Transcript Highlights:

• Many of these DCs in that I-4 region have historically been supplied by container ports in Georgia, Alabama
• Being that it's located on the wealthiest zip code in the United States, what do you anticipate?
• To your earlier point that it's... ...it's the wealthiest zip code in the country.

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard SB 356 by Senator Wright, which would create an opt-in framework allowing counties and municipalities to designate certain roads for utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) under local conditions, including driver licensing, insurance, and speed-limit restrictions below 55 mph. Senator Wright said the bill would give law enforcement clearer authority and mirror the local-option approach used for golf carts. Supporters included a retired Volusia County sheriff and county commissioner, who argued UTVs are safer than golf carts and are already being used on roads, while opponents from the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Honda warned that UTVs are designed for off-road use, lack federal safety standards, and pose crash and tire-blowout risks on public roads. Several senators raised safety concerns, especially about speed and crash severity, but the committee ultimately voted to report SB 356 favorably. The committee then held a lengthy discussion on seaport infrastructure and funding, beginning with a moment of silence for JaxPort COO and former FDOT employee James Bennett. FDOT presented data showing Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports generate major cargo volume, jobs, and economic impact, and described state funding programs such as FSTED, SPI, and the construction aggregate grant program. Port representatives from Port Everglades, PortMiami, Port Tampa Bay, and the Port of Palm Beach described record cargo and cruise activity, major capital projects, and the need for continued state and federal support for dredging, bulkheads, cranes, rail, and terminal expansion. Senators asked about ROI, trade shifts, intermodal connections, fuel and LNG availability, leverage and reserves, and operational risks such as flooding, sea level rise, and channel depth; port officials emphasized resiliency, private partnerships, and long-term master planning. The committee also confirmed appointees to the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and the Tampa Port Authority in one vote, with no objection. Finally, FDOT presented the statewide mapping programs work group report required by SB 1662, explaining that coordinated statewide use of LiDAR and aerial imagery could reduce duplication, improve emergency management and planning, and support insurance and storm-damage assessment. FDOT recommended a formal statewide coordination program, shared procurement and cost-sharing agreements, dedicated staffing, and statutory updates to Chapter 334 to support interagency agreements and recurring funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not going to get into the title, but I'm just going to start in section one.
• I was looking at all the codes.
• There are specific codes that are given, and that's how we address these projects.
• Senate Bill 146 has been read twice by title.
• Conservation code.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.360> be<00:31:01.520> a<00:31:01.679> benefit<00:31:02.000> they<00:31
• Department of Veterans Affairs under Title 38, United States Code, or Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations
• > uh<01:31:05.679> act<01:31:06.080> in<01:31:06.320> the<01:31:06.480>
• > to<01:31:12.960> be<01:31:13.120> come<01:31:13.360> from<01:31:13.600>
• 31:17.679> veteran<01:31:18.000> affairs<01:31:18.960> department<01:31:19.679><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As a p as a past<00:31:00.799> board<00:31:01.120> member<00:31:01.279> of<00:31
• this outstanding<00:31:04.240> program<00:31:04.960> for<00:31:05.200> its<00:31
• leaders<00:31:08.720> for<00:31:08.880> the<00:31:09.120> past<00:31:09.360
• I wish<00:31:11.039> them<00:31:11.279> many<00:31:11.520> more<00:31:11.760>
• So all<02:31:01.439> of<02:31:01.600> those<02:31:01.840> elements<02:31:03.200>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• service officers, accredited attorneys<00:31:01.679> and<00:31:01.840> agents<00:31:02.799
• set<00:31:05.440> by<00:31:05.679> the<00:31:05.919> US Education requirements
• Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations 14.629 specifically states, "No individual may assist claimants
• Title 38 Code of Federal choice.
• Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations<00:41:56.480> 14.629<00:41:57.200> 629<00:41:57.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We already do that on the Title 5, so we just ask them to do it on the Title 1.
• That's under the estates code, that's not under the family code. I just want to be really careful.
• It is a crime under the penal code.
• Regardless, now, in 153004, this is so important because in Title 5 of the Family Code, we have that
• Uh, type statute in Title 5 or in Title IV as it would in Title 5.

Bills: HB116

Keywords: film industry, incentives, economic development, state funding, media production

Transcript Highlights:

• House<00:31:31.679> Bill<00:31:32.000> 24,<00:31:32.559> first<00:31:32.799>
• >> House<00:31:36.799> Bill<00:31:37.200> 24,<00:31:37.919> review<00:31:38.159
• > results<01:31:45.440> in<01:31:45.600> a<01:31:45.840> direct<01:31:46.239
• evidenced<01:31:50.560> by<01:31:50.880> public<01:31:51.199> ownership,<01:31:
• <01:31:59.120> That's<01:31:59.440> what<01:31:59.600> it<01:31:59.840> the

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• skills, especially in areas required of our industry, such as property appraisal, cadastral services, title
• This tax holiday will run from September 8 through December 31, 2025.
• And this tax holiday will run from September 8 through December 31, 2025.
• This tax holiday will run from September 8 through December 31, 2025.
• This tax holiday will run from September 8 through December 31, 2025.

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met and first heard SB 674, which would allow county property appraisers, like tax collectors already can, to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses if approved in their Department of Revenue budget. Support came from property appraiser representatives, who said the bill would help them compete for specialized staff without requiring new funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SJR 318, a proposed constitutional amendment on tangible personal property used on agricultural land, along with an amendment clarifying the exemption’s scope and allowing the Legislature to set conditions by general law. Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the joint resolution favorably. Members also took up CS for SB 1664, which would require voter reapproval of local discretionary taxes when they expire; an amendment changed the bill to require expiration dates and tied reapproval to tax expiration rather than a fixed eight-year cycle. Local government and tourism groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, transportation surtaxes, beaches funding, and long-term financing, while supporters argued voters should periodically affirm local taxes. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill SB 1512, both dealing with a homestead-style property tax benefit for certain long-term leased residential properties. After multiple amendments narrowed the proposal substantially, limiting it to one qualifying property and then to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominium units, counties and cities still opposed the measures as a tax shift to other taxpayers. The sponsor said the changes reduced the scope and fiscal impact, and both measures were reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions, multiple tax holidays, motor vehicle fee reductions, a property tax study, rural investment tax credits, a freeze on local communications services tax rates, and other tax changes, with an estimated $2.1 billion revenue reduction. Testimony was mixed: property appraisers supported the property tax study, while many public commenters opposed the firearm and ammunition tax holiday and urged inclusion of gun safes and locks instead. County, city, tourism, and lodging representatives raised concerns about tourist development tax limits and other local revenue impacts, while supporters emphasized tax relief and the study’s value. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to submit SPB 7034 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• > been<00:31:36.280> the<00:31:36.440> main<00:31:37.240> uh<00:31:37.560
• ><00:31:41.560> Campos,<00:31:42.000> Deputy<00:31:42.360> Director<00:31:42.720
• So,<00:31:44.600> those<00:31:44.840> are<00:31:44.920> the<00:31:45.080> top
• <00:31:45.360> two<00:31:45.880> um<00:31:46.040> from<00:31:46.240> the<
• >> Okay,<00:31:48.680> thank<00:31:49.040> thank<00:31:49.360> you,<00:31:

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• matched Maybe<00:31:03.279> by<00:31:03.639> only<00:31:04.000> my<00:31:04.240
• c> as<00:31:13.960> he<00:31:14.159> used<00:31:14.519> social<00:31:14.840>
• for consideration of the bill H.R. 77, to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide
• for consideration of the bill H.R. 77, to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide
• H.R. 77, to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for consideration and resolutions

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Bills: HB302, HB371, HB597, HB1097, HB1190, SB34, SB164, SB208, SB232, SB317, SB357, SB421, SB510

Keywords: legal representation, attorney general, elected officials, defense, legislative acts, judicial review, judiciary, election, judges, 19th Judicial District Court, East Baton Rouge, precincts, coroner, retention, body, mortuary, investigation, missing persons, Amber Alert, Endangered Missing Child Advisory

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a series of Senate and House bills, mostly dealing with courts, veterans, public safety, and licensing. Early actions included favorable reports on SB 317, which adds the House and Senate Military and Veterans Affairs committee chairs to the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, and SB 357, which updates court administration and appellate e-case management provisions, cleans up outdated language, and revises reimbursement and security rules. SB 232, funding the judges’ supplemental compensation fund, was amended and reported favorably, and SB 421, modernizing electronic records terminology and safeguards, was also reported favorably. Several House bills were voluntarily deferred, including HB 1190, HB 1097, and later HB 374-1. The committee then took up SB 208 on veterans’ services, which was presented as a response to the earlier court ruling striking down Act 479. The bill seeks to regulate unaccredited “claim shark” businesses that charge veterans for disability-claim assistance, while exempting federally regulated accredited agents. Testimony from the Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill as a way to protect veterans from predatory practices, while an opposing witness argued the issue is preempted by federal law and should be left to Congress or the pending Fifth Circuit appeal. Despite the objection, the bill was reported favorably. Members also advanced SB 510, which would restrict access to certain licensed establishments that sell hemp-based intoxicating products, especially bar-like venues where minors can currently enter; Alcohol and Tobacco Control explained the bill’s purpose and scope. HB 302, by Representative Chasson, was discussed as a measure to prohibit vape sales near schools, with testimony from public health and ATC witnesses noting the need to align the bill with existing licensing and local-ordinance authority; the committee moved it favorably after discussion. Finally, SB 34, creating “Brian’s Call” emergency alerts for missing children and adults with developmental disabilities, drew extensive emotional testimony from families and disability advocates and was reported favorably, as was SB 164, which adds public works employees to the definition of first responders. The committee adjourned after reporting HB 597, which restructures judicial compensation rules and eliminates the commission after a delayed effective date, and after deferring HB 374-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if that's why you want the title struck, I...
• Sarah Daniels, with the title stricken, would you like to do a...
• I appreciate striking the title so we can get some clarification on...
• Of the bill with the title offer, Mr. Chairman, you're correct.
• title without objection.

Bills: HB2210, HB2398, HB2959, HB3006, HB3026, HB3151, HB3315, HB3372, HB3467, HB3590, HB4268, HB4359, HB4427

Keywords: youth apprenticeship, career education, workforce development, high school programs, mentorship, vocational training, state oversight, credential of value, education, labor market, government reporting, school abuse reporting, child abuse, neglect, mandatory reporting, student safety, school employee misconduct, administrator reporting, superintendent, law enforcement notification

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:06.399> He<00:31:06.640> I<00:31:06.799> didn't<00:31:07.039> know
• That's fine.<00:31:11.039> We<00:31:11.200> can<00:31:11.600> We<00:31:11.840>
• > can<00:31:12.000> come<00:31:12.159> back<00:31:12.399> or<00:31:12.640>
• :31:14.080> I<00:31:14.240> was<00:31:14.399> just<00:31:14.480> going<00
• :31:14.640> to<00:31:14.720> say<00:31:15.200> um<00:31:15.520> Captain &

Bills: SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2161, SB17, SB2358, SB2367, SB2240, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail. The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs. A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement. Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:31:03.440> that<00:31:03.799> evaluation<00:31:04.799> was<00:31:05.120>
• :31:06.799> for<00:31:07.039> fixing<00:31:07.679> the<00:31:07.919> rest
• > Highway<00:31:08.640> 65<00:31:09.440> and<00:31:09.679> I<00:31:09.919>
• ><00:31:13.440> the<00:31:13.679> Democrat<00:31:14.159> party<00:31:14.559>
• . we need<00:31:21.200> to<00:31:21.360> change<00:31:21.520> the<00:31:21.679><

Bills: HF2431, HF2438, HF2783, HF1943

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• Higher title. Formerly honorable. The formerly honorable. Thank you.
• This code section was set in 2019 by Senator Wolk's bill, SB 13.
• We're going to go to agenda item number 31. SB 1423.
• We're going to go to agenda item number 31, SB 1423.
• For add-ons for item number 31, SB 1423.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have more dollars than Century Code is supposed to allow.
• With the current code that we have now?
• There's another provision of Century Code that calls it the interim fund.
• There's another provision of century code that calls it the interim fund.
• We're always evaluating our Century Code, our Chapter 54-10.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, posse comitatus applies to the Title X force.
• So, you become Title 10 for two weeks to a year, and then you come back to the state and fall under Title
• We created our own code using Navajo words.
• It's all up here, the entire code.
• We had Code Talkers from Utah.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:31:19.040> within<01:31:19.360> the<01:31:19.520> Minnesota<01:31:19.920>
• <01:31:27.679> Uh<01:31:28.080> but<01:31:28.320> I<01:31:28.639> do<
• <01:31:33.520> um<01:31:34.480> which<01:31:35.360> I<01:31:35.679> think
• <01:31:37.280> Um<01:31:38.320> uh<01:31:38.560> I<01:31:38.800> I<01
• c><01:31:50.480> folks<01:31:50.800> in<01:31:51.040> the<01:31:51.440> disi<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 4138, a bill aimed at limiting harmful social media features for children and requiring parental involvement for minors using platforms in Minnesota. Early on, members reconsidered and then adopted the Smith amendment (A13) after first rejecting a narrower amendment to the amendment (A18) on a 67-67 tie. Representative Bonner then offered a technical amendment (A14) to address liability and drafting concerns, but withdrew it after saying it contained an unintended drafting error and could create legal problems, including issues around data collection and rulemaking. During third reading debate, supporters described the bill as a first step to protect children from addictive social media design, online exploitation, and harmful data practices. Representative Scott said the bill would require parental consent and limit addictive features for child accounts, while emphasizing that the consent language must be prominent and that the bill’s effective date would not begin until next July. Representative Enen, Representative Feist, Representative Greenman, and others backed the measure as a bipartisan effort to hold big tech accountable and protect kids, though Greenman also noted that the legislature had not shown the same willingness to confront gun violence. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns that the bill relies on parents understanding complex legal and technical terms, that it may not fully protect children, and that it could still leave gaps around liability and privacy. Representative Leeing questioned why the bill does not simply restrict addictive features for all children and asked about parental waivers and location tracking; Scott responded that the bill uses IP address information and does not specifically address liability waivers, but said the measure is a policy choice intended to empower parents. The debate ended with broad support from several members, and the bill was presented as likely to pass, though no final vote on the bill itself was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• That report was<00:31:01.360> prepared<00:31:01.840> and<00:31:02.159> we<00:31:
• for,<00:31:14.039> 100%<00:31:15.039> of<00:31:15.279> what<00:31:15.520>
• > for<00:31:16.720> to<00:31:17.200> accomplish<00:31:17.760> this<00:31:
• And many<00:31:19.760> have<00:31:20.080> moved<00:31:20.480> away<00:31:20.880>
• subminimum<00:31:22.000> wage,<00:31:22.399> but<00:31:22.720> not<00:31:23.399

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd also note that anything that ends up in Century Code limits the flexibility of the department to
• We'd have to come back to have that Century Code change.
• July was 31 days, 110, and then times what we estimated, which work release was 20.
• So if we're looking at, I believe it's page—there's no page numbers, all right—where it's titled Blue
• Doc Stars has the capability to track certain contact codes, and I think there's various programings

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2399, concerning therapeutic leave days for psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs). Sarah Aker from the Department of Health and Human Services explained the current Medicaid rate-setting methodology, how occupancy affects rates, and why paying the full rate for leave days would create additional fiscal impact. Members debated whether the bill should pay the full Medicaid rate, a flat reduced rate, or a tiered rate, and discussed whether a cap or department authorization should be used to control use of leave days. The department said it was not supporting the change as it was not in the governor’s budget, though it supported family engagement in care. After discussion, the committee settled on a compromise motion to set therapeutic leave days at a $500 daily rate and require department authorization of the number of leave days. The motion passed 6-2, with Representative Anderson voting no and the rest of the recorded members voting yes. The committee then moved on to Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation budget materials, where Michelle Zander walked through detailed population and rate calculations for women’s and men’s facilities, county holds, deferred admissions, transitional facilities, work release, and proposed reentry, man camp, and Grand Forks-related costs. Members asked about the county jail reimbursement rates and the overall pool of funds, and Zander explained the calculations and noted the proposal was roughly break-even depending on assumptions. The committee also heard an overview of DOCR IT requests from Amy and NDIT staff, including data processing, medical modules, a new client management system, body scanners, data management tools, facility management software, medical software upgrades, college solutions, and body cameras/tasers. Staff explained that the new client management system would likely be a multi-phase project with a wide cost range based on vendor selection and scope, and that the current request was for phase one. Members emphasized the importance of better data tracking, staff safety tools, and information that could help explain programming and release outcomes to the public. The committee planned to continue with Veterans Affairs the next day and then return to Senate Bill 2015.