Transcript Highlights:

• But last interim, I know the Government Finance Committee, one of the directives from the chairman, was
• But last interim, I know the government finance committee, one of the directives from the chairman, was
• Members of the Government Finance Committee, my name is Rich Garman, Director of Economic Development
• and Finance for the North Dakota Department of Commerce.
• Chairman and members of the Government Finance Committee, my name is Joel Baysflug.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But last interim, I know the Government Finance Committee, one of the directives from the chairman, was
• But last interim, I know the government finance committee, one of the directives from the chairman, was
• Members of the Government Finance Committee, my name is Rich Garman, Director of Economic Development
• and Finance for the North Dakota Department of Commerce.
• Chairman and members of the Government Finance Committee, my name is Joel Baysflug.

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It went to finance. It was pulled out there at the request of the committee to come here.
• They've got the finances and the resources to protect this data.
• and<00:26:19.760> the They've got the finances and the They've got the finances and the
• <00:37:51.120> I<00:37:51.200> would it pass and go to finance today.
• I would it pass and go to finance today.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• new uh processing backend<00:36:04.480> system<00:36:04.720> for<00:36:04.960> financing
• <00:36:05.440> and backend system for financing and backend system for financing and licensing
• and also my temporary sub<01:08:53.040> position<01:08:53.440> on<01:08:53.679> finance
• c><01:08:54.400> division<01:08:54.960> 3<01:08:55.279> last sub position on finance
• division 3 last sub position on finance division 3 last year<01:08:56.159> I've<01:08:56.400>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the March 6, 2026 meeting and then received updates from the Legislative Budget Assistant audit staff on several ongoing audits. Christine Young reported that the special education audit was in report-writing stage with 39 of 80 observations completed and a draft expected in the second quarter, the education freedom accounts audit had 27 of 42 observations completed with a draft also expected in the second quarter, and the Doorway program audit had a draft report with 15 observations sent to DHHS on March 30, with responses due April 24 and presentation expected at the May fiscal committee meeting. Members asked about the size of the special education report, and staff estimated it would be over 800 pages and roughly three pounds. The committee then reviewed prior audit responsiveness from the Human Rights Commission. The commission reported that 22 observations had been completed, with remaining issues focused on timely case processing, a formal risk assessment, and a performance measurement system. Officials said staffing shortages were improving, a risk assessment manual had been drafted, a scorecard system was nearly complete, and the commission’s rules were moving through the public hearing process. Members asked about the timeline, and the commission said case processing was averaging 20 to 22 months and that the remaining items were expected to be resolved over time. Police Standards and Training also reported progress on prior audit items. The director corrected one status designation and said the job task analysis for curriculum development was substantially resolved, with findings and recommendations being prepared for the council. He said work on fitness testing was on hold pending legislative action, the performance measurement and strategic planning item remained a priority, and the council was focusing first on updating administrative rules. He also said the corrections advisory committee likely needed a statutory amendment to better reflect members with practical corrections experience. In response to questions, he said the council does not certify county correctional officers but reviews county curriculum annually, and he said the agency would be open to discussing consolidation or a pathway for county officers to become state-certified. The Department of Corrections then updated the committee on parole board-related audit items, saying 11 of 13 DOC-related findings were resolved. The remaining issues involved implementing a structured decision-making process for the parole board and improving data collection for recidivism tracking; the board had applied to the National Institute of Corrections for training, and manual data collection was underway. DOC also said it had created a HIPAA-compliant release form to share substance use disorder treatment information with the parole board. Finally, OPLC reported on the mental health workforce audit, saying six findings were fully resolved and six substantially resolved, with most remaining items tied to rulemaking and application processing. The office expects to complete its backend system migration and improve timeliness metrics by the end of the year, and it recently launched a jurisprudence exam for the mental health board. Under potential audit topics, staff said two items remained suspended because of litigation, and the committee discussed whether to keep DHHS contract management on the list. Representative [name unclear] proposed adding two new education freedom account audit topics: verification of residency and eligibility, and a record of educational attainment while preserving student privacy. Members supported adding them, but staff warned the expanded scope could delay the report and would require coordination with the Department of Education and approval by the Fiscal Committee. The chair said staff would work with the commissioner and LBA to draft the revised scope for further committee action.

Transcript Highlights:

• government has decided that, um, in order to, to, um, quote and quote balance the budget or like finance
• c><00:24:23.760> budget<00:24:24.160> or<00:24:24.280> like<00:24:24.560> finance
• quote balance the budget or like finance quote balance the budget or like finance um<00:24:25.920
• This brownfields funding source fills a gap in financing that can make or break a project's feasibility
• , local governments are are financed, local governments are are financed, everything<00:57:49.240

Bills: HF2715, HF2499, HF3420, HF3657, HF2303

Keywords: HF2715, homestead credit refund, property tax refund, property tax relief, homeowner tax relief, homestead credit, co-pay reduction, Minnesota property taxes, tax rebate, state refund, income thresholds, inflation adjustment, property tax circuit breaker, housing affordability, elderly homeowners, fixed income, taxation, Minnesota Statutes 290A.04, renters credit, income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill directs the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to establish and oversee the Homes for Veterans
• Senate Bill 1604 creates the vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust fund within the Florida Housing Finance
• That committee will be responsible for reviewing and monitoring both the operations and financing of
• It provides that tax increment financing funds generated by children's services special districts are
• Under tab 22, we'll take up HB 5403, correctional facilities financing and capital improvement.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee considered a large agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and a trust for Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, and CS/CS/SB 1266, which creates a cybersecurity experiential learning and clearance-readiness program through the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida. The committee also approved SB 532 on clerks of court funding, allowing clerks to retain all excess Article V revenue rather than returning half to the state and clarifying foreclosure sale procedures. In addition, the committee passed CS/CS/SB 1602 and CS/CS/SB 1604 to create and fund a pilot housing program for veterans through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and CS/SB 1110 to expand Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including testimony from affected families and advocates. The committee also adopted an amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/SB 1012 on inmate services, removing the bill’s medical-services compensation provisions while retaining changes to the inmate welfare trust fund and related facility uses. It also adopted a delete-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/CS/SB 1614, which was narrowed to remove a provision allowing local governments to use excess fees to construct new buildings. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 17, a Medicaid oversight and transparency bill. The sponsor said the measure would create a joint legislative Medicaid oversight committee, authorize the Legislature to retain its own actuary, modernize Medicaid statutes, strengthen managed-care performance standards, and increase accountability for pharmacy benefit managers and related entities. After amendment, the committee adopted changes removing several PBM-related provisions while retaining the broader oversight framework. Testimony from supporters emphasized transparency, fraud prevention, and cost control, while a PBM trade association asked to continue working on affiliate-manufacturer, network, and payment issues. The bill was reported favorably. The most extensive discussion centered on CS/SB 1758, which proposes major changes to Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described five reforms: stronger fraud and overpayment recovery authority, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral-health services through Medicaid waivers, pharmacy-program changes to obtain rebates and reduce institutional costs, and SNAP/EBT reforms including photo IDs and work requirements. The committee adopted two amendments: one adding a transitional “glide path” for people who gain employment but risk losing Medicaid, and another exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud, improve accountability, and encourage work, while opponents warned it would increase administrative burdens, push eligible people off coverage, and conflict with federal law or guidance. The bill remained under debate with extensive public testimony from advocates, providers, and affected families, and the transcript ends before final disposition on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> It being 2:30, I'll call the executive session for the House Finance Committee to order.
• And so, I think the original way that the Finance Committee was going to deal with this from last year
• Next bill out of division three, House Finance, House Bill 1566, uh, very similar to House Bill 1515,
• Next bill out of division three, House Finance, House Bill 1566, uh, very similar to House Bill 1515,
• Next bill out of division three, House Finance, House Bill 1566, uh, very similar to House Bill 1515,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the associate commissioner in the Office of Finance and Operations. Good afternoon.
• Uh, the Finance Cabinet is very helpful in trying to get these positions out there and available for
• Uh, the Finance Cabinet is very helpful in trying to get these positions out there and available for
• Uh, the Finance Cabinet is very helpful in trying to get these positions out there and available for
• Uh the finance cabinet is very anything.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 History of SEEK 00:02:15 Summary of On-Behalf Payments 00:12:40 Discussion on Collection of University Debt Department of Revenue 00:32:40 Northern Kentucky University 00:57:10, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the September 17 meeting, and heard a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education staff on SEEK school funding and KDE on-behalf payments. KDE explained recent SEEK changes, including the guaranteed base per-pupil amount, attendance-based calculations, second-month and January growth, the 2022 change funding kindergarten at 100% instead of 50%, and the existing add-ons for at-risk students, exceptional children, limited English learners, home/hospital instruction, and transportation. Staff also reviewed tier one funding, noting the 2024 increase from 15% to 17.5% and explaining that eligibility depends on local tax effort and property wealth. They also described Senate Bill 6 from the 2025 session as a reporting proposal to include on-behalf costs in education spending totals. KDE staff then outlined on-behalf payments made for districts, including roughly $458 million for Teachers Retirement System contributions, $942 million for health insurance, about $12 million for technology costs, and additional SFCC debt service outside KDE’s appropriation, for a total of about $1.5 billion. Members asked how a future Senate Bill 6 would affect local contributions and whether folding on-behalf payments into SEEK would shift costs among districts. KDE and Senator Gibbons clarified that the bill was intended only as a reporting mechanism and would not change local contribution or district payments; it would simply present a broader total of state education investment. The discussion also noted that Kentucky’s reported SEEK amount alone does not capture all state education spending. Members raised questions about home and hospital instruction data, saying local concerns suggest growth in some communities even if statewide numbers appear stable. KDE said the statewide figure has been relatively consistent but offered to provide district-level trend data. Co-Chair Petrie also asked about the accuracy of SEEK projections and on-behalf calculations, referencing prior concerns from the Office of Education Accountability. KDE responded that it works with the state budget director’s office in a consensus forecasting process and has been reviewing demographic and property-assessment data, including exceptional child counts, to improve forecast accuracy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Question: It's an FN, so if we were to pass it out of this committee, it still goes to Finance.
• Question: It's an FN, so if we were to pass it out of this committee, it still goes to Finance.
• out of this committee it still<00:26:47.240> goes<00:26:47.480> to<00:26:47.720> finance
• <00:26:48.480> that's still goes to finance that's still goes to finance that's correct<00
• that Senator Gray would be looking at that once the policy makes the decision and it gets to the finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I'll turn it over to Lucas Ding, our finance director.
• I'm the finance director at Goodhue County.
• c><00:30:36.519> Lucas<00:30:36.919> ding<00:30:37.279> our<00:30:37.480> finance
• it over to uh Lucas ding our finance it over to uh Lucas ding our finance director<00:30:38.360>
• at goodu the finance director at goodu County<00:30:56.799> um<00:30:57.039> so<00:30:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have already given up on the idea of owning a cannabis business, or they may never just find the financing
• <00:16:13.840> And just find the financing or funds.
• And just find the financing or funds.
• . financing. financing.
• <01:04:27.120> their refinancing or financing their refinancing or financing their community

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Bierman responded that they are referring it to the State Government Finance and Policy Committee
• Right now, this is going to move to State Government Finance and Policy.
• <00:17:43.679> Thank Government Finance and Policy. Thank Government Finance and Policy.
• The response was that it is going to Judicial Finance and Civil.
• House File 2689, as amended, was referred to the Committee on Judicial Finance and Civil Law.

Bills: HF3521, HF3563, HF82, HF2689, HF1794, HF3544, HF3516, HF1752

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:22.640> and having worked in the the finance and having worked in the the finance and
• Bureau is going to be protection Finance Bureau is going to be gutted<00:31:39.799> basically
• for committees yet we have not financing for committees yet we have not worked<00:52:49.799> on
• So these products have begun to replace payday loans as a preferred short-term financing product that
• <01:04:37.400> product preferred short-term financing product preferred short-term financing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's referred to Finance and the majority committee on Education Policy and Administration, to which
• The motion is adopted, and this also goes to Finance.
• The motion is adopted, and this is on its way to Finance. referred House Bill 67 FNA an act referred
• The committee report is adopted, and it's on its way to Finance.
• House Bill 133 is referred to the Committee on Finance.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you're saying all those people are going to be gone under this bill, and there's going to be one finance
• "There's going to be one finance officer and one, uh, in this case, administrator who does all that other
• must have a very comprehensive understanding of school law, school finance, and school policy.
• must have a very comprehensive understanding of school law, school finance, and school policy.
• My master's program, I was very fortunate, I did get a lot of finance in that program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, our town and our schools, we all—our ways and means, finance committees, zoning, and planning
• <01:25:15.840> in<01:25:16.480> instruments other similar financing in instruments
• committee may not be asked finance committee may not be asked during<01:51:02.320> the<01:51:
• Thank you for the finance committee.
• I think the best one that I can say, objectively watching all the finance committee meetings for both

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported. The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, provisional eligibility would serve as a type of bridge financing, and that's really what it
• But we really want to work on the policy of this, and we'll work with Finance after we get it out of
• Finally, provisional eligibility would serve as a type of bridge financing, and that's really what it
• Finally, provisional eligibility would serve as a type of bridge financing, and that's really what it
• Finally, provisional eligibility would serve as a type of bridge financing, and that's really what it

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to extending until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the time within which the Committee on Health Care Financing
• The time within which the Committee on Health Care Financing is authorized to report on current House

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules reports. It adopted resolutions commending Plymouth on becoming the 451st International City of Peace and honoring the Massachusetts Pain Initiative for recognizing September 2025 as Pain Awareness Month. The House also adopted orders extending reporting deadlines for the committees on Community Development and Small Businesses, Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Health Care Financing, and Telecommunications, Utility, and Energy. The chamber concurred in a Senate referral sending a petition on modernizing permitting for certain transportation loads to the Committee on Transportation. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 for several petitions, including proposals on pipe-fitting exemptions, Hispanic-serving institutions in higher education, and adding bone marrow and organ donation to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. The House then approved a slate of bills for consideration, including measures on gender-neutral election-law language, several Haverhill civil service exemptions, improved headlight safety, a Natick civil service exemption, and a sick leave bank for Aidan Daniels. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave second reading and ordered several bills to a third reading. It then passed to engrossment local bills concerning the Natick town home rule charter, Rochester governance, and Leicester stabilization funds. On House No. 3392, designating September as PCOS Awareness Month, the House adopted an emergency preamble amendment offered by Representative Walsh and then passed the bill as amended to engrossment. The House also observed a moment of silent tribute requested by Representative Jones for political activist Charlie Kirk, with remarks condemning the killing and calling for civil discourse. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill was referred to us by the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee for study.
• you know, that was the bill you brought forth, since it ultimately was referred to us by the Senate Finance

Keywords: Public Body Procurement Workgroup, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibiting and deeming void retroactively penalties against the committee for failure to file a campaign finance
• prohibiting and deeming void retroactively penalties against the committee for failure to file a campaign finance

Summary: The caucus reviewed several House bills with Senate amendments and conference committee changes. HB 282 would create the Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission and direct DHS to award grants for pediatric cancer and rare disease research; the sponsor said the bill is intended to better use existing funds and federal or donated money, and the Senate amendment shifts grant-awarding authority to the DHS director and requires at least $5 million in funding. HB 2096 would let WIFA assist counties with cesspool remediation, replacement, or closure; the Senate added water-quality compliance language and definitions, and the sponsor said the bill helps smaller counties address illegal cesspools. HB 2749 would reclassify certain non-dangerous felonies as class 1 misdemeanors when criteria are met; the Senate added exclusions for some offenses and a delayed repeal date, and the sponsor’s concurrence was noted. HB 4001 would establish licensing for alternative nicotine product manufacturers and distributors, add enforcement and penalties for sales to minors, and the sponsor emphasized product tracking, stronger enforcement, and protections against youth-targeted marketing. The committee also discussed conference committee versions of HB 2010, HB 2874, HB 2133, and HB 2003. HB 2010 concerns advertising disclosures for digital goods and prorated refunds; the conference amendment limited refunds to digital goods purchased for $20 or more under specified license terms and increased the annual reduction rate. HB 2874 deals with campaign committee termination statements and penalties for late or missing reports; the conference amendment added public disclosure of committees owing penalties, capped penalties, required termination statements in some cases, and added an emergency clause. HB 2133 requires consent and age verification for publishing sexual material online, including AI-generated material; the conference amendment added exceptions for certain preexisting rated films and TV productions and adjusted definitions. HB 2003 lowers the age for an instruction permit to 15 and extends the permit-holding period for some teen drivers; the conference amendment grandfathered permit holders who are at least 15 and a half years old on November 30, 2026 so they are not subject to the longer waiting period. No votes were taken in the transcript, and the caucus ended after questions and brief explanations from staff and sponsors.