Transcript Highlights:

• We meet with emergency management from Volusia County over there addressing our new disaster assessment
• And then you don't have any other outside sources disturbing you, and then we have a 96-inch screen.
• billings: town records did not demonstrate that the utility fees were correctly or consistently assessed

Summary: The committee first took up a long-running audit finding involving the City of Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit fund balance, which has exceeded the statutory cap for several years and was reported at $10.8 million in the latest audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city had analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees, used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation, and is pursuing a $9.4 million City Hall expansion that they say is allowed under a November 2024 Attorney General opinion permitting construction of a building to house the building code enforcement function. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, whether the proposed uses were truly lawful, why the balance kept growing despite fee waivers, and where the interest earnings were going. The mayor and deputy city manager said the city’s growth and staffing needs justified the plan, but several members expressed frustration and skepticism. A public commenter also urged accountability and raised concerns about the city’s spending plans and the size of the remaining balance. The committee then received an Auditor General presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 operational audit findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings included election paperwork problems that left a council seat vacant, conflicts of interest, late financial disclosure filings, related-party transactions, inadequate meeting notices and minutes, quorum and voting documentation problems, council members’ involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget adoption and monitoring deficiencies, inaccurate accounting records and bank reconciliations, utility billing and rate issues, grant compliance problems tied to an unfinished grocery store project, weak personnel and contracting controls, improper severance and compensation issues, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control weaknesses, poor public records access, and IT access and fraud-policy gaps. Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit largely reflected the prior administration and that the current council and staff are taking corrective action. They said the town terminated the former manager, adopted seven new policies since the audit began, and is working with the Auditor General to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics compliance. The town attorney said he had alerted federal authorities earlier about concerns, and committee members noted that FDLE has received a criminal referral and is investigating. Several members praised the new leadership’s cooperation but also suggested the town consider consolidation or dissolution if problems persist.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the past 30 years, the organization has been funded by a self-imposed assessment on businesses that
• The assessment model has created a reliable source of funding for statewide tourism marketing that maintains
• So the more that we can do to get filming back to California and have the state on the big screen showing

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities. San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have not looked at that, and once we get the data back from Lendistry about their assessment of the
• we'll be able to give you more data once we receive reports back from Lendistry on their overall assessment
• Ring IR was a company that was making early detection of COVID screening processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to qualify, you have to actually screen for skilled care.
• A lot of the work can be done after a site assessment. Much of the work is done remotely.
• Okay, so this is more on an assessment than it is an actual examination or... Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent. Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions. After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• million to support pediatric cancer research, $4.2 million to increase breast and cervical cancer screening
• Florida high school student, SF 3520 that Reduces funding by the same amount from new advanced K-12 assessments
• The bill standardizes the authorized use of funds that aligns with reference assessment requirements.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so with that, I just want to get it on your radar screen the issue about the regional tool sharing
• support new grants from the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, continue an existing program assessment
• So this funding is a critical first step to assess adaptation measures to keep the wetlands operating

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, in 2023, 169 illegal immigrants on the terrorist screening watch list were apprehended between
• Every, so what we did, uh, the first time I'm aware of in history, as you know, we do a gang threat assessment
• And if I can give you an honest assessment of 287G, it's a very important tool in the toolbox for, uh

Transcript Highlights:

• We, every five years, develop and adopt a comprehensive state water plan, which assesses the water demands
• This past interim, we devised an implementation plan, and this snapshot that you see on the screen demonstrates
• location of cane along the border, the agency asked one of our existing contractors to conduct an assessment

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They screen them for their probability or feasibility in Florida.
• capacity congestion relief projects, we're an integral part of the data collection and evaluation and assessment
• capacity congestion relief projects we're an integral part of the data collection and evaluation and assessment

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're now on page seven in the packet and on the screen.
• There is a, excuse me, page six in the packet and on the screen, I apologize.
• You can see that there is, on your screen, a difference from the language that you found in your packet
• You can see that there is, on your screen, a difference from the language that you find in your packet
• Senator Cook, we can't see his screen. We cannot see the screen.

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committees met to consider several FY 2026 and FY 2027 cash transfers and then begin work on maintenance budget language for FY 2027. Keith Bybee of Budget and Policy Analysis and Lori Wolf of the Division of Financial Management explained that the transfers were tied to balances in funds with obligations below available cash, and that some projects had been canceled or delayed for reasons including budget constraints, site issues, or other program changes. Senator Wintrow raised concerns that some of the projects, such as corrections, reentry, juvenile services, and the Carnegie Library, had been important when originally funded and should not be viewed as unimportant now. The committee approved a $33.745 million transfer from the Permanent Building Fund to the General Fund, a $15 million transfer from the Water Pollution Control Fund to the General Fund, and a $10 million transfer from the In-Demand Careers Fund to the General Fund for FY 2026. It also approved a separate FY 2027 transfer of $10 million from the In-Demand Careers Fund to the General Fund, with language specifying the transfer would occur after awards were obligated and reconciled, on or after December 31, 2026. Each motion passed on roll call with due-pass recommendations, with a small number of dissenting votes. After the cash transfer actions, the committee shifted to reviewing the draft clear language for FY 2027 maintenance budgets. Bybee explained that the packet contained standard language for the ten maintenance budgets and that the analysts would work with members in agency-by-agency workgroups because the reporting structure had been disrupted by budget adjustments. Members discussed how maintenance-bill language is selected and confirmed that the language reflects existing law or previously adopted budget provisions. The committee then adjourned until the next morning, with workgroups to continue reviewing the maintenance budget language.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to share my screen here. Screen here. How do you do this?
• Folks, bear with while we try to do a screen share. I guess we're going to do the entire screen.
• Or I could email it to someone with screen-sharing capabilities, the slideshow.
• You're still sharing your screen with her. Oh, good.
• If we could do a full screen on this, Gabby, too, that'd be fantastic.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, allowing the group to proceed officially. Co-chair remarks highlighted recent successful Henry Knox Trail commemorations in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, with praise for the organizers and participants. The meeting then focused on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 planning, including statewide events tied to the Revolution’s 250th anniversary. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism outlined several America 250 initiatives: selecting an item for the national time capsule, organizing a July 8 nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence, encouraging a July 5 “America’s potluck,” and considering a “heritage tractor” tribute from Kansas as a model for Massachusetts participation. Members discussed who should decide the time capsule contents, with suggestions that Secretary Galvin and the commission help set criteria, and there was interest in creating a separate Massachusetts-only time capsule as a backup. The commission also discussed whether Governor Healey should formally endorse the potluck effort, and members expressed support for distributing a graphic for the Declaration reading. Revolution 250 and related organizers gave updates on upcoming commemorations: Worcester was moved to a larger venue due to strong attendance, Framingham will include living history portrayals of Patriots of Color, Cambridge and Roxbury programs are being planned, and Dorchester Heights/Evacuation Day events will include a Boston Public Library evening commemoration and a March 17 procession and ceremony. Sail Boston was also previewed as a major international event with dozens of ships and extensive public safety coordination. A final presentation pitched “Rebel Town,” a Boston Tea Party musical, as a potential America 250 attraction; the presenter described the show’s development, audience appeal, and need for a Boston venue and funding. No votes were taken beyond the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to share my screen here. Screen here. How do you do this?
• Folks, bear with while we try to do a screen share. I guess we're going to do the entire screen.
• Or I could email it to someone with screen-sharing capabilities, the slideshow.
• You're still sharing your screen with her. Oh, good.
• If we could do a full screen on this, Gabby, too, that'd be fantastic.

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call, establishing a quorum after some initial confusion about attendance. Chair Paul Mark and Co-Chair Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester event. The group also discussed the role of the National Park Service and changes in park leadership related to Boston National Historical Park. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism gave a detailed update on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 programming. Topics included the Henry Knox Trail commemorations, grant funding for 250th-related events, the proposed America 250 time capsule, a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, an “America’s potluck” idea for July 5, educational programming, volunteer service initiatives, and a Kansas-inspired tractor tribute. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions for a Massachusetts-only backup capsule and for Secretary of State Bill Galvin to help determine criteria. They also said they would seek the governor’s input on the potluck idea and distribute a graphic for the Declaration reading. Representatives from Revolution 250 then updated the commission on upcoming commemorations tied to Henry Knox and Evacuation Day, including Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights. They described crowd sizes, procession plans, living history participants, a Washington Medal unveiling at the Boston Public Library, and coordination with local and state partners. They also gave an extensive update on Sail Boston, including ship recruitment, public safety planning, expected international participation, and the event’s overlap with other major Boston activities. The meeting ended with a presentation on “Rebel Town,” a proposed musical about the Boston Tea Party, which its creator said was developed in western Massachusetts and sought support to bring to Boston for the 250th anniversary. The commission took no substantive votes beyond approving adjournment at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know even the manufacturer of mifepristone originally warned the FDA that without in-person screening
• As you recall, we are at risk of losing mandated coverage of colorectal cancer screenings in not only
• Access to that screening is incredibly important.
• Unfortunately, as the Assemblymember mentioned, adherence to recommended screening is fairly low.
• Today, 75% of the people that die of CRC are not up to date with the recommended screening.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• about six months now, and our progress has included initiating an internal Black health equity assessment
• Yet nearly half said that they either did not receive or do not remember receiving a mental health screening
• Well, I think the report does highlight clear gaps in access to mental health care screenings, doula

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about six months now, and our progress has included initiating an internal Black health equity assessment
• Yet nearly half said that they either did not receive or do not remember receiving a mental health screening
• Well, I think the report does highlight clear gaps in access to mental health care screenings, doula

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities opened with remarks framing the discussion around reproductive and maternal health disparities affecting Latina, Black, and Indigenous women in California. Members emphasized the need to connect state data with lived experience, and the committee heard historical context on coercive sterilization, language access, and the ways immigration status, poverty, and racism continue to shape reproductive health care. The first panel featured Clarissa Ramirez of California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Sophia Pedrosa of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and Kim Robinson of Black Women for Wellness, who described reproductive justice principles, the legacy of eugenics and forced sterilization, community education efforts, promotoras, and the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive care. They also raised concerns about federal funding cuts, fear related to ICE and public charge, and the loss of education and outreach programs that support patients and families. The second part of the hearing focused on maternal health. Matt Green of the California Department of Public Health described persistent racial disparities, including Black birthing people being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and outlined state efforts such as the Black Infant Health Program, the Perinatal Equity Initiative, the Centering Black Mothers in California report, and a new Black birth equity action plan. Chris Esgera of the Department of Health Care Services explained the state’s birthing care pathway, postpartum care pathway, and Transforming Maternal Health model, including policy changes to support doulas, community health workers, transitional care, and postpartum coverage. He said the department is working through policy updates and payment reforms, with Medi-Cal coverage for pregnant people and 12 months postpartum remaining protected. The final panel included Dr. Nicole Economo and Dr. Kelly McHugh of ACOG, who discussed provider education, anti-racism and implicit bias training, and the need for quality improvement projects focused on closing equity gaps at individual hospitals. They highlighted tools such as the CLEAR Initiative, the Elevate Toolkit, and use of CMQCC data to track outcomes by race and ethnicity. Across the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that community-led solutions, sustained funding, better data, and accountability are needed to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve reproductive health outcomes. No formal votes or bill actions were taken during the hearing, though several policy priorities and ongoing legislative efforts were referenced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• of about $984,000, and at some point in the second half of the biennium, we will look at another assessment
• Because marginally they add up, but individually they're not even on the radar screen of a large company
• And so you have in your packets, and it's easier to see in your packet than it is up here on the screen

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee received a compliance and status update on Industrial Commission programs and the Bank of North Dakota. Staff reviewed appropriations and spending for several Industrial Commission funds and grant programs, including lignite research, oil and gas research, clean sustainable energy, grid resiliency, salt cavern analysis, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members discussed the timing of reimbursements, uncommitted balances, and the structure of the pipeline capacity and enhanced oil recovery funding. The Industrial Commission also reported on its administrative budget, grant management system project, and recent leadership transitions across several agencies. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described active grant rounds and the status of major projects. She said the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority approved three projects in its sixth round, with remaining uncommitted cash and loan capacity still available, though no new funding was appropriated this session. She also said the Oil and Gas Research Council approved six enhanced oil recovery projects and expects additional funding after a federal Department of Energy award replaces one project’s state funding. For grid resiliency grants, she said some projects have been funded, some commitments were returned or reallocated, and some DOE funds remain pending. She also updated the committee on the salt cavern business case study, which replaced an earlier larger development proposal, and on the NDSU research park grant, where the nonmatching portion was paid and the matching portion has moved slowly because the match must be in cash. Ron Ness then gave an extended presentation on enhanced oil recovery and North Dakota oil and gas trends. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, especially gas takeaway and projects like the Bakken East pipeline. He argued that enhanced oil recovery using CO2, natural gas, surfactants, and other methods could extend Bakken production for decades, but that the state needs more CO2 supply, better storage, and updated tax and regulatory incentives. Members asked about lateral lengths, CO2 availability, pipeline impacts, and the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Ness emphasized that the projects are intended to share technical learning across operators and attract follow-on investment. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and strategic update. President Don Morgan said the bank’s mission remains to support North Dakota agriculture, commerce, and industry while cooperating with the state’s financial sector. He reviewed the bank’s main business lines: participation lending with community institutions, student loans, disaster lending, mission-based programs, and a new fintech-focused effort. Morgan said deposits are flattening, so the bank is managing balance sheet growth carefully, while still reporting improved net income and strong efficiency. He also introduced Rough Rider Coin as a bank-to-bank payment rail, not a public cryptocurrency, intended to speed and modernize payments within North Dakota’s banking and credit union system. Committee members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster program use, and how credit lines and liquidity would be affected if deposits shrink.

Transcript Highlights:

• release the commercial vehicle and cargo without the vehicle owner paying any portion of the fees assessed
• Because if they can look at that screen and read it off, then they can communicate.
• Because if they can look at that screen and read it off, then they can communicate.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And every year when bills pass, we have to assess whether we need employees or not.
• The MCOs, I have been getting screened at by providers from all over the state about payment and MCOs
• The MCOs, I have been getting screened at by providers from all over the state about payment and MCOs

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget presentations and questions from several health and human services agencies, with members repeatedly emphasizing that agency numbers had been posted since October and that questioning should stay focused and brief. The Office of Juvenile Affairs said its $5.45 million request would support 162 employees receiving a pay adjustment, and members asked about juvenile care conditions and staffing. The Department of Human Services discussed major changes to child care subsidy funding, including a reduced subsidy request, a $11.5 million child care teacher recruitment/retention request, and planned eligibility and reimbursement changes; it also reviewed SNAP administrative cost shifts under federal law, the state’s SNAP error rate, and the risk of large future state costs if the error rate is not reduced. DHS also addressed TANF reserves, the DDS waiver wait list, the Greer Center buildout, the Advantage waiver supplemental, and meal service options for waiver members. OCCY described a largely personnel-driven budget, requests for more oversight staff, and workload pressures in juvenile competency evaluations. The Office of Disability Concerns reported a flat budget and said it relies mainly on mediation and informal resolution rather than enforcement. OSU Medical Authority said its Tulsa expansion, VA skybridge, and c-section suites remain on schedule, that psychiatric residency funding is being phased in over several years, and that it is working to reduce contract labor and evaluate service lines. J.D. McCarty Center reported its new ABA outpatient clinic is on time and on budget and is nearing full capacity. OMMA said its lab is following required standards, its FTE count is below budgeted levels because hiring depends on lab accreditation and other unknowns, and dispensary numbers continue to decline as the market matures. Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services said it needs about $1.4 million to avoid a maintenance-of-effort penalty and discussed aging campus capital needs and staffing vacancies. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority then outlined a very large budget requirement driven by utilization growth and the shift to value-based care, saying FY26 is currently stable but FY27 would likely require additional appropriations if the request is not fully funded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under subdivision 1, the current language says television screen.
• He said he drives a Lincoln and it has a big screen; the new one has a screen all the way around the
• The new Lincoln and it has a big screen.
• Is there this or my screen till I stop.
• . screen. screen.

Bills: HF3131, HF3436, HF3106, HF3241, HF3531

Keywords: cancer, disability, parking certificates, transportation, state law, school bus, schoolchildren, student safety, traffic safety, stop arm, flashing red lights, amber lights, passing a school bus, 20 feet, vehicle stopping distance, driver duties, school transportation, Minnesota traffic law, school bus law, bus stop signal

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, another... ...and assessed the tax. Further, Mr.
• I didn’t come up here on our screen, but it was down on the lower one. Yeah, technology thing.
• I didn’t come up here on our screen, but it was down on the lower one, so sorry about that.
• Their assessments were frozen.
• Maybe it's decades of poor decisions, distorted assessments, special arrangements, PILOT controversies

Keywords: 1146, all