Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 3.073, I declare the House organized for this special session
• But Minnesota is better than that. Community includes everyone in Minnesota.
• This ain't one Minnesota. This ain't one Minnesota. This ain't one Minnesota.
• Constitution and Minnesota Statutes.
• Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• Changes to the statement are usually driven by statute.
• That is prescribed in statute. Let's go back to which...
• I, Glenn, showed you what Minnesota looks like. South Dakota.
• I, Glenn, showed you what Minnesota looks like.
• Well, if we go to statute and what the statute says about a statement that is prescribed by the tax commissioner

Summary: The subcommittee of the Tax Reform and Relief Committee met to begin its study of the feasibility and desirability of revising the content of the real estate tax statement to improve property tax transparency. Legislative Council staff reviewed the study directive under House Bill 1176 and the statutory requirements for tax statements, including required line items such as true and full value, mill levy, legislative tax relief, primary residence credit, and the Legacy Fund portion of that credit. The Tax Department then explained how the current uniform statement is prescribed and approved, and noted that changes are typically driven by statute and implemented collaboratively with counties and vendors. County officials from the North Dakota Association of Counties described the full annual tax cycle, from county budgeting and valuation notices to budget hearing notices, levy certification, cap calculations, and final tax statement mailing. They emphasized that counties and auditors do extensive coordination with taxing districts and neighboring counties, and that the process is labor-intensive and often manual. Members discussed the limited public response to budget notices and tax statements, the difficulty of explaining the legislative tax relief line, the 3% cap and valuation issues, and whether more frequent assessments or different timing would improve understanding. Several members and witnesses noted that many taxpayers only engage when they receive their final bill, and that clarity may be more important than adding more detail. NDACO also presented a rough cost survey from eight counties, estimating an average tax statement cost of about 74 cents and a statewide total near $600,000 for printing and mailing tax statements alone, with outsourcing generally cheaper than in-house printing. Witnesses noted that House Bill 1176 added other mailings and notices, increasing county workload and cost beyond the statement itself. The committee then heard from software vendors, who explained how their systems handle tax billing, budget notices, valuation notices, primary residence credit processing, and tax levy calculations, and they identified the 1600/1685 primary residence credit and discount interaction as a current programming challenge. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on gathering testimony and identifying issues for possible future recommendations or bill drafts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Passing<00:02:36.959><c> with</c><00:02:37.120><c> amendments</c><00:02:37.920><c> with</c><00:02:38.160
• </c><00:02:41.360><c> present</c><00:02:41.680><c> except</c><00:02:42.000><c> for</c><00:02:42.319><
• </c><00:02:53.760><c> Um</c><00:02:54.239><c> the</c><00:02:54.480><c> Senate</c><00:02:54.720><c> has
• 00:02:56.239><c> of</c><00:02:56.319><c> this</c><00:02:56.560><c> bill</c><00:02:56.720><c> as</c><00
• c><00:02:58.959><c> by</c><00:02:59.040><c> the</c><00:02:59.200><c> AG</c><00:02:59.519><c> and</c><

Bills: HB1577 , HB1870

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee reconvened on March 19, 2026, for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week. It first took up HB 812 on agriculture, agreeing to move it forward with amendments and a Senate draft, and then HB 2388 on public notice, which was also passed with amendments after concerns about transparency and the need for local newspaper notice on Maui were discussed. HB 1414 on procurement and HB 2469 on a regular session review working group were both deferred to March 24 for further work with the author, while HB 322 on voter registration was deferred indefinitely in favor of a Senate vehicle. The committee then heard HB 1577, which would create a statewide emergency safety profile system pilot program and working group for 911. Testimony from disability advocates, emergency medical services, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing benefits for people without smartphones, better sharing of medical and emergency information, and improved response in the field. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the 911 Board already had the authority to implement the system without legislation, and the bill was not immediately acted on in the portion of the transcript provided. The final major item was HB 1870 on protected community locations. Testimony in support came from the University of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, immigrant-rights groups, public health advocates, and many individuals, while the Department of Education supported the measure but requested clarity on federal compliance and raised concerns about a 1,000-foot perimeter beyond campus. Supporters said the bill would protect sensitive locations and help immigrant families feel safe accessing schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on HB 1870 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:02:06.880><c> I</c><02:02:07.199><c> think</c><02:02:07.520><c> what</c><02:02:07.840><c> happens<
• 14.480><c> to</c><02:02:14.719><c> do</c><02:02:15.199><c> an</c><02:02:15.599><c> overhaul</c><02:02
• an overhaul and it needs<02:02:16.880><c> to</c><02:02:17.040><c> be</c><02:02:17.199><c> a</c><02:02
• <c> statute</c><02:46:19.120><c> sets</c><02:46:19.439><c> up</c> in 2019 there was a statute sets up
• in 2019 there was a statute sets up where<02:46:19.840><c> they</c><02:46:20.000><c> can</c><02:46:20.160

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts can join over 20 states, including Minnesota, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey
• Massachusetts can join over 20 states, including Minnesota, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey
• The current legal distinction isn't rooted in science; it's rooted in our outdated statute.
• Here in Massachusetts, modeling available tax data from Minnesota and other analogies. licensees here
• The current legal distinction isn't rooted in science, it's rooted in our outdated statute.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> and</c><02:02:06.560><c> the</c><02:02:06.719><c> hail</c><02:02:06.960><c> of</c><02:02:07.400><
• :13.840><c> back</c><02:02:14.320><c> one</c><02:02:14.480><c> of</c><02:02:14.560><c> the</c><02:02:
• had</c><02:02:16.719><c> ever</c><02:02:16.880><c> seen</c><02:02:17.520><c> in</c><02:02:17.760><c>
• </c><02:02:24.159><c> We</c><02:02:24.480><c> owe</c><02:02:24.560><c> them</c><02:02:24.800><c> so</
• ><c> what</c><02:02:38.080><c> the</c><02:02:38.239><c> founders</c><02:02:38.560><c> gave</c><02:02:

Bills: HB2966

Keywords: citizenship, small business, loan eligibility, immigration status, entrepreneurship

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, Minnesota. A church was attacked in St.
• Paul, Minnesota.
• Paul, Minnesota.
• Paul, Minnesota.
• This bill has been in statute for 115 years.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized a doctor of the day, interns, and student groups in the galleries. The main item of business was House amendments to Senate Bill 743, a measure described by the author as a worship protection bill updating an old Oklahoma law. The bill was presented as protecting religious worship services from disruption and obstruction, especially in light of incidents the author said occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Creek County, Oklahoma. Much of the floor discussion focused on whether the bill would affect protest and speech rights on public property, with the author repeatedly saying it would not restrict speech generally, but would create an eight-foot buffer around unwilling listeners and a 100-foot zone near entrances to prevent obstruction of people entering worship services. Several senators questioned the bill’s constitutional basis and practical effect, especially its reliance on Hill v. Colorado and whether the U.S. Supreme Court might overturn that precedent. Opponents argued the measure could chill peaceful protest, sidewalk counseling, and other First Amendment activity near churches or other religious gatherings, while supporters said it was narrowly aimed at preventing trespass, harassment, and disruption of worship. The author emphasized that the bill was intended to protect congregants, including elderly worshippers, and to preserve access to services without interference. Debate also touched on the distinction between public and private property and whether the bill could apply to religious gatherings at the Capitol or other public places. After questions concluded, the Senate adopted the House amendments to Senate Bill 743 and then passed the bill on final passage by a vote of 31-15. The emergency clause also passed, 36-9. The chamber then moved to announcements, including a notice that the Energy Committee would meet the next morning, and adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
• Next, I have Commissioner Kessler from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
• The Minnesota Zoo is a top destination in Minnesota, serving over 1.5 million visitors.
• Next on the list, I have Jeff Anderson from ATV Minnesota. Welcome to the committee, sir.
• In rural Minnesota, particularly northeastern Minnesota, local businesses depend on trail tourism.

Bills: HF2439

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:11:38.560><c> that's</c> Senator Matthews a statute that's Senator Matthews a statute that's
• and to protect our of Minnesota and to protect our children. children. children.
• We could harden every school in Minnesota. equation. You just can't. equation. You just can't.
• every place of worship in Minnesota?
• </c> our bias and hate laws in Minnesota our bias and hate laws in Minnesota when<00:27:30.159><c> hate

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, in statute, the language is by April 1st. Okay.
• Like, what's Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana? Ballpark. Mr.
• State fleet provides vehicles to every agency and institution in the state via Century Code 24-02-03.3

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership and approved the December 11 minutes. The committee first received an update from the Office of Management and Budget on the state general fund and major special funds. OMB reported revenues were tracking very close to forecast, with an estimated ending general fund balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. Staff also reviewed balances in the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, along with oil tax collections and the current revenue picture. Legislative Council staff then summarized the special session budget changes and noted the updated beginning balance increased the projected ending balance for the next biennium. The Tax Department presented taxable sales and purchases data by county and industry, showing overall sales tax activity remained strong, with retail trade the largest sector and several counties posting notable gains. Commissioner Kraschis then reviewed federal tax changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and estimated their impact on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the figures were compared to the 2025 baseline and would be incorporated into future forecasts. Members asked about the overtime and tip exclusions, the senior standard deduction, and the primary residence property tax credit application count, which was running ahead of last year at more than 154,000 applications. The committee also heard from the Department of Transportation on fee schedules, with members focusing on driver’s license fees and the fact that current fees cover only about half of program costs, meaning the highway fund subsidizes the remainder. DOT also reported on specialty plate activity, including nearly 3,900 blackout plates issued, and noted increased state fleet usage. The Information Technology Department explained its internal service fund rate-setting process and discussed possible billing simplification, including annual billing and improved invoice detail. OMB also provided data on leased office space in the Bismarck-Mandan area and state workforce counts, and Legislative Council updated the committee on legislative branch space planning. Finally, subcommittee reports noted continued work on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including Burleigh-Morton’s new DOCR housing wing and ongoing overcrowding in state correctional facilities. No formal votes beyond the minutes approval were taken, and the meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1036: Enact amending sections 23-634, 23-627, 23-771, 23-773, and 23-776, Arizona Revised Statutes
• We'll move on to SB 1236, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes,
• SB 1236, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding sections
• SB 1238, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 5 relating
• As most of you know, our family farm is in Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had educators, administrators, and teachers from across Minnesota sharing a perspective, and frankly
• This is accomplished by identifying and revising current statutes that are already in place, but they
• that are already in place but statutes that are already in place but they<00:13:10.839><c> come</c><
• </c><00:15:22.040><c> state</c><00:15:22.399><c> Mano</c> of the slides uh at Minnesota state Mano of
• the slides uh at Minnesota state Mano was<00:15:23.639><c> about</c><00:15:24.120><c> all</c><00:15:

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Philip Adam, a resident of Plymouth, Minnesota, for 40 years.
• Annualized, this represents a $2.3 billion savings for Minnesota gas car owners.
• My name is William Watkins from Eagan, Minnesota.
• Of course, the bridge connects the University of Minnesota to the University of Minnesota. campuses,
• I applaud the University of Minnesota for putting up a solution.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• ’t have any of those problems. ...throughout the state of Minnesota.
• What other states—again, I’m listening mostly in Minnesota, looking mostly in Minnesota—it’s a requirement
• The same program is used by the University of Minnesota Extension Service.
• The same program is used by the University of Minnesota Extension Service.
• Marhula, Bemidji, Minnesota, formerly from Grand Forks. Thank you. All right. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Child Custody Review Task Force

Summary: The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up draft legislation to create a future interim committee to study the feasibility of a family court in North Dakota. Beth outlined the draft’s purpose, proposed 15-member membership, and the study topics, including constitutional authority, court structure, jurisdiction, fiscal impact, implementation, and possible phased-in approaches. Members discussed committee composition at length, ultimately agreeing to keep the committee at 15 by reducing legislative members from eight to six, adding two judges from different judicial districts, two family law section members with rural/urban representation, one parent subject to a custody order, and a clerk of court representative; the self-help, mental health, and domestic violence positions were debated, with domestic violence advocacy retained and some other positions removed or replaced. The committee also agreed to include analysis of state and local fiscal impacts and efficiencies, and to keep the provision on procedural rules in the draft. The revised draft was approved and recommended to Legislative Management, with one recorded no vote from Judge Hovey after the fact. The committee then turned to a second draft dealing with mandatory participation in a family transition program in contested parental-rights cases. Members first clarified that the term should be changed to a more general “parenting education course,” rather than a named private program, and discussed whether the bill should also require education about court process and family-law procedures. Some members argued the bill should specify content such as co-parenting, parental alienation, harassment, disorderly conduct, removal of a child from the jurisdiction, and contempt consequences, while others objected that the proposal was too vague, could impose costs without clear limits or waivers, and might amount to compelled legal advice or an undefined private program. Several members said the bill needed more specificity before it could be presented, and the discussion became increasingly divided over whether to keep the draft at all. The transcript ends amid that debate, with no final action yet taken on the second draft.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a few statutes... There are a few statutory mentions of step therapy.
• As I referenced before, these mandates all correlate with those statutes.
• I think Minnesota was number 16, and I think Wyoming was 17.
• Minnesota and Nebraska both removed their adult limits in 2024.
• On average, we reimburse more than Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Montana.

Summary: The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options. Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process. PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:02:03.359><c> the</c><01:02:03.520><c> words</c><01:02:03.680><c> in</c><01:02:03.920><c> their
• . statutes. statutes.
• &gt;&gt; So,<02:10:42.960><c> you</c><02:10:43.199><c> will</c><02:10:44.159><c> not</c><02:10:44.480
• ><c> added</c><02:10:46.560><c> to</c><02:10:46.719><c> the</c><02:10:46.880><c> underlying</c><02:10
• [snorts] So<02:12:50.159><c> the</c><02:12:50.639><c> motion</c><02:12:51.040><c> is</c><02:12:52.079

Summary: The continued conference on House Bill 609 focused on reconciling House and Senate drafts dealing with firearms and other personal defense tools, local government preemption, and agency rulemaking. Representative Leyon walked through amendment 21107H, explaining that it narrows undefined terms, clarifies that the General Court has supremacy over local regulation, allows damages actions for violations of preemption law, and adds language limiting agency rules unless specifically authorized by statute. She also described a three-year sunset and a delayed effective date for new rules so existing rules could continue temporarily while the legislature considers any needed statutory carveouts. Members then debated the practical effect of the language, especially whether it would bar agencies from adopting internal employment rules or instead require those rules to come through JCAR and be tied to express statutory authority. Several examples were discussed, including state plow drivers, corrections employees, and other workers who may need to carry personal defense tools in the field. The committee also discussed a provision making a plaintiff a prevailing party if a municipality changes a challenged policy after suit is filed, and a clause stating that good faith or advice of counsel is not a defense, though it may be considered in mitigation. The discussion narrowed to the difference between the House approach, which some members read as an absolute prohibition on agency rules in these areas, and the Senate approach, which some members said would allow rules only when an agency can point to express enabling authority and JCAR can review them. Members agreed that the goal was to prevent agencies from adopting rules that conflict with the statute while still allowing legitimate safety-related regulations where the legislature has authorized them. The conference took a recess and later resumed with the chair stating the parties had reached an agreement in principle based on the latest Senate language, and Representative Leyon was asked to continue reviewing the draft line by line for remaining concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• There<01:02:37.000><c> are</c><01:02:37.120><c> outreach</c><01:02:37.560><c> booths</c><01:02:37.880
• </c><01:02:40.240><c> So,</c><01:02:40.400><c> please</c><01:02:40.680><c> make</c><01:02:40.840><c>
• So, please make the time<01:02:41.560><c> to</c><01:02:41.680><c> stop</c><01:02:41.960><c> by</c><01
• :02:42.280><c> and</c><01:02:42.440><c> connect</c><01:02:42.720><c> with</c><01:02:42.840><c> the</c
• </c><01:02:45.600><c> Any</c><01:02:46.000><c> further</c><01:02:46.400><c> announcements?

Transcript Highlights:

• And each one of these criteria, and each one of these But we have state statute and rule that govern
• And Floridians can rest assured, we are not like Minnesota or California. So thank you.
• We are not like Minnesota or California. So thank you for living in the great state of Florida.
• And Floridians can rest assured, we are not like Minnesota or California. So thank you.
• We are not like Minnesota or California.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 731, which would address coach and extracurricular sponsor compensation and change how student-athlete transfer eligibility is determined. The bill would allow local school boards to adopt policies letting booster clubs or similar associations support coaches and activity sponsors, and it would let superintendents treat certain coaches and athletic leaders as administrative personnel for compensation purposes. It would also shift eligibility decisions for transferred student-athletes to the governing athletic association and require clearer bylaws and timelines for those determinations. Members raised questions about booster club oversight, pay equity, the new athletic administrator language, and safeguards against abuse or unequal treatment, while supporters argued the bill would help retain coaches and better support student athletics. The bill was debated and then reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then received presentations from the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning and the Florida Association of Early Learning Coalitions on school readiness fraud prevention and mitigation. Speakers explained that Florida’s school readiness program pays providers based on verified attendance rather than enrollment, requires daily parent sign-in/sign-out records, and uses multiple layers of oversight including coalition anti-fraud plans, annual audits, programmatic monitoring, DCF inspections, and referrals to state fraud investigators when needed. They emphasized that Florida delayed implementation of a federal rule that would have required prospective enrollment-based payments, and said the state’s current system makes fraud difficult. Members asked about military and grandparent guardianship situations, audit findings, and the number of fraud referrals; presenters said fraud cases are relatively limited and that the existing controls and public enforcement act as deterrents. The meeting ended after members thanked the presenters and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that's a legislative or statute decision.
• I don't think that's a legislative or statute decision.
• And so you’re essentially, our state statute is, And so you’re essentially, our state statute is asking
• There are some statutes that reference interest income.
• There are some statutes that reference interest income.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 41-1004, relating to the Department of Administration
• SB 1236: An act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding sections
• SB 1238: An act amending Title 32, Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 5 relating
• As most of you know, our family farm is in Minnesota.
• Senate Bill 1211, an act amending Section 13-1719, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to sentencing.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and several guest introductions, including Scout groups from Phoenix/Levine, Dr. John Galgiani for Valley Fever Awareness, and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day. Senator Kavanagh read a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber also adopted a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy and observed a moment of silence. The Committee of the Whole considered SB 1036 on unemployment insurance, SB 1056 on reporting vacant state positions, SB 1236 on AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, and SB 1238 on the physician assistant licensure compact. SB 1036, SB 1056, and SB 1238 were approved in Committee of the Whole, with SB 1036 and SB 1238 amended. During floor debate, SB 1036 drew criticism from Democrats as adding burdens and reducing benefits for unemployed workers, while supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud; it later passed the Senate 17-12. SB 1056 also passed 17-12 after debate over whether automatic elimination of long-vacant positions would improve efficiency or harm agency staffing. SB 1238 passed with a conforming amendment and later the House version HB 2190 was substituted and passed. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills. SB 1126 on educational records passed 29-0. SB 1189 on campaign expenditures passed 27-2 after debate about political violence and campaign-related expenses. SB 1211 on sentencing passed 29-0. The chamber also reconsidered and substituted House bills for identical Senate bills: HB 2206 for SB 1333 and HB 2396 for SB 1368, both related to SNAP. HB 2206 passed 17-12 after debate over a proposed SNAP error-rate penalty and its impact on food access, and HB 2396 passed 17-12 after debate over restricting SNAP purchases. Finally, HB 2796 was substituted for SB 1236 and passed after debate over AHCCCS enrollment barriers. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.