Video & Transcript Research : 'developer fees'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development will now come to order
- In efficiency and accountability, It restores the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development
- We hear from them trying to pay for their lot fees in Osceola County, rental assistance.
- We hear from them trying to pay for their lot fees in Osceola County, rental assistance.
- The annual use fee for the plate is $25.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to consider a full agenda of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 1662, the Department of Transportation agency bill. Senator Collins presented a strike-all amendment that retained creation of the Florida Transportation Academy, clarified the Florida Transportation Research Institute, restored legislative budget commission review for certain work program amendments, adjusted small-business and supply-chain grant provisions, added airport and seaport accountability measures, and allowed special blanket permits for oversized cranes to travel at night under FDOT safety protocols. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 574, allowing Florida Purple Heart license plate holders to pass tolls free, and CS/SB 824, creating a specialty plate supporting Florida Highway Patrol troopers and scholarships.
The committee then took up CS/SB 324, which creates a revolving low-interest loan program at the Department of Commerce for small businesses harmed by significant public works construction. Senator Smith described a local example involving prolonged sewer work in Orlando that hurt businesses in the Lake Ivanhoe district. Members raised concerns about fiscal impact, eligibility standards, proof of loss, business age, and whether financial records should be protected from public disclosure. The bill was amended to remove a hotline, add a webpage, and refine liability language, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 1714, requiring local housing assistance plans to include support for mobile home owners, including lot-rent assistance; CS/SB 766, revising registration requirements for agents and organizations tied to foreign countries of concern; and CS/SB 1024, creating specialty plates for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
Additional measures approved included CS/SB 1246, authorizing a Save Coastal Wildlife specialty plate with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation; CS/SB 1644, expanding warning light use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and organ transport vehicles, with discussion focused on Hatzalah emergency services; SB 1152, increasing the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee to support conservation, research, and native seed industry development; and CS/SB 532, exempting 100% disabled veterans from tolls. An amendment to SB 532 also added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Several members requested to be recorded voting in the affirmative on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Mar 18th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- It also directs the Florida Department of Education to develop and distribute training modules for school
- Honorable members, SB 1528 requires the development and implementation of a specialized training module
- It bans initial and nonrefundable fees, as well as referral fees.
- The amendment increases and clarifies those consumer protections... ...including capping the fees at
- The IAIF's goal is to develop partnerships between Florida-based aerospace companies and international
Summary:
The Military and Veterans, Space, and Domestic Security Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills focused on veterans, military families, and aerospace. SB 684 by Sen. Avila would let certain Florida Retirement System members buy military wartime service credit under updated eligibility dates and expand the definition of wartime service to include recent operations such as New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Enduring Sentinel. Veterans and first responders testified in support, and senators said the bill corrects an outdated gap. The committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 1528 by Sen. Collins on educational opportunities for military children. The bill strengthens coordination between school districts and military installations and requires DOE training modules for school staff working with military families. An amendment removing a sunset provision was adopted, and three Hillsborough County students who helped develop the idea testified in support, describing research on military-family school transitions and the need for staff training on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended.
SB 910 by Sen. Collins, on veterans benefit assistance, was amended and reported favorably. As amended, it allows veterans to work with professional claims advisors while adding consumer protections, including fee caps, bans on initial/nonrefundable and referral fees, required disclosures, and limits on use of veterans’ login credentials. Sen. Collins and others argued the federal VA claims process is too slow and confusing and that veterans need both help and safeguards. The committee also approved SB 1464 by Sen. Wright, which expands FDVA outreach through digital, print, social media, and in-person efforts and requires public events and annual reporting, and SB 1516 by Sen. Wright, which creates an international aerospace innovation fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships with international aerospace companies. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- enhanced prepayment This establishes enhanced prepayment review<00:13:09.839>
for <00:13:10.040>fee-for-fee - <00:13:10.800>
fee-for-service review for fee-for-fee fee-for-service review for fee-for-fee - fee-for-service MA<00:13:11.880>
claims. - part of the conversation, developing part of the conversation, developing things<00:24:17.280>
- lender with significant fees. lender with significant fees.
Keywords:
housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 210; 22 January, 2026: 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:00.000>
a this is that if we don't develop a this is that if we don't develop a product - Our maintenance fees—so, we generate maintenance fees that cover our revenue every single year.
- Our maintenance fees are generated by an assessment on the production and sales of oil and gas.
- Our maintenance fees are generated by an assessment on the production and sales of oil and gas.
- special fund maintenance fee special fund maintenance fee collections.<01:33:25.760>
We're
Summary:
The meeting began with a budget presentation from the insurance commissioner’s office. The commissioner said most of the request was for personnel costs, including an increase above LBO and two additional IT positions tied to a possible conversion to a state-based system and cybersecurity needs. The office also discussed travel costs, contractual expenses, vehicle replacement, and hurricane mitigation funds, noting that some funds are in trust accounts and require legislative authority to spend. The commissioner also briefed members on possible policy changes affecting the ACA exchange and a proposed low-cost plan for the high-risk pool, warning that if coverage options are not developed, more people could shift into uncompensated care. Members asked about the budget request, the IT positions, and a constituent question about propane meter regulation, which the commissioner said falls under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, though his office sometimes checks related issues informally.
The committee then moved to the State Fire Academy hearing. The academy director described a workforce stabilization proposal focused on retaining and recruiting fire instructors, citing competition from local fire departments that pay more, a shrinking applicant pool, and a growing number of retirement-eligible staff. He said the academy’s instructors are being recruited away by municipalities, that recent applicant pools have produced very few qualified candidates, and that the academy may soon have to cut advanced courses if staffing does not improve. He referenced a State Personnel Board review that supported the need for compensation changes and said the academy is trying to remain competitive while continuing to train firefighters, hazmat responders, EMS personnel, and fire officers statewide.
No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion provided. Members mainly asked questions, requested written follow-up on some budget items, and indicated they would work with the agencies later in the session if pending bills or funding needs changed.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Working Group on Omnibus Human Services Appropriations - 05/22/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- start with where we started and then start some of the conversations, uh, how we will be able to develop
- position on reinstating parental fees position on reinstating parental fees for<00:37:44.640>
- <00:58:09.359>
and appropriation for youth development and appropriation for youth development - So I think this will be developing what are the proposals.
- um developing what are the proposals. um developing what are the proposals.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- With 12 active transportation faculty and approximately, Economic development.
- The RMV is also developing a plan to improve driver education in Massachusetts.
- We're going to pay our fee, our costs under the contract.
- They're developing communications. They're developing all sorts of tools in a toolbox for them.
- We were asked to develop some listening sessions, which we would have done.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization.
MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades.
Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 34 (2-25-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- development or community services<00:24:29.440>
applications. - Uh, they wanted to be sure that these fees went straight to them.
- the Richmond Industrial Development the Richmond Industrial Development Board,<01:38:58.080>
- work, um and really developing work, um and really developing relationships<01:45:29.440>
with - resolution encouraging the development resolution encouraging the development and<01:58:39.040><
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 96 members present. The chamber excused absent members, suspended rules to allow bill and resolution co-sponsorship and vote modifications, approved the previous day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 101, 129, 162, and 170. The clerk then reported second-reading bills and favorable committee reports, which were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar.
The House then took up several bills on third reading. House Bill 521, relating to stalking, was presented as a modernization of Kentucky’s stalking laws and passed 95-0 after debate; a motion to reconsider was tabled. House Bill 220, relating to pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority systems, was amended by House floor amendment 1 to move the effective date back to July 1, 2021 to capture additional employees, then passed 95-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 510, relating to organ donation safety, passed 97-0 after explanation that it would require a pause and restart if anyone in the process believed there were indications of life.
House Bill 467, relating to real property, passed 96-0 after adoption of a committee substitute; it creates a process for local governments to identify abandoned or underutilized state-owned property and sets procedures for review, notice, and disposal. House Bill 190, relating to licensed child care centers, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute that adjusts square-footage calculations for certain school-aged child care areas and excludes infants and toddlers. House Bill 141, relating to type 1 diabetes, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute removed an annual distribution requirement and instead made informational materials available in school offices; members spoke in support, including one describing a family experience with the disease.
House Bill 518, relating to collection of local business taxes and fees, passed 91-3 after a committee substitute that allows electronic filing while preserving local control, creates an advisory committee, and phases in implementation through July 2029. House Bill 497, relating to post-secondary tuition waivers, was explained as addressing waiver costs to universities and was amended with House floor amendment 3 to expand and clarify eligibility, including up to 128 hours for eligible students and additional provisions for certain groups; discussion was underway when the transcript ended. The meeting also included committee reports on bills covering wildlife depredation, light pollution, limited commercial driver’s licenses, prison educational programs, civil rights, respiratory care, dietitians, temporary structures, controlled substances prescribing authority, the Athletic Trainer Compact, children of military families, local boards of education, youth health services, and class sizes for exceptional children and youth.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 9 March, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1633, Site Development Grant Program, revise certain definitions.
- House Bill 1633, Site Development Grant Program, revise certain definitions.
- Uh, ladies and gentlemen, this is similar to the Site Development Grant Program bill we passed in our
- It's in the Site Development Grant funds.
- <00:25:24.360>
and And then it also removes some fees and And then it also removes some fees
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of introductions and announcements. Members welcomed guests in the gallery, recognized the doctor of the day, and later made several announcements about memorials, committee meeting times, and calendar deadlines. The chamber also agreed to dispense with the reading of the journal and the titles of bills and resolutions.
The body then took up multiple measures, mostly on the appropriations, rules, and general bills calendars. Among the bills discussed and passed were House Bill 941 on the Mississippi Healthcare Industry Zone Act, with an amendment changing the repealer date to 2028; House Bill 1633 on the Site Development Grant Program, with a strike-all clarifying eligible utility and site-improvement expenditures; House Bill 1404 on fraudulent utility conversion, with a substitute strike-all adding protections and criminal penalties related to landlords failing to pay tenant-funded utilities; House Bill 907 revising the timing for sample ballots from the Secretary of State; House Bill 867 allowing Ross Barnett Reservoir funds to be used for shoreline maintenance and erosion prevention; House Bill 1558 revising compensation and reimbursement for the Tishomingo County Water District; and House Bill 514 revising the Veterinary Practice Act to protect certified veterinary technicians and update board membership and fees.
Several other measures were also addressed, including Senate Bill 2648, which would let the MSU Extension Service assist poultry farmers with comprehensive nutrient management plans and was amended by the House to add Alcorn State University; Senate Bill 2637, on flexibility for the Northeast District livestock show location, on which the Senate voted not to concur and invite conference; House Bill 1069, the Mississippi Agriculture and Farmland Wind Tower Protection Act of 2026, which was amended to shift review of a waterfowl impact assessment to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and impose a one-year moratorium with a study committee; House Bill 1073, a consumer choice bill restricting bans on gas-powered farm equipment and lawn tools; House Bill 942 extending the chiropractic licensure repealer and allowing certain animal chiropractic work under veterinarian supervision; and House Bill 479, which extended temporary licensing timeframes for psychology and marriage and family therapy and added safeguards tied to background checks and qualifications. Most of these measures were adopted and passed by voice vote or by afternoon or morning roll call, with a few items retained on the calendar and several motions to reconsider or hold bills for later action.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 28th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Their legal fees would probably be more than that penalty.
- Yet, as currently written, this bill seeks arbitrarily to impose legal fees on attorneys.
- You talk to me and tell me about this fee-shifting scheme. That's not a normal thing, is it?
- Cole to develop, and they spent two years developing a statewide model so that we have uniformity and
- We're talking about the fee-shifting provision? Yes.
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Administered by the Public Education Department, requiring the Public Education Department to develop
- pharmaceutical benefits, amending the Pharmacy Benefits Manager Regulation Act to restrict the types of fees
- districts that promote and encourage student enrollment in and successful completion of career development
- pilot project, assigning duties to the department, requiring annual reporting, creating the Career Development
- supporting faculty, increasing the amount of an award in an amount not to exceed 100% of tuition and fees
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 19th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- To stop all this economic development, let these folks who don't want it not get it.
- When it comes to residential development, you know, subdivision developments and commercial developments
- charged with it, that parish wouldn't get that fee.
- charged with it, that parish wouldn't get that fee.
- We're not getting the development that comes around it. What are we getting?
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. 644 on attorney's fees, suit money, and costs.
- I just, in looking at it, it looks like possibly it could end up leading to kind of fees on fees on fees
- I just, in looking at it, it looks like possibly it could end up leading to kind of fees on fees on fees
- because they are driving up maybe the other party's fees.
- I think that if you are... ...driving up maybe the other party's fees.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills before returning to the budget and public testimony. CS/SB 600 on bail bonds was explained as revising bail bond agent training, limiting solicitation, clarifying partial release procedures, and directing clerks to automatically discharge certain bonds when detention is ordered; an amendment adjusted cash bond return rules, charitable bail fund treatment, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures. The bill and amendments were adopted, and CS/SB 600 was reported favorably after supportive appearances from clerks and industry stakeholders.
The committee then approved CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses for felony reclassification and adds felony battery resulting in bodily injury to prison release offender status, after a technical amendment and supportive testimony from law enforcement. CS/SB 928, known as Missy’s Law, requiring immediate remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes, drew both support and opposition; defense lawyers warned of unintended effects on co-defendants and docket management, while the victim’s family supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1332 on career offender registration, requiring more frequent in-person registration and stricter reporting, also passed favorably.
The committee next approved a substitute amendment and then CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, which strengthens domestic violence penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures, including military protective orders and body camera use. CS/SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office was reported favorably after extensive public debate over definitions, free speech concerns, and representation on the task force; the sponsor said the bill does not criminalize criticism of Israel but addresses threats and intimidation. CS/CS/SB 532 on clerks of the court was also approved, authorizing clerks to retain more revenue and, through amendment, clarifying foreclosure sale procedures and clerk administration of judicial sales.
Finally, the committee heard the criminal and civil justice budget overview, described as a $7.9 billion proposal focused on corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and courts. Public testimony centered heavily on prison conditions, staffing, heat, infrastructure, and inmate care, with speakers urging higher pay, better transparency, and more investment in facilities and air conditioning. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill would be temporarily postponed and read into the record the many registered supporters and opponents. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- At CSU, housing made up 53% of the cost, while tuition and fees accounted for 28%.
- Two, to delete the proposed increase on charter oversight fees and to go back to the existing 1% cap
- on oversight fees.
- In an unjustified fees to her own school. We cannot allow this to continue.
- It strengthens professional development.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 46 (3-13-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill gives protections to developers and gives more certainty for developers when you go through
- Once that development goes there.
- when a development when a uh development when a development plan<00:42:54.240>
goes <00:42:54.480 - President, Senate Bill 224 is about giving developers certainty in the developing process.
- President, Senate Bill 224 is about giving developers certainty in the developing process.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:32.399>
policies the 2025 session law to develop policies the 2025 session law to develop - also include the provision to develop also include the provision to develop awareness<00:19:49.200
- The first thing is our admissions application requires an application fee be paid or an application fee
- <01:13:05.679>
be application fee be an application fee be application fee be an application - >
fee <01:13:07.840>waiver <01:13:08.159>be paid or an application fee waiver be
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Together they have development events.
- It will also allow the board to receive donations beyond licensing fees.
- The Board of Midwifery is funded only by license fees and fines. HB 128 is a simple bill.
- The board of midwiffery is funded fees.
- ,<00:53:30.960>
lower help stabilize or reduce fees, lower help stabilize or reduce fees,
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 41st Legislative Day Jun 25th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's been the magnitude of support you've given me toward my growth and development.
- She asked what the thoughts were around that in the development of the bill.
- That was a bill eliminating what we reference as a junk fee, the fee for what we call loss of use.
- I think it puts people at risk of having to pay these fees when they...
- This amendment is a clarification on the role of the Council of Development Finance.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- attempt to charge the applicants a fee attempt to charge the applicants a fee that<00:39:35.760>
- protections for the people developing protections for the people developing these<03:30:23.600><
- <03:32:17.840>
in are the ideas that they're developing in are the ideas that they're developing - :47.439>
these for the companies developing these for the companies developing these therapies - <05:44:30.558>
to develop a judiciary committee to develop a judiciary committee to investigate
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Jun 3rd, 2026
Higher Education Funding Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- , or is the Workforce Development Council under Job Service?
- And then this is something that's in current law: the statement of tuition and fees.
- It would allow you to not have to rely so much on the Workforce Development Council list.
- Commissioner Sanford said the Workforce Development Council list is a very valuable tool.
- Workforce Development Council and Job Service North Dakota for the most recent year.
Summary:
The Higher Education Funding Review Committee met to continue work on a draft higher education funding formula and related capital building fund changes. Lisa Johnson of the North Dakota University System updated the committee on the board’s developing policy for low-producing academic programs. She said the board is using a five-year rolling window, with thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, and that programs flagged in three consecutive review cycles would go to the board for review. Possible outcomes include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the policy would account for enrollment, program costs, workforce need, and programs that serve students outside their major. Johnson said the board would likely use an accompanying procedure to consider those factors. She also reported that about 200 programs could potentially be reviewed under current guidance, with 135 inactivated and 112 terminated, and said the process is intended to support quality and stewardship rather than simply cut programs.
Jamie Wilkie then reported on the Capital Building Fund. He reviewed the fund’s history, matching requirements, and use for extraordinary repairs, deferred maintenance, and some legislatively authorized projects. He said about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with roughly 78.7% going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Committee members pressed for updated information on how much deferred maintenance has actually been reduced, and several members said they wanted clearer reporting on the return on investment from new buildings versus repairs. NDSU representatives said the tier funding has helped significantly reduce deferred maintenance and allowed demolition and renovation work on campus. The committee also discussed the need for updated five-year facility plans and space-utilization information from the institutions.
The committee then began a section-by-section review of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and restructure the capital building fund. The draft would fund UND and NDSU differently from the other nine institutions, use fall enrollment rather than completed credits, add performance funding for completions in in-demand fields, create research incentives for UND and NDSU, and combine capital building fund tiers while changing matching requirements and eligible uses. Members raised concerns about the treatment of professional students, the use of CIP codes, incentives for waivers, and whether the formula should rely on more current data. The committee did not take final action on the draft during this meeting, but it continued detailed discussion and indicated more review would follow.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Regulatory Division Mar 18th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Next one is a really team development organization.
- The development incentive well tax incentive program was passed in the last The development incentive
- We do anticipate having legal fees associated with those.
- And so another number of other projects had been developed.
- So those two projects are both in development by WBI Energy.
Summary:
The committee met as the Regulatory Division of the budget section and received updates on several Industrial Commission-related agencies and programs. Legislative Council first reviewed base budget materials, then the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported on its current appropriation and staffing, noting that its new FTEs were being filled gradually and that it remained largely funded through special and federal funds. Agency leaders described homeownership lending, loan servicing, and housing incentive fund activity, including below-market mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and a growing servicing portfolio that has increased workload but not yet required additional FTEs.
Housing Finance also detailed use of the Housing Incentive Fund and homeless grant dollars. Officials said the multifamily HIF round drew more than $73 million in requests and awarded $25 million, while the single-family program supported rural development and community land trusts. Homeless grant funding was split between emergency shelter, prevention, and rapid rehousing, with performance-based scoring used to renew or reallocate awards. Members discussed housing affordability, aging households, rental assistance, and the need to coordinate housing and site-preparation messaging with Commerce. The agency asked that HIF, single-family, and homeless funding be maintained or increased in the next session.
The Department of Mineral Resources then presented its budget and operations update. Staff said the agency was on track financially, had filled most of its new reclamation FTEs, and was not expecting major litigation costs beyond normal late-biennium invoices. The director reviewed agency initiatives including Project North Star IT modernization, organizational restructuring, succession planning, rulemaking, and implementation of the development incentive well tax program and critical minerals rules. He also discussed oil and gas activity, explaining that longer laterals, especially three- and four-mile wells and the first five-mile spacing case, are helping keep production relatively flat even as rig counts ease. Members asked about gas capture, hedging, break-even prices, and the effects of Iran and Venezuela on oil markets.
The committee also heard about enhanced oil recovery grants and the Pipeline Authority. The EOR program’s $25 million appropriation was fully allocated to six projects, with total awards reaching about $45.1 million when other fund balances were included, subject to a possible 5% reduction if federal DOE money does not materialize. Officials said the projects are public, reimbursement-based, and will produce results over the next several years. Finally, the Pipeline Authority outlined natural gas transmission projects, including the imminent Bakken Express line and the proposed Bakken East project, which WBI was selected to advance after an Industrial Commission RFI process. The project is moving through open season, survey permission, and regulatory work, with in-service dates projected for 2029 and 2030.