Transcript Highlights:

• > due<00:47:44.160> to As timber revenues declined due to As timber revenues declined due
• federal revenues from this development. federal revenues from this development.
• property tax revenue on federal land. property tax revenue on federal land.
• Unfortunately, reduced timber revenue Unfortunately, reduced timber revenue since<02:36:44.240> the
• , has drastically affected county revenue, has drastically affected county revenue, creating<02:36

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends Chapter 18 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to conform the statute.
• , okay, which is the code that all doctors are supposed to use and it's the same thing.
• They know that it's, let's say, CPT code 100, they get $500 for that.
• For that CPT code was willing to accept. Sorry Mr.
• It's got to meet the elements of 1301 of the insurance code, which is a claim. ...claim form.

Bills: HB4806

Keywords: civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the language of the strike everything amendment is identical to House Code 4064, which passed
• make these tradeoffs to incentivize housing, but I do want to acknowledge that state general fund revenue
• Internal tribal processes: the Navajo Nation's 164 review process requires sequential legal and financial

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee began with a series of presentations highlighting tribal communities as part of rural economic development. Representative Mae Peshlakai described Legislative District 6, emphasizing its large geographic size, the eight tribal nations within it, and the cultural and scenic importance of the Navajo Nation and other tribes. Governor Stephen Roe Lewis then presented on the Gila River Indian Community, focusing on its history, Hohokam heritage, water rights, the MAR-5 aquifer recharge project, cultural traditions, and the importance of collaboration with state lawmakers. Members praised the presentations and noted the need for greater attention to tribal issues in the legislature. The committee then took up SB 1016, with a strike-everything amendment that moved the property-owner petition requirement earlier in the process for municipal improvement districts and allowed certain notice and protest requirements to be waived. Supporters, including the mayors of Camp Verde and Clarkdale, said the change would improve transparency, reduce financial risk for small towns, and help rural communities build needed infrastructure such as wastewater systems, water lines, and housing-related improvements. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and passed SB 1016 on a 5-0 vote, with one member present and one absent. Next, the committee considered SB 1401, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, using a strike-everything amendment that would allow municipalities to create expedited plan review and permitting for qualified workforce housing projects and exempt project proceeds from the state portion of the prime contracting sales tax. Habitat for Humanity representatives said the measure would lower carrying costs and help build more affordable homes, while one member noted the tax exemption would reduce general fund revenue but supported the bill as a targeted tradeoff to address housing shortages. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1401 by a 5-1 vote. The meeting concluded with Representative Myron Sosec’s presentation on barriers to economic development on the Navajo Nation and other tribal lands. He discussed lower workforce participation, higher unemployment and poverty, limited access to capital, trust-land financing barriers, dual taxation, infrastructure deficits, and delays caused by federal and tribal review processes. He also highlighted Navajo economic strategies such as loan guarantees, renewable energy development, and tourism investments, and urged state action on tax reform, matching funds, and annual tribal field hearings. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:13:24.000> narcotics Senate caucus on International narcotics Senate caucus on International
• best practices and international best practices and international standards<03:56:32.920> each
• The Postal Service will maintain a comprehensive internal digital database of this information.
• The Postal Service will maintain a comprehensive internal digital database of this information.
• The Postal Service will maintain a comprehensive internal digital database of this information.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is a recommendation that would require changes in North Dakota Century Code.
• And this would require administrative code changes.
• And so we all of the definitions in code that would need to change. And so we've got those.
• There is some Century Code things.
• And a QR code, and we requested that the providers share that with their clients.

Summary: The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies. Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um during um in section intern.
• An intern could return a call for us.
• So, um, I reached out to see what, in fact, our code of conduct looks like, and our code of conduct is
• reached out to see what in fact our code reached out to see what in fact our code of<00:10:22.160
• <00:10:24.959> of of conduct looks like, and our code of of conduct looks like, and our code

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But we need to have some opportunities and revenue to do that.
• Um, so I requested an updated revenue estimate.
• Um, so I I requested an updated revenue Um, so I I requested an updated revenue estimate.<00:58:
• code security and<03:15:26.960> integrity.
• Adverse impact on taxpayer experience and also security and integrity of the tax code.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would effectively turn the bill into requiring just a QR code on the menus.
• So this would effectively turn the bill into requiring just a QR code on the menus.
• Say, 'Oh, let me take up my phone and look at this QR code and scroll through other information.'
• I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about QR codes.
• And with the QR code specifically, I also tend to not bring out my phone at a restaurant.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Revenue. Department of Revenue.
• ,<00:09:17.839> is Agency 011, Department of Revenue, is Agency 011, Department of Revenue
• The unit code or the object code 223 should be 233.
• Yeah, I mean I understand a point about timing, but it's also special revenue, and I know all revenue
• Yeah, I mean I understand a point about timing, but it's also special revenue, and I know all revenue

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:21.280> for should be derived from the revenues for should be derived from the revenues
• So, I think the focus really should be on community placement and perhaps changing the 1972 penal code
• So, I think the focus really should be on community placement and perhaps changing the 1972 penal code
• Under international law, a sovereign state continues to exist despite illegal occupation.
• Under international law, a sovereign state continues to exist despite illegal occupation.

Bills: HB1531

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just a very brief breakdown of some of the monies awarded through revenues through the fund in
• last page just talking about some future strategies that are on the table, of course, expansion of internal
• program ends, then the company, the business picks up the individual full time out of their own revenues
• HCAF revenue from the premium surtax has far exceeded the insurance subsidy needs.
• projections and so we're at a point now where we intend to expand all the revenue that we intend to

Transcript Highlights:

• Our internal data, encompassing tens of thousands of records and interactions over several years with
• <00:59:11.440> Our<00:59:11.600> internal the business entirely.
• Our internal the business entirely.
• wallets, often across international wallets, often across international borders<01:05:05.560>
• When you spend money, you have to have revenue to cover it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul International Airport is consistently ranked among the best airports in the country.
• In 2024, Delta made an estimated $2.85 billion in revenue in flights departing MSP.
• Paul International Airport.
• MSP relies heavily on connecting passengers to keep domestic and international routes viable.
• And we are the only airline to serve International Falls, Brainerd, Bemidji, and Hibbing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, colleagues, where would we be without our interns?
• Victoria and truly all of the interns Victoria and truly all of the interns across<00:04:15.840>
• This is our international relations day here in the Maryland Senate. Hello there.
• <01:31:50.719> in<01:31:50.880> the international relations day here in the international
• Revenue Code and is subject to a covenant under the federal low-income housing tax credit program, right

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor. The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would effectively turn the bill into requiring just a QR code on the menus.
• So this would effectively turn the bill into requiring just a QR code on the menus.
• I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about QR codes.
• And QR codes just don't provide that.
• And some of them are by a lack of ability to access that QR code.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um again, I can sharing of the revenue.
• They don't have a whole lot of revenue coming in, and obviously there's a need for additional revenue
• They don't have a whole lot of revenue coming in, and obviously there's a need for additional revenue
• <02:08:22.480> for game, you know, receiving revenue for game, you know, receiving revenue
• Um wildlife is an international Um wildlife is an international resource,<03:23:59.279> right

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <05:11:53.958> people codings people codings people to<05:11:57.160> take<05:11:57.360>
• American codings American codings Association<05:16:38.718> um<05:16:39.240> his<05
• to make sure that it was Revenue neutral to make sure that it was Revenue neutral for<05:26:46.440
• But other than that, Revenue, why, how can it be Revenue?
• But other than that, Revenue—why, how can it be Revenue?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The discussion focused on a cannabis legalization/regulation bill and whether it should be retained for further study or moved forward. Members debated the fiscal impact, with one side emphasizing that the bill would cost about $7.1 million in the first two years before generating revenue, while supporters argued the House should make a statement in favor of legalization despite likely opposition from the Senate and governor. There was also disagreement over strategy: some said retaining the bill until closer to the next election would give the issue more visibility, while others said delaying would only avoid sending a bill the Senate was unlikely to take up anyway. A major point of contention was whether cannabis should be regulated by a new cannabis commission or placed under the Liquor Commission. Supporters of the Liquor Commission argued it already has enforcement infrastructure, especially for age restrictions, and could handle cannabis more efficiently without creating a new bureaucracy. Opponents said cannabis is a different industry that would require specialized expertise, and they objected to expanding the Liquor Commission, which they described as unpopular and costly. The committee also discussed past versions of the bill, including concerns about limited licenses and the perception that the earlier approach favored large businesses. Members reviewed specific provisions such as licensing fees, THC limits, and cultivation categories. One member noted a $10,000 fee for retail cannabis stores and cannabis product manufacturers authorized to perform extractions, while a smaller tier-one cultivator fee was described as a lower-cost option for small growers. There was also discussion of whether the bill would allow sales through general retail outlets or only dedicated cannabis stores, and whether plants and seeds were covered. No final vote or action was clearly recorded in the excerpt, but the main procedural question was whether to retain the bill for more work or advance it as written.

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes difficult decisions on both targeted reductions and new revenues.
• These are anticipated revenues that will be set aside for allocation in next year's budget.
• But we also recognize that our revenue... ...as well as budget year plus one.
• So there are a lot of solutions in the budget that together with the revenue...
• , including creating that pathway for addressing corporate revenue and Medi-Cal.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cases, the outlook assumes the greater of revenue growth of 4.5% or the actual projected ERFC revenue
• There may also be changes to revenues or new revenue sources.
• fund revenues.
• That is revenues and resources.
• That is revenues and resources. Again, what do policymakers have to That is revenues and resources.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting, with co-chairs and members introducing themselves and staff outlining the committee’s statutory mandate under the 2025-27 supplemental operating budget. Staff explained that the Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability will receive technical assistance from a nonpartisan organization, with work split into two phases: first on revenue growth, spending assumptions, and cost drivers in the four-year outlook, and later on staffing, overhead, performance management, and public reporting. Members broadly said they hoped the committee would build a shared factual understanding of the state’s fiscal situation, structural deficits, and budget processes, and identify a sustainable path forward for the operating budget. Staff then gave a detailed presentation on operating budget basics. They reviewed the size and composition of the operating budget, noting that most spending is concentrated in grants/client services and salaries/benefits, with K-12, DSHS, HCA, DCYF, DOC, and higher education making up most NGFO spending. They explained the distinction between constitutional, federal, statutory, and discretionary spending, using examples such as K-12, Medicaid, collective bargaining agreements, court-driven obligations like McCleary and Trueblood, and one-time appropriations. They also walked through how the state uses incremental budgeting, carry-forward and maintenance-level calculations, caseload and per-capita forecasting, and the four-year balanced budget outlook, including reserve calculations and the budget stabilization account. Members asked extensive questions about what is and is not included in the outlook, especially future collective bargaining agreements, health care and compensation growth, tort and other liabilities, and whether the state could better distinguish mandatory from discretionary spending. Staff explained that current CBAs and other already-enacted obligations are included, but future CBAs are not; some liabilities are reflected as expenditures when appropriated, while broader long-term liabilities are not fully captured in the outlook because they depend on future policy choices. Staff also noted that the legislature and ERFC can adopt assumptions such as reversions and growth factors, and that an outlook accuracy report is produced every five years to compare projected and actual maintenance-level spending. The committee agreed to follow up on some of the more complex liability and assumption questions. After a short break, Josh Goodman of the Pew Charitable Trusts began a presentation on Pew’s role and approach to state fiscal sustainability. He described Pew as a nonpartisan organization with long-standing state fiscal research, emphasizing its 50-state comparative data, interviews with state officials and experts, and focus on long-term sustainability, reserve policies, and recession preparedness. The presentation was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair recognizes the gentleman from Coffee, revenue Marcus. Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Taxes, fees, and stuff by the Department of Revenue and extends it to 60 days.
• And the international driver's license has never been one of those areas.
• I've had an international driver's license.
• And since then, that registry has been established by the Department of Revenue.

Keywords: 1136, house, all