Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typec><00:34:36.240><c> ofc><00:34:36.560><c> driversc><00:34:36.960><c> theyc> get to see
• what type of drivers they get to see what type of drivers they have,<00:34:37.440><c> evenc><00:34
• theyc><00:43:53.760><c> werec> those types of programs, but they were those types of programs, but
• 02:12:14.000><c> typec><02:12:14.239><c> ofc> hypothetical example of the type of hypothetical example
• of the type of activity<02:12:14.960><c> activityc><02:12:15.520><c> wouldc><02:12:15.760><c> even

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• exceeds admin's capacity to cover<00:50:06.640><c> thisc><00:50:06.880><c> typec><00:50:07.040><
• services,c><01:39:40.719><c> thosec><01:39:40.960><c> typesc><01:39:41.199><c> ofc> treatment
• services, those types of treatment services, those types of things<01:39:41.760><c> thatc><01:39:42.000
• There are two project types,<01:53:58.400><c> improvementc><01:53:59.119><c> andc><01:53:59.520><
• c> types, improvement and accessibility. types, improvement and accessibility.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, does that happen<00:24:28.559><c> withc><00:24:28.960><c> thisc><00:24:29.279><c> typec><00
• :24:29.679><c> ofc><00:24:30.240><c> technologyc><00:24:31.039><c> asc> happen with this type of
• other resources other technology<00:40:07.359><c> typesc><00:40:07.760><c> includingc><00:40:08.079
• ><c> nuclear,c><00:40:08.720><c> gas,c> technology types including nuclear, gas, technology types
• :14.240><c> rotatingc><00:58:15.040><c> loanc> type of rotating loan type of rotating loan program

Bills: HF4059, HF76

Keywords: climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, financing, sustainability, environmental policy, renewable energy, Minnesota Climate Innovation Financing Authority, earned incentive release credit, release credits, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, sentence reduction, good time, prison time, incarceration, violent offenses, murder, criminal sexual conduct, sex offenses

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> makec><00:01:02.960><c> uhc><00:01:03.079><c> yourc><00:01:03.280><c> wayc><00:01:03.519
• ><c> wec><00:01:58.880><c> goc><00:01:59.079><c> herec><00:01:59.200><c> inc><00:01:59.320><c
• ><c> typec> there are some problems with this type there are some problems with this type of<00:02:
• c><01:26:38.320><c> typesc><01:26:39.239><c> umc><01:26:39.800><c> thatc> other two uh two uh
• two types um that other two uh two uh two types um that are<01:26:40.119><c> competingc><01:26:40.560

Bills: HF75

Keywords: HF75, earned incentive release credit, earned incentive credits, revocation, revocable credits, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, prison discipline, incarcerated persons, inmate misconduct, facility rules, sentence reduction, supervised release, Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, public safety, rehabilitation, prison credits, executed sentence, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :31:01.679><c> anyc><01:31:02.000><c> typec><01:31:02.159><c> ofc><01:31:02.320><c> upgradesc
• ><01:31:02.800><c> toc> modernization or any type of upgrades to modernization or any type of upgrades
• :44.159><c> thosec><01:46:44.320><c> typesc><01:46:44.560><c> ofc><01:46:44.719><c> thingsc><
• 01:46:45.280><c> andc><01:46:45.520><c> that'sc> all of those types of things and that's all of those
• types of things and that's very<01:46:46.080><c> detrimentalc><01:46:46.719><c> toc><01:46:47.199

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:10 Approval of Minutes 00:01:19 Helping Power Kentucky's Growth (LG&E/KU) 00:01:39 Update from Kentucky's Electric Cooperatives 00:47:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and then heard a presentation from LG&E and KU representatives Caroline Clark and John Bevington on economic development, energy demand, and the utility’s role in supporting Kentucky’s growth. Bevington described the company’s service territory, generation fleet, and recent economic development activity, including 76 projects supported in 2024, more than $2.8 billion in private investment, and over 3,000 new jobs. He emphasized that data centers are now the dominant driver in the pipeline, with 22 data center projects representing about 8.7 of the 9.7 gigawatts of potential demand, alongside other manufacturing and commercial projects. A major focus was how data centers choose sites and how utilities respond. Bevington explained that hyperscale data centers typically approach utilities first because they need transmission-level access, and that utilities then conduct internal analyses, estimate infrastructure needs, and require financial security before proceeding. He said the company is working through formal transmission studies and long-lead infrastructure planning, and noted that Kentucky’s sales tax exemption for data centers helped attract interest. He also outlined the economic benefits of data centers, citing an announced Louisville project of 525 megawatts and about $11 billion in investment, with an estimated $500 million in new tax revenue over 10 years, plus broader job and GDP impacts. Members asked about whether data centers could generate their own power, the reliability of the pipeline numbers given confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, and cybersecurity concerns. Bevington said the company does not assume all pipeline projects will materialize in Kentucky and instead assigns probabilities to avoid overbuilding. He also said he was not the right person to address cybersecurity in detail but offered to return to a committee focused on IT or security. In response to questions about future supply, he said LG&E and KU are adding generation through a 120-megawatt solar facility in Mercer County, a 120-megawatt solar purchase in Marion County, and a 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle plant in Louisville, with PSC approval recently granted for additional generation and related system upgrades.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> actc><00:06:33.039><c> umc><00:06:33.280><c> inc><00:06:33.520><c> thec><00:06:33.680><c>
• <00:53:13.760><c> typec><00:53:13.920><c> ofc><00:53:14.160><c> programs.
• c> radiology tech, those type of programs. radiology tech, those type of programs.
• It does require<01:07:13.119><c> ac><01:07:13.200><c> differentc><01:07:13.440><c> typec><01:07
• c> require a different type of education. require a different type of education.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ofc><00:15:53.839><c> allc><00:15:54.199><c> typesc><00:15:54.680><c> andc><00:15:54.959
• ><c> sizesc><00:15:55.920><c> asc> Renewables of all types and sizes as Renewables of all types and
• :34:03.639><c> typec><00:34:03.799><c> ofc><00:34:03.960><c> peoplec><00:34:04.200><c> thatc>
• <00:34:04.320><c> wec><00:34:04.480><c> workc> to say the type of people that we work to say the
• type of people that we work with<00:34:04.960><c> needc><00:34:05.159><c> ac><00:34:05.240><c> little

Bills: HF845

Keywords: net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:02.000><c> Umc><00:03:02.400><c> andc><00:03:02.640><c> itc><00:03:02.879><c> wec>
• c><00:04:29.040><c> Doc><00:04:29.199><c> wec><00:04:29.280><c> wantc><00:04:29.440><c> toc
• of work knowing that in this type of work knowing that in this industry<01:18:02.560><c> wec><01:18
• :27:27.760><c> typec><01:27:27.920><c> ofc><01:27:28.080><c> work.
• c><01:27:28.639><c> We'rec><01:27:28.880><c> stillc> this type of work.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > toc><00:00:57.520><c> talkc><00:00:57.680><c> toc><00:00:58.160><c> uhc><00:00:58.239><c> the
• ><c> bitc><00:01:01.840><c> aboutc><00:01:02.000><c> thec><00:01:02.239><c> oversightc><00:01
• 01:44.479><c> unitsc><00:01:44.880><c> thatc><00:01:45.119><c> wec><00:01:45.360><c> have,c>
• thatc><00:18:51.280><c> typec><00:18:51.440><c> ofc><00:18:51.600><c> thing.
• c><00:18:52.320><c> Ic><00:18:52.640><c> canc><00:18:52.799><c> tellc> years, that type of thing

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board reconvened and heard a presentation from the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control unit. AG staff described the unit’s structure and work: it investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, and also handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases involving vulnerable adults in facility settings when asked to assist. They said the office has prosecutors, detectives, auditors, and support staff, works with federal partners, Commonwealth’s attorneys, CHFS, DMS, OIG, and MCOs, and uses a hotline and referral line for complaints. They also explained the MCO referral process, including monthly meetings, stand-down lists, and review of referrals for a “credible allegation of fraud” before the AG office decides whether to open a criminal or civil investigation. The presentation focused heavily on current fraud trends. Staff said behavioral health is a major concern, along with participant-directed waiver services, medically assisted treatment, cash billing for services, controlled-substance billing, and vision and dental fraud. They gave examples such as duplicate time sheets for family caregivers, questionable Suboxone counseling and urine drug screening practices, and a prior optometry case involving false claims for children’s glasses. They also discussed CMS’s estimate that about 5% of Medicaid payments are improper, noted that most improper payments are at the fee-for-service level, and said there is no reliable overall fraud-rate estimate. They highlighted a sharp shift in behavioral health billing after the cabinet’s November 1, 2024 policy changes, saying individual psychotherapy spending dropped while group billing increased, suggesting providers may have moved billing to different codes. Members asked about the scale and timing of cases, how MCO referrals are screened, and whether the data reflected more people being served or just higher spending. The AG office said investigations can take years, with some federal cases still awaiting sentencing from 2018 and 2019 matters, and that they currently had nine individuals awaiting sentencing in federal court. They also reported 58 hotline reports during the referenced period, six cases opened from MCO referrals, and four additional MCO referrals not accepted for active cases. Several members raised concerns about home-based services and the risk of abuse or fraud when family members are reimbursed, and asked whether the process could be streamlined; the AG office said it had no immediate recommendations but would be willing to return with suggestions after further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:57:42.120><c> overc><00:57:42.400><c> otherc><00:57:42.640><c> typesc><00:57:42.920><c> of<
• /c><00:57:43.000><c> projectsc> advantage over other types of projects advantage over other types of
• ><c> toc><01:07:47.600><c> decidec><01:07:48.320><c> whatc><01:07:48.560><c> typec><01:07:48.800
• type of fuel mix<01:07:49.640><c> itc><01:07:49.920><c> wantsc><01:07:50.200><c> toc><01:07:50.359
• :13.200><c> typec><01:08:13.400><c> ofc><01:08:13.480><c> globalc><01:08:14.480><c> instability

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:01:51.280><c> Centersc><00:01:52.200><c> soc><00:01:52.360><c> Ic><00:01:52.439><c> tendc>
• for conditions like mucopolysaccharidosis<00:43:26.920><c> typec><00:43:27.119><c> typec><00:43:
• 27.319><c> onec> mucopolysaccharidosis type type one mucopolysaccharidosis type type one which<00:43
• if we look at to move out if you look at if we look at the<00:47:50.319><c> typesc><00:47:50.520><
• ><c> fundingc> the types of things that we're funding the types of things that we're funding in<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :05:16.160><c> typec><00:05:16.320><c> ofc><00:05:16.440><c> disciplinaryc><00:05:17.120><c> action
• c><00:05:17.440><c> isc> um what type of disciplinary action is um what type of disciplinary action
• from the complex it's basically from the complex complaint<00:08:22.319><c> typec><00:08:22.599><c
• type stuff that's coming in complaint type stuff that's coming in can<00:08:24.080><c> youc><00:08
• had license increases facility types had license increases Boarding<01:02:14.200><c> carec><01:02:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on January 28, 2025, to review Governor’s budget proposals for several health-related licensing boards. The chair said no formal action would be taken and noted that final budget language was not yet available. The committee began with an overview from Bridget Anderson of the health-related licensing boards, who explained that the boards are fee-funded, operate as independent executive agencies, and handle licensing, complaints, rulemaking, and disciplinary matters. She also noted that the Board of Dentistry’s budget includes the Administrative Services Unit and criminal background check program, which can make the budget graphs appear larger than the dentistry board’s own operations. The Board of Dentistry requested funding for a new administrative staff position, estimating about $100,000 in salary, insurance, and fringe costs, to replace support lost when an administrative position was reclassified. Anderson said the board handled more than 300 complaints last year, with cases becoming more complex, especially involving surgical and implant procedures and imaging. Members asked about dental Medicaid access, but Anderson said that issue would be better directed to DHS’s Medicaid oral health division. The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy requested a full-time position due to rapid growth in the number of regulated professionals, from about 4,000 in 2014 to nearly 10,000 now, and also sought authority to set a fee for out-of-state applicants under the Counseling Compact, with a cap of up to $100 though the board expects to charge much less. The Board of Podiatric Medicine asked to raise its fee ceiling, saying fees had not been increased since 1999 and that the board now faces a structural deficit of about $40,000 per year and declining reserves. Several senators expressed concern about “not-to-exceed” fee authority, calling it too open-ended and suggesting the legislature should scrutinize specific fee needs rather than approve broad ceilings. Similar concerns were raised during the Board of Chiropractic Examiners presentation, where the board sought $100,000 in additional spending authority and a fee increase after 32 years without an adjustment; members questioned the proposed ceiling approach and asked for more historical information before deciding. The Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice also discussed fee-setting authority, with the executive director explaining that the board had previously lowered fees without clear authority and later faced audit questions; she requested funding for a vacant administrative position, saying applications and revenues have increased sharply and no fee increase would be needed. The final presentation began with the Board of Pharmacy, which said it serves more than 26,000 licensees and oversees the Prescription Monitoring Program and opioid product registration. The board requested an extension of previously appropriated general fund dollars through fiscal year 2027 to continue paying legal costs tied to the insulin safety net lawsuit, emphasizing that this was not a new funding request but an extension of existing authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:45:04.839><c> thatc><00:45:05.119><c> typec> required by law to implement that type required
• by law to implement that type of<00:45:05.440><c> oversightc><00:45:06.040><c> that'sc><00:45:06.200
• it's not a intentional<01:09:52.359><c> fraudc><01:09:52.759><c> typec><01:09:52.920><c> ofc><
• 01:09:53.000><c> thingc><01:09:53.199><c> thec> intentional fraud type of thing the intentional fraud
• type of thing the grantee<01:09:53.839><c> thinksc><01:09:54.159><c> thatc><01:09:54.400><c> it's

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on February 10, 2025, with member and staff introductions and opening remarks from Chair Kristin Robbins about the committee’s bipartisan mission to address state fraud and improve oversight of executive branch spending. Robbins said the committee would focus on both legislation and informational oversight hearings, likely in coordination with standing policy committees, and emphasized concerns about reported fraud in state government and the need to prevent waste before it occurs. Members from both parties generally expressed support for the committee’s work and interest in learning more about the issues. The sole agenda item was a presentation from the Legislative Auditor on the 2023 report, “Oversight of State-Funded Grants to Nonprofit Organizations.” Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Deputy Legislative Auditor Jodi Munson Rodriguez explained that the report reviewed how comprehensive Minnesota’s grants management policies are and how well agencies follow them. They said the policies cover the grant lifecycle but often lack detail, and the office found widespread noncompliance in recent years. The presentation included examples such as limited standards for progress reports, flexible monitoring requirements, and no required timeline for closeout reviews. The auditors also noted that state agencies spent an average of about $514 million annually on nonprofit grants from fiscal years 2018 through 2022, with about 2,400 nonprofit organizations receiving grants. The auditors said several factors contribute to compliance problems, including inconsistent funding for grants management, limited training, and uneven use of electronic grants systems. They also noted that statutes gave little authority to enforce compliance. Since the report was released, the Department of Administration has taken some steps, including changes to pre-award financial review policies and a timeline for closeout reviews, but the auditors said other recommendations remain only partially implemented. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typesc><00:17:32.880><c> ofc><00:17:33.000><c> cases.
• c><00:17:34.080><c> Andc> we're bringing these types of cases.
• c><01:44:05.320><c> themc><01:44:05.520><c> typec><01:44:05.760><c> thec><01:44:05.920><c> information
• c> then have them type the information in. then have them type the information in.
• c><02:11:04.240><c> ac><02:11:04.320><c> wayc><02:11:04.480><c> toc> type arrangement, but is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• knowc><00:00:48.480><c> kindc><00:00:48.559><c> ofc><00:00:48.680><c> whoc><00:00:48.879><c>
• ><c> thatc><00:00:51.079><c> Ic><00:00:51.160><c> thinkc><00:00:51.280><c> whatc><00:00:51.399
• ><c> isc><00:00:52.920><c> Ic><00:00:53.000><c> justc><00:00:53.120><c> wantc><00:00:53.199><
• focus on uh what<00:50:29.760><c> typec><00:50:30.000><c> ofc><00:50:30.480><c> servicesc><00:
• type of services we need to offer what type of services we need to offer so<00:50:31.960><c> justc

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee held an introductory organizational meeting for the newly named Workforce and Economic Development Committee, with Chair Dave Baker noting a quorum and that no votes or formal actions were scheduled. Members and staff introduced themselves and described their districts, backgrounds, and priorities. Several members emphasized worker protections, labor experience, small business concerns, rural economic issues, and the importance of balancing employer and employee interests. Others highlighted education-to-workforce pathways, affordability, support for seniors, and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities. Chair Baker said he wants the committee to find a balance between protecting labor and ensuring a strong employment base, fair rules, and fair taxes, while also acknowledging concerns about recent policy trends and the need to get proposals right before they leave the committee. Members from both parties echoed themes of collaboration and economic opportunity, though some Republicans criticized past rules and regulations as burdensome on small businesses. The committee also welcomed nonpartisan staff and DFL/GOP staff, including the committee administrator, legislative assistant, House Research, and fiscal analysis staff. The committee then received an overview from DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and deputy commissioners. Varilek described DEED’s mission as empowering growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone, increasing prosperity and extending it broadly, and coordinating with other agencies such as Labor and Industry to avoid duplication and use taxpayer dollars efficiently. He said DEED focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, workforce development, and helping Minnesotans—including people with disabilities—prepare for jobs and independent living. A deputy commissioner began outlining the economic development division’s structure and operations, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• toc><00:01:37.759><c> bec><00:01:37.920><c> found,c><00:01:38.479><c> andc><00:01:38.720><c>
• :01:45.600><c> Wec><00:01:45.920><c> sawc><00:01:46.159><c> thatc><00:01:46.640><c> duringc><
• c> usc><00:02:35.120><c> toc><00:02:35.360><c> growc><00:02:35.599><c> andc><00:02:35.920><c>
• :05.680><c> thisc><00:39:06.160><c> typec><00:39:06.400><c> ofc><00:39:06.640><c> programc> you
• do we have this type of program you do we have this type of program going<00:39:08.240><c> anywhere<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony focused on barriers facing minority-owned businesses and on local programs intended to improve access to capital and contracting opportunities. A representative from the U.S. Black Chambers described disparities in minority spending, argued for more intentional and transparent investment in Black communities, and emphasized the need to disaggregate data, hold officials accountable, and expand tools such as the byBlack certification directory. He also stressed that businesses need technical assistance, resources, and opportunities to grow through mergers, consortiums, and joint ventures. The main presentation then came from Larry Forester and Tyrone of Commerce Lexington, who outlined what they called eight major barriers for minority businesses, including limited access to capital, weak mentorship networks, discrimination and bias, bureaucratic hurdles, branding and visibility challenges, stereotyping, generational knowledge gaps, and limited financial literacy. They described several Commerce Lexington initiatives: the Access Loan Program, which brings small businesses before a pool of 26 lenders; a Minority Business Accelerator to help firms scale and connect with prime contractors; and an Opportunity Exchange for business owners to share experiences and lessons learned. They said the Access Loan Program has funded nearly $26 million in loans with an average loan size of about $62,000. Members asked about bias in lending and how to make contracting and certification easier for minority firms. Forester said applications are vetted by a subcommittee before reaching the full lender group, with attention to completeness and readiness, and that only one lender needs to say yes. On contracting, the witnesses said certification can be burdensome and suggested more hands-on help from the state, relationship-building events that include decision-makers, and incentives rather than mandates. They also relayed policy ideas from a business owner, including culturally informed underwriting, public-private matching grants, supplier diversity enforcement, and mentorship tied to capital access. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> justc><02:06:49.239><c> typedc><02:06:49.480><c> inc><02:06:49.840><c> whatc> uh Google
• and I just typed in what uh Google and I just typed in what happens<02:06:50.280><c> whenc><02:06:50.480
• ><c> thec><02:15:09.520><c> vegetationc><02:15:10.159><c> typesc> that uh delineate the vegetation
• types that uh delineate the vegetation types across<02:15:10.880><c> thec><02:15:11.040><c> state<
• of um have the safety that this type of measure<02:16:52.240><c> umc><02:16:52.399><c> isc><02:16

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.

Transcript Highlights:

• they're going to be hand like ballards and<00:40:12.960><c> otherc><00:40:13.160><c> typesc><00:
• > typc><01:09:45.120><c> typesc><01:09:45.359><c> ofc><01:09:46.040><c> toolsc><01:09:47.040>
• <c> umc> are four different typ types of tools um are four different typ types of tools um data data
• c><01:33:27.800><c> typec><01:33:27.960><c> ofc><01:33:28.159><c> linec><01:33:29.000><c> prior
• c><01:33:29.280><c> toc> wasn't that type of line prior to wasn't that type of line prior to election

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and work session on House Bill 25A, the capital improvements appropriations bill, which Representative David Mills said was based on Governor Ayotte’s budget and included appropriations for capital improvements and extensions of prior appropriation lapses. The hearing drew testimony on several requested additions to the bill, with the chair noting the unusually large turnout and moving quickly through speakers. No questions were taken on the initial bill presentation, and the public hearing on HB 25A was later closed. The Community College System of New Hampshire asked for an additional $2.6 million, including $800,000 for IT infrastructure, $1.3 million for critical maintenance, and $500,000 for energy management systems. The witness said the money would address cybersecurity and online learning needs, replace failing boilers and a roof at several campuses, and prevent costly damage such as frozen pipes. The New Hampshire Veterans Home requested $1.5 million for ADA compliance and safety improvements, including floor replacement and wider doors, citing an upcoming VA inspection and the importance of preserving federal funding. Testimony also focused on career and technical education and airport funding. Milford CTE sought to keep $9.9 million in the budget for renovations after a local vote fell short, explaining the project had been scaled down from an earlier $60 million concept and that the school board wanted another chance to seek voter approval. On aviation, Concord, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, and Department of Transportation representatives urged restoring state matching funds for FAA airport grants, saying roughly $3.6 million in state money would leverage about $62 million to $65 million in federal funds for safety and infrastructure projects at public airports. Committee members asked about project selection, matching requirements, and the airport priority process, and witnesses said the program is driven by FAA-approved capital improvement plans and safety needs rather than business-return rankings.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1187, senate, all