Transcript Highlights:

• But it's really helpful, I mean, because there's a lot of material here for us to cover.
• All right, not seeing any further discussion, I agree there is a lot of material here.

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• problems will increase CCRC residents' costs substantially without increasing their financial security materially
• problems will increase CRCC residents cost substantially without increasing their financial security materially

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1656, a major Office of Insurance Regulation bill covering reciprocal insurers, rate transparency, data calls, cybersecurity notification, and stronger oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The sponsor and OIR described the bill as aimed at transparency and preventing insolvencies, especially after recent CCRC failures. CCRC residents and industry representatives testified both in support and in opposition, with supporters emphasizing resident protection and opponents warning about liens, reserve requirements, management-company regulation, and higher costs. After debate and assurances that problematic provisions would be refined, the committee adopted a delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1658, which creates a public records framework for the uniform mitigation verification of inspection form database while protecting policyholders’ personal information; a clarifying amendment was adopted before the bill was reported favorably. SB 1612 on financial institutions was approved after a substitute amendment restored current limits on credit union investments and kept only reimbursement, not salary, authority for certain board members and officers. SB 1740, an insurance bill intended to reduce premiums and insurer insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit claim denials based solely on AI, then reported favorably. Two public-safety bills also moved forward. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety would update OSHA-related protections, address toxic exposure in gear, encourage safer replacement equipment, and support best practices and mental health resources; an amendment refined terminology and added related provisions, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing consumer protections and disclosure rules for excess and surplus lines and to clarify Citizens-related appointment requirements before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted ongoing stakeholder negotiations and intent to refine several bills further in later committee stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• direction, trying to find some understanding on how we will move forward utilizing these types of materials
• And the definition of food in Merriam-Webster dictionary states that food is a material consisting essentially

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard four bills. CS/SB 150, by Senator Gates, would make it a third-degree felony to abandon a restrained animal during a declared weather emergency, such as a hurricane or tornado, and was presented as “Trooper’s Law” in response to a widely publicized rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. The bill drew supportive public cards and brief supportive remarks from Senator Boyd, then passed unanimously and was reported favorably. SB 374, by Senator Truenow, would refine the definition of farm product to include plant and plant products and bar local governments from adopting ordinances that limit the collection, storage, and processing of farm products on bona fide agricultural land. An amendment was withdrawn to allow further discussion on food waste issues. Speakers from composting, recycling, and poultry interests supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. SB 560, by Senator Martin, would restrict certain chemical additives in food products. The sponsor said the bill targets 10 chemicals he believes are harmful, noted that two have already been banned by the FDA, and argued Florida should act rather than wait for federal action. Industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill as creating a patchwork of state rules, raising costs, and disrupting supply chains, while some senators said they supported the bill for now but expected further changes. The committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Rouson voting no. SB 572, the Pam Rock Act by Senator Collins, would create a statewide dangerous dog registry, add criminal penalties for certain dangerous-dog attacks, and require permits, microchipping, spay/neuter, and $100,000 liability insurance for dangerous dogs. The sponsor and the Rock family described severe attacks and deaths involving dangerous dogs and argued the registry would help protect the public. Some senators questioned the registry’s usefulness, the amount of information collected, and insurance availability, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act relating to hazardous materials, adding a definition of hazardous waste constituent to the Hazardous
• 12870), and Terrazas (member_22659), an act relating to taxation, creating the homeschool curriculum materials

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:45:12.720> that the alkaloids resulting in material that the alkaloids resulting in material
• Um, there's a problem there as well, because what would be the materials that this legislative study
• It would probably be the investigative materials.
• that this legislative be the materials that this legislative study<03:32:24.239> committee<03
• probably be the investigative materials. probably be the investigative materials.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to answer any questions, but we walked through quite a bit of material when we were here in
• when we were here in bit of material when we were here in January<00:05:38.039> for January for
• Now, I will tell you, if you go back and look at the material from the orientation, the number was one
• <00:09:39.160> from<00:09:39.399> the and look at the material from the and look at
• the material from the orientation<00:09:41.480> the<00:09:41.680> number<00:09:42.560>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:43.919> and<00:28:44.120> to racist and anti-semitic material and to racist
• and anti-semitic material and to engage<00:28:44.600> in<00:28:44.720> a<00:28:44.919><
• Speaker, I wanted to focus a little on Elon Musk and put some materials in the record.
• Speaker, I wanted to focus a little on Elon Musk and put some materials in the record.
• in the record uh he's an materials in the record uh he's an unelected<02:56:41.000> billionaire

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To help our staff, we have a small number of staff who are manually sorting materials.
• And then the third one will be traditional building materials like HPM, where they're built on site.
• And then the third one will be traditional building materials like HPM, where they're built on site.
• And then the third one will be traditional building materials like HPM, where they're built on site.
• <02:29:09.080> to<02:29:09.319> really Pilot supplemental materials to really Pilot

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education held an informational/budget briefing with presentations from the State Library System, the School Facilities Authority, and the Department of Education. The chair opened the meeting by outlining the order of presentations and noting that members would hold questions until after all three agencies had testified. The discussion focused on each agency’s priorities for the upcoming biennium and their budget requests. State Librarian Stacy Aldridge described library usage and services, emphasizing strong demand for physical and digital materials, internet and Wi-Fi access, programs, Kanopy streaming, and PressReader. She highlighted digital literacy classes, RFID self-check and smart shelving improvements, and the role of libraries as community hubs. The library’s budget request included an additional $1.2 million for security guards, $48.484 million for FY 26-27 to support popup libraries during temporary closures and other needs, $500,000 for repair and maintenance, $2 million for Kap planning and design, and $25 million each year for lump-sum capital funding. Mallerie Fujitani said the lump-sum funding is needed to keep roughly 50 projects moving and to avoid delays in construction. School Facilities Authority Executive Director Ricky Fujitani explained the agency’s startup history and its programs for preschools, Central Maui schools, and workforce housing. He said the authority is using standardized, prefabricated, programmatic approaches to speed delivery and improve maintainability, citing prior preschool renovations as a successful model. He reported that of $389 million appropriated, $106 million was released, with $81 million for preschools, $20 million for Central Maui schools, and $5 million for workforce housing; he also noted the workforce housing program was reduced after Maui fire-related reallocations. He said the pilot workforce housing site at Mililani High School has been awarded and pointed to University of Hawaiʻi student housing projects as a model. Superintendent Hayashi then began the Department of Education presentation, introducing DOE leadership and outlining the department’s mission to support academic achievement, character development, and student well-being. He noted the department serves more than 152,000 students in 258 public schools and employs over 42,000 people, with nearly 54% of students facing significant challenges. He framed the budget request around the department’s strategic plan to prepare graduates for college, careers, or military service. The transcript ends during the DOE presentation, before any committee votes or formal actions are taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have our pavement expert, our director of our office of MnDOT's materials and road research, Kurt
• I do have our pavement expert, our director of our office of MnDOT's materials and road research, Kurt
• I'm Kurt Turjan, the director of the office of materials and road research at MnDOT.
• I'm Kurt Turjan, the director of the office of materials and road research at MnDOT.
• Uh, we have done a number of things with both industries to increase the quality of the materials and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:31.000> for<00:36:31.160> alcoholic promotional materials for alcoholic promotional
• materials for alcoholic beverages,<00:36:32.080> tobacco,<00:36:32.600> vaping<00:36:32.960
• this subsection shall prevent a law enforcement agent from inquiring about any information that is material
• this subsection shall prevent a law enforcement agent from inquiring about any information that is material
• this subsection shall prevent a law enforcement agent from inquiring about any information that is material

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and began by reading House messages and first-reading bills, including SB 8 on identity fraud and deepfakes and HB 145 on election misinformation and deepfakes, which was referred to Rules. The chamber then handled several concurrence and conference matters. On HB 154, the Open Meetings Act bill for county boards of education, the Senate initially moved to recede from its amendments and accept the House version, but debate centered on a Senate transparency amendment limiting school boards’ ability to censor recordings. A motion to reconsider the amendments was laid over for 15 minutes. On SB 514, a third-degree assault bill, the House refused to recede and a conference committee was appointed. A guest introduction also welcomed a 10-month-old visitor to the gallery. In second-reader business, the Senate adopted committee amendments and advanced SB 504, which strengthens data privacy protections and limits use of personal data for immigration enforcement, and SB 790, the Public Health Reform Act, which revises the Commission on Public Health, updates the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, adds health equity review processes, and makes related administrative changes. Both bills were reported favorably with technical and conforming amendments and ordered printed for third reading. The chamber then took up HB 191, which would require merchants to accept cash for essential consumer goods and set related rules and exceptions; members questioned its scope, exemptions, and enforcement, and the bill was laid over pending clarification about whether stadiums are covered. Finally, HB 564 on pet cremation and burial services added consumer protection and disclosure requirements for pet cremation providers; its technical amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered passed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please find the written material that I circulated, one of the documents that has a description of what
• Please find the written material that I circulated.
• 00:32:54.559> find<00:32:54.720> the<00:32:54.960> written<00:32:55.200> material
• Um, please find the written material Um, please find the written material that<00:32:55.840>
• because these centers are materialized because these centers are operated<02:13:54.679> remotely.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:45.760> to<02:12:45.920> the<02:12:46.079> home<02:12:46.559> and materials
• adjacent to the home and materials adjacent to the home and that's<02:12:46.920> not<02:12:47.199
• So it's really about managing combustible materials in and around your home. you know we have over a
• so it's really about managing at all so it's really about managing combustible<02:20:48.319> materials
• in and around your combustible materials in and around your home home home okay okay okay um<02:20:54.319

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.

Transcript Highlights:

• We may see counties seeking other types of relief, whether that is tax relief on materials and supplies
• We may see counties seeking other types of relief, whether that is tax relief on materials and supplies
• We may see counties seeking other types of relief, whether that is tax relief on materials and supplies
• We may see counties seeking other types of relief, whether that is tax relief on materials and supplies
• We may see counties seeking other types of relief, whether that is tax relief on materials and supplies

Bills: HF3700, HF3982, HF3927, HF3933, HF3949, HF4238, HF4275, HF4476, HF4504

Keywords: Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance

Transcript Highlights:

• impact these structures and<00:09:42.080> lift<00:09:42.320> these<00:09:42.640> materials
• <00:09:43.040> and<00:09:43.200> lift<00:09:43.440> them and lift these materials
• and lift them and lift these materials and lift them out<00:09:43.760> into<00:09:44.000>
• Um, I we heard a little bit earlier about some concern over how I think they called it legacy materials
• or legacy products would be materials or legacy products would be would<00:57:06.559> be<00:57

Bills: HF4253, HF4257, HF3236, HF4264, HF4149, HF4019

Keywords: boat storage structures, public waters, natural resources, rule amendments, watercraft canopy, PFAS, environmental regulation, manufacturers, public health, product safety, groundwater, water appropriation, water-use permit, water permit, aquifer test, aquifer, well construction, groundwater permit, Department of Natural Resources, DNR

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the intention was that if the nonprofit didn't materialize, it didn't have significant fundraising
• the the intention was that if the if the nonprofit<00:28:59.760> didn't<00:29:00.240> materialize
• didn't materialize, it didn't have<00:29:01.679> significant<00:29:02.159> fundraising,
• Does it mean materials<00:54:47.280> sold<00:54:47.680> to<00:54:47.920> the<00:
• 54:48.160> public materials sold to the public materials sold to the public or does<00:54:53.359

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if you want to look at that, obviously you have your own materials in front of you as well.
• Our OIT, our DOI budget is just provided to us by DOIT. your own materials in front of you as your own
• materials in front of you as well.<00:48:45.400> Um,<00:48:46.400> and<00:48:46.800>
• which um, I've laid out for you in 5.15, which um, I've laid out for you in the<01:15:26.920> materials
• So, we'd like to hold at the materials. So, we'd like to hold at 5.5<01:15:29.920> million.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will provide material assistance to support basic survival needs by strengthening families.
• It will<01:32:54.880> provide<01:32:55.280> material<01:32:55.920> assistance<01
• :32:56.480> to will provide material assistance to will provide material assistance to support
• water, or clothing, and adding in a definition of “deprive” meaning to withhold in a manner that materially
• endangers the a manner that materially endangers the physical<01:40:24.960> or<01:40:25.280><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• He asked whether they would buy wood or tools, and whether the money would go toward materials needed
• [member_11467] The response was that the request would cover a lot of the materials and needs they would
• while you were speaking, especially when it comes to cultural heritage, cultural and ethnic study materials
• um do you have the study materials um do you have the resources<01:15:27.480> there<01:15:28.480
• It may take a minute for the laptop to warm up, but there was a slide within your materials where we

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe there was a letter in the materials from the Port Association documenting their request of
• I believe there was a letter in the materials from the Port Association documenting their request of
• I believe there was a letter in the materials from the Port Association documenting their request of
• I believe there was a letter in the materials from the Port Association documenting their request of
• I believe there was a letter in the materials from the Port Association documenting their request of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, what we are saying is that there are no material errors, omissions, or misstatements in these
• We did not identify any instances of noncompliance that would be considered material, which would be
• to be communicated in writing, as well as no instances of noncompliance that would be considered material
• about the organization's financial statements and confirm that they are fairly presented in all material
• And material noncompliance with the statutory sections. So I don't know if that letter went out.

Summary: The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses. Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings. The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.