Video & Transcript Research : 'government code chapter 443'
Page 159 of 500
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- voice in the cooperative's governance. voice in the cooperative's governance.
- and regional governance study committee. and regional governance study committee.
- the current numbering of the chapters the current numbering of the chapters such<01:09:56.520>
governing banking and commerce. governing banking and commerce. - agency in state government. agency in state government.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters.
Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations.
The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team.
On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Nov 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So these are two governments, two units of government subdivision of the state.
- I started following procedures, started reading Chapter 190 and Chapter 189.
- There's no governing body that monitors the CDD. It's like, who handles this special district?
- But growing distrust of the town government has led to a rift between its residents.
- It doesn't take the resources of the government officials.
Summary:
The Legislative Auditing Committee heard several local-government audit requests and unanimously approved each one. The first item was Baker County, where county commissioners asked for an operational and financial audit because of repeated late audits, concerns about the finance office, and lack of confidence in county financial reporting. The county clerk supported an audit but argued it should be countywide and include all constitutional officers; she also described a dispute over access to the county finance system and pending litigation. After brief questions, the committee adopted a 9-0 motion directing the Auditor General to perform an operational audit of Baker County’s financial operations and records, with scope to be finalized during the audit.
The committee then approved an audit request for the Concord Estates Community Development District in Osceola County. Senator Arrington said residents alleged excessive board compensation, large unexplained spending, missing financial reports, and refusal to provide records or hold open meetings. Residents and a board member testified about rising assessments, deteriorating amenities, and lack of transparency. The committee voted 10-0 to direct an operational audit of the CDD. It also approved, by 10-0 votes, operational audits of the town of Melbourne Beach, based on allegations of fiscal and operational improprieties and lawsuits that had cost the town more than $150,000, and the city of Apalachicola, where Senator Simon said longstanding water utility failures, grant issues, and consent-order problems warranted review.
The final request was for a financial and operational audit of Cape Coral’s Building Department. Representative G. Lombardo said building-fee revenues appeared to be transferred for non-building purposes, permit processing was inconsistent, and the department relied heavily on a private firm while the building official had prior ties to that firm. Industry representatives testified that building funds were being diverted, service levels were suffering, and private-provider inspections were not always reflected in fee reductions. The committee adopted the motion 10-0. After completing all agenda items, the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Regulated Industries Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So First Amendment is bar code 1, 8, 7, 5, 8, 6, by Senator Deciglie.
- the governing body and its authority is make these appointments.
- Florida chapter waiving in support. Thank you.
- So the revisions and this bill clarifies that chapter 7.21.
- Of the Florida statutes governing that governs timeshares and have specific specific provisions dealing
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Employee Benefits Programs Committee May 7th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Employee Benefits Programs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The 1963 Legislative Assembly did enact North Dakota Century Code 52-12, which authorized state agencies
- or Administrative Code sections that provide authorization for those plans.
- That Century Code is linked in your agenda.
- Last legislative session, there were some changes made to North Dakota Century Code 54-03-08.08.
- Last legislative session, there were some changes made to North Dakota Century Code 54-03-08.08.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I am unable to be with you in person today due to the federal government shutdown that is currently in
- resilience is so critical to our national security that Congress has mandated in 10 United States Code
- The proposed amendment in Senate Bill 2232 would amend Section 1A of Chapter 164 of the General Laws
- Chapter 164 be amended to address the cap. We would also request that M.G.L.
- to the electrical code.
Summary:
The hearing focused broadly on solar policy and several related bills, especially S. 2269, S. 2270, H. 3520, H. 3521, and related measures on distributed energy resources, municipal solar caps, permitting reform, and tax credits. Testimony from the Air Force supported S. 2232, which would exempt federal military installations from renewable energy production caps and net metering limits to support energy resilience at bases like Hanscom. Most other witnesses argued that Massachusetts needs to speed up rooftop, municipal, and community solar deployment to address high electricity prices, federal tax credit rollbacks, grid reliability, and climate goals.
A major theme was streamlining permitting through automated or “smart” solar permitting, including a statewide platform managed by DOER. Permit Power, SEIA, Vote Solar, 350 Mass, and others said current local permitting is fragmented and costly, and that instant permitting could reduce soft costs and speed installations. Several witnesses also urged changes to interconnection rules, including flexible interconnection, remote inspections, and faster utility approval timelines. Some speakers raised concerns about small towns lacking staff to meet short deadlines and suggested a state-hosted platform to reduce the burden on municipalities.
Another major topic was lifting caps on solar deployment. Municipal officials from Lexington and Cambridge said the 10-megawatt municipal cap and regional caps are blocking shovel-ready projects and should be removed, including for behind-the-meter municipal solar and MBTA-community housing. Other witnesses described additional limits on project size, net metering, and residential tax credits, and called for making the state residential solar credit refundable and larger. Several speakers also supported virtual power plants, distributed energy resource targets, solar canopies, microgrids, and expanded access for affordable housing, tenants, and low- and moderate-income customers.
No votes were taken. Committee members asked questions about permitting timelines, grid modernization, the rationale for caps, balcony solar, and interconnection delays, and witnesses said they would follow up with additional information where needed. The hearing ended with broad support from industry, municipal, environmental, and advocacy groups for advancing the solar and distributed energy bills, while some witnesses opposed provisions they viewed as overly restrictive, such as mandatory SMART participation for all solar projects.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 395 was originally written.
- The federal government is responsible for designating the areas of critical need within our state.
- Is there a DX code for it? Who is the provider number for that prescription, that dispensing?
- And, oh, by the way, there happens to be a CPT code exactly for this specific consultation.
- I'm here today representing the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Keywords:
provider disputes, health plan, dispute resolution, Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare regulation, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions, ambulatory surgical centers, patient safety, licensure
Summary:
The committee took up several health-related bills. SB 1082, on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program, was presented as a way to let providers and insurers use the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans. A late-filed amendment clarified when providers and health plans could access the state program, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168, which would centralize background screening clearinghouse functions at the Agency for Health Care Administration, also passed as amended after an amendment requiring sealed and expunged records to be included in screenings for qualified entities. Supporters said centralization would improve turnaround times, reduce duplication, and save costs; the sponsor said the bill also addresses coaches’ background screening language from last session. The committee then approved SB 1156, which moves ambulatory surgery center regulation out of the hospital-focused chapter of law into a standalone section, and SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, which would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designation changes affect those areas. Testimony on SB 1480 emphasized continuity of care for patients in underserved communities, and the bill was reported favorably.
The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require state-approved educational materials on childhood vaccines, require practitioners to provide those materials and alternative schedules before vaccination, expand school immunization exemptions to include conscience-based objections, clarify that the Surgeon General cannot order vaccination during a public health emergency, and authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin behind the counter without a prescription with written information and safeguards. The sponsor argued the bill strengthens parental choice and informed consent. Committee members raised concerns about vaccine-preventable disease risks, immunocompromised children, school outbreaks, and the impact of adding a new exemption. A Department of Health representative said the department would need to provide details on the history of exemption consultations and noted that removing the earlier consultation requirement had not been shown to increase outbreaks. The committee adopted a friendly amendment to give physicians the same liability protection as pharmacists for ivermectin dispensing, but rejected a substitute amendment that would have required a consultation for exemption requests. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with physicians, pediatric specialists, cancer advocates, parents of immunocompromised children, and public health groups warning that it would lower vaccination rates and endanger vulnerable Floridians. The bill remained pending after testimony, with the committee continuing to hear public comment.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT WILL COME TO ORDER.
- THERE ARE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN UNDER THERE ARE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN UNDER THEIR
- ENSURES THAT THE BUILDING CODE IS CONSISTENT WITH INTERNATIONAL CODE AS IT RELATES TO IT.
- FROM THE BUILDING CODES? SENATOR GRALL.
- HERE'S AN IMPORTANT POINT, HOWEVER IT HELPS STATE GOVERNMENTS GET OUT OF THE WAY.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , we just read a chapter for Anne Frank, and you move on.
- Actually, you've got the Ed Code quite right.
- The government course mandated by the state only covers the federal government and constitution.
- The government course mandated by the state only covers the federal government and the Constitution.
- Most of my peers have no idea how our local government works.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard a series of bills focused largely on school safety, immigrant student protections, Holocaust and genocide education, civic engagement, and workforce pathways. SB 631 would expand the charter school revolving loan fund by increasing loan amounts and broadening eligibility, including for charter schools affected by natural disasters; it drew support from the Treasurer’s Office and the California Charter Schools Association and was advanced on a 4-0 vote, with the bill held on call. SB 472 would reinforce Holocaust, slavery, and genocide education requirements and create or expand teacher training and grants; it received strong support from survivors, educators, and Jewish organizations and passed 6-0, with several members asking to be added as coauthors.
The committee also took up a package of immigration-related school bills. SB 48 would bar school officials from allowing immigration enforcement access to campuses without a judicial warrant and protect student records; it was backed by Superintendent Tony Thurmond, teachers, school districts, and many advocacy groups, and passed 5-0 to the Judiciary Committee. SB 98 would require K-12 schools and higher education institutions to notify campus communities when immigration enforcement is present; it also drew broad support from student groups, colleges, and education organizations and passed 3-0 to Higher Education, with the bill held on call. Both measures were presented as responses to recent immigration enforcement activity near schools and the chilling effect on attendance and student well-being.
Other measures advanced included SB 848, which would strengthen protections against employee sexual misconduct in schools by updating safety plans, training, reporting, and misconduct tracking; it was supported by education groups and a survivor who described grooming at her high school, and passed 6-0 to Public Safety. SB 638 would create a statewide coordinating entity for education and workforce programs and support career pathways, with testimony emphasizing the need to align fragmented funding and improve access for underserved communities; it passed 7-0 to Higher Education. SB 316, on high school voter registration and pre-registration, passed 8-0 to Elections after testimony from students and civic engagement advocates, and SB 334, which would add sexual harassment prevention content and a Sexual Harassment Safety Week to school curriculum, was presented with support from student advocates and AAUW, with no opposition noted in the portion of the transcript provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, January 12, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to trustees serving in cases under chapter 7 of title 11, United States Code, to extend the term of
- to trustees serving in cases under chapter 7 of title 11, United States Code, to extend the term of
- Chapter 7 trustees also ensure that the government receives unpaid taxes, fines, and fees, or whatever
- Chapter 7 trustees also ensure that the Chapter 7 trustees also ensure that the government<03:54:33.359
- >
department of government government, the department of government government, the department
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. (2-6-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- >> My understanding is that these provisions plug into the procedural chapter of the Juvenile Code, 610
- <00:58:59.599>
And <00:58:59.839>so chapter of the Juvenile Code 610. - And so chapter of the Juvenile Code 610.
- penal code here.
- penal code here.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Agency Updates: 00:01:45
26RS SB 125: 00:02:10
26RS SB 101: 01:14:58, 958, all
Summary:
The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met on February 6, 2026, took roll, approved a motion to convene, and heard agency updates from materials in the packet. The council then took up Senate Bill 125 out of order because Senator Carol was present. The bill was presented as a collaborative effort focused on creating a secure, state-run high-acuity mental health facility for justice-involved youth who need specialized psychiatric care and cannot be appropriately served in detention or by private hospitals. Speakers said the facility would fill a gap in services, improve safety and treatment outcomes, and be designed with trauma-informed, medically equipped spaces rather than a jail-like setting.
The presenters also outlined other parts of the bill, including a placement process in which DJJ and CHFS would evaluate youth and provide recommendations before the judge makes the final decision, with certain hospital-declination provisions to be delayed until the new facility is operating. They described payment incentives for hospitals treating high-acuity youth, confidentiality and escape-related disclosure provisions, and contracts with a public teaching university for clinical services. The proposed facility was described as a 24-bed center at Central State, with staffing to include mental health professionals and juvenile detention staff receiving enhanced training. Dr. Clark Lester said staffing needs would vary by youth and could include one-to-one supervision for some patients.
The bill also addressed female juvenile detention capacity. Speakers said the number of detained girls has risen sharply since 2024, peaking at 51 in 2025, and that current facilities cannot meet the separation requirements for boys and girls or high- and low-level youth. The proposal would build two female detention centers, with possible locations discussed in central Kentucky and western Kentucky, and a third or fourth center could be added if population data show the need. Members asked about hospital placement authority, staffing, and average length of stay for girls; the presenters said the current court-order process would remain until the new facility is built and that they would provide additional data later. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/23/26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair. systems that are formed under chapter systems that are formed under chapter 116A<00:01:11.360>
- water districts are government water districts are government organizations<00:07:26.400>
which - Um I mean I I'm just asking government.
- , but they're not directly under local government.
- , but they're not directly under local government.
Keywords:
correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals, 1183, house
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Government Affairs May 30th, 2025 at 03:30 pm
Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- exercises legislative powers, or two, an action taken by a governing body of a local government that
- So if land were removed, again, that would be, so this section does govern how the local governments
- , tribal government?
- Local governments, certainly we do.
- We are—we have to open up the chapter, our chapter, sorry. Ryan Cherry, for the record.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Four - Tuesday, January 13 - Afternoon Session - State of the State
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And today, I ...accountability and identify best practices in state government.
- Smaller government equals better government, not because it does less, but because it does what matters
- State government has to return to how budgets looked before COVID-19.
- Government has clearly grown too large.
- Missouri's tax code was built for the past 100 years.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Business and Financial Institutions - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 2:00 PM
Business and Financial Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- through their internal governance through their internal governance process<00:04:41.120>
on< - Next we'll go back up to Senate Bill 2706, professional engineers and surveyors revised code sections
- <00:08:51.120>
no something that the federal government no something that the federal government - The commissioner shall have broad authority to administer, interpret, enforce this chapter.
- <00:20:30.080>
But interpret, enforce this chapter. But interpret, enforce this chapter.
Summary:
The committee took up several banking, real estate, and licensing bills. Senate Bill 20007 would remove the repeal date for Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance authority to conduct joint bank exams with the Federal Reserve, after testimony that the program has been successful; it was passed out on a do-pass motion. Senate Bill 2011, extending the repeal date for the Mississippi Debt Management Services Act by three years, was also passed out. Senate Bill 2383, a banking modernization bill, was explained as updating definitions and procedures, including treating ITMs like ATMs, allowing state banks to approve dividends without prior regulatory approval if in good standing, streamlining articles-of-incorporation amendments by making the banking commissioner the final approver, and eliminating parity-request requirements for certain public welfare investments; it was passed out as a committee substitute.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2711, which would update residential mortgage lending recordkeeping and disclosure language under the SAFE Act to remove obsolete federal references and better fit manufactured-home lending; it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2706, a professional engineers and surveyors bill, was described as a reorganization and modernization of licensure statutes, with the main policy change expanding who may recommend board appointments, staggering six-year terms, and barring recent disciplinary offenders from board service; after questions about appointment advice-and-consent and term length, it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2713, supported by the Mississippi Association of Realtors, would codify buyer agency agreements and move the required signing deadline from before a home is shown to before an offer is submitted; it was passed out.
Senate Bill 2748 would align real estate statutes with current rules, replace certified-mail renewal notices with email notices, and extend the earnest-money submission deadline from one business day to two; it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2715, from the Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, would clarify the new money transmitter law, direct collected fees and penalties to enforcement of the act, add consumer notices and fraud warnings, and create data-security requirements based on a model law; senators questioned the fund balance, annual budget, and the relationship to a separate virtual currency kiosk bill, but the bill was passed out. The final bill on the agenda, 2768, was postponed to the committee’s Monday meeting, and the committee then rose and reported.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- had time for correction of internal counting and coding procedures.
- had time for correction of internal counting and coding procedures.
- had time for correction of internal counting and coding procedures.
- had time for correction of internal counting and coding procedures.
- /c><00:15:00.560>
manageable <00:15:01.160>coding include recommending manageable coding
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- That is a major financial impact to local government.
- ,<00:48:14.319>
that impose costs on local governments, that impose costs on local governments - First, it disrupts the uniform framework of chapter 14 without amending chapter 14 itself.
- This bill mirrors a into chapter 14.
- of chapter 14 without amending chapter of chapter 14 without amending chapter 14<00:52:21.520>
Keywords:
Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 23rd, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- No, I think it's Chapter 18, Ed, for... No, no, that's for marine desal.
- Cyrus Reed, with the Lundstad Chapter of the Sierra Club.
- We are doing everything we are supposed to do under Chapter 36 according to DFCs.
- So, we are bringing the code up to speed. That was for Brian Sledge, just before the bill.
- Newer than the alcohol code prohibition. Is there anybody else wishing to testify?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The federal government sets bank holidays.
- So I did a bill in 2022, Age-Appropriate Design Code Act.
- But we can't depend on the federal government for anything now.
- I mean, the federal government is a hot mess.
- I'm David Mantle, a retired human rights attorney and a chapter leader with the Sacramento chapter of
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill.
AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations.
The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/08/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:19:40.720>
at director of government relations at director of government relations at - Medicaid, the state of New Hampshire, the federal government.
- It is coded similarly to behavioral health case management.
- It is<02:17:52.719>
coded <02:17:53.359>similarly is coded similarly is coded similarly - <02:27:08.080>
the that is defined the same and coded the that is defined the same and coded
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Employee Benefits Programs Committee May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The 1963 Legislative Assembly did enact North Dakota Century Code 52-12, which authorized state agencies
- We look at both private market and government markets when we do the salary analysis, but again, the
- or Administrative Code sections that provide authorization for those plans.
- That Century Code is linked in your agenda.
- Last legislative session, there were some changes made to North Dakota Century Code 54-03-08.08.
Summary:
The Employee Benefits Committee met to approve prior minutes, hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave, and related policy issues, and then recess for lunch. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the long-standing state-paid family coverage, cost-control measures, wellness incentives, the current grandfathered PPO and high-deductible options, and the effects of recent benefit mandates such as insulin caps, prosthetic coverage, medication management, prescription copay changes, and ambulance balance-billing limits. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact of adding benefits and the possible cost of moving to a non-grandfathered plan, while PERS and HRMS emphasized that health insurance remains the top-ranked employee benefit and that any major plan changes should be considered carefully. HRMS also presented compensation comparisons showing state pay generally below private-market benchmarks, discussed targeted market equity adjustments, identified ongoing recruitment and retention concerns in fields like nursing, IT, engineering, and attorneys, and reviewed leave policies, tuition reimbursement, and family leave comparisons with neighboring states. Job Service provided labor market data showing low unemployment, high labor force participation, and wage growth that still trails some neighboring markets, and OMB explained that prevailing wage requirements apply to federally funded projects under Davis-Bacon, not to ordinary state contracts.
After lunch, the committee took up the required process for health insurance mandate bills and adopted an amendment to Joint Rule 211. The amendment clarified that the deadline for submitting mandate measures is intended to allow time for all required reports, including both the cost-benefit analysis and any Employee Benefits Committee actuarial report, while leaving the existing deadline unchanged. The amendment was adopted on a roll call vote, with several members voting yes and a few no votes recorded. The committee then moved into its jurisdiction review of bill drafts, beginning with a bill that would automatically renew pre-tax dental and vision elections; members debated whether it had any actuarial or administrative impact on PERS or the state, and the chair explained that the committee’s role was only to decide whether further analysis was needed before later testimony and recommendations.