Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:45.279><c> and</c> the committee on oversight and the committee on oversight and government
• </c><00:26:10.559><c> of</c> when they can't even manage a budget of when they can't even manage a budget
• And when I asked the oversight committee chairman yesterday basic questions about DC's budget, I mean
• According to the nonpartisan budget experts at the Congressional Budget Office, their big ugly bill added
• ><c> Congressional</c><00:42:31.680><c> Budget</c> experts at the Congressional Budget experts at the

Transcript Highlights:

• 2575 would provide guardrails to ensure these high-risk tools used to save human lives have human oversight
• allow healthcare workers to make independent subjective decisions about patient care without true oversight
• out the victim compensation piece, but I just want to double down on, you know, like, even in this budget
• are now in a situation where things that we're doing at the state that may not have had as much oversight
• The permit inspection process provides essential oversight to protect consumers and business owners from

Summary: The committee heard AB 2575 on health care AI guardrails, with the author and supporters from the California Nurses Association and labor groups arguing that AI should support, not replace, clinical judgment. They said the bill would require basic disclosures about AI tools, protect workers from retaliation for overriding AI in good faith, and prevent developers or employers from shifting liability to frontline clinicians. Opponents including the California Medical Association, CalChamber, hospitals, and other health care organizations argued the bill would add costs, create uncertainty, and discourage useful AI applications. Committee members discussed bias in health care and accepted amendments narrowing the disclosure provisions; the bill was moved with a 7-1 vote and re-referred to Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement. AB 634 would ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of products containing tianeptine, described by supporters as “gas station heroin.” The author and law enforcement supporters said the substance is dangerous, easily accessible, and can cause opioid-like addiction, while no opposition came forward. The committee also heard AB 1607 to extend the Maddy EMS Fund, which reimburses emergency providers for uncompensated care. Supporters said the fund is essential to keeping emergency departments staffed, especially amid expected coverage losses; an ACLU representative opposed the funding source because it relies on criminal and traffic fines. Members supported the need for the fund but raised concerns about the fairness and long-term stability of the revenue source, and the bill advanced on a 8-0 vote. AB 1906 would require coverage of at-home cervical cancer screening tests without cost sharing, and the author said the bill would improve early detection and reduce disparities, especially for rural and working Californians. Support came from Planned Parenthood, Health Access, and several health and labor organizations; insurers said they appreciated the amendments and were reviewing their position. The committee adopted amendments aligning the bill with clinical guidelines and passed it 6-0 to Appropriations. The committee also took up AB 2247, the Thrive Act, to create a pilot program for trauma and mental health services for youth affected by gun violence in four counties. Supporters described barriers survivors face in accessing counseling, while members questioned the narrow focus on gun violence, the choice of counties, documentation requirements, and whether the program should instead be housed in victim compensation. The bill passed 8-0 to Judiciary. Later, AB 2531 would expand California’s uncompensated care program so veterans denied abortion care through the federal VA system could receive coverage in California, and would add an abortion resources link for veterans. Supporters framed it as filling a gap created by federal restrictions; opponents argued state funds should not support abortion. Members noted the VA already provides many reproductive services but not this one, and the bill passed 7-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. The committee also heard AB 1915, which would modernize restaurant facility rules and create a self-certification pathway for some equipment installations. Restaurant and business groups supported the bill as a way to reduce costly delays, while the Contractor State License Board opposed the self-certification provision over safety and inspection concerns. Members generally supported streamlining but echoed public safety concerns and indicated further work was needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• public investment we're making from these discoveries to benefit the people of California, both our budget
• That reduced oversight could increase the risk of adverse outcomes if dosage changes are not clinically
• This bill will minimize risk and uncertainty, particularly in these very difficult budget times.
• Civil Prosecutors Coalition ...uncertainty, particularly in these very difficult budget times.
• This rapid market expansion has occurred without any regulatory oversight.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard several health-related bills, with extensive public testimony and multiple roll-call votes. SB 895, by Senator Wiener, would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and place a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to support science and health research in California amid federal funding cuts. The author and UC researchers argued the measure would protect jobs, public health, and the state’s research leadership; many universities, labor groups, and patient advocates testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee members praised the bill, and it passed 6-0 to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. SB 944, also by Senator Wiener, would make acupuncture a permanent Medi-Cal benefit regardless of federal matching funds. Supporters, including acupuncturists, patients, community organizations, and health access advocates, described acupuncture as effective, low-cost, and culturally important care; there was no opposition. The committee discussed access for API communities and Medi-Cal patients, and the bill passed 6-0 to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 987, by Senator Wiener, would create a California Health Access Fund to capture state savings if federal Medicaid changes cause Medi-Cal enrollment losses, with the goal of redirecting those savings to care for affected patients and providers. Support came from disability, consumer, family physician, emergency physician, psychiatric, medical, and safety-net hospital groups. Committee members discussed prioritizing indigent care, prevention, and other vulnerable populations if savings materialize. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. SB 964, by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, would limit prior authorization barriers by allowing certain dose or frequency adjustments for covered medications without repeated authorization, up to two clinically appropriate changes. The bill was supported by a Crohn’s and colitis patient and sponsor testimony describing delays in care, while health plans and insurers opposed it over safety, FDA-labeling, and cost concerns. Committee members raised questions about off-label use and clinical standards, but the author said the bill was intended to reduce delays and avoid emergency care; it passed 11-0 to Appropriations. SB 1099, by Senator Reyes, would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state and local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA-related exemptions, to reduce legal uncertainty for local safety-net programs. County counsel and city attorney representatives said the bill would preserve local flexibility to provide services such as health care, shelter, crisis response, and food distribution without unnecessary eligibility barriers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 11-0 to the Committee on Human Services. SB 1033, by Senator Padilla, would require manufacturers of protein products to test for heavy metals and disclose results. Supporters cited Consumer Reports findings of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury in protein powders and beverages, while opponents asked for narrower scope and raised concerns about naturally occurring metals and over-warning consumers. The committee discussed narrowing the bill and the need for transparency, and it passed 11-0 to the Committee on Environmental Quality. Finally, SB 1049, by Senator Weber-Pearson, would give providers a fair opportunity to correct certain claim errors after a health plan action, rather than being barred by original filing deadlines. An OBGYN testified that a missing diagnostic code led to large clawbacks and delayed payments despite appropriate care; the bill was presented as a limited fix for honest mistakes. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1049, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• our Medicaid plans, and we have seen the policy working for the last couple of years through the budget
• In a tough budget year, this is a smart, zero-cost way to make this progress.
• This budget-neutral bill instructs DOH to include information about dementia risk reduction in those
• It also specifies a role for the governor as well as the insurance commissioner to have oversight and
• It specifies a role for the governor as well as the insurance commissioner to have oversight and see

Bills: SB5985 , SB6019 , SB6161 , SB6183 , SB6210 , SB6194 , SB6102 , SB6103

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: endometriosis, healthcare, reproductive health, patient education, awareness campaign, home care, home care services, home care agency, home care worker, caregiver, direct care, consumer directed employer, consumer-directed care, Medicaid, long-term care, aging services, disability services, personal care, respite care, vendor rate

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody, we're here for day two of the New Mexico Finance Oversight Committee.
• expending all of our capital funds in a timely fashion with projects that come in on time and on budget
• Do we have anything as a recurring general fund, or do you have to negotiate for a budget every year?
• I just want to make sure that we're adequately putting that in our budgets because it's not capital.
• I hope that we take those thoughts and maybe do something with them in the next budget session.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, that there is not a fiscal impact to our budget on this bill. Thank you.
• There is not a fiscal impact to our budget on this bill.
• Judicial and Public Safety Oversight will meet today in 4S-5 at 10:30. Thank you.
• I just want to remind all members that Government Oversight will be meeting in Room 206 at 10:30 today

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and recognitions, including guests from a South African refugee program, Weatherford Middle School students, international students, and the 2025 Aviation State Teacher of the Year, Sam Madewell. Representative Ranson also presented remarks for International Student Recognition Day, highlighting the economic and cultural contributions of international students in Oklahoma. The chamber then took up House Bill 4329 on dental insurance claims, with Pro Tem Moore arguing it would restore fairness by preventing insurers from controlling prices for services they do not cover; the bill drew questions about free-market effects, rural dentistry, and premiums, but Moore said it should not raise costs and noted similar laws in other states. HB 4329 passed 91-5. The House also passed House Bill 2730, which ties the interest rate on taxpayer underpayments to market rates rather than a fixed statutory rate, after brief questions about how the rate would fluctuate; it passed 87-11. House Bill 3465, extending the sunset on the emission tax credit program from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2029, passed 82-16. House Bill 4426, extending the sunset on the strategic industrial development enhancement sales tax credit from December 31, 2027 to December 31, 2032, passed 76-20. During announcements, members noted upcoming committee meetings, a rural caucus with OSU President Hess, a devotional, and a lunch event tied to International Student Recognition Day. The House then recessed until the next day, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see the need for this sort of oversight and we're not against it.
• Mahalo. of oversight and we're not against it. of oversight and we're not against it.
• He put in the $10 million to this budget when other agencies are asked to be status quo.
• He put in the $10 million to this budget when other agencies are asked to be status quo.
• He put in the $10 million to this budget when other agencies are asked to be status quo.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access. On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages. The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet right now, we've extended all of our dollars from the 2018 bond, and the current budget proposal
• because CalHome now is completely out of money, with no guarantee that it could be restored in the budget
• because CalHome now is completely out of money, with no guarantee that it could be restored in the budget
• Yeah, I mean, first of all, we are, we are, we actually have a budget request for funding for that program
• Yeah, I mean, first of all, we are, we are, we actually have a budget request for funding for that program

Committee: Senate Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know that within the last year, the Department of Energy, the Congressional Budget Office, and
• And that is with what they consider the gold standard, oversight by DPS.
• He said they do ask for substantial oversight and think they have some solutions, but that is what he
• So we do, we do ask for substantial oversight and think we've got some solutions to that, but that's
• To the sponsor of the bill: was this an oversight or intentional?

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2957, which would prohibit cities, towns, counties, and districts from requiring a digital or mobile driver license for government identification purposes and would require physical licenses to be accepted. The sponsor argued the bill preserves choice, privacy, and state control over identification, and several supporters said it protects informed consent and limits biometric data use. Some members raised concerns about travel requirements and proof of legal status, but the sponsor said the bill would not eliminate Real ID or change federal travel rules. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 4-3 vote. The committee then heard HB 2941, which would make certain unsafe motorcycle lane-splitting or lane-sharing behavior subject to reckless driving penalties. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address dangerous conduct and close a gap in enforcement, while a motorcycle rights advocate explained the difference between lane filtering, which is legal under Arizona law in limited circumstances, and lane splitting, which is not. Testimony emphasized public safety and education for riders. The committee approved the bill with a do pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. Next, the committee considered HB 2305, as amended, dealing with private property towing. The bill would make towing rates a matter of statewide concern, tie charges to DPS tow service agreements, require documentation and notice requirements, and standardize rules for private towing carriers. Supporters said the measure would reduce confusion and predatory towing by creating uniform statewide standards, while opponents from the trucking industry argued the DPS rate structure was designed for emergency towing and that more stakeholder work was needed. After adopting an amendment clarifying the bill applies only to motor vehicles towed from private property, the committee passed the bill 7-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 2257, a strike-everything amendment changing how watercraft fee revenue is distributed between the watercraft licensing fund, the State Lake Improvement Fund, and boating safety/law enforcement purposes, while also requiring an annual expenditure report. Supporters said the change would help Mohave County and other local agencies that are covering more water patrol duties as Game and Fish resources are stretched, but Game and Fish warned the shift would create a significant fiscal impact and said the department is already operating with tight budgets. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Seizakorum, will convene the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget.
• If they're receiving $15 million, and this was some sort of an oversight that before one contract terminated
• If they're receiving $15 million, and this was some sort of an oversight that before one contract terminated

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Summary: The Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget met and considered two supplemental appropriation bills. House Bill 2786, the FY25 supplemental for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, was explained by Senator Rosino as covering Title 19, ETPS, and MMIS needs totaling $19,660,770. There was no debate, and the committee advanced the bill on an 18-0 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 2787, a FY26 supplemental for the State Department of Health to cover legacy contracts tied to the Choosing Childbirth program. Senators asked detailed questions about the “legacy” supervising entity, the three-year contract cycle, why the supplemental was needed after the 2024 program reset, and whether the entity might already be receiving funding under the new program. Supporters said the money would finish the final year of the old contract, that the entity could not double-dip, and that the request had already been reduced from $4 million to $2 million with additional philanthropic and revolving funds expected to fill the gap. The Minority Leader opposed the bill, arguing the committee was prioritizing one outside entity while other contractual obligations, including in mental health, were not being fully funded. Senator Hall closed by citing program outputs such as service to nearly 8,000 mothers and babies, parenting education, referrals, food and diaper distributions, mentoring support, and ultrasounds. HB 2787 passed on a 20-4 vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just concerned that funding being an issue with a little bit of budget uncertainty, funding could
• Representative Simpson, with four aye, one nay, we'll send your bill to the oversight committee.
• Chairman Stinson, with five aye, zero nay, we'll send your bill on to oversight. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills and moved most of them forward. House Bill 4329, by Pro Tem Moore, passed 6-0 after a brief explanation that it changes the definition of coverage services from “reimbursable” to “reimbursed.” House Bill 3016, by Representative Dobrinski, also passed 5-0; it would create a vision screening program tied to early literacy efforts and establish a revolving fund, with members raising questions about funding, training, timing in larger districts, and whether insurance or outside clinics could help cover costs. Representative Dobrinski said he was open to adjustments and noted the bill is intended to identify vision issues that can affect reading and school performance. Representative West’s House Bill 4118 passed 5-0 after the committee adopted a PCS as the working draft. West described it as a fiscally responsible measure supporting family caregivers, maintaining existing safeguards under the Caring for Caregiver Act, and preserving a nonrefundable tax credit capped at $1.5 million. House Bill 366, by Representative Pogemiller, passed 5-0 and would create a revolving fund for the Health Care Workforce Training Commission to support behavioral health professionals in rural Oklahoma under the Rural Health Transformation Program. The committee also considered House Bill 3649, a Department of Mental Health request bill allowing proceeds from certain real estate sales to be placed in a department trust for future property purchases or development. Questions centered on whether the bill aligned with an RFP involving current state facilities, and the bill was sent to oversight on a 4-1 vote. House Bill 3650, a Hospital Association request bill to extend the managed Medicaid rate floor, was also sent to oversight on a 5-0 vote, with Chairman Stinson saying he intended to amend the end date from 2035 down to 2028 before further consideration. House Bill 3644 was laid over until the following week, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we saw this past winter, funding programs using charges based on energy use can break a budget when
• It would then either approve or modify that program, and then you would have a budget.
• It would then either approve or modify that program, and then you would have a budget.
• The guardrails offered by the governor's bill, such as improved DPU oversight, barring variable billing
• The first is that it include enhanced requirements for oversight and enforcement on retail suppliers

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're required to send us an itemized budget with sources and uses.
• They're required to send us an itemized budget with sources and uses.
• They're required to send us an itemized budget with sources and uses.
• </c><01:03:25.440><c> to</c> and a lot not that much oversight to and a lot not that much oversight to
• </c> if you follow the news of the budget if you follow the news of the budget deadlines<01:05:48.359

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• publish a list of prohibited equipment, post the list on its website, and implement a risk-based oversight
• We're lucky to have the services that we have, and in the event that services or oversight is cut even
• hypothetical data indicating that they could serve 3.6 times the amount of people given the same budget
• votes that I had no voice in the budget, and of course to our Republican colleagues, either one, to
• Now look, I know, I know... ...it's a budget request and I know how the budget works.

Bills: HB2051 , HB2114 , HB2127 , HB2134 , HB2207 , HB2574 , HB2700 , HB2800 , HB2916

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• The cost of insurance alone takes up more than 10% of the operating budget in Port Aransas ISD, making
• Protecting our schools against these risks is putting a significant strain on our budget.
• Due to budget limitations, we now only insure 20% of our total property value.
• Deficit in our budget, so that would greatly benefit us there as well.
• We've seen firsthand how gaps in project oversight can lead to serious delays and litigation.

Bills: HB178 , HB178 , HB1551 , HB1939 , HB2040 , HB2354 , HB2674 , HB3029 , HB3460 , HB3631 , HB3662 , HB5201 , HB5381

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal immigration enforcement would encourage this abuse of authority due to a lack of oversight and
• agreement, even if that office does not have the capacity nor the total Funding or money in their budget
• Commandeering manpower and budgets for large counties that are already struggling with sustainable budgeting
• County budgets are paid for by local taxpayers, especially through property taxes.
• Counties bear the financial burden themselves, stretching their thin budgets.

Bills: HB1320 , HB2012 , HB2293 , HB2655 , HB3174 , HB4108 , HB4661 , HB4799 , HB5534 , HB5580

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:

• The IT Budget and Policy Subcommittee will now come to order. Missy, please call the roll.
• Today we are going to do both budget and policy matters.
• First, we have a bill on our agenda today, and then we will shift to a budget discussion for the Department
• requests for this upcoming budget cycle.
• So there's constant agency oversight for every single thing they're doing.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE REVIEW THEIR FINANCIALS, PROVIDE FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT OVER DIFFERENT COMPANIES, REVIEW THEIR RATES
• I WANT TO FOCUS FIRST ON OIR'S OVERSIGHT OF THIS INDUSTRY.
• GUESS THERE'S 24, THIS IS NOT YOU BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO HELP THE HOSPITALS AND EVERYONE BUDGET
• SO 2026 THE BUDGET CRISIS WILL BE EVEN STEEPER SO I HOPE THE CHAIRS OF THE HEALTH COMMITTEES IN BOTH
• Bakofsky: I DON'T BELIEVE WE HAVE OUR LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST FOR OUTREACH AREA I WOULD NEED TO COORDINATE

Transcript Highlights:

• item, or state budget information item.
• Budget.
• How much of the K-12 budget? Stabilization fund. How much of the K through 12 budget is that? Mr.
• In this case, just the Budget Stabilization Fund.
• Office of Management and Budget.

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership, approved the December 11 minutes, and received a series of informational updates on the state’s finances and related policy issues. The Office of Management and Budget reported the general fund is tracking very close to forecast, with revenues about $2 million above forecast and an estimated ending balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. OMB also reviewed balances in major funds, including the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, and answered questions about oil tax revenues and fund management. The Tax Department provided updates on taxable sales and purchases by county and industry, noting Cass County as the largest county by taxable sales and that retail trade remains the largest industry sector. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus also discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its estimated effects on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the projected revenue impacts are measured against a 2025 baseline and that some provisions are temporary while others are permanent. He also reported that primary residence tax credit applications were running ahead of last year, with more than 154,000 received so far and an expectation of roughly 160,000-plus applications. The committee also heard fee-study presentations from the Department of Transportation and the Information Technology Department. DOT explained that driver’s license fees cover only about half of program costs and that the shortfall is subsidized by the highway fund, while also noting recent changes such as the blackout plate and motor vehicle excise tax distribution changes. NDIT described its internal service fund model, current billing structure, and possible future changes to simplify invoices and billing frequency. Legislative staff also updated the committee on office space needs in Bismarck-Mandan and on legislative branch space planning, and subcommittees reported progress on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including a visit to the Burleigh-Morton detention facility and discussion of future prison bed needs. No formal votes or legislative actions beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the committee adjourned with its next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to routine oversight, staff investigated 143 consumer complaints, addressing potential risk
• Our work spans licensing, compliance, enforcement, financial oversight, and consumer protection.
• And so prediction markets being operated by non-licensees, we do not have any regulatory oversight over
• I know several years ago, maybe 2021 or 2022, we added money into the budget so that we could increase
• I know several years ago, maybe 2021 or 2022, we added money into the budget so that we could increase

Committee: Senate Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard the Arizona Auditor General’s 2025 sunset review of the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. The audit found the board generally processed licenses and complaints timely and had adopted required school curriculum rules, but it also identified inconsistent disciplinary actions, gaps in required infection-prevention and law education for some reciprocity and instructor applicants, weak application review controls, and noncompliance issues involving open meeting law, public records, and conflicts of interest. Auditors also recommended statutory changes on esthetics scope of practice, cease-and-desist authority, and eyelash technician training standards. The board’s executive director said the agency agreed with the findings, had already implemented some changes including updated disciplinary parameters, conflict-of-interest training, lawful presence verification, and revised cash-handling procedures, and was working through the remaining recommendations. After questions, the committee voted 7-0 to recommend the board implement the audit recommendations and be continued for six years, until July 1, 2032. The committee then took up the combined sunset review and performance audit of the Arizona Department of Gaming, the Arizona Racing Commission, and the Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission. The Auditor General reported that while the department distributed tribal gaming funds and issued some licenses appropriately, it failed to consistently obtain and review required independent audit reports for event wagering and fantasy sports operators, did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements, lacked comprehensive complaint-handling processes, and had delayed some compact trust fund distributions. Additional issues included IT security documentation, horse-racing suitability checks, fee-setting reviews, rulemaking, and public records procedures; the Boxing and MMA Commission also had licensing and fee-setting deficiencies. The department and commissions agreed to implement the recommendations, and the department director said the agency was already making changes, including updated guidance to operators, a new complaint-tracking process, conflict-of-interest training, and work on trust fund distributions and rule changes. Committee members pressed both the auditor and the department on why fantasy sports audit reviews had not been completed, whether underpayments would be recovered, and why no distributions had yet been made to certain Category 3 tribes under the 2021 compact trust fund. The director said the department was now doing a look-back review, would seek any owed fees, penalties, and interest, and was helping tribes resolve the baseline-revenue formula needed for distributions. Members also asked about conflict-of-interest practices, problem gambling, and whether prediction markets fall under gaming regulation. The discussion continued into the department’s broader presentation, with the director describing the agency’s regulatory role and ongoing modernization efforts.