Video & Transcript Research : 'Delaware Code'
Page 184 of 442
HI
Bills:
SCR56, SCR79, SCR85, SCR120, SCR129, SCR181, SCR63, SCR112, SCR194, SCR195, SCR196, HB202, HB963, HB1050, HB1511, HB1546, HB1550, HB1553, HB1643, HB1656, HB1658, HB1664, HB1667, HB1682, HB1700, HB1721, HB1810, HB1823, HB1824, HB1878, HB1969, HB2005, HB2078, HB2152, HB2246, HB2270, HB2279, HB2289, HB2385, HB2417, HB2429, HB2503, HB2599, SB253, SB847, SB1142, SB1432, SB2043, SB2050, SB2074, SB2102, SB2135, SB2138, SB2140, SB2320, SB2340, SB2386, SB2396, SB2397, SB2398, SB2433, SB2446, SB2521, SB2544, SB2567, SB2578, SB2580, SB2595, SB2601, SB2645, SB2673, SB2706, SB2727, SB2802, SB2852, SB2892, SB2929, SB2972, SB3007, SB3069, SB3073, SB3076, SB3136, SB3138, SB3157, SB3204, SB3234, SB3247, SB3302, SB3324, SB3325, HB1815, HB2592, HCR32
Keywords:
lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation, shoreline maintenance, civil service, classification review, compensation systems, labor shortage, employee retention, department collaboration
WI
Wisconsin 2026 1st Special Session
Assembly Committee on Environment May 12th, 2026
Assembly Committee on Environment
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 9 February, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2909, PERS creditable service, bring forward code sections.
- the code. the code.
- So that's just bringing code agents.
- bringing forth these uh code sections. bringing forth these uh code sections.
- And that's an code sections have.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Pearl Huggin, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including Dr. Huggin’s family, the doctor of the day, first-year medical students from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and representatives from Mississippi hospitals and law enforcement. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up multiple bills.
Senate Bill 2911, concerning alternative return-to-work provisions for state retirees, was explained as shortening the required separation period from 90 days to 30 days and allowing retirees to return in certain positions at up to 80% of the salary for the job they are performing, with the employer paying both sides of retirement contributions. Supporters said it would help fill vacancies in education, public safety, corrections, and local government and could save money compared with contract labor; questions focused on work expectations, insurance, and how the bill would apply to teachers, bus drivers, and other retirees. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed on the afternoon roll call.
Senate Bill 2272, which would exempt certain agriculture and forestry items from the 1.5% sales tax, was explained as reducing the tax to 0% for qualifying commercial farmers and loggers and expanding covered items to include equipment and fencing supplies. A question clarified that the exemption applies to commercial operations, not individuals raising animals for personal use. The bill passed on the afternoon roll call. Senate Bill 2909, which lowers the years needed for unreduced retirement under tier five from 35 to 30, was also taken up; after adoption of the committee substitute, the bill was laid on the table subject to call of the chair because of a pending amendment. The Senate also tabled a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2588 (the Shield Act codification) and heard Senate Bill 2260, which creates a government efficiency task force to study ways to streamline agency licensing and service delivery; that bill was explained as a preliminary study commission intended to recommend consolidation and a more one-stop approach to state services.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- North Dakota Century Code 57-20.042 requires a report to be provided by the county auditor reporting
- , if you will. ...to crack the code, if you will.
- They are already subject to, if they levy more than what Century Code allows, they have a $1,000 fine
- and 30 days in prison in Century Code already.
- allows, they have a $1,000 fine and 30 days in prison in Century Code already.
Summary:
The committee met to receive updates from the Tax Commissioner’s office on property tax relief programs and related compliance work. Commissioner Brian Croshys reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting that the Homestead program expanded significantly after HB 1158, that some households are “adjusting out” of eligibility as incomes rise, and that the committee may want to consider indexing income thresholds. Members asked for additional data on bracket breakdowns, possible costs of eliminating income limits for seniors, and how many households are zeroed out by the combined programs. Croshys also discussed the simpler administration of the disabled veteran credit, the growth in participation, and the heavy workload and auditing safeguards built into the new primary residence credit system. He said the department found no material compliance findings and that the program is designed to be digital-first, with county auditors and the Tax Commissioner’s office both involved in review and notification. The committee recessed for lunch and later reconvened, with the chair noting that more detailed PRC information would likely be available at a September meeting.
Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase, or “zero growth,” report and the 2025 statistical report. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and which jurisdictions showed the largest percentage changes in countywide, citywide, school district, and park district levies. In the statistical report, she summarized recent trends in assessed values: agricultural values remained relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed property values increased over the past five years. She also reviewed statewide tax levies by property class and clarified that centrally assessed growth figures were annual averages. Members discussed how shifts in land use and annexation can make it appear that tax burdens are moving from ag to residential/commercial property. Myers then summarized the interim study on the 3% levy limitation under HB 1176, saying most counties complied without budget changes, while some used hiring freezes, deferred purchases, or reserve funds; 23% of counties had to reduce levies, and the affected funds were mainly general, road and bridge, and weed control. She said 12 counties reported zero new growth in the data and that 35 counties reported not using all of their cap.
The committee also received an oil tax presentation from Croshys on the stripper well extraction tax exemption. He outlined the number of active stripper wells, the production and revenue implications of the exemption, and projections for future biennia under different tax scenarios. He said the exemption represents substantial savings to operators but also corresponds to production tax revenue that would otherwise be collected, and he emphasized that future outcomes depend on oil prices, well counts, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly answered a question about why Red River wells have a different production threshold than Bakken wells, explaining it was tied to completion costs and lateral length. The committee then heard from Charlie Gorecki of the EERC, who presented an analysis of typical Bakken well decline curves and argued that most oil is produced before a well reaches stripper status, but that keeping wells open and investing in refracturing or other interventions can recover additional production. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the main actions were receiving reports, asking for follow-up data, and scheduling further discussion for a later meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- and codified by Massachusetts in late 2022, adopted the 2015 NFPA 1 code.
- So this is all fairly recent, and inside that, this is now code in Massachusetts: cul-de-sacs exceeding
- They adopted the 2015 NFPA 1 code.
- So this is all fairly recent, and inside that, this is now code in Massachusetts: cul-de-sacs exceeding
- They log in with a voter code and password issued to them by the town clerk before the first town meeting
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on bills related to land use, zoning, permitting, municipal governance, and homelessness. Early testimony focused on a home rule petition for Ipswich to remove a residency requirement for a town manager, with supporters saying it would broaden the applicant pool and help fill a vacant permanent manager position. Another panel backed legislation to change the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s governance so ratepayers in surrounding communities would have representation, arguing the current board structure leaves many users without a voice in rate-setting and capital decisions.
Several housing and zoning bills drew testimony. Senator Keenan and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association supported a bill to toll the one-year period for acting on a variance while an appeal is pending, saying appeals should not consume the time needed to implement approved projects. Representative Murray and the Real Estate Bar Association also testified on broader zoning reforms, including changes to undersized lots, merger rules, hearing deadlines, appeals, and variance standards; they argued the proposals would reduce delay and uncertainty and help housing production. Committee members questioned whether shifting zoning appeals from de novo to closed-record review would limit new evidence, and the witnesses said the change would speed cases while preserving limited opportunities to supplement the record.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to end the criminalization of homelessness. Representatives, advocates, and shelter organizations said local camping bans and fines are counterproductive, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, and urged a statewide response centered on housing and public health rather than punishment. Other municipal bills included remote participation in open town meetings for Wayland and a statewide local option, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett charter changes, and Cambridge’s request to use automated parking enforcement and mail parking tickets. The hearing also included testimony supporting fairground zoning flexibility, a Shrewsbury solar siting bill, and an Inspector General bill clarifying county land disposition procedures by requiring written notice to DCAM and a defined response period. No votes were taken during the hearing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Our civil code already says that a parent is responsible for the actions of their child in many cases
- Our civil code already says that a parent is responsible for the actions of their child in many cases
- to do this if the goal is really just to do that and to make things more clear, which is that the Code
- Would just be to make clear that this is subject to the Code of Evidence weighing test that judges are
- supposed to do with all evidence, Code of Evidence 403, right?
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 6th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- The statutory amendment would touch the Code of Criminal Procedure article that deals with waiver of
- So that is the nature of the change we would be making in the Code of Criminal Procedure and the reason
- amendment clarifies that the holding period in the bill runs concurrently with the time period in Code
- of Criminal Procedure Article 230.1. ...concurrently with the time period in Code of Criminal Procedure
- Which is why I think we have Code of Criminal Procedure Article 313.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote.
The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing.
Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 20, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, during the interim we reviewed Chapter 9 U.S. bankruptcy codes to make sure that this bill aligns
- There has to be a plan and following all the bankruptcy codes.
- to make sure that this bankruptcy codes to make sure that this bill<00:42:14.000>
aligns <00:42 - <00:43:34.480>
Then <00:43:34.720>we again all the bankruptcy codes. - Then we again all the bankruptcy codes.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/19/2026 - Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- When you were auditing their policies and procedures for code of conduct, what were you comparing it
- Madam Chair, in terms of the code of conduct, I think what I was referencing is that they were planning
- on developing a board member code of conduct, but I have not reviewed it.
- A board member code of conduct, but I have not reviewed it.
- Van der Veen, in code of conduct has been a conversation that we've had multiple times.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Campbell County adopted definitions and enforceable standards in our code that apply to a wide range
- that apply to a standards in our code that apply to a wide<00:18:39.679>
range <00:18:40.000>< - Campbell County's code also establishes minimum standards of care, including adequate food and water,
- Under section 90.27 of our code,<00:20:08.400>
myself <00:20:09.200>or <00:20:09.520> - , myself or one of our ACOs are code, myself or one of our ACOs are empowered<00:20:11.600>
to
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Attendance Roll Call: 00:32
SB 155 Discussion: 03:00
SB 155 Roll Call Vote: 07:50
SB 45 Discussion: 08:39
SB 45 Roll Call Vote: 36:00, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 155 by Senator Carpenter, which would give the commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with the state veterinarian, authority to declare and manage emergency situations affecting livestock, poultry, and other domesticated animals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to speed response to outbreaks, severe weather, and other urgent threats to animal welfare by reducing bureaucratic delays, while still working with the governor in major situations. Senator Webb praised the Department of Agriculture’s emergency response work, and the bill was advanced on a unanimous roll call vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 45 from Senator Webb, a repeat bill aimed at protecting agritourism and working-animal activities from local ordinances that could be used to restrict events such as rodeos, carriage rides, dog agility, and similar operations. Webb and supporter Mindy Patterson of the Cavalry Group argued the bill is meant to prevent local governments from using ordinances to shut down legitimate animal-related businesses and to protect local economies and property rights, not to shield animal abuse. Webb said he was willing to work with local officials and legal counsel on wording.
Opposition came from Lisa Krumman of the Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association and Campbell County animal services, who said the bill was not consulted on with animal control officers and could broadly exempt working-animal or agritourism activities from local animal welfare ordinances and inspections. She argued the language could create an “undue burden” challenge to county standards for food, water, space, medical care, and inspections, especially for commercial animal establishments such as breeding facilities and petting zoos. Committee members questioned both sides about the bill’s scope, and Webb said he believed existing public health, safety, zoning, and police-power language would preserve local authority, but no vote was taken on SB 45 in the portion provided.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also makes technical updates in existing tax code language, and that basically this is for the
- That's in a different section of the code.
- This moves it to the section of code under a nice law. clerk<00:54:43.040>
lock <00:54:43.280>< - <00:56:12.880>
that <00:56:13.119>deals there's a section of code that deals there's - a section of code that deals with<00:56:14.480>
a <00:56:14.960>defendant <00:56:15.839
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- He said he got into a code-share agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation.
- 12:31.200>
to know given to us and we're agreeing to know given to us and we're agreeing to code - share with Arizona and four other code share with Arizona and four other states<00:12:34.000>
that - c><00:13:09.839>
that <00:13:10.079>was <00:13:10.240>written maintaining the code - that was written maintaining the code that was written decades<00:13:11.200>
ago.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote.
The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure.
In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, sir, for youth camps specifically, we have the Texas Administrative Code, our rule.
- Advocating for building codes is really boring most of the time, but they do save lives.
- Codes save complacency, and this bill does that.
- You should have to build according to code, which is one foot above the flood line.
- There are modern codes.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Jun 30th, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Juvenile, the juvenile Criminal Code, um, needs to be, needs to be updated.
- I think we've all agreed, um, that something needs to be done regarding the juvenile code, especially
- We know that we're outnumbered, the ones that think we do need to change the children's code.
- Um, how do we fix the problem and exactly what do you think we can do with that children's code that
- And so I'd ask for you to send, send very specifics of what a reform of that code looks like to us in
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
JBC-CLAIMS Apr 14th, 2026
JBC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- there is a process for setting aside a tax-delinquent sale, and that process is set out in Arkansas Code
- there is a process for setting aside a tax-delinquent sale, and that process is set out in Arkansas Code
- And then the last thing I wanted to point out is that under Arkansas Code 26-37-204(f), and I'm going
- And then the last thing I wanted to point out is that under Arkansas Code 26-37-204(f), and I'm going
Summary:
The Joint Budget Committee’s Claims Review and Litigation Reports Oversight Subcommittee met to consider two proposed Department of Corrections litigation settlements and one appealed claim from the Claims Commission. The first settlement, Caroline Arnett v. Larry Norris et al., involved allegations of long-term sexual abuse by a corrections employee. Committee members asked about PREA audits, facility practices, and whether the inmate had been placed at the proper facility. The department said audits and other safeguards were underway, and the committee approved the settlement. The second settlement, Latasha Ridgel v. Arkansas Department of Corrections, also involved sexual harassment/assault allegations. Members questioned the seven-year delay in the case and whether the issue was systemic; the department cited attorney turnover, COVID delays, and legislative changes making inmate exposure a felony. The committee approved that settlement as well.
The committee then heard an appeal in Sharon Greer and Deanna Hayes v. Commissioner of State Lands, a denied and dismissed claim involving a tax-delinquent sale of family property in Crittenden County. Staff and the Commissioner of State Lands’ office said the property was certified in 2000, sold in 2009 after notice was sent, and that excess proceeds were available for a limited period before escheating to the county. The claimants argued they were not properly notified of the sale or the excess proceeds and only learned of the matter in 2025 after receiving the deed at a family funeral. Committee members discussed the notice process, statute of limitations, and the handling of excess proceeds, with several noting the issue may call for legislative review rather than relief in this case.
After debate, the committee voted to affirm the Claims Commission’s dismissal of the Greer/Hayes claim. Members also discussed broader concerns about how excess proceeds from tax sales are handled and whether the current statutory process should be revisited in future legislation.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I was excited when my website had a QR code added to it. I thought that was pretty...
- I was excited when my website had a QR code added to it.
- involuntarily just said, oh, I can be the programmer for our team, even though I had very minimal coding
- And I think that after I made that choice, I really fell in love with coding.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
AIR Task Force - Room 409, 13 January, 2026; 3:00 P.M.
Transcript Highlights:
- 10, defines artificial intelligence to have the same meaning set forth here, which is, um, federal code
- 34.560>
federal set forth here which this is um federal set forth here which this is um federal code - code. Is that correct, Mr. Booth? code. Is that correct, Mr. Booth?
Summary:
The January meeting of the AIR Task Force focused on reviewing a draft report on artificial intelligence and discussing how to move forward with future work. Ted Booth and Matthew Holmes explained that the report is intended to lay a foundation by describing AI-related challenges, what Mississippi has already done, and possible steps for future reports, since the task force will continue meeting in coming years. Members were invited to suggest edits and improvements, including on how the group communicates by email and how to keep the process efficient given everyone’s schedules.
A major topic was whether the task force should recommend a statutory definition of artificial intelligence. The chair said a bill needed to be filed quickly and asked members to review the definition on page five of the report. Booth read the definition, which tracks federal language describing a machine-based system that makes predictions, recommendations, or decisions using machine and human inputs. Members generally agreed the definition was solid and noted that it could be amended later as the field evolves.
The task force also discussed the broader legislative approach to AI. Members said the issue is fluid and that they do not want to regulate too early or duplicate existing law. They noted that current criminal statutes, including recent changes related to morphed images, appear to cover AI-related crimes for now, and the attorney general’s office reported no current loopholes or need for tweaks. Homeland Security likewise had no recommendations for new legislation. The chair said the report would be submitted to leadership if there were no objections, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/5/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- enhance their economic engagement with Taiwan based on the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, United States Code
- 18.399>
States Taiwan Relations Act, TRA, United States Taiwan Relations Act, TRA, United States Code - ,<00:13:19.200>
Title <00:13:19.680>22, <00:13:20.560>Section Code, Title 22, Section - Code, Title 22, Section 3301,<00:13:22.880>
as <00:13:23.120>article <00:13:23.680>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It adds three new codes: the Elections Code, the Penal Code, and the Health Senator Creighton: and Safety
- Code.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have a QR code here, too.
- So those were created in Century Code in 61.35.
- So mid to late 90s, that Century Code was put in place.
- So those were created in century code in 61.35.
- So mid to late 90s, that century code was put in place.
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.