Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there are certain restrictions that Um, there are certain restrictions that come<00:25:17.520><c>
• </c> certain restrictions on what you can do. certain restrictions on what you can do.
• Um, you had mentioned due to federal law there are certain restrictions on what you can do.
• Um, we do do some data analytics with the restrictions I mentioned earlier.
• </c><01:03:30.079><c> I</c> data analytics with the restrictions I data analytics with the restrictions

Bills: HF3043, HF2891

Keywords: public safety, illegal remunerations, healthcare fraud, grants, criminal penalties, state law, grants management, state employees training, certification, monitoring grants, accountability, grant fraud, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But they've got to know about it in order to restrict it.
• But they've got to know about it in order to restrict it.
• They know their children best, and then they can restrict the objectionable material.
• They know their children best, and then they can restrict the objectionable material.
• They know their children best, and then they can restrict the objectionable material.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• appointments only to folks restricting appointments only to folks recommended<00:43:17.800><c> by</c
• And so that would potentially restrict the field in my view, which I guess also sort of proves the point
• 46:34.040><c> would</c><00:46:34.760><c> um</c><00:46:35.200><c> potentially</c><00:46:35.720><c> restrict
• </c><00:46:36.120><c> the</c> that would um potentially restrict the that would um potentially restrict
• , the previous testifier said, such as in the Goreski complex and other stuff that primarily is restricted

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee discussed a higher education attainment-goals bill and several related amendments. Members first reached agreement on funding changes: one amendment redirected money for fraud-prevention software for MnSCU and $5,000 for trees in Bemidji, and another moved $570,000 for workforce development-related funding. Members noted the use of general fund dollars to cover a FIG shortfall and expressed support for addressing fraud prevention while also saying MnSCU should be made whole in the next biennium. Both amendments were adopted. The main policy debate centered on an amendment updating the statewide attainment goal and related P-20 partnership language. Senator Um Ruebain proposed returning the attainment goal from 75 percent to 70 percent, and members discussed whether the bill’s expanded reporting and coordination duties would create costs for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Nonpartisan staff and Commissioner Olsen said the Office of Higher Education and the P-20 partnership expected no costs, while DCYF’s fiscal note assumed reporting and staffing costs. After discussion, DCYF indicated it would absorb the costs, but some members still objected to expanding the partnership and creating additional bureaucracy. Members also debated whether early childhood and K-12 subgoals should be included as part of the attainment-goals framework. Supporters said aligning early childhood, K-12, and higher education goals is necessary to improve postsecondary attainment, while opponents argued the committee should focus on existing higher education goals and basic K-12 achievement. The committee ultimately adopted the Senate language on the attainment-goals section as amended, including the change back to 70 percent and revisions directed by staff to ensure the correct references were updated. The A12 amendment on pregnant and parenting students was also adopted earlier in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to put brakes or guidelines or restrictions on the legislature to not do unfunded mandates.
• We need to put breaks or guidelines or restrictions on the legislature to not do unfunded mandates.
• There is not a restrictive third grade retention policy on the board any longer.
• This bill is based on the Colorado model, and it is the least restrictive for retention.
• It doesn't seem like we're restricting parents' rights in any way or putting too many problems on the

Bills: LB878, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB1209, LB937A, LB962A, LB1050, LB1050A, LB965, LB1022, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB745, LB749, LB778, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR495, LR496, LR497, LR498, LR499, LR500, LR501, LR502, LR503, LR504

Keywords: paid parental leave, state employees, workplace benefits, family support, economic impact, Medicaid, Medical Assistance Act, home and community-based services waiver, HCBS waiver, waiver participant, assessment tool, clinical interviewing, service tier, retroactive coverage, doula, doula reimbursement, maternal health, prenatal care, pregnancy, birth outcomes

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is of note that these structures can still be restricted by HOAs. With that, Mr.
• And it is of note that these structures can still be restricted by HOAs. With that, Mr.
• There are some local zoning restrictions against manufactured homes.
• It's a restriction on government, and the government's not above the law, so there is an appropriate
• It's a restriction on government, and the government's not above the law, so there is an appropriate

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through routine orders including committee reports, gubernatorial appointments, messages from the governor, and messages from the House. Several bills were introduced and referred to committees, including appropriations measures for the Department of Health and Welfare, a firearms preemption bill, and House measures on taxation, Medicaid, dentistry, and the National Guard. The Senate also received and filed various enrolled bills and confirmations, and advanced multiple measures to later orders for consideration. The chamber then took up a long series of third-reading bills. Among the major policy items discussed were Senate Bill 1412, creating the Idaho Student Safety and Educator Disclosure Act; House Bill 789, approving the Coeur d’Alene Tribe water rights settlement; House Bill 570, expanding reckless driving provisions for school and construction zones; House Bill 654, expanding the definition of police dogs to include electronic storage detection dogs; House Bill 681, removing statutes of limitation for certain child sex offenses; House Bill 575, requiring the state controller to publish asset forfeiture information; House Bill 736, lowering the threshold for ballot name rotation; House Bill 793, redirecting beer tax revenue to replace lost Alcohol Beverage Control funding; House Bill 798 and 799, repealing outdated state treasurer and alcohol code provisions; House Bill 665, revising Appaloosa specialty plate funding; and House Bill 667, ending non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses in Idaho. The Senate also debated housing and tax measures, including House Bill 707 on land division for financing accessory dwelling units, House Bill 722 on utility property tax reporting, House Bill 792 on occasional sales and yard sales, and House Bill 800 on manufactured home siting. Other bills addressed education, insurance, and health care. House Bill 815 corrected a transportation support funding issue for a charter school; House Bill 849 revised the career ladder for CTE instructors and pupil services staff; House Bill 562 increased notice periods for insurance cancellations and nonrenewals; House Bill 825 changed funding for the Idaho Heritage Trust and specialty plates; House Bill 788 created a preceptor-based prior authorization exemption for Medicaid providers; House Bill 785 established a school discipline framework for inappropriate online behavior; and House Bill 846 clarified student enrollment counts. Debate on these measures focused on consumer protection, workforce shortages, school safety, housing supply, and administrative cleanup. Most bills passed on voice or roll-call votes, with the Senate approving many measures by wide margins, though House Bill 849 passed narrowly and House Bill 788 passed with a closer vote. Several bills were returned to the House after Senate passage, and titles were approved without correction.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is of note that these structures can still be restricted by HOAs. With that, Mr.
• There are some local zoning restrictions against manufactured homes.
• So what this bill does is it restricts the airspace directly around and above the prison itself, going
• It's a restriction on government, and the government's not above the law, so there is an appropriate
• It's a restriction on government, and the government's not above the law, so there is an appropriate

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the prior day’s journal, and received routine committee reports, gubernatorial messages, and House messages. Several measures were referred to committees or advanced for reading, including Senate Resolution 124 and a number of newly printed or enrolled bills. The chamber also received notice of gubernatorial appointments and House-passed bills, while some Senate bills were reported as delivered to the Governor or failed in the House. The Senate then considered and passed a series of bills on third reading. Major topics included student safety and educator disclosure (SB 1412), the Coeur d’Alene Tribe water rights settlement (HB 789), reckless driving in school and construction zones (HB 570), expanded protection for police dogs including electronic storage detection dogs (HB 654), removal of statutes of limitation for certain child sex offenses (HB 681), asset forfeiture transparency through the state controller (HB 575), ballot name rotation for elections (HB 736), beer tax distribution changes to replace lost ABC revenue (HB 793), repeal of outdated securities lending and alcohol code provisions (HB 798 and HB 799), Appaloosa specialty plate changes and funding redirection (HB 665), and restrictions on non-domiciled CDLs (HB 667). Most of these bills passed on voice or roll-call votes, with HB 667 passing 29-4 and HB 793 passing 32-1. The Senate also passed housing and tax-related measures, including a subdivision/financing process for ADUs and secondary structures (HB 707), utility property tax reporting timing fixes (HB 722), clarification of small seller and yard sale sales-tax rules (HB 792), manufactured home siting changes (HB 800), a transportation support program fix for one charter school (HB 815), and education career ladder changes for CTE and pupil services staff (HB 849). Additional bills addressed insurance cancellation/nonrenewal notice periods (HB 562), a new Heritage Trust specialty plate and fee structure (HB 825 as amended), and a Medicaid preceptor prior authorization exemption program (HB 78 as amended), which passed 19-15. Most bills were returned to the House after passage, and the Senate held some measures for a legislative day or referred them onward as required.

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, House File 3401 will not restrict identified and purposeful firearm carry within a school
• </c> said, House File 3401 will not restrict said, House File 3401 will not restrict identified<00:02
• It signals that the restrictions on firearms in schools are presumptively lawful.
• </c><00:15:36.320><c> on</c><00:15:36.639><c> carrying</c> same lawful restrictions on carrying same
• lawful restrictions on carrying firearms<00:15:37.839><c> in</c><00:15:38.079><c> sensitive</c><00:15

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, like Rebecca mentioned, this is all going to come from restricted funds.
• Our last project came from restricted funds.
• Um, our last from restricted funds.
• </c><01:00:48.640><c> Uh,</c> project came from restricted funds.
• Uh, project came from restricted funds.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:11 Approval of Minutes 00:02:00 Information Items 00:02:25 CPE Special Report 00:03:26 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:31:48 A. Attorney General 00:32:10 B. Court of Justice 00:36:41 C. Cabinet for Economic Development 00:50:44 D. Kentucky Public Pensions Authority 00:56:06 E. Board Discussion of Planning Issues 01:05:12, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board opened its fourth meeting, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior meeting’s minutes by unanimous voice vote, and then heard information items and agency presentations. The main substantive presentation came from the Council on Postsecondary Education, which outlined its capital planning recommendations for the 2026–28 biennium. CPE staff described the role of Kentucky’s research and education network (Kron), including connectivity to cloud services, Internet2, identity services, and new local AI/inferencing capacity, and argued that the network is now essential to higher education, health care, and extension services. They said the network’s recent upgrades were driven by privacy, security, redundancy, and the need to support modern research and AI workloads at lower cost than commercial providers. CPE also presented its broader higher-education capital request: $700 million for asset preservation and $1.73 billion for new construction, for a total recommendation of about $2.4 billion. Staff said they do not plan to recommend IT projects or equipment in this cycle, despite reviewing 48 IT submissions totaling nearly $1.4 billion and equipment requests totaling $322.6 million. For asset preservation, they said the recommended allocation method would remain based on each institution’s share of Category 1 and 2 square footage, and they noted that the state’s prior facility assessment is now 12 years old, with deferred maintenance still estimated in the $7–9 billion range. For new construction, they said the requests are heavily focused on STEM and health-related facilities that are difficult to retrofit into older buildings. Board members asked about how asset-preservation amounts were determined, including why Northern Kentucky University’s request was much larger than its prior allocation. CPE staff responded that campus size, building age, and institutional prioritization affect the requests, and that schools are asked to submit more projects than are likely to be funded. The board then moved on to an Attorney General capital plan overview, where senior counsel Will Schroeder began describing the office’s technology needs and the office’s prior reliance on a 2020 appropriation to replace legacy systems and improve security.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I do talk to my mom-and-pop landlords, they don't know that their rental restrictions, their
• This severely restricts Residential land is zoned exclusively for single-family housing.
• This severely restricts supply and entrenches longstanding patterns of racial and economic segregation
• This bill requires at least one deed-restricted affordable unit per development for household earning
• However, zoning restrictions, land-use barriers, and rising costs have made what we do as a nonprofit

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. to these restrictions and that we to these restrictions and that we believe<00:22:52.960><
• Um, the impact of the pharmaceutical restrictions is not hypothetical.
• </c><00:25:36.960><c> It's</c> restrictions is not hypothetical.
• It's restrictions is not hypothetical.
• There are restrictions on the program. It is operating in Hawaii. It is designed to operate.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• The author has stated that with limited district restrictions on committee members, this just reflects
• </c><00:14:24.320><c> on</c> limited District restrictions on limited District restrictions on committee
• That would then meet the requirement, and we think that doesn't serve the voters well and restricts them
• > so</c><00:42:40.319><c> many</c> don't want to uh have so many don't want to uh have so many restrictions
• that we can't get the restrictions that we can't get the experienced<00:42:42.880><c> people</c><00:

Bills: HF550

Keywords: redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• more that is are response or open it up more that is are response or open it up more that is are restricted
• more so that now there's restricted more so that now there's restricted more so that now there's going
• put up a because you know last year we put up a because you know last year we put up a lot of restrictions
• a lot more lot of restrictions a lot more lot of restrictions a lot more requirements on them and and
• Department of Mental Health restrictions Department of Mental Health restrictions Department of Mental

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to<00:05:20.280><c> um</c><00:05:20.479><c> evade</c><00:05:20.800><c> the</c><00:05:20.960><c> restrictions
• </c><00:05:21.520><c> on</c><00:05:21.680><c> meeting</c> to um evade the restrictions on meeting to
• um evade the restrictions on meeting with<00:05:22.520><c> children</c><00:05:23.520><c> okay</c><00:
• Secondly, adopt the recommendations from the Hawaii Bicycling League, restricting class three bikes to
• uh class three uh bikes to restricting uh class three uh bikes to under<01:11:36.880><c> 15</c><01:11

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 282 would increase penalties for using an uncrewed aircraft, or drone, in the commission of a felony. The Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney strongly supported the bill, saying drones are being used to facilitate crimes such as burglaries, sex offender registration violations, and even murders, and that the measure would create a stronger deterrent and address sentencing issues. Members discussed how drone use could be investigated and noted that a prior Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses Act already covers a range of drone-related offenses. Testimony also included support from a Kauaʻi County Council member and the Office of the Public Defender, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. The committee also heard SB 1032 on campaign finance, which would amend restrictions on foreign nationals and foreign corporations making contributions and expenditures. Testimony was listed in support from labor, civic, and advocacy groups, with some opposition, but the measure was not debated further in the portion provided. SB 1160, a consumer protection bill on ticket resale, drew support from venues and event groups and opposition from the Chamber of Progress, which argued the bill should target scalpers and deceptive practices rather than legitimate resale platforms. The Attorney General suggested an amendment to limit the bill’s scope to Hawaiʻi events, citing Commerce Clause concerns. On SB 344, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported the measure. SB 106, which would let pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks when a reasonably careful pedestrian would see no immediate danger, drew mixed testimony: public health and equity advocates supported it as a safety and anti-profiling measure, while others opposed it, warning it could increase danger on wider, faster roads. Committee members questioned whether Hawaiʻi’s current law is more dangerous because pedestrians must step into the roadway before drivers are required to stop, and the discussion continued at length without a final vote in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 10009 on accessible parking fines, with DCAB and DAGS supporting the intent; a member asked that any new fine revenue go to the state parking revolving fund. SB 820, shortening the vehicle title transfer deadline from 30 days to 14 days, drew opposition from the Public Defender and Honolulu Customer Services, who said the current deadline is reasonable and the bill did not clearly solve a problem. Later measures included SB 1095 on license plate decal restrictions, SB 215 on towing and immobilization fees, and SB 1117 on electric mobility rebates and age/helmet rules, which received support from transportation and safety groups, though the transcript cuts off before any final actions or votes on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether it is information sharing or coordinated enforcement efforts, restricting collaboration can create
• </c><01:53:38.760><c> or</c><01:53:38.960><c> hiring</c> had budget restrictions or hiring had budget
• restrictions or hiring freezes<01:53:39.880><c> imposed</c><01:53:40.440><c> on</c><01:53:40.640><c>
• Two, removing the same branch of government restriction.
• from 10% to 14%, budget restriction from 10% to 14%, which<06:01:34.320><c> could</c><06:01:34.520><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill lowers those restrictions currently in place from 1,320 feet to 650 feet across the state,
• This bill lowers those restrictions currently in place from 1,320 feet to 650 feet across the state,
• ><c> place</c><01:20:02.680><c> from</c> restrictions currently in place from restrictions currently
• Brooklyn Park is asking for 650, less restrictive, and yet we are being labeled discriminatory.
• asking for 650, less restrictive, and asking for 650, less restrictive, and yet<01:25:28.000><c> we</

Bills: HF4110, HF4101, HF4144, HF3546

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• that, because we're not accredited, we're licensed, is having funding opportunity, so it isn't so restrictive
• so when you’re able to blend and braid those services, we can overcome that barrier as to the restrictions
• we see… We can overcome that barrier as to the restrictions we see with DRS services.
• One thing that we would like to do is review the reasons for those restrictions.
• There may be restrictions that that individual has.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships. Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• we asked that to be part of the guidelines overall for agencies and institutions, but we’re not restricting
• In the winter or spring load restrictions, we are at a six-ton restriction, and it is one of the two
• It is only if you're restricted by the 3% growth.
• It is only if you're restricted by the 3% growth.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• we asked that to be part of the guidelines overall for agencies and institutions, but we’re not restricting
• In the winter or spring load restrictions, we are at a six-ton restriction, and it is one of the two
• It is only if you're restricted by the 3% growth.
• It is only if you're restricted by the 3% growth.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some are even restricting sales of internal combustion engines to stay in compliance, limiting the availability
• What we're seeing is that, if the restrictions are as they are, dealers will be able to survive and figure
• lease, the dealers are pushing a lot of vehicles through the leasing process because there's no restrictions
• the only holdout has been Exxon, because their model is they're going to lobby to get rid of the restrictions
• the only holdout has been Exxon because their model is they're going to lobby to get rid of the restrictions

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy heard testimony on several transportation and clean-fuel bills. Supporters of H. 3535 argued for delaying or pausing enforcement of Massachusetts’ zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, saying the current ACC2 timeline is unrealistic given low ZEV sales, limited charging infrastructure, dealer inventory concerns, and potential economic impacts on dealerships, consumers, and tax revenue. Opponents of that approach, including automakers and clean transportation advocates, said the state should stay on course with electrification and that the mandate is necessary to meet climate goals. The committee also heard support for H. 3570/S. 2326 to update vehicle emission standards for municipal and utility fleets, with municipal utility representatives saying current electric truck technology, charging access, and costs make the rules impractical for critical public services. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2246, the Freedom to Move Act, which would require MassDOT and regional planning agencies to set vehicle miles traveled reduction goals and align transportation spending with climate targets. Supporters said the bill would better coordinate transportation planning, encourage transit, biking, and walking, and help Massachusetts meet emissions goals while saving money and improving public health. Some committee members raised concerns that the bill could duplicate existing transportation climate mandates and could disadvantage rural residents who must drive long distances; witnesses responded that the bill is meant to add coordination and flexibility, not impose a one-size-fits-all solution. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3448, which would set deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and create programs for private fleet electrification. Advocates said fleet electrification is a practical way to cut emissions, improve air quality, and save money over time, especially for schoolchildren exposed to diesel exhaust. Several witnesses also supported low-carbon fuel standard bills H. 3576 and S. 2251, arguing they would reduce fuel carbon intensity and generate revenue for charging and clean-fuel investments. Others, including a coalition opposed to private jet expansion, objected to the bills’ treatment of sustainable aviation fuel, saying it is not scalable, is expensive, and could create land-use and food-supply tradeoffs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The question is whether fundamental rights should be restricted before the facts have been fully examined
• Since this data is obtained and maintained by CalDOJ, it is outside the restrictions set by the federal
• AB2664 undermines this longstanding democratic practice by restricting speech within one.
• AB 2664 undermines this long-standing democratic practice by restricting speech within 100 feet of places
• And, as mentioned in this committee's analysis, there are multiple statutes that restrict a person's

Keywords: 987, senate, all