Transcript Highlights:

• You may be allowed to continue if time permits.
• I really couldn't say how they're constructed, you know, their labor divisions or anything.
• I really couldn't say how they're constructed, you know, their labor divisions or anything.
• If disconnected while presenting testimony, you may be allowed to continue if time permits.
• develop construct landowner or lesie to develop construct and<01:57:44.599> maintain<01:57:45.040

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is dealing with the ability to find a more streamlined approach to use architects, engineers, construction
• dollar threshold is met, for an agency to, under current law, do architects and engineers and construction
• So construction or building expansion, purchasing or significant retrofitting of buildings, cosmetic
• He said a renovation would be necessary, not new construction, and asked whether purchasing a building
• I'm not sure what it would be, but I'm just wondering if there's some language that would permit, let's

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Appropriations Division met in a work session on the draft Rural Health Transformation appropriations bill, 25.1392.01000, with no public testimony taken. Legislative Council and the Department of Health and Human Services walked through the bill, which would appropriate about $397.8 million in federal grant funds over two federal fiscal years, provide transfer authority, allow certain federal funds to be used for salaries and wages without counting against existing transfer limits, and authorize OMB to adjust other agencies’ spending authority if they receive grant awards through HHS. The bill also includes several temporary statutory exemptions to help implement the program, plus recipient acknowledgement/reporting requirements, periodic reports to Legislative Management, and an immediate effective date upon filing. Committee discussion focused heavily on how the federal rural health transformation money can be used and administered. Department officials explained that CMS will review projects for allowability and sustainability, that the state has flexibility to move funds among categories, and that the grant is limited to 10% administrative costs. Members asked about whether the funding could support renovations, equipment, ambulances, bulk purchasing, food distribution, and other rural health ideas, and were told many details will depend on CMS approval and the eventual applications. Questions also addressed cash flow, timing of obligations and reimbursements, FTE funding, and whether grant recipients should be told the program will not continue beyond the federal period; officials said the language is meant to prevent expectations of automatic continuation, not to bar future legislative action. The committee also discussed the bill’s use of a two-year appropriation amount, with staff explaining that the state must appropriate enough authority to cover the federal grant cycle and that unused authority would lapse if the full amount is not received or spent. Members raised concerns about whether the bill’s language could limit creativity or future program design, but department officials and several members emphasized the need for flexibility because CMS may reject overly specific directives. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend the bill draft to the full committee; the motion carried on a roll call vote, and the chair said the full Joint Appropriations Committee would take up the bill at the special session next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• General opening in your district or ice cream business or something and they are waiting for their permits
• something and they are waiting<00:04:25.759> for<00:04:25.919> their<00:04:26.160> permits
• /c><00:04:26.560> so<00:04:26.720> that<00:04:26.880> they waiting for their permits
• so that they waiting for their permits so that they can<00:04:27.280> open<00:04:27.919> and
• Office of Pipeline Safety, known as MinOps, and stakeholders, including utilities, excavators, construction

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:09:16.960> to<01:09:17.120> a 95% slowed pipeline construction to a 95% slowed
• pipeline construction to a halt<01:09:17.960> and<01:09:18.159> closed<01:09:18.640>
• It's all set to go; the permitting is gotten.
• <01:10:40.880> is<01:10:41.120> gotten all set to go the permitting is gotten all set
• to go the permitting is gotten and<01:10:42.199> later<01:10:42.560> this<01:10:42.760

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we don't ask those things of people like bankers or assembly-line workers or construction workers
• 00:02:38.040> or Bankers or assembly line workers or Bankers or assembly line workers or construction
• 39.760> or<00:02:40.000> even<00:02:40.200> our<00:02:40.480> people construction
• workers or even our people construction workers or even our people in<00:02:41.599> the<00:02
• providers to deny even basic permitting providers to deny even basic information<00:30:08.120> and

Keywords: Discussion on SB 132 - 00:06 Vote on SB 132 - 04:41 Discussion on HB 219 - 43:49 Vote on HB 219 – 49:00 Discussion on HCR 20 – 50:08 Vote on HCR 20 – 51:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, which would create conscience protections for health care professionals who object to participating in certain procedures or services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. Senator Donald Douglas and several supporters argued the bill is a recruitment and retention tool for Kentucky’s health care workforce, emphasizing provider shortages, maldistribution, and the need to protect individual conscience rights. Supporters said the bill would not apply to emergency care, would not permit denial of care based on a patient’s identity, and would mainly protect professionals from being forced to perform procedures they believe are unethical. They also cited similar laws in six other states and said the bill would have a cause of action to give it enforcement teeth. Supportive testimony came from an emergency physician, a registered nurse, and others who described personal experiences or examples involving objections to abortion-related care, opioid prescribing, and pressure to participate in procedures that conflicted with conscience. They said conscience protections would help attract providers, preserve ethical integrity, and allow clinicians to make professional judgments without corporate or institutional coercion. In questioning, senators asked about practical examples, the scope of the bill, whether it would cover hypothetical cases involving patients of particular religions or identities, and which states have similar laws. The sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the bill is about procedures, not patients, and that it should not be read to allow discrimination against individuals. Opponents, including pediatricians and a registered nurse/minister, warned that the bill is overly broad and could allow refusals of care by not only physicians but also pharmacists, clerks, and ambulance drivers. They argued it could delay treatment, increase discrimination, and worsen access problems in rural areas, especially for contraception, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other services. Critics said existing professional ethics already require patient care and that the bill could undermine evidence-based medicine and worsen Kentucky’s provider shortage. The committee took testimony and questions; no final vote or disposition was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have over $57 billion worth of active construction projects to date.
• The amount of projects being delivered under construction.
• What schedule do you have for construction on highways?
• Do the construction and you operate it as a grant program or do you actually participate in the construction
• Um, when I mentioned manufacturing, construction.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that will set you have to get a permit that will set the<00:11:12.720> limit<00:11:12.959>
• <00:12:57.680> for nearly 9,000 KPDS discharge permits for nearly 9,000 KPDS discharge permits
• those up to where they meet the permit those up to where they meet the permit requirements. requirements
• By the time the design and permitting were done, it went out for bid.
• <01:41:53.119> management not construction management not construction management professionals

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the minutes, and brief remarks, including birthday recognition for Representative Maseroni and a moment of reflection for a soldier who died during training at Fort Knox. The committee then heard a presentation from Tony Hatton, commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection and acting director of the Kentucky Division of Water, with Amanda Lefer, deputy commissioner, on the state’s water and wastewater programs and planning. Hatton described Kentucky’s water resources and the Division of Water’s responsibilities, including watershed and nonpoint source work, KPDES discharge permitting, PFAS response, engineering review of water infrastructure, inspections, public outreach, and sampling. He said Kentucky has 428 public water systems, 263 water treatment plants, about 1.9 million service connections, and nearly 97% of the population has access to municipally treated water. He also noted that the state has 43 systems receiving awards for EPA areawide optimization and emphasized operator training, regionalization, and use of GIS mapping and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority data to support planning and funding decisions. Members raised concerns about aging infrastructure, water loss, staffing shortages, and wastewater problems in local systems. Representative Blandon described severe failures in a city system, including major water loss and sewer backups, and asked whether the state could intervene; Hatton said the division inspects treatment facilities and provides compliance assistance but is not authorized to manage delivery systems, though third-party help and emergency funding can be used in some cases. Senator Smith and others shared similar experiences with line loss and system failures, while Hatton pointed to regionalization and funding support as the main tools available. The discussion also highlighted PFAS as an emerging issue, with Hatton saying the department is working with systems to meet anticipated federal requirements by 2029.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tesla construction, construction, construction. >> Um, value added, and I'm not sure how it's... >> Um
• , the construction, the construction, um,<01:12:30.880> that's<01:12:31.679> they're
• So CDs but 75% construction documents.
• Assist with ADC with applying for an NPDES permit.
• ADC with applying for an NPDS permit. ADC with applying for an NPDS permit.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2015, FDOT has completed 42 construction projects covering FDOT has completed 42 construction projects
• addressing road related, drainage improvements, resurfacing or reconstructing county roads are constructing
• provides enhanced support to these partners to funding waivers, support for planning design and construction
• The recent could completed all will begin construction this year.
• As mentioned earlier, continuing to standardize the zoning and permitting of EV tall infrastructure within

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , including the construction, including the construction, reconstruction<00:48:41.360> of<
• <00:49:05.800> of<00:49:05.880> backstretch<00:49:06.600> housing construction of
• sources and funding changes to permitted sources and funding and<00:52:23.480> authorized<00:
• Senate Bill 325, Senator Augustine-Laney, permitting development rights.
• This bill makes changes to state land use laws aimed at providing regulatory certainty in construction

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and began by reading House messages and first-reading bills, including SB 8 on identity fraud and deepfakes and HB 145 on election misinformation and deepfakes, which was referred to Rules. The chamber then handled several concurrence and conference matters. On HB 154, the Open Meetings Act bill for county boards of education, the Senate initially moved to recede from its amendments and accept the House version, but debate centered on a Senate transparency amendment limiting school boards’ ability to censor recordings. A motion to reconsider the amendments was laid over for 15 minutes. On SB 514, a third-degree assault bill, the House refused to recede and a conference committee was appointed. A guest introduction also welcomed a 10-month-old visitor to the gallery. In second-reader business, the Senate adopted committee amendments and advanced SB 504, which strengthens data privacy protections and limits use of personal data for immigration enforcement, and SB 790, the Public Health Reform Act, which revises the Commission on Public Health, updates the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, adds health equity review processes, and makes related administrative changes. Both bills were reported favorably with technical and conforming amendments and ordered printed for third reading. The chamber then took up HB 191, which would require merchants to accept cash for essential consumer goods and set related rules and exceptions; members questioned its scope, exemptions, and enforcement, and the bill was laid over pending clarification about whether stadiums are covered. Finally, HB 564 on pet cremation and burial services added consumer protection and disclosure requirements for pet cremation providers; its technical amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered passed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's our statewide construction manager.
• Remains have been located there before in past construction projects.
• The steering committee consists of one representative... ...to oversee the design and construction.
• Construction has begun with site work and underground utilities underway. We will see.
• The last item on here is just an update on the school construction loan program.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• They certainly any party may construct.
• ,<04:05:53.920> the way that the statute is constructed, the way that the statute is constructed
• allow certain categories of construction allow certain categories of construction workers<05:03:
• <05:23:15.840> the to affirmatively opt in and permits the to affirmatively opt in and permits
• I want to be constructive. I helpful. I want to be constructive.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The construction of fire stations in communities is about community safety and firefighter safety.
• The bill is framed in a way to accelerate station construction by streamlining the judicial process,
• These smaller construction, rehab, and maintenance projects are not construction; they are painting or
• Okay, Mike West for the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, in support.
• When you say out-of-state, you mean contractors for construction and other services?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If time permits, decision-making will occur after we hear from all those offering testimony and members
• Uh, I am the director of construction for CBRE and Turner and Townsin.
• Uh, I am the director of construction for CBRE and Turner and Townsin.
• > and background in construction and background in construction and construction<00:58:17.359>
• So, how do you construction management.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, well, we finally got to commence construction through a five-year process of trying to get to construction
• With the cost of construction, it makes it difficult.
• Place in construction relative to that gas line.
• Construction inflation is real, and sadly, that's where this project is at.
• And as Warren Unsicker from the city referred to, temporary construction jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• as amended, and that's Senator Pappas's bill to create an exception from the state's hospital construction
• from the state's hospital construction from the state's hospital construction moratorium. moratorium
• Section 30 is Senator Pappas's bill that provides an exception to the hospital construction moratorium
• Section<00:09:26.520> 2<00:09:26.880> permits<00:09:27.400> outpatient<00:09:27.880
• > providers Section 2 permits outpatient providers Section 2 permits outpatient providers in<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it include expedited permits? Does it include infrastructure improvements?
• An expedited permit without a tax incentive would not necessarily be part of it.
• limits after the high-risk period is almost like requiring a 25-year-old to retain their learner's permit
• As you all know, the cost of staff, construction, maintenance, lighting, navigational aids, and emergency
• As you all know, the cost of staff, construction, maintenance, lighting, navigational aids, and emergency

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers at subsidized companies using secret-ballot union elections and prohibiting neutrality agreements. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect workers and taxpayer dollars, and he noted he would amend the Attorney General enforcement language to allow appeals. Supporters argued it protects secret ballots and transparency, while opponents said it is a form of union-busting, could conflict with federal labor law, and would burden contractors and workers. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a roll call vote, with Senators Bracey Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no and the remaining recorded votes in favor. The committee then heard CS/SB 198, which regulates cryptocurrency kiosks to combat fraud, especially against seniors. The bill requires kiosk registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions involving non-U.S. wallets. Supporters from consumer and senior advocacy groups said the bill would help stop widespread scams, while one industry witness praised the bill’s fraud protections but suggested narrowing the daily limits and new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. Next, the committee considered CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor described it as a work in progress aimed at ending inhumane breeding conditions, improving consumer disclosures, and creating breeder standards and penalties; an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported many animal welfare provisions but objected to the three-day financing waiting period, shelter-space requirements, expanded reimbursement, and litigation exposure. Animal welfare supporters backed the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors’ access to apps. The bill requires age verification, parental consent for minors, notice of app changes, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said it would better protect children online and help enforce existing age-based restrictions, while opponents warned it could require overcollection of personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate tools parents already have. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up CS/SB 422, which would bar use of ADS-B aviation data to calculate or collect certain airport fees, with an amendment adding departures to the covered activities. A pilot supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport advocates opposed it, saying it would undermine airport finances and force less efficient fee collection methods. The transcript ends during testimony on this bill, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, first responder... are permitted to lawfully carry a concealed handgun into otherwise restricted
• Upon completion of this program, these physicians would be permitted to carry a firearm during deployments
• Motor Vehicles, Licensed Used Automobile Parts Recyclers, UAPRs. for the only entities in Texas permitted
• Um, since 1886, our Lumberyard members have been advocating for our state's construction.
• Um, since 1886, our Lumberyard members have been advocating for our state's construction. industry, and

Bills: HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40

Keywords: mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation

Transcript Highlights:

• She's our statewide construction manager. And so we'll each provide some information about the...
• Our statewide construction manager.
• Remains have been located there before in past construction projects.
• Construction has begun, with site work and underground utilities underway. We will see.
• And the last item on here is just an update on the school construction loan program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline. Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns. OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two of them are built, and two of them are under construction right now.
• I don't see an on-channel flood reservoir being constructed on-channel in my lifetime.
• Do you think they'd be helpful if they were constructed?
• One thing I will say is that UCRA, back in the 50s, sponsored the construction of O.C.
• Army Corps of Engineers to help obtain permitting.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all