Video & Transcript Research : 'engineering certifications'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- McCalpin had kind of highlighted some of our different certification levels: EMT, AEMT, and paramedic
- <00:23:35.840>
they who get an EMT certification they who get an EMT certification they contribute - First is a transcatheter aortic valve from engineered tissue.
- was an innovation through an engineered was an innovation through an engineered a<00:37:40.400><
- :37:42.319>
has <00:37:42.520>the a bio-engineered tissue that um has the a bio-engineered
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- along with the returned cremation entity so you know that there is a certification and you know what
- It also provides certain criteria for a certification and civil penalties for unlawful acts by the provider
- To knowingly make that false certification, the first offense again is punishable by the same amount—
- Boyd, you are recognized to do your presentation. knowingly make that false certification the first offense
- trained in engineering, genetics, AI, robotics, aquatic animal health, and climate resilience systems
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand.
The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- With more than 6,800 employees and around 3,000 students, the campus is also a powerful economic engine
- We are committed to ensuring that the flagship campus continues to be an engine of economic growth.
- So we're offering new certificates in AI in the business school, open to other students.
- I mentioned the numbers in computer science; the numbers in engineering are also equally worrisome.
- And so everything that we do is part of the engine of economic mobility for our students.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on the economic impact of Massachusetts higher education institutions, with opening remarks noting the significance of September 11 and the role colleges and universities play in the state’s economy, workforce, and research ecosystem. UMass leaders testified first, describing UMass as a major employer and economic driver that educates large numbers of Massachusetts residents, supports thousands of jobs, and generates billions in annual economic activity. They emphasized the importance of research funding, warned that federal grant cancellations, suspensions, and slowdowns were harming research operations and talent retention, and voiced strong support for Governor Healey’s proposed DRIVE initiative as bridge funding to protect research capacity and jobs.
Committee members focused heavily on workforce preparation in emerging fields such as AI, cyber, quantum computing, and engineering. UMass leaders said AI is being embedded across curricula and research, but also warned that financial constraints forced reductions in PhD admissions, especially in computer science and engineering, which could weaken the future workforce pipeline. They also described the practical effects of grant uncertainty, including reduced graduate admissions and concerns about losing researchers to institutions abroad. Members asked for more detailed data on grant timing, funding gaps, and where students and researchers were going.
A second panel from private colleges and universities, including AICUM, Suffolk, Smith, and Clark, highlighted the broad economic and civic contributions of private higher education. Testimony cited large annual economic impacts, job creation, tax revenue, community service, legal clinics, dual enrollment, entrepreneurship support, sustainability investments, and access programs. Speakers also discussed enrollment pressures, COVID-related social and mental health challenges, student visa and federal policy concerns, and the need to preserve liberal arts alongside career-focused training. The committee then heard from MIT, where testimony focused on research commercialization, biotech spinouts, and the role of federal, philanthropic, and industry funding in sustaining innovation; members pressed for more data on funding sources and asked what state policy could do to keep talent and businesses in Massachusetts. The hearing continued with additional public higher education testimony, including Bridgewater State, Bristol Community College, and Northeastern, which emphasized workforce-aligned programs, social mobility, apprenticeships, co-op education, and the need for better coordination between higher education, employers, and state workforce systems.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I think maybe I have my birth certificate, but it's from a different state.
- information he had listed on the certificate.
- She's a sophomore here at Florida State, majoring in civil engineering. Thank you, Mr. President.
- She's a sophomore here at Florida State, majoring in civil engineering. She is from Fort Myers.
- She's a sophomore here at Florida State, majoring in civil engineering.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored retiring Senate staffer Susan Miller and recognized a veteran injured in combat. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to returning messages from the House and began taking up bills and amendments.
The Senate concurred in House amendments and passed SB 118 on RV park assessments and SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, both by 38-0 votes. It then took up the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would strengthen election integrity by tightening citizenship verification and ID rules; opponents argued it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled voters, and others without the newly required documents. The bill passed 27-12. The chamber also passed the education package SB 182 after adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, and approved SB 474 on military affairs, SB 425 on historic cemeteries, HB 929 on local regulation of chickees, and HB 35/SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation, all with unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Senate then considered SB 902/ HB 733, the Department of Health package. Members adopted an amendment and amendment-to-amendment that preserved most Senate provisions while modifying or removing several House additions, including some early steps and medical marijuana-related changes, and the bill passed 37-0. The chamber also began work on HB 905, the foreign influence bill, with a strike-all amendment offered to expand restrictions on foreign influence, sister-city agreements, linkage institutes, and related activities, but the debate on that measure was still underway when the transcript ended. Several other returning messages and bills were temporarily postponed, and the Senate recessed briefly before resuming business.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- He is in train engineering and can answer any technical questions.
- Are you a current engineer or are you management?
- I'm a current licensed locomotive engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad.
- I am a fourth-generation, 28-year locomotive engineer and conductor.
- We share all of this data with our traffic engineering department.
Keywords:
lighting laws, construction equipment, farm equipment, vehicle safety, Arizona Revised Statutes, salvage vehicles, insurance claims, abandoned vehicles, salvage auction dealers, vehicle title, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, law enforcement, neighborhood electric vehicles, alternative fuel, vehicle license tax, tax exemption
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2669, which would limit railroad train length to 8,500 feet on main and branch lines in Arizona. The sponsor and several supporters, including a Santa Cruz County fire captain and a BNSF engineer, argued that very long trains create public safety risks by blocking crossings, delaying EMS and fire response, and increasing the consequences of derailments involving hazardous materials. Union Pacific’s witness opposed the bill, saying train length does not cause derailments, that railroads already track crossings and train movement, and that shorter trains would increase congestion and delays. Members debated safety concerns versus interstate commerce and constitutional issues, then advanced the bill on a do-pass recommendation by roll call vote.
The committee then considered HB 2369, as amended, which requires certain photo-enforcement citations to be signed by the presiding judge and allows electronic signatures. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a Mesa issue involving about 40,000 citations that bore the wrong judge’s signature after a judge left the bench. A Mesa representative and a Paradise Valley court director testified that their photo-radar citations already include a judge’s signature, though the practice varies by court. Members discussed whether the requirement should apply only to photo enforcement, whether a designee should be allowed if a judge is unavailable, and whether the bill should be clarified further. The Martinez amendment was adopted, and the bill was returned with a do-pass recommendation.
HB 2256, a technical cleanup measure for salvage auction dealers, was then approved. The bill allows a salvage auction dealer to obtain title to a vehicle abandoned after an insurance claim is denied or unpaid, and sets notice and title-release procedures; the amendment refined how an insurance company may request actions regarding a salvage vehicle and payment of storage fees. A CoPart representative said the change would streamline handling of total-loss vehicles when coverage is denied or the owner cannot be located. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation.
The committee also approved HCM 2007, which urges renaming sections of State Route 69 to honor veterans from five wars, after members discussed adding World War I to the memorial. HB 2772, which would place a pre-hospital medical care directive indicator on driver licenses or ID cards, generated extensive discussion about DNR/advance directive language, first-responder liability, good Samaritan protections, and whether the designation should be handled through a hospital-style advance directive instead. The sponsor said he was willing to work on amendments and broader stakeholder input, and the committee recessed and then held the bill for later consideration. Separately, HCR 2004, which would prohibit photo enforcement systems such as speed and red-light cameras if approved by voters, was heard with strong opposition from Scottsdale Police, who said photo enforcement reduces collisions and serious injuries and should remain a local decision; supporters argued the systems raise due process concerns and do not stop dangerous driving. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final committee action on the resolution.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Mar 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Higher Education Funding Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Certificate programs are the smallest credential awarded by the institutions.
- Right now, this formula does treat all certificates equally.
- Also, Alex had mentioned that there are certificate levels too.
- So $250 for non-in-demand certificates, $1,500 for associates, et cetera.
- So you get, you know, the $500 per certificate...
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have to protect at this moment the middle class and re-engineer outward.
- because you've been operating for two years under a temporary certificate of occupancy.
- . for the full infrastructure improvement of our cities versus re-engineering.
- So construction lending is the engine that makes a development possible.
- So construction lending is the engine that makes a development possible.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several housing-finance and permitting reforms aimed at making affordable and middle-income housing projects “pencil.” The first panel focused on the welfare property tax exemption, with witnesses arguing that annual recertifications are outdated, burdensome, and costly for both residents and operators. They urged streamlining by aligning eligibility rules with TCAC or HCD monitoring, allowing one-time qualification at occupancy, and preserving exemptions for projects that remain in compliance, especially as insurance costs and operating deficits are rising sharply.
A major portion of the meeting centered on social housing and community land trusts under SB 555. HCD described the state’s ongoing study, due by December 31, 2026 and to be included in the 2027 annual report, and outlined public engagement already completed with residents and practitioners. Community land trust and policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action beyond the study, including expanded tax abatements, public land use, soft loans, and simpler capital stacks. They emphasized that the model should include mixed-income and “missing middle” households, and several members discussed the stigma around the term “social housing,” suggesting a rebrand toward generational or multi-generational housing to broaden public support.
The committee also discussed a proposed certified professional program modeled on Vancouver, Canada, to speed plan checks and inspections by allowing state-certified private professionals to perform certain code-compliance functions under local oversight. The witness said this would reduce delays, repeated reviews, and cost overruns while preserving local authority over zoning and enforcement. Members raised concerns about local control, infrastructure costs, and political resistance, but expressed interest in exploring a pilot and further recommendations.
In the final panel, housing advocates supported allowing HCD loan funds to be disbursed during construction rather than only after completion. They said this would reduce interest costs, improve project feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes without new appropriations. Members agreed the current system is fragmented and outdated, and several speakers and legislators repeatedly called for streamlined, more flexible financing and permitting tools to support housing production.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Jul 11th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- as well as some allied health programs in phlebotomy and certified nursing assistants, and 18 certificates
- To meet that need, we've been working on one-year or less certificates.
- I'm very proud to say that this last year, we awarded over 100 certificate degrees, and it's been upward
- Or maybe that's a State Engineer question. Well, thank you for the question, Mr.
- If the question is about water use and in-situ recovery and what the Office of the State Engineer will
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- ONE OF THE GRAPHS SHOWED THE INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS.
- AND YOU HAVE A WORKFORCE ENGINE IN THE STATE, WHICH IS THE FLORIDA COLLEGE SYSTEM.
- WHEN WE LOOK AT THE INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION PASSING RATES WE LOOK AT THE WELDING CERTIFICATES WERE AT
- 85 PERCENT PASSING RATE FOR OUR TECH CERTIFICATES AND 88 PERCENT FOR THE NCC ER CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATIONS
- LOOKING AT INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS I LOOKED AT THE CHART AND AS WE INCREASE INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS IF
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/24/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- certificate will then the certific certificate will follow<04:26:50.880>
the <04:26:51.199> - All of these need to be dealt with in the certificate or the certificate application.
- . certificate. certificate.
- certificate is the first step. certificate is the first step.
- certificate application. certificate application.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m the engineering director for the City of St.
- Louis Park, but I’m here today as the president of the City Engineers Association of Minnesota.
- We support the city engineers. We support 10-foot lanes.
- president of the city Engineers president of the city Engineers Association<01:37:19.280>
of< - I'm the Washington County traffic engineer, and I'm here today as a member of the Minnesota County Engineers
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're still waiting on final numbers from our engineer.
- So we will be directing our engineers to look at that updated capacity.
- Preliminary engineering report funding, we will refine that.
- It's one of the things that we as engineers deal with all the time.
- The certification is actually...
Summary:
The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion.
The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting.
The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- of... and it was... department certification of... truly, there were just clarifications of how the
- we'll start with Matt Massie, the president of the Alabama Cyber School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
- What we do is we take these little cyber camps and engineering camps, and we go on the road.
- That's why our school is focused on math modeling, applied work, and engineering.
- He wants to be an engineer, and that's the kind of leadership we develop in the state, and we preach
Keywords:
workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, HB176, Alabama sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax exemption, optical aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescription glasses, vision care, optometrist, ophthalmologist, optician, medical devices, local option tax exemption
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As we lay out in the bill, here are the options: a birth certificate, a certificate of United States
- Getting a degree in biomedical engineering changed the trajectory of my life.
- These students are future doctors, teachers, engineers.
- Our Texas alumni are nurses, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs.
- They contribute to our economy not as a drain, but as an engine of growth.
Summary:
The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them.
SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending.
SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 2nd, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Implementing that certification training? That's right.
- They would have the certification training programs.
- Right, so as part of the certification program DR can make sure that certification maybe is done routinely
- They're going to be driving with engines, big diesel engines that were probably manufactured anywhere
- The engines and vehicles that are manufactured.
Bills:
HB512, HB2248, HB2679, HB2832, HB3112, HB3368, HB3490, HB3512, HB3623, HB3666, HB3700, HB3711, HB3770, HB3963
Keywords:
grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you anticipating a self-certification process?
- There would be a certification, but in discussions with SEIU and ASME, there would still be a review
- Are you anticipating a self-certification process?
- There would be a certification, but in discussions with SEIU and ASME, there would still be a review
- “That would still go to the city, and then the city would then have to review that certification.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:26:23.880>
manufacturing <00:26:24.720>Fields <00:26:25.480>thank engineering - manufacturing Fields thank engineering manufacturing Fields thank you<00:26:25.840>
for <00:26 - , and health care through a collaboration with the IT Center of Excellence and Nordson Engineering and
- 25 years as a working mechanical engineer.
- One amazing opportunity that I got through robotics was to job shadow a principal engineer at Boston
Keywords:
workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:18 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a certificate of recognition celebrating the 30-year anniversary for 529 financial plans.
- Senator Brantley has a certificate for 4-H Day, which will be read, and I know there's a lot of guests
- We’ll do the certificates that are up front.
- But once we’re into an hour after doing the certificates that are being read, we’re going to move on
- I very much appreciate the folks at the New Mexico Education Trust Board bringing this certificate to
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 6, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But if you're certifications, things like I'm primarily looking at cosmetology, looking at masseuses,
- Similar to engineers and architects, and because the work we do directly impacts human health, safety
- I do remember when I had to get the three certifications in order to qualify for my license.
- I’m also a licensed professional engineer.
- I worked for some regional engineering companies, started a company, and sold it.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard and approved four bills focused on reducing or modernizing professional regulation. HB 6015, by Rep. Oliver, repeals the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute to allow businesses more flexibility in container materials; members joked about the possibility of a Home Depot bucket, and the bill passed 16-0. HB 339, by Rep. Abbott, creates an alternative temporary licensure pathway for surveyors and mappers based on employer recommendation and exam passage, but members raised concerns about qualifications, liability, and oversight; Abbott said he was open to amendments, and the bill passed 14-1 with Rep. Overdorf dissenting. HB 139, by Rep. Lopez, allows pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms instead of only printed forms; a technical amendment added readability and placement requirements for digital forms, and the bill passed unanimously. HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, lets the Department of Corrections coordinate with DBPR boards so inmates who complete licensure-related classes can receive credit toward professional licensure; supporters framed it as a second-chance and workforce bill, an amendment clarified that DBPR handles professions without boards, and the bill passed favorably 15-0.
The committee then received a presentation from DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin on the department’s role overseeing more than 1.7 million businesses and professionals across over 30 fields. She highlighted enforcement and complaint data, including more than 24,000 inspections and complaints handled in the last fiscal year, a preference for education and voluntary compliance over formal discipline, and the department’s alternative dispute resolution program, which returned $2.7 million to consumers and saved $270,000 in costs. Griffin also reviewed recent deregulatory and efficiency efforts, including endorsement/reciprocity reforms, fee waivers, reduced processing times, and shorter call wait times, and said DBPR is continuing to look for ways to cut red tape while protecting public safety.
Members questioned Griffin about permitting, continuing education, complaint processing, board vacancies, fraud in cosmetology and construction, coordination with other agencies, and whether schools can block students from taking state exams over unpaid tuition. DBPR staff said complaints are generally processed within 60 days, schools cannot bar graduates from taking the exam because of tuition debt, and the department works with other agencies when issues cross jurisdictional lines. The panel discussion that followed featured industry representatives from landscape architecture, building/code administration, pools, roofing, construction, HVAC/electrical, and hospitality, who generally supported reducing local permitting burdens, standardizing requirements, improving reciprocity and training pathways, and using technology and clearer scopes of work to make licensure and inspections more efficient.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Water Topics Overview Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We're still waiting on final numbers from our engineer.
- At that point, engineering cost share wasn't eligible.
- Engineering, working with the Stutsman County Commission.
- Preliminary engineering report funding: we will refine that.
- The certification is actually.