Video & Transcript Research : 'explicit content'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (03/25/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- 01.839>
its the report is January 15th 1995 but its the report is January 15th 1995 but its contents - 50:03.440>
that <00:50:03.680>by <00:50:03.799>a <00:50:03.920>number contents - long predated that by a number contents long predated that by a number of<00:50:04.280>
years
Summary:
The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee.
The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes.
Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/05/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm aware of this because it has been a bone of contention for me that they aren't paying taxes.
- been<00:41:38.319>
a <00:41:38.560>bone <00:41:38.720>of <00:41:38.880>contention - <00:41:39.359>
for <00:41:39.599>me has been a bone of contention for me has been a - bone of contention for me that<00:41:40.400>
they <00:41:40.640>aren't <00:41:40.880>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 04/17/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving to subdivision two, we're talking about the contents of the prosecuting authority policy.
- 02:18:23.599>
talking <02:18:23.880>about <02:18:24.080>the <02:18:24.200>contents - <02:18:24.960>
of uh we're talking about the contents of uh we're talking about the contents
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 3 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- the defense lawyers, public or private, weren't even included in the conversations that led to the content
- conversations that led included in the conversations that led to<02:57:20.840>
the <02:57:21.000>content this <02:57:21.880>bill <02:57:22.200>is <02:57:22.520>really to the content- of this bill is really to the content of this bill is really troubling troubling troubling uh<02:57:
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, any class that's not part of a content of an adequate education would now be sort of like carved
- that's not part So, any class any class that's not part of<00:22:00.240>
a <00:22:00.320>content - of<00:22:00.720>
an <00:22:00.880>adequate <00:22:01.200>education of a content - of an adequate education of a content of an adequate education would<00:22:02.240>
now <00:22:
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Commission to Study Stable Tokens (11/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's not a whole lot of content there. provide great opportunity for for our provide great opportunity
- <00:13:17.279>
whole <00:13:17.440>lot <00:13:17.519>of <00:13:17.680>content - So there's not a whole lot of content So there's not a whole lot of content there. there. there.
Summary:
The commission met on November 12 and first approved the September 17 and October 15 draft minutes unanimously after brief discussion. Members also identified themselves for the record, including a new member from Bumpsk Bank, a staff attorney from the Secretary of State’s Bureau of Securities Regulation, a prior crypto commission participant, and a uniform law commissioner involved in tokenization projects.
The main presentation was by UNH law professor Seth Orinberg, who discussed the federal GENIUS Act and the pending Clarity Act and how they affect New Hampshire’s options in the digital asset space. He described the GENIUS Act as governing payment stablecoins/stable tokens, defining them as blockchain-based assets used primarily for payments, redeemable for a fixed amount of national currency, and required to maintain stable value. He said the law creates three possible state roles: hosting federally qualified issuers, becoming a state qualifier for issuers up to a $10 billion threshold, or exploring state-backed issuance as a sovereign. He noted that the state-qualification path would require conforming legislation, examination capacity, and coordination with Treasury, while the sovereign-issuer theory is legally uncertain and may become a test case.
Orinberg also outlined the core compliance framework he said applies to covered issuers: 100% reserve backing in high-quality liquid assets, monthly public reserve reporting, no yield or interest-like rewards, segregation of reserve assets, immediate redemption at face value, and anti-money-laundering/know-your-customer obligations. He then turned to the Clarity Act, describing it as a broader market-structure bill that would create categories such as digital asset, digital commodity, digital security, and ancillary asset, with self-certification procedures for issuers. He said the two federal laws together would separate payments from investments, preempt inconsistent state standards for covered payment stablecoins, and likely reshape the boundaries of state authority over digital assets.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group 10-16-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- have three policies that are available to the public that to me, as I read them, affect all of the content
- affect<00:34:37.200>
all <00:34:37.440>of <00:34:37.599>the <00:34:37.760>content - <00:34:38.079>
of read them affect all of the content of read them affect all of the content
Summary:
The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans.
DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment.
The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services.
Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (03/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- as a teacher on a part-time basis for less than 20 hours per week in a local or statewide shortage content
- or than 20 hours per week in a local or Statewide<01:26:43.159>
shortage <01:26:43.800>content - Statewide shortage content Statewide shortage content area area area um<01:26:48.320>
and
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0.
Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted.
The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted.
Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- When you look at different content areas, those are not necessarily evidence-based.
- 16:35.040>
different correct when you look at different correct when you look at different content - >
those <00:16:37.639>are <00:16:37.920>not <00:16:38.360>necessarily content - areas those are not necessarily content areas those are not necessarily evidence-based<00:16:40.279>
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. The Department of Education testified that the bill’s definition would conflict with federal definitions and be very restrictive, potentially affecting a wide range of instructional methods, curriculum materials, teacher training, civics requirements, suicide prevention training, and other programs. The department said the bill could force a broad overhaul of school practices, create local implementation burdens, and require at least one new state position, with a fiscal note estimating roughly $118,000 in FY 2026 rising in later years. Members also raised concerns about possible impacts on federal pass-through funding and whether the bill was workable. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0.
The committee then heard HB 133, a Department of Safety/DMV bill involving follow-up when a person votes using an out-of-state license or non-driver ID and then does not obtain a New Hampshire credential within the statutory timeframe. DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology upgrade plus a new full-time position, and that the fiscal note did not include postage or fully account for the manual work needed to match records, send notices, and review responses. They said the proposal also raised broader tracking issues because it would apply not only to voters but to anyone who had not obtained a New Hampshire license within 60 days, and they questioned whether DMV was the proper agency to make those inquiries.
Committee members pressed the department on how the 60-day clock would be determined, whether the bill could amount to a kind of poll tax or raise privacy concerns, and whether voter ID cards or other exceptions would avoid that problem. The department explained that New Hampshire offers a free voter identification card through town clerks for people without a license or state ID, but said the bill did not exempt those cards and that the DMV would still be asked to investigate status after voting. Officials also said the bill would be difficult to enforce, that some cases would be ambiguous, and that any response from the DMV would likely amount to a request for information rather than an enforceable consequence. No vote on HB 133 was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (04/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, this is an explicit allow bill that explicitly allows you to be able to bet on the Kentucky Derby
- So again, if we look on page one, line four, it's very explicit. All right.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire.
Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming.
Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Congratulations, Mary Joe, on this prestigious award, and best wishes for joy and contentment in your
- /c><00:14:07.920>
for <00:14:08.240>joy <00:14:08.639>and <00:14:08.959>contentment - <00:14:09.600>
in best wishes for joy and contentment in best wishes for joy and contentment - TruthSnap, a mobile app that uses artificial intelligence to instantly verify the accuracy of any video content
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/14/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- They make up content.
- They make up content.<05:17:11.280>
Uh <05:17:11.680>that's <05:17:12.080>not <05 - :17:12.480>
great <05:17:12.718>way <05:17:12.878>to <05:17:13.200>do content - Uh that's not a great way to do content.
- Ryan, is: does Part Four, matter who administers, let's just say it's a generic Part Four, but the content
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 1, HB 2 (06/13/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- All of which offer better content, better availability, competitive pricing, etc., etc.
- It's the content that is changing, and there's a cost of $3,000 to $4,000 per machine.
- It's just the the content<00:27:14.000>
is <00:27:14.240>changing <00:27:14.799>and< - /c><00:27:14.960>
that <00:27:15.200>there's <00:27:15.440>a content is changing - and that there's a content is changing and that there's a cost<00:27:15.760>
of <00:27:16.000>
Summary:
The Committee of Conference on HB 1 and HB 2 met to review revenue estimates and begin working through the HB 1 detail change sheet. New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre reported stronger-than-expected lottery performance, raising the current-year return estimate to $27 million and the next biennium estimate to $200 million, with the increase attributed to improved scratch ticket sales and sports betting not hurting revenue as much as expected. Members questioned the assumptions behind the higher estimates, including the impact of $50 scratch tickets and whether the figures accounted for future conversion from historical horse racing (HHR) machines to video lottery terminals (VLTs). McIntyre and committee members discussed machine counts, per-day revenue assumptions, and the likelihood that VLT conversion would increase revenues over time, though the timing and pace of conversion remained an open question.
The committee also discussed several gaming-related policy items in HB 2, including changes to kino hours and local option games of chance, and noted that the Senate and House differed on how gaming revenues would be allocated between charities, education, and general funds. Members emphasized that revenue projections should remain conservative because operators, not the state, would control the pace of machine conversion. Representative Sweeney noted that operators could earn more per machine under the VLT model, and McIntyre said the new facilities and expansions were largely concentrated near the Massachusetts border.
The committee then moved to the HB 1 detail change sheet. It agreed to Senate position on the Department of Safety’s road toll bureau and international registration program changes, which were described as a zero-cost realignment of positions, and held the Department of Corrections section for later discussion. On the judicial side, members approved a technical footnote fix, but held a new contract counsel item for involuntary mental health admissions and deferred discussion of the public defender program increase. The committee also noted no change for the PE development authority, moved safety rest area funding from HB 2 into HB 1 with no additional cost, and flagged the tourism development fund and other judicial items as issues that may depend on overall available revenue.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (03/31/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- came, uh, on consent basically from the Committee of Environment and Agriculture, um, so we put the contents
- came, uh, on consent basically from the Committee of Environment and Agriculture, um, so we put the contents
- came, uh, on consent basically from the Committee of Environment and Agriculture, um, so we put the contents
- came, uh, on consent basically from the Committee of Environment and Agriculture, um, so we put the contents
- came, uh, on consent basically from the Committee of Environment and Agriculture, um, so we put the contents
Summary:
The Finance Committee met to review Division One of a very large budget package, with the chair explaining that the budget was being analyzed in three divisions over multiple days. Members first discussed procedure, including when amendments and line-item votes would be taken, and agreed to proceed with the division’s presentation before questions. Representative Maguire then outlined the division’s approach as a series of tradeoffs to close a large budget gap, emphasizing cuts, some revenue changes, and a focus on overall spending levels as well as individual reductions.
The presentation covered a wide range of agencies and policy areas. Major proposed changes included cuts or eliminations to several boards and commissions viewed as costly or duplicative, such as the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Aging, Office of the Child Advocate, and the Personnel Appeals Board, with some functions consolidated into other boards. The division also proposed back-of-the-budget cuts to the Information Technology Department, Judicial Branch, Justice Department, Retirement System, Corrections, and Environmental Services, along with fee increases in several areas. Other notable items included ending marketing for Paid Family Leave, reducing job advertising and tourism promotion, defunding the Arts Council, moving liquor enforcement functions out of the Liquor Commission, and shifting some funds such as the College Savings Commission money to Division Two.
Several members questioned specific cuts, especially the elimination of the Council on Aging, the reduction in regional planning commission grants, and the large cut to tourism advertising. Maguire defended the choices as necessary budget tradeoffs, arguing that some programs duplicated work done elsewhere, that regional planning grants were not among the most essential items, and that tourism promotion was a form of spending he viewed skeptically. He also explained that the public defender’s budget was partially restored after a credible claim of a governor’s budget error, and that the committee would continue refining corrections-related cuts because the House was only halfway through the budget process and further changes could still occur in the Senate and conference committee.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/16/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- have a right to, and I'll quote it, have a sexual assault evidence collection kit or its probative contents
- 35:11.920>
probitative collection kit or its probitative collection kit or its probitative content - <00:35:12.960>
contents <00:35:13.599>preserved <00:35:14.079>without content contents - preserved without content contents preserved without charge<00:35:14.960>
for <00:35:15.200>
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day Jun 30th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- In cases, we may redact content and protect the privacy and safety of the testifiers or others.
- The DOC calls our business content, but again, over the last several years, we went from sitting side
Summary:
The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well.
Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC.
A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- more constituent-friendly and have a more accessible interface by including English-equivalent ASL content
- more constituent-friendly and have a more accessible interface by including English-equivalent ASL content
Summary:
The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony.
Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection.
The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 18th, 2026
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, just after my freshman year, I already started using some of my course content in this internship
- We repeatedly hear from employers that they can teach some of the content.
Summary:
The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort.
Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment.
The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.