheech Marin, and rodeo representatives and titleholders. After the resolutions, the Senate handled the daily file and adopted the consent calendar 38-0. The body also approved the Senate journals for April 13-16, 2026, announced committee meetings, and acknowledged Senator Menjivar’s upcoming birthday. The Senate then recessed until its next scheduled floor session on Tuesday, April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• maintain, and secure buildings across the<00:53:44.079> Twin<00:53:44.319> Cities.
• I finally received training and security and CPR.
• received training and security and CPR. received training and security and CPR.
• This measure seeks to correct a funding.
• <01:31:00.639> a vital education programs, and securing a vital education programs, and securing

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The MRF fund, this security education fund, had been depleted.
• Securities, if you are with me on my handout, it's page 7.
• Securities Education, they're already bringing in 23 million.
• Both the executive and LFC have reached a consensus on performance measures.
• My question, Madam Chair, has to do with the Performance Measures Summary.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a bank would send email messages through a secure portal.
• That's right, and what you're measuring yourselves against. Absolutely.
• Okay, Social Security and benefit replacement pay. Mr. Posey, you can present.
• Recommendations for Social Security total $2.6 billion.
• Our performance measure is a minimum of two departments every three years.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard budget presentations for the Texas Historical Commission, the Pension Review Board, the Employees Retirement System (ERS), Social Security and benefit replacement pay, the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESSRS), and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The Legislative Budget Board outlined recommendations and major changes for each agency, including reductions tied to one-time projects at the Historical Commission, continued funding for courthouse grants, heritage trails, and Holocaust/genocide education, as well as new or modified riders and capital items. For the pension-related items, LBB described funding changes for PRB, ERS, Social Security, and TESSRS, including ERS health plan cost growth driven largely by pharmacy costs, the status of pension funding reforms, and TESSRS’s request for additional state support to address its unfunded liability and staffing needs. Members asked extensive questions about the Historical Commission’s one-time funding, unexpended balance authority, courthouse preservation, the Presidio La Bahia and National Museum of the Pacific War projects, and coordination of Texas history messaging across sites such as the Alamo, San Jacinto, Washington on the Brazos, and other heritage locations. The Historical Commission chair emphasized heritage tourism, economic development, and the need for continued investment in historic sites, staffing, IT modernization, and vehicles. On the pension items, senators discussed PRB oversight of local systems, including the Dallas police and fire pension situation, and ERS investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health costs. ERS officials said the plan remains well funded overall, noted a 2021 cash balance reform and a planned supplemental legacy payment, and explained that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are a major driver of pharmacy spending; they also said the agency is working with the Texas Pharmacy Initiative and that rebates are contractually returned to ERS. For TESSRS, LBB and agency staff said the system serves volunteer and part-paid emergency personnel, is facing an infinite amortization period, and is requesting additional appropriations, staffing, and IT funding, along with a statutory change to allow an actuarially determined state contribution. The agency said it may otherwise need to cut benefits for volunteer firefighters. For CPRIT, LBB reported about $600 million in recommended funding for the biennium and a 10-FTE increase, while the agency described its $6 billion voter-approved program, $3.75 billion in grants awarded to date, and $10.4 million in revenue sharing since 2011. CPRIT’s only exceptional item was a request for a 10% salary increase for two exempt positions. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of our biggest concerns that we wanted to make sure was addressed was the security...
• One of our biggest concerns that we wanted to make sure was addressed was the security issues.
• So we are subject to all the existing privacy and grid security laws.
• the resources needed for energy storage, advanced manufacturing, and national security.
• With that, I respectfully ask for your I vote on this measure. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• banks brought us some language to make sure that creditworthiness is properly defined and is the measure
• Senate Bill 383 protects our coastal economy, wildlife, national security, and energy future. ...from
• Senate Bill 383 protects our coastal economy, wildlife, national security, and energy future.
• Texas, Senate Bill 383 protects our coastal economy, wildlife, national security, and energy future.
• There are various other UCC schemes as well that involve security agreements, hold harmless agreements

Summary: The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote. Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs. The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our data is showing measurable client improvement.
• Our data is showing measurable client improvement.
• The system performance measures, sorry, well, system performance measures first.
• Those are our system performance measures.
• But they need to have a little bit of job security.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring. Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere. Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.

Transcript Highlights:

• We strongly support the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act as a critical civil rights measure that
• Calais does not erode the strides that Delaware has made in securing minority representation in government
• I ask you today to seek measures regarding safeguards without making another change to our constitution
• It relates to the issue, fundamentally, the issue of security for elected officials or candidates.
• Candidates can use campaign funds for electronic security systems and safety expenses without a monetary

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We strongly support the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act as a critical civil rights measure that
• Calais does not erode the strides that Delaware has made in securing minority representation in government
• I ask you today to seek measures regarding safeguards without making another change to our constitution
• It relates to the issue, fundamentally, of security for elected officials or candidates.
• Candidates can use campaign funds for electronic security systems and safety expenses without a monetary

Bills: HB344

Keywords: campaign finance, elections, transparency, political committees, reporting requirements, enforcement

Summary: The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee heard several election- and campaign-related bills. House Substitute 2 for House Bill 155 would make Public Integrity Commission reports publicly available on the commission’s website, add a specific travel-expense reporting category, and remove the FOIA requirement for accessing reports; Senator Richardson said he supported the transparency measure and asked to be added as a co-sponsor. The committee also took up House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which would create state protections against voter suppression and vote dilution, expand language access, prohibit intimidation and deception, and allow court remedies for violations. The bill drew strong support from advocacy groups including YWCA Delaware, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, and the Legal Defense Fund, and several senators voiced support and interest in moving it quickly. House Bill 430, a constitutional amendment proposal, would make explicit that only natural persons may vote in Delaware elections, including municipal elections, in response to concerns about corporate or other artificial-entity voting in some towns. The discussion focused heavily on Fenwick Island, where the mayor testified that the town’s charter has long allowed certain artificial entities to vote in local elections and said the system is limited and has worked for years; other speakers argued the bill was needed to prevent corporate dilution of residents’ votes. Senator Richardson expressed concern about restricting entities with a local stake, while Senator Hoffner and others emphasized the principle of one person, one vote. Senator Townsend presented House Bill 344, which would tighten campaign finance rules by requiring Delaware bank accounts for candidates and committees, recurring training, better documentation of candidate loans, longer record retention, automatic filing extensions, and inactive status for noncompliant committees; one public commenter opposed the bill on cost grounds. He also presented House Bill 448, which would allow campaign funds to be used for reasonable security expenses for candidates and elected officials, with guardrails, and a commenter suggested allowing electronic security systems without a cap. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 472, a local de-annexation measure for Noble’s Pond in Cheswold to remove scattered residential lots from town boundaries and resolve uneven tax treatment; Senator Hoffner noted local law enforcement supported the change. The committee adjourned after hearing no further public comment on HB 472, and the vote to adjourn was unanimous.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've passed all kinds of bills this year about bringing more security and safety to not only capital
• 10:36.240> about<00:10:36.560> bringing<00:10:37.040> more<00:10:37.440> security
• this year about bringing more security this year about bringing more security and<00:10:38.560><
• We've added another 20 officers for both capital security and other admissions.
• I find this a good fraud prevention and detection measure and would appreciate support.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first received a House message reappointing a conference committee on Senate File 2077, the environment and natural resources appropriations bill, and took no further action on that message. The chamber then moved through motions and resolutions, including a failed attempt to suspend the rules to make House File 4102 a special order for immediate consideration. Senator Howe argued the bill was urgent because it would extend a study on state law enforcement pay and help address State Patrol recruitment and retention, while Senator Friends opposed suspending the rules; the motion failed on a roll call vote, 35 ayes to 32 nays. The Senate then took House File 3629 from the table, made it a special order, and adopted the A5 amendment. The bill, relating to grants management and the Department of Administration, was described as refining agency authority over exemptions, adding reporting requirements, expanding whistleblower protections, and broadening fraud-prevention tools. The A5 amendment added stronger payment-withholding authority for agencies based on credible allegations of fraud, removed the 60-day withholding limit, allowed cross-agency withholding in some cases, replaced court appeal with agency reconsideration, made the authority permanent, and added a reporting requirement for DHS and DCYF inspector general activity. Supporters said it would improve transparency and protect taxpayers; the bill then passed final roll call 67-0. Finally, the Senate took up House File 4492, which was amended with the A4 delete-everything amendment. The new version combined three articles: READ Act provisions, a veterans diploma provision, and early literacy field-experience changes. Senators described the veterans section as requiring school districts to award diplomas to veterans who left high school to serve in the Korean or Vietnam Wars, and the READ Act and literacy provisions as aligning teacher preparation and early literacy instruction with state standards. Members also discussed school discipline and classroom safety issues in the course of debate. The bill was then read for final passage, with senators speaking in support of the combined package and its education and veterans provisions.

Bills: HB2391, HB2294, HB2374, HB1997, HB2147, HB2185, HB1641, HB2195, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB1937, HB2586, HB2575, HB2030, HB2115, HB2233, HB1801, HB1546, HB2132, HB2102, HB2356, HB2457, HB2292, HB2554, HB676, HB1528, HB2061, HB2094, HB2095, HB2181, HB2369, HB2578, HB2493, HB1642, HB1991, HB1652, HB2104, HB2593, HB1553, HB1823, HB1918, HB1860, HB2604, HB2605, HB2001, HB2437, HB1947, HB2384, HB2473, HB2140, HB1458, HB2603, HB2411, HB1611, HB2138, HB2141, HB2284, HB1568, HB1924, HB1928, HB2570

Keywords: tax holiday, school supplies, general excise tax, Hawaii, consumer savings, education, land transfer, public schools, Department of Education, property conveyance, Act 307, Kauai, Maui, shade trees, fruit trees, educational program, climate change, tree canopy, environmental education, native plants

Transcript Highlights:

• Without it, believe a measured request.
• <00:20:53.200> On Security and Emergency Management.
• On Security and Emergency Management.
• Uh Senator Wesling security grants.
• So it's a stopgap measure.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all