Video & Transcript : 'DFPS budget' :
Page 205 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advancing Education in Minnesota – Senator Julia Coleman Apr 7th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, that's a sticky subject for our schools, and they don't even know how to plan their budget, as
- you know we don't have budget targets yet ourselves.
- and they don't even know how to plan and they don't even know how to plan their<00:09:45.760><c> budget
- as you know we don't have their budget as you know we don't have budget<00:09:47.640><c> targets</c>
- targets yet ourselves so I'm budget targets yet ourselves so I'm hoping<00:09:50.320><c> that</c><00
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Transportation and Public Works Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Our annual budget averages.
- maintenance budget.
- budget the piece for construction?
- My question is, is that In your budget, where's the construction piece for your budget? So, Mr.
- Chairman, if you look at the FY 25 budget.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We also, after this bill, have a lot of appointments as well as the budget.
- And then since our budget has already been presented, actually...
- And then since our budget has already been presented, actually via internet, I'll go through the budget
- The whole budget, the total budget for higher education is $11.9 billion, and it really puts an emphasis
- Do we have any public comment on the budget? Is there any public comment? No.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education convened with a quorum and first took up CS for SB 1694 on technology education. The bill would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and would encourage high school computer science courses that include AI to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal settings. The bill sponsor and several supporters emphasized preparing students for an AI-driven workforce while teaching critical evaluation and ethical use; one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the need to preserve real-world skills. Senator Davis supported the measure and suggested introducing similar instruction earlier, possibly in middle school. The committee voted the bill favorably, with Senator Leak later recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a large block of confirmations for higher education boards, including appointees to Tallahassee State College, the University of South Florida, the University of North Florida, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally highlighted backgrounds in education, health care, law, business, technology, and public service, and described priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and institutional growth. One nominee to Tallahassee State College was asked about low NCLEX pass rates and said the college had a plan approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Another nominee discussed Florida Poly’s STEM mission, and several members praised the nominees’ community ties and professional experience.
After hearing the appointees, the committee voted to report the block of confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The committee then received a high-level overview of the higher education budget, totaling $11.9 billion, with major emphasis on workforce training and development. Highlights included increases for school district workforce education, the Florida College System, workforce development capitalization, a rural educator recruitment program, funding for the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s literacy and math initiatives, UF’s autism and neurodevelopment center, and a postsecondary guardian program for campus security. Members asked a brief question about a workforce fund transfer, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds added. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Page 4-45 of the legislative budget book.
- However, in the current fiscal year, that budgeted program didn't exist anymore.
- However, in the current fiscal year, that budgeted program didn't exist anymore.
- While there are budget cuts, those budget cuts, because we are mostly a dedicated fund agency, will be
- I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
Summary:
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee first heard a budget presentation for the Department of Parks and Recreation. Legislative staff explained the agency’s structure, dedicated funds, and a proposed FY27 supplemental to transfer about $9.8 million in grant funds from a consolidated program into the current park operations program after a prior reorganization. The agency’s FY27 request also included dedicated-fund enhancements for additional park personnel, trail maintenance staff, and one-time improvements, with no general fund request. Director Susan Buxton described major capital projects completed with prior appropriations, including campground, marina, lodge, trail, and accessibility upgrades across the state, and said the investments had increased capacity and visitation.
Committee members asked about access for Idaho residents, reservation pricing, and the effect of charging out-of-state users more. Buxton said the new reservation system is more mobile-friendly, out-of-state pricing has increased availability for residents, and a University of Idaho study is evaluating the impact. She also said the agency expects more campsites, boat slips, and day-use areas than originally projected. Members discussed the agency’s OHV education campaign, trail maintenance, and the new observatory at Bruneau Dunes State Park. No formal action or vote was taken during the Parks and Recreation presentation.
The committee then reviewed the Office of the State Public Defender budget. Legislative staff summarized the agency’s staffing, fund balance, and FY27 requests, including six new trial attorney positions, secure hosted data storage, and laptop/data migration costs. Director Stephen Frederickson said the statewide system is now stable after a difficult transition from county-based defense, with vacancies down to about 7 percent and 55 new employees hired since July 1. He warned that further budget reductions would likely be absorbed through training cuts first, but could eventually force reductions in contract attorneys and increase caseloads, which he said would risk attorney turnover and constitutional problems. Members asked about county MOUs, Twin Falls staffing shortages, attorney levels, child protection cases, training, and the impact on county costs and property taxes. No vote was taken, and the committee adjourned after announcing the next day’s agenda.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 3, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- YOUR CELL PHONES ARE OFF OR ON SILENT MODE AND ANY OTHER NOISEMAKER IS OFF AND WELCOME TO THE IT BUDGET
- THESE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN PRAISED FOR BEING ON BUDGET AND ON TIME AND I BRING THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM
- BUDGET AND SPEND PROJECT IN CONCLUDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAVINGS AND STRATEGIES THAT WE'VE DEPLOYED FOR
- MOVING ON TO BUDGET, SO I'M GOING TO START WITH 2024, 2025 BUDGET AND SPEND.
- IN TERMS OF OUR 26, 27 BUDGET, WE HAVE PUT FORWARD AN LPR LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST ASKED FOR 139 MILLION
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon and welcome to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration Hearing today
- I serve as the budget officer for the Department of Cannabis Control.
- And your budget ask is for an additional. No.
- And when we are in these critical budgets cycles, we have to look at priorities.
- They have the policy oversight on our local assistance budget.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- You've answered my budget-specific questions.
- However, in your budget, there's no adjustment in your budget to address that $525,000.
- We are absorbing additional duties within the budget that we've already presented.
- As it relates to the cars already in the budget, they already asked for cars in the budget that has already
- been placed in the budget.
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee met on May 26, 2026, and first took up Senate Bill 433, which would provide Medicaid coverage for certain weight-loss medications. After adopting a House amendment adding customary subject-to-appropriation language, the committee heard from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein, who said the state currently spends about $240 million a year on GLP-1 drugs for Medicaid patients with obesity and certain other conditions, and that the bill would let the department expand coverage gradually while controlling costs and negotiating better pricing. Members spoke in strong support, and SB 433 was reported favorable as amended.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 157, which creates paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 educators and staff. An amendment was adopted to adjust fund language and make the bill proper for Appropriations. Senator Jenkins and supporters, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, described the bill as providing six weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, fostering, and related family-building events, while members discussed whether medical leave should also be included and confirmed the leave applies to fathers as well. The bill drew broad support and was reported favorable as amended.
Senate Bill 250, requiring the Office of Group Benefits to offer a comprehensive weight management plan with employees paying the full premium and medication costs, was briefly discussed and reported favorable without objection. The committee then spent considerable time on Senate Bill 237, a child welfare measure from Senator Barrow that would expand notification, access, and investigative procedures for the Child Ombudsman and DCFS, including child-on-child sexual abuse cases and multidisciplinary fatality reviews. Members and agency officials debated the fiscal note, with estimates ranging from about $525,000 to $3.2 million and disagreement over whether some costs were already covered or could be absorbed; after a roll call, the bill passed 10-9 and was reported favorable as amended.
Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 155, which requires insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care tied to cancer treatment. Senator Talbot and medical and cancer advocacy witnesses said the bill would remove a barrier to timely chemotherapy or radiation and could prevent more expensive complications later. Members expressed support and discussed a relatively small fiscal note, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Majority Leader End-of-Session Media Availability - 05/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- family budgets here.
- Funding for HCMC, a budget backup in the budget reserve.
- back up in Funding for HCMC, a budget back up in the<00:12:51.760><c> budget</c><00:12:52.040><c> reserve
- A $30 million in the budget reserve.
- >> The budget reserve, um, and the argument to use the budget reserve was both very strategic and complicated
Summary:
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the 2026 session ended with major accomplishments despite frustration over what did not pass. She highlighted a $1.2 billion bonding bill, housing and rental investments, property tax reductions, support for HCMC and distressed hospitals, public safety and crime victim funding, IT modernization, and fraud-prevention measures. She also said the Senate pushed a tab fee holiday, though she criticized Republicans for delaying its start until January, and described the session as focused on a “fair deal” for Minnesotans facing higher costs.
Murphy said some of the most difficult work involved human services and fraud oversight. She said lawmakers created an independent inspector general office, funded the Attorney General’s Medicaid fraud unit, added training and electronic visit measures, and included payment-withholding language with due-process protections and continuity-of-care safeguards. She said the Senate tried to balance fraud enforcement with preserving access to Medicaid-funded services, and emphasized that legislators must continue oversight and follow audit recommendations.
She also expressed deep disappointment that a comprehensive gun violence prevention package did not pass the House, saying it included prevention, intervention, harm reduction, school safety, and mental health provisions. She said the package was rejected by House Republicans and that she would keep fighting for it. On immigration enforcement, she said the Senate proposed protections against ICE actions but could not get them enacted. She also discussed campaign strategy, saying Democrats would defend frontline seats and emphasize health care, housing, jobs, and affordability, while continuing to support roads, bridges, and transit.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- It had about a $10 billion budget.
- This is the maintenance budget for the Department of Administration.
- The total budget is 72,507,300.
- This is the maintenance budget for the Department of Administration.
- The total budget is 72,507,300.
Summary:
The House convened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members also received multiple messages from the Senate and Governor regarding enrolled bills, new Senate bills, and committee reports. The House Business Committee’s report on pending and temporary administrative rules was filed, including recommendations to approve several insurance and licensing rules, extend temporary building-related rules, and reject one proposed building code rule as inconsistent with legislative intent.
A number of memorials and resolutions were considered. House Joint Memorial 20, which argues that Plyler v. Doe imposes an unfunded mandate on Idaho for educating non-citizen students and asks Congress to make the state whole, passed on a voice vote. House Joint Memorial 19, supporting efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and urging Congress to cooperate, passed 61-8 after debate over whether eliminating the department would shift enforcement costs to the state. House Concurrent Resolution 34, directing the Idaho Water Resource Board to study Bear River Basin water development feasibility, passed 67-2. House Concurrent Resolution 23 was held on the calendar.
The House also passed several Senate bills, including SB 1301 on allowing small breweries an additional retail location, SB 1256 cleaning up an outdated reporting requirement for the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, SB 1345 allowing voluntary electronic communications from the Tax Commission, SB 1304 clarifying ditch and easement maintenance, SB 1305 establishing a fixed-fee process for water district title-tracing services, SB 1306 clarifying water district withdrawal procedures, SB 1307 cleaning up canal and lateral ditch maintenance rules, SB 1337 expanding eligibility for irrigation district board service, and SB 1286 restricting predatory fees in veterans’ disability claims assistance. Most passed with substantial majorities, though SB 1304 and SB 1305 drew some opposition.
The House then moved a large group of appropriation and policy bills onto the third-reading calendar and suspended rules to immediately consider several budget bills. It passed HB 919 for the Department of Administration, HB 920 for health education programs and residency slots, HB 921 for State Department of Education enhancements, HB 922 for colleges and universities, HB 923 for Department of Administration enhancements tied to procurement and Medicaid contracting, HB 924 for the State Liquor Division, HB 925 for the judicial branch, HB 889 on state procurement reforms, and HB 931 as a trailer bill for portable benefits. Members also discussed the need for fiscal restraint, the value of guardian ad litem and drug court programs, and procurement process reforms. The House adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM
Highways and Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- If their budget would allow it, they can pay whatever wage that they would like.
- </c> have the flexibility within our budget have the flexibility within our budget to<00:08:33.760><c
- </c><00:12:52.959><c> is</c> to uh make sure that our budget is to uh make sure that our budget is crafted
- The Mississippi Department of Transportation annual budget to operate is 1.5 billion.
- But their budget is just completely in a different world from ours.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- To their operating budgets, including drawdowns in cash balances, restrictions on out-of-state travel
- Increasing math outcomes is also a priority for you all, and so you'll hear tomorrow about our budget
- That's, I think, something we can probably dig into using the operating budget management system that
- Are they giving you any guidelines on what that will mean for budget processes, or if that will...
- We can now track where that money goes and match it to the budgets and the plans that come back.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I began serving on budget this year.
- Colleagues, we are, as we've talked in budget discussions, staring down the barrel of a budget that has
- I think the budget implications ...is not great. The timing is bad.
- It's not a shall-be-budgeted.
- It is not a mandate to the budget committee. I don't believe in tying the hands of budget.
Summary:
The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Much of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering lengthy tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, veterans, and family members. Several members reflected on their service, discussed the challenges of the session, and thanked staff in the chamber and across the Capitol for their work.
The chamber then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted as amended and finally passed by votes of 142-1 on adoption and 144-1 on final passage. House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution procedures and related safeguards, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 129-16 and 127-17. House Bill 2576, a naming and designation bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 136-4 and 134-6.
The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually replace state taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it was a forward-looking fiscal strategy based on compound interest and could reduce reliance on taxes over generations. Opponents warned that the state was facing near-term budget shortfalls and that locking money away could make it inaccessible during emergencies or when needed for current services. The transcript ends during continued debate on the resolution, with no final vote shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It was passed during a time of extraordinary budget surplus, and it was a fee bill, and nobody thought
- it was possible, because why would we pass a fee bill when we had this huge budget?
- From the outside, it appears there have been critical errors in prioritization, governance, budgeting
- From the outside, it appears there have been critical errors in prioritization, governance, budgeting
- The remaining portion is part of a broader fiscal year 2026-27 Governor's budget proposal.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It was passed during a time of extraordinary budget surplus, and it was a fee bill, and nobody thought
- it was possible, because why would we pass a fee bill when we had this huge budget?
- From the outside, it appears there have been critical errors in prioritization, governance, budgeting
- The remaining portion is part of a broader fiscal year 2026-27 Governor's budget proposal.
- Thanks to the budget bill, again, passed to support the 988 vision.
Summary:
The joint Assembly Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an oversight hearing on AB 988, California’s 988 crisis line and mobile crisis response system, followed by a discussion of suicide prevention and intervention in California Indian communities. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that AB 988 was intended to create a true alternative to 911 for behavioral health crises, with “someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go,” and that Native communities continue to face disproportionately high suicide rates and barriers to culturally responsive care.
The first panel of call center and stakeholder witnesses largely argued that implementation is falling short of the law’s intent. They said 988 call centers are underfunded, text/chat answer rates remain far below call answer rates, staffing is strained, and the system still lacks meaningful statewide interoperability between 988 and 911. Several witnesses said mobile crisis teams are not being dispatched through 988 as envisioned, and that funding formulas and governance are too opaque. San Joaquin County was presented as a local success story, with integrated 988, access lines, and mobile crisis handoffs that have reduced reliance on emergency departments and involuntary holds. Witnesses also discussed the need for better tribal outreach, the role of CCBHCs, and the importance of culturally competent services.
State officials from CalHHS and DHCS described the five-year 988 implementation plan, the current governance structure across multiple agencies, and efforts to support training, public awareness, and referral tools. They reported growth in 988 contacts, ongoing training with the Trevor Project, a statewide resource directory, and a tribal awareness campaign. DHCS also outlined proposed trailer bill language that would create a formal designation process for 988 centers, set statewide standards, and require existing centers to obtain designation by 2029. Officials said current funding includes SAMHSA grants, block grant dollars, and an expected $67.3 million from the 988 fund in the next budget year, with a large share earmarked for Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Prior to starting, disclaimer: we will not be presenting our budget today.
- Our goal remains to roll out our budget in concert with our House partners, taking into account public
- We look forward to working with our House partners and to getting the budget process underway as soon
- Yes, I want to make sure that we all understand that we don't present our budget today.
- The next opportunity to present our budget is the same as coming week.
Summary:
The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began with a notice that the committee would not present its budget that day, instead planning to roll it out the following week in coordination with House counterparts and Senate notice requirements. The chair also noted several members were excused or late, and the committee proceeded to the agenda items.
The committee heard CS for SB 760 by Senator McLean, relating to violations of pretrial release conditions for violent crimes. There was no debate, and the Florida Sheriffs Association waived in support. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee also took up SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard; no questions, appearances, or debate were recorded, and the bill was closed on without further action noted in the transcript.
Next, the committee considered SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services. A leave-filed amendment was adopted that addressed correctional facility maintenance and repair deductions, Medicaid supplemental reimbursement participation, emergency medical transport reimbursement, and negotiated rates for certain community health care providers, including telehealth arrangements. The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida spoke in information and indicated the amendment was a positive step, while the Florida Department of Corrections waived in support. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably by roll call vote. Two additional agenda items, CS for SB 1582 on statewide data sharing of secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions and SB 1792 on public records for pawnbroker transactions, were temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/24/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> budget as you want. With that, Mr. budget as you want. With that, Mr.
- I know that your budget is tight. state. I know that your budget is tight.
- She's going to talk through the budget. Oh, the budget. Okay. I don't know.
- </c> She's going to talk through the budget. She's going to talk through the budget.
- The<00:52:29.680><c> budget.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (7-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> your support in this bianual budget your support in this bianual budget around<00:14:58.959><c>
- </c> ledgers and you know monthly budget ledgers and you know monthly budget tracking,<01:00:55.359><
- The budget actually budgeted in fiscal year 25 close to 900,000, but that number as the end of May is
- The budget actually budgeted in number.
- <01:46:45.840><c> million</c><01:46:46.560><c> because</c> budget we budgeted uh 5 million because budget
Summary:
The committee met with a full quorum and approved the prior minutes. Members offered introductions of guests and family members, then heard a presentation from University of Louisville President Thomas Jared Bradley, who was sworn in before testifying. He described his background and outlined U of L’s strategic priorities: student success, access and affordability, workforce development, community engagement, and research. Bradley highlighted enrollment growth, increases in first-generation and Pell-eligible students, strong transfer pathways with KCTCS, and support programs such as the Cardinal Commitment Grant, 15-to-Finish, Comeback Cards, tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services.
Bradley also emphasized U of L’s statewide and regional impact through UofL Health, rural outreach, the Bullitt County rural cancer education and research center, nursing expansion, and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. He noted major institutional distinctions, including R1 status, a new Carnegie Opportunity College and University designation, and community-engaged classification. He said the university is one of only 10 public universities nationwide with all three designations and reported record enrollment, improved retention, and strong research expenditures. He also thanked lawmakers for significant capital and operating support, including funding for the simulation center, health science center, asset preservation, and the MEP program.
During questions, members praised the university’s public service role and asked about first-generation enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Bradley said the university is working to improve completion by expanding academic support, early alerts, incentives for tutoring, and faculty/advisor mentoring, especially for first-generation and high-need students. He acknowledged that post-graduation employment data is difficult to collect but said the new Carnegie classification reflects positive outcomes. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and no formal actions were taken on legislation in this portion of the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I really have questions about the budget, and the bill is about the budget.
- I really have questions about the budget, and the bill is about the budget.
- Well, I mean, we are here to discuss the budget, I assume, because we have a budget bill in front of
- Well, I mean, we are here to discuss the budget, I assume, because we have a budget bill in front of
- </c> because we have a budget bill in front because we have a budget bill in front of<00:09:52.320><c
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Government Finance Committee Jun 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But we do, like in the budgeting process, ask agencies to look closely at their budgets.
- So when we do our funding every year and our budgets every year, when I see what my budget is, the federal
- So that was put into House Bill 1011 and ultimately into our budget bill.
- We've been involved in this issue since it came before budget section.
- We've been involved in this issue since it came before budget section.
Summary:
The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability.
The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting.
The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill adjustment budget adjustment.
- Our budget is built on a two-year budget.
- And this year is in the second year of the two-year budget, and we call it the budget adjustment.
- </c><01:23:54.680><c> in</c> facilities and budgets for uh youth in facilities and budgets for uh youth
- There was money that was set aside in last year's budget, in the '26 budget, to conduct an environmental