Transcript Highlights:

• refine language and see the runs. function of the basic allotment in the mechanism of our education code
• Commissioner has pointed out that the annual gap in special education funding is 1.2%. billion dollars
• And it's our opinion, and I think it's the intent of the... education code, that every school district
• That hold harmless said that it's 48257B, the education code.
• which model works. works in the evidence base, that's more outside of the education code.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• required to release the sensitive personal data unless one of the Limited exceptions in the Motor Vehicle Code
• looking at the FIR, the synopsis of Senate Bill 111, and it says we are going to amend the Motor Vehicle Code
• and implementing that, we realized that there was a disconnect between this definition in the MVD code
• District 1 Commissioner is John McElroy. McElroy.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've served as a county clerk, a county commissioner, a school board member for the Colbree schools,
• And so those QR codes will take you to our newly redesigned website, which I'll actually Link you to
• The second QR code there will actually take you to a school district dashboard.
• The mobility data is pretty messy; it's reliant on school secretaries being trained on how to code those

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s health information technology; it’s medical coding and stuff.
• “Coding and stuff, so that makes sense, but I think we have about—and don’t quote me on the number—but
• For example, Watford City, the home of Commissioner Sanford, right down the road, over half of their
• For the record, I am Lisa Johnson, a deputy commissioner for the North Dakota University System.
• And that happens... ...on Century Code 15-10.1.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s health information technology; it’s medical coding and stuff. So that makes sense.
• But I think we have—” “Coding and stuff, so that makes sense.
• For example, Watford City, the home of Commissioner Sanford, right down the road, over half of their
• For the record, I am Lisa Johnson, a deputy commissioner for the North Dakota University System.
• On Century Code 15-10-19.1.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s health information technology; it’s medical coding and stuff. So that makes sense.
• Coding and stuff, so that makes sense.
• For example, Watford City, the home of Commissioner Sanford, right down the road, over half of their
• For the record, I am Lisa Johnson, a deputy commissioner for the North Dakota University System.
• And that happens... ...on Century Code 15-10-19.1.

Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the misclassification is the cheat code. Contract. It is written, right?
• And the misclassification is the cheat code.
• And the misclassification is the cheat<00:15:42.960> code.
• So, if someone comes to cheat code.
• We didn't request the commissioner be here.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Betancourt, Chairman Wilson, committee members, I'm Wynn Rosser, Commissioner of Higher Education and
• Wynn Rosser, Texas Commissioner of Higher Education as well. as CEO of the Higher Education Coordinating
• In terms of the six items that are part of Education Code 61.031C, I'd defer. to the ombudsman on how
• error code: 520 Most schools I would say no.
• Preliminary Fall 2020 released by Commissioner Rosser and his agency just a couple of weeks ago showed

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• engineer, to report that to the local building department and/or the local unsafe structure or the code
• If it is a code enforcement officer or it is unsafe structures, they have the same requirement in the
• officials, is how will this benefit our code approach, i.e., how can we make the code better?
• Remembering that the codes are minimums, not maximums, and how can we put more emphasis on certain areas
• I, for last year, it's been a year now that I proposed to the Commissioner of the Office of Insurance

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information. Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time. Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, can now going to open up for questions from other senators. commissioner for the Hawaii homes commissioner
• and we have a lot of good commissioner and we have a lot of good Commissioners<00:10:35.880> with
• and ask questions to other Commissioners and ask questions to other Commissioners when<00:14:10.920
• And so at this point, being a commissioner, I see things that I can contribute to the commissioners,
• At this point, being a commissioner, I see things that I can contribute to the commissioners, and I'd

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard Governor’s Message 590, the nomination of Archie Kappa Kappa Kappa to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and received extensive testimony in support from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands staff, labor representatives, and community members. Supporters emphasized his leadership during the Maui wildfire response, his cultural standing, his long community service, and his experience with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. In his own remarks, Kappa described his background as a lifelong Lahaina resident, former lifeguard supervisor, and community organizer, and said he would prioritize commission duties while balancing his voyaging commitments. Members questioned Kappa about attendance, his understanding of the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s responsibilities, and his views on commercialization and revenue generation. He said commission meetings would be his priority, acknowledged he could not guarantee attendance at every meeting, and explained that commercialization meant using commercial properties and leases to generate revenue for Hawaiian Homes communities. He also said he supported using land assets to reduce reliance on legislative appropriations. A senator raised Act 279 and the need to focus spending on reducing the waitlist; Kappa said the act was complex and that he did not yet know enough to speak confidently beyond what he had read. The committee did not vote on the nomination in the portion provided and said it would return to voting later. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 591, the nomination of Lawrence Luua to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony described his background in banking, military service, Maui County planning, and long involvement with Molokaʻi homestead matters. Luua told the committee he had lived the challenges of homestead life, including housing and road issues, and said he wanted to continue the work of Prince Kūhiō by helping Native Hawaiians return to and live on the land. In response to questions, he said he began attending DHHL meetings regularly in July 2024, discussed concerns about county road obligations versus homestead responsibilities, and said he had struggled with Act 279 because he was concerned about moving funds away from other projects even though he supported its goal of reducing the waitlist. The committee then moved on to the next governor’s message and testimony for another nominee, with a SHPD representative briefly introducing the background of that nominee, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We really appreciate it, Commissioner.
• We really appreciate it, Commissioner.
• Chairman, I'm the Deputy Commissioner.
• Chairman, I'm the Deputy Commissioner.
• chairman and uh thank you commissioner chairman and uh thank you commissioner um<02:14:38.800>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 383 is a common-sense measure to clean up existing firearm-related codes and allows for the following
• convicted of a felony in California are prohibited from owning and possessing firearms under Penal Code
• AB 383 would address this gap by amending Penal Code Section 29810 to include juvenile adjudications,
• Frankly, this bill flies in the face of the intention behind the Welfare and Institutions Code and the
• To clarify, certain provisions would dictate that, for a simple possession, I think under Penal Code

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations. AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• That leaves us in the position where if this person is out of custody under the mental health code, we
• So that leaves us in the position of, under the Mental Health Code, we need a qualified provider; there's
• The seven commissioners met in executive session and authorized this declaratory judgment action.
• to claims brought under the New Mexico Civil Rights Act; you could only sue the Board of County Commissioners
• If they sued the Board of County Commissioners, my opinion would be that it could be removed to federal

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendation will be in your volume 2, where you can look it up in that top right-hand page by agency code
• Our next agency is the Board of Veterinary Medicine, agency code.
• She's the commissioner.
• She is a new New Mexico commissioner. We have a commission.
• I have to ask Commissioner Casper. There she is. I'm sorry. Don't finish your password. No. Great.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner, what a definitions.
• Page four, it's giving the commissioner Page four, it's giving the commissioner to<00:21:27.360>
• Commissioner.
• Commissioner rapidly adapt rules.
• I believe the commissioner mentioned earlier a warrant scam.

Bills: HB0098, HB0075, HB0041, HB0101

Keywords: gun control, Second Amendment, constitutional rights, misdemeanor, law enforcement, virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management

Transcript Highlights:

• once public comment was the commissioner once public comment was requested<00:09:52.519> the<
• We need to know about the massive benefit of the Navajo Code Talkers, but acknowledge the history of
• We need to know about the massive benefit of the Navajo Code Talkers, but acknowledge the history of
• We need to know about the massive benefit of the Navajo Code Talkers, but acknowledge the history of
• it would imply that students zip code it would imply that students Health<01:37:30.920> needs

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which is like a 700-page report.
• And the drafter, as kind as they are, asked if he could update the code.
• In fact, the 1993 rewrite of the Children's Code was conducted by a Children's Code task force created
• It took two years and many shared voices to rewrite our Children's Code in 1993.
• And they said it is a rewrite of the Children's Code.

Bills: SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would require the Commissioner of Health to provide standing orders and condition-specific
• About the technical effect of this amendment, it really codifies existing commissioners' opinions on
• It ensures all students, regardless of their background, zip code, or financial status, are given the
• I want to thank Commissioner of the Office of Higher Education, Wendy Robinson, and Aaron Salasek at

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hogan: In the definition of candidate, too, you didn’t include local county commissioners or
• And then a biannual report of the Agricultural Commissioner on the status of the pesticide container
• Section 54-603 also requires the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce to provide a report on the
• And then Wednesday, January 13th, as the day the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce provides
• Chairman, Senator Roers, it looks like the Ag Commissioner and the Pesticides Disposal Program, that's

Summary: The committee met to organize upcoming legislative session arrangements and staffing, and to review several rule and security-related items. It first approved a Joint Rule 211 change, recommended by the Employee Benefits Committee, that clarifies the deadline and statutory references for introducing health insurance mandate bills so required cost-benefit materials can be completed in time. Members noted the change would streamline the process, though it would not solve all timing and mandate-determination issues. The committee then discussed a draft bill on confidentiality protections for certain public officials and candidates, but members raised concerns about the statute’s complexity, the practical difficulty of administering it, and whether it would meaningfully improve safety; no action was taken and the topic was set aside for further discussion. The committee received an update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is in process to apply for grant funding that could reimburse up to about $200 per legislator for personal security-related expenses such as home cameras, locks, lighting, or monitoring services, with reimbursement handled through Legislative Council and subject to Emergency Commission approval. Members asked about eligible expenses, timing, and whether new legislators would be included, and staff said the program would likely cover current legislators only for this round. The committee also approved the 2027 joint session schedule for the State of the State, tribal-state message, and State of the Judiciary on January 5, with the tribal and judiciary addresses in the morning and the governor’s address later in the day. The committee next approved the statutory reporting schedule for the Commerce Commissioner and agricultural commodity groups, setting the Commerce report for January 13, 2027, and the agriculture reports and pesticide container disposal update for January 14, 2027. Members questioned the usefulness of some of these recurring reports, but agreed to follow the existing statutory requirements. The largest discussion centered on Legislative Council staffing for the 2027 session: the committee approved reducing session staff to 36 Senate and 41 House employees, eliminating procedural clerk positions in standing committees in favor of permanent policy analysts, while retaining quality assurance clerks and adding a House parking lot attendant. It also approved a 3% salary increase for those staff positions, matching the increase given to state employees. Finally, the committee reviewed a revised organizational session and new legislator training agenda. Staff proposed moving some orientation content into a separate pre-session training day for new legislators on November 30, including laptop setup, mock committee and floor sessions, parliamentary procedure, and HR/benefits training, while adding more security and budgeting instruction. Members strongly supported earlier and more practical training, including follow-up reinforcement during the first week of session, and suggested using experienced or term-limited former legislators as mentors. Staff also described efforts to expand training materials into podcasts, flowcharts, and other formats, and Legislative Council leadership outlined the office’s remaining vacancies and a proposed expansion of policy analysts, program evaluators, legal staff, and training support to better serve the legislature and improve oversight of state programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the definition of candidate, too, you didn’t include local county commissioners or not just elected
• So under Century Code Sections 4.1-3604 and 4.1-404...
• And then a biannual report of the Agricultural Commissioner on the status of the pesticide container
• Section 54-603 also requires the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce to provide a report on the
• And then Wednesday, January 13th, as the day the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce provides

Summary: The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee first considered and adopted a Joint Rule 211 change clarifying the deadline and statutory references for bill drafts involving health insurance mandates, after discussion that the process is still somewhat cumbersome but improved by the clarification. The committee then reviewed a revised draft addressing confidentiality protections for certain legislators and candidates, but members expressed concerns about the breadth, enforceability, and transparency implications of the proposal, and the committee chose not to advance it at this time. The committee received an informational update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is applying for the grant, which could provide about $200 per legislator for home security or related safety expenses, subject to Emergency Commission approval and reimbursement procedures. Members asked about eligible expenses, administrative burden, and whether new legislators would be covered; staff said guidance would be provided if funding is approved. The committee also approved the 2027 timing for the State of the Judiciary, tribal-state relationship message, and State of the State address on January 5, and set the Commerce Department and agricultural commodity reports for January 13 and 14, respectively, as required by statute. A major portion of the meeting focused on legislative staffing and organizational planning. The committee approved a recommendation for 36 Senate staff positions and 41 House staff positions, along with a 3% compensation increase for session staff. Discussion centered on replacing some procedural clerk duties with permanent policy analyst staff, retaining quality assurance roles for now, and adding or repurposing positions in IT, program evaluation, legal, and administration. Members also discussed expanding program evaluation capacity and the need for clearer oversight of new programs, with staff noting upcoming training and model-sharing with other states. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed new legislator orientation day on November 30 and broader organizational session training changes, including mock committee and floor sessions, security training, and more robust budget/appropriations instruction, but took no final action on the agenda items and adjourned after completing the budget-related recommendations.