Video & Transcript : 'Regional Security Operations Centers' :
Page 218 of 500
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So under operating, we have had to make, we did have to transfer out $9.9 million of operating.
- I guess I'm operating the slide.
- I'm the director of clinic operations.
- And then you can see in all regions across the state.
- And can be a little bit more challenging to operate than operating, let's say, a basic federal SNAP program
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on major health-related projects and programs. CHI St. Alexius representatives reported progress on behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks, including demolition and construction milestones, staffing plans, and timelines. The Bismarck project remains on track for completion in June 2027 with about $346,500 spent to date. Williston reported construction underway, a $750,000 unbudgeted air handler replacement, active recruitment for psychiatrists and other staff, and a projected substantial completion in early 2027. Grand Forks reported about 30% completion, weather-tight status expected in August, and continued staffing ramp-up as the facility expands from its current 24-bed operation.
The Department of Health and Human Services then reviewed a set of technical line-item transfers, emphasizing that they were administrative corrections with no net change in funding. The department also walked through the Salaries and Wages Block Grant and FTE counts, noting overall staffing remained within appropriated limits and that behavioral health staffing had increased. Members asked about vacancies, consultant use, and the mix of in-state versus out-of-state expertise for the Rural Health Transformation Program. HHS said it had posted 12 funding opportunities, received 422 applications, obligated $8.4 million so far, hired 26 people, and was preparing additional grant rounds and a CMS budget submission. The department said the program is structured around workforce, prevention/healthy living, care closer to home, and technology/data, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and community forums.
The committee also heard on the certified community behavioral health clinic implementation plan, SNAP payment error rates, and the state laboratory project. HHS said CCBHC certification is being implemented in four regions—Williston, Minot/North Central, Fargo/Southeast, and Dickinson/Badlands—with care coordination expanding and baseline data still being collected. On SNAP, the department reported a 2025 payment error rate of 9.89%, acknowledged cost impacts under HR1, and said it is using training, system changes, and pre-authorization quality checks to reduce errors toward a 6% target over the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, Public Health reported the state laboratory reached substantial completion on June 12, with total costs at $69.95 million of the $70 million budget, though a service elevator issue will require a new lift to be added using contingency funds.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Gaming Control Board Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In January, the 15 operating riverboats generated adjusted gross receipts of $153,722,063.
- Page 2 shows the riverboat revenue broken down by regional market.
- Bally's Baton Rouge generated approximately $4.5 million in its first full month of operation.
- Bally's Baton Rouge generated approximately $4.5 million in its first full month of operation.
- Asset Management operates as its investment manager.
Summary:
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on February 26, 2026, and first approved the January minutes and received revenue reports showing year-over-year gains in several sectors. Riverboat gaming, Caesars New Orleans, racetrack slots, video gaming devices, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports all reported January activity and state fee collections, with board members asking no questions. The chairman also noted recent meetings with casino and racetrack general managers around the state to discuss operational challenges and possible regulatory efficiencies.
The board then approved fourth-quarter 2025 employment and procurement compliance reports for riverboats and racetracks. Staff reported that some licensees met all goals, while others missed specific employment or procurement targets, including several riverboats and racetracks that fell short in Louisiana resident, female, or minority categories. The board also approved annual certificates of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel and Live Casino and Hotel after inspection reports showed deficiencies had been corrected or no issues were found.
In other gaming matters, the board approved Jackpot Digital-related petitions allowing Alpha North Partners Fund and Alpha North Asset Management to qualify as institutional investors, approved a transfer of membership interest in Bonus Casino, LLC, and approved several settlements involving late filings, expired permits, ownership-notification failures, and an expired security ID card. Civil penalties ranged from $750 to $9,250. The board also considered two requests to reconsider prior license revocations: it granted reconsideration for Burritos Grill LLC, finding a good-faith but misdirected hearing request and technical issues warranted further review, but denied reconsideration for Toby’s Dead, Inc. doing business as The Gemini, concluding the licensee missed the hearing deadline and had not shown grounds for rehearing. The meeting adjourned after announcing the next meeting would be March 16, 2026.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Gaming Control Board Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- and I have traversed the state meeting with the general managers of each casino and racetrack by region
- In January, the 15 operating riverboats generated adjusted gross receipts of $153,722,063.
- Bally's Baton Rouge generated approximately $4.5 million in its first full month of operation.
- Bally's Baton Rouge generated approximately $4.5 million in its first full month of operation.
- operates as its investment manager.
Summary:
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on February 26, 2026, and first approved the January minutes and received revenue reports showing year-over-year gains in several sectors, including riverboats, racetrack slots, video gaming devices, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports. Staff also reported on fourth-quarter 2025 employment and procurement compliance for riverboat and racetrack licensees, noting several properties that missed employment or procurement targets, while others were fully compliant.
Under casino gaming issues, the board approved annual certificates of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel and Live Casino and Hotel. It also approved two petitions finding Alpha North Partners Fund, Inc. and Alpha North Asset Management to be institutional investors in connection with Jackpot Digital’s pending manufacturer and supplier applications. Under video gaming issues, the board approved a transfer of membership interest in Bonus Casino, LLC.
The board then approved a series of proposed settlements involving late filings, permit lapses, and ownership-notification violations, including matters involving American Amusements, McKinley’s Pub, Whispering Pines Plaza and Casino, Ms. Mamie’s Rain Casino, Pablo’s Truck Stop Casino, Clearly Tavern and Sports Bar, and Golden Lantern, with civil penalties ranging from $750 to $9,250. In the final agenda items, the board granted reconsideration for Burritos Grill LLC after finding a good-faith but misdirected hearing request, but denied reconsideration for Toby’s Dead, Inc., doing business as The Gemini, concluding that the licensee missed the hearing deadline and that no sufficient grounds for rehearing were shown. The board then adjourned and announced its next meeting for March 16, 2026.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The program will provide CompTIA Security certification training, examination, and federal security clearance
- That's the words of the Haas Center. Pets and exploit Florida consumers.
- That's the words of the Haas Center.
- As of last month, the Federal Reserve regional vaults suspended distributing pennies.
- As of last month, the Federal Reserve Regional Vaults suspended distributing pennies.
Summary:
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported.
The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no.
The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, June 6, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They contribute to Social Security.
- No Social Security, no medical, no defense, nothing.
- And we have secured federal an end.
- </c> this time to field operations this time to field operations lieutenant,<03:26:56.000><c> and</c>
- ><c> current</c><03:53:49.840><c> system,</c> operating under the current system, operating under the
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Committee May 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1025, Office of Food Security and Affordability.
- SB 1168, Data Center Energy Surcharges. The motion is due pass.
- The motion is due pass as amended per author to delay the operative date.
- The motion is due pass as amended per author to delay the operative date.
- SB 887, CEQA Data Centers.
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met for a suspense-file hearing and voted only on measures already heard previously, with no public testimony. The chair explained that bills were taken up quickly in author order, with amended bills to be followed by addendum analyses. The committee considered a very large slate of Senate bills and two Assembly measures covering wildfire resilience, housing, insurance, energy, transportation, public safety, elections, health care, labor, environmental regulation, and various administrative and tax issues.
Most measures were approved, many on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a substantial number passed on 5-2 or 5-1 party-line votes with Republicans generally voting no. Several bills were amended before passage, including changes to funding contingencies, timelines, reporting requirements, definitions, and removal of certain enforcement or private-right-of-action provisions. A few members noted concerns on specific bills, including Senator Richardson on SB 1203 (private security training), though he said he would vote for it at this stage.
Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on wildfire smoke, wildfire recovery, mobile home parks, insurance nonrenewals, AI transparency, data center energy issues, Medi-Cal and health coverage, criminal justice, election administration, housing, and labor/workforce standards. The committee also approved AB 46 and AB 736. No bills were held for testimony because the hearing was vote-only, and the meeting adjourned after all items on the agenda were disposed of.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1025, Office of Food and Security and Affordability.
- SB 1168, Data Center Energy Surcharges. The motion is due pass.
- SB 1168, Data Center Energy Surcharges. The motion is due pass.
- SB 887, CEQA Data Centers.
- SB 1203, Security Services. The motion is due pass.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 27th, 2026
Senate & Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So we do welding and culinary with Nunez down at Bridge City Center for Youth.
- If something is extremely high risk, it goes on alert for everyone within the center.
- I'm familiar with the call center.
- Hebert Law Center proud.
- Hebert Law Center proud.
Keywords:
sales tax, exemptions, credits, rebates, uniformity, legislative rules, fiscal report, constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, delegates, state election, ratification, Louisiana, public meetings, broadcast, transparency, government accountability
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/03/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> confirmation that it is safe to operate. confirmation that it is safe to operate.
- , but it offers no real security.
- security.
- </c> operations and the health of our state. operations and the health of our state.
- </c> one contract pharmacy per health center. one contract pharmacy per health center.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- BUT THE NEGATIVE IS IF WE DIDN'T GET ANY SECURITY POSITIONS TO SECURE THE EDUCATION WE OPEN EVERY EDUCATION
- BUT BUILT THEM BACK UP IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA WITH NO SECURITY.
- SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR THE TEACHERS IN THE SETTINGS.
- IT'S ONE OF OUR MOST HIGHLY SECURE PRISONS. I'M SORRY.
- PARTICULARLY ON THE COURTSIDE OF OPERATIONS.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:09.279><c> of</c><00:12:09.600><c> institutional</c><00:12:10.399><c> facilities</c> operation
- of institutional facilities operation of institutional facilities for<00:12:12.079><c> persons</c><00
- And whereas persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing voting, securing employment
- ,</c> prior to, during, and after regional, prior to, during, and after regional, statewide,<00:15:47.519
- Roadmap Coalition valued Food Security Roadmap Coalition valued Vermont<00:15:56.480><c> 211</c><00:
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- They do have security guards that have... ...unionized for nursing.
- So we're operating at full capacity most of the time.
- So we're operating at full capacity most of the time.
- And we're just focusing on these regional hospitals like that.
- We are the only level one trauma center in the We are the only level one trauma center in this area,
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor met with a quorum, adopted the June 4 minutes, and then took up Senate Bill 948, the Workplace Employees Boundaries Act (WEB Act), after adopting an S-1 substitute by a 4-1 vote. Senator Geis presented the bill as a Michigan “right to disconnect” measure that would generally bar employers from requiring employees to access or respond to work communications outside usual work hours, allow employees to set availability hours, prohibit retaliation, direct LEO to write rules, and provide complaint and enforcement procedures with exceptions for emergencies and existing collective bargaining agreements. In questioning, Senator Albert raised concerns about how the bill would apply in small businesses and practical situations like staffing calls, school notifications, and emergency-like circumstances; Geis said the bill was meant to protect non-work time while preserving emergency carve-outs and informational messages. NFIB’s Amanda Fisher opposed the bill, arguing it was too broad, difficult to define across industries and schedules, potentially duplicative of existing wage-and-hour law, and likely to create confusion and reduce flexibility, especially for small employers.
The committee then shifted to testimony on health care workforce and labor disputes. Nurses from Teamsters Local 332 described a 291-day strike at Henry Ford/Genesis over safe staffing, return-to-work terms, and alleged union-busting, saying the hospital’s staffing levels and use of replacement workers threatened patient safety and could displace experienced specialty nurses. Michigan Nurses Association president Aaron McCormick and Marquette RN union president Christina Hanson said Michigan’s problem is not a shortage of licensed nurses but of nurses willing to stay in overworked, hostile workplaces; they cited retaliation, slow grievance/arbitration processes, hospital consolidation, rural OB closures, and unsafe staffing ratios as drivers of burnout and departures. They urged stronger protections and faster dispute resolution, especially given the limited effectiveness of the NLRB and delays in labor processes.
Additional testimony came from UAW Local 4911’s Kim Wheeler, who said UMH Sparrow was outsourcing two low-paid support groups—patient transport/housekeeping and food and nutrition—despite their importance to hospital operations and despite a recently ratified contract, and asked for transparency and limits on corporate outsourcing. Don Hill of SEIU Health Care Michigan described chronic understaffing in nursing homes, mandatory overtime, burnout, retaliation fears, and the need for enforceable patient-to-staff ratios and stronger wage support; he also noted that home care workers are negotiating first contracts after restored bargaining rights. The committee took no vote on SB 948 beyond adopting the substitute, heard extensive testimony, and adjourned without further business.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And the other is regionalization.
- So a group of community systems that want to regionalize, after they've made the decision to regionalize
- And the other is regionalization.
- And so a group of community systems that want to. facilitate regionalization.
- So a group of community systems that want to regionalize after they've got made the decision to regionalize
Summary:
The committee heard several water-related bills and one memorial in a Saturday session near the end of the legislative term. House Bill 63, the annual NMFA Water Project Fund authorization bill, would authorize grants and loans for 113 eligible water projects across 28 counties. NMFA and municipal interests supported the bill, and members emphasized the need to move water infrastructure funding quickly. The committee voted unanimously do pass.
House Bill 109 would temporarily remove the requirement for the legislature to separately authorize Water Trust Board-vetted projects through 2029, allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority and Water Trust Board to move projects forward more quickly. Sponsors and witnesses said the change would reduce a six- to 12-month delay, improve access for small and tribal systems, and allow more flexible application periods and technical assistance. Some members raised concerns about transparency, legislative authority, and equitable access, but the bill also received broad support from local governments, tribes, and advocacy groups. The committee voted unanimously do pass.
House Bill 111 would modernize water enforcement penalties by increasing fines for illegal water use, including unlawful diversions, unlicensed well drilling, and failure to meter, while exempting valid water-right holders from monetary penalties for simple over-diversion and preserving existing adjudication orders. Support came from environmental groups, irrigation districts, the Interstate Stream Commission, the Pueblo of Laguna, and others, who said stronger penalties are needed to deter illegal use. Members questioned how the bill would affect farmers, acequias, service of notices, and existing water-right disputes, and sponsors said the bill had been revised to address prior concerns. The committee voted unanimously do pass. The committee also approved Senate Memorial 27, which urges state agencies to help publicize expanded federal RECA benefits for New Mexicans exposed to Trinity radiation fallout; supporters said the memorial would help eligible residents learn about and apply for compensation before the deadline.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Wineries can continue to source globally, blend freely, and operate as they do today.
- Drive through any wine region today and you will see it: uprooted vines stacked along the roadside.
- for Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education...
- These businesses often operate on tight margins and rely on steady cash flow to stay competitive.
- These businesses often operate on tight margins and rely on steady cash flow to stay competitive.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 2507 by Assembly Member Wynn would strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early engagement across agencies. Support came from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance, with members praising the bill as improving respect, coordination, and outcomes for tribes. AB 2024, also by Wynn, would require the Outdoor Advertising Act permitting process to reach a determination on submitted applications, aimed at reducing delays and uncertainty; it drew support from the outdoor advertising industry and the California Association of Realtors, with members describing it as a technical cleanup measure. Both bills were later moved to Appropriations, along with a consent calendar of several other measures.
AB 1585 by Assembly Member Connolly would require wine labeled as American to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” label with California’s existing 100% state-origin standard. Supporters, including California wine grape growers, family wineries, consumer advocates, and several local agricultural groups, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling and help struggling growers. Opponents from major wine companies and industry groups warned it could reduce flexibility, create labeling complications, and limit the ability to list varietal and vintage on some blended wines. After a lengthy debate over labeling standards, consumer expectations, and impacts on interstate wine sales, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations.
AB 1605 by Assembly Member Ransom would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, restricting their ability to purchase alcohol as a preventive measure. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, the Safe California Roads Coalition, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would give courts another tool to reduce recidivism and save lives. Retailers and restaurant representatives raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens, but the bill was amended and passed to Appropriations. AB 2211 by Assembly Member Hoover, which would allow craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the California Distillers Association. Finally, AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson, presented by Assembly Member Solache, would require anti-hate speech training for local and state elected officials; it drew strong opposition over First Amendment and definitional concerns, and members pressed for a clearer definition of hate speech before further action.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant Sep 8th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Normally, they take the league from the center of the community, which was usually the plaza and the
- And so when they came to do the survey, they took the center point from an area known or place known
- Multiple times to find a community center, which there is one. However, none of you all were there.
- In order for them to... secure that.
- It's always very helpful to kind of get us centered on what the conversation is.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 29th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Businesses are already facing record legal lawsuits, record taxes, record operating costs, and record
- Good union jobs that provide family-supporting wages, health care, and security for thousands of workers
- This bill provides important standards and guidance for regional centers, helping ensure that they are
- As you know, I grew up in Tulare in the heart of California's dairy industry, and my family operated
- There are many people who assist in the behind-the-scenes operations of the Assembly, and Mukhtar is
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely procedural session with several unanimous-consent motions, guest introductions, and budget-related trailer bills. Members also adopted resolutions recognizing June as Dairy Month and June 2026 as Electronic Dance Music Month, and later approved H.R. 88 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Guest introductions highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Kappa League, Assembly staff member Mukhtar Ali, and Jennifer Levy, who is advocating against drunk driving after the death of her son.
On the floor, the Assembly considered a series of Senate budget trailer bills presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 170 reorganizes housing and homelessness agencies; SB 171 makes labor-related cleanup changes; SB 172 addresses general government, broadband, and NextGen 9-1-1; SB 174 extends remote court hearings and related court provisions; SB 177 advances options related to Medi-Cal and employer contributions; SB 180 extends the California Competes tax credit and conforms tax treatment for certain savings accounts; SB 169 covers transportation and DMV-related provisions; SB 168 creates a zero-emission vehicle incentive program and other clean-energy changes; SB 166 implements natural resources and environmental protection budget items; SB 165 extends the skilled nursing facility financing framework; SB 163 updates developmental services; and SB 135 funds higher education initiatives, including community college enrollment and Cal Grant changes. Most of these measures passed with bipartisan support, though several drew opposition over concerns about bureaucracy, fees, oversight, or policy direction.
The Assembly also passed SB 719, which updates vehicle-related protections for domestic violence survivors, SB 97, an urgency bill making clarifying changes to digital financial asset law, SB 1350, which supports hydrogen and clean energy development, and SB 1344, which aims to reduce meritless lawsuits delaying affordable and supportive housing projects. AB 182, which sets the order for proposition numbers on the November ballot, was approved despite criticism that it manipulates the ballot numbering process. Votes on the measures were recorded, with many passing on strong margins and several transmitted immediately to the Senate or Governor as noted in the proceedings.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 4, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS.
- SECURITY.
- IF YOU ASK FOR SECURITY CAMERAS IN 2018 THEN IT 2025 TO SECURITY CAMERAS MAY BE OBSOLETE.
- SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF TRAUMA ADVOCACY CENTERS FOR EXAMPLE IN A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT REGIONS AND THE TRAUMA
- AND THEY CAN SECURE THEMSELVES.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Under operating, we have had to transfer out $9.9 million of operating.
- I guess I'm operating the slide.
- I guess I'm operating the slide.
- I'm the director of clinic operations.
- And can be a little bit more challenging to operate than operating, let's say, a basic federal SNAP program
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston.
The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance.
The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- these spiritual teachers encouraged the need to engage in calming self-reflection to help remain centered
- The broader Sacramento region comprises the ancestral homelands of the Miwok, the Nisenan, the Patwin
- The state is providing a different narrative, an operational model, a policy blueprint for others to
- It's region by region. Some 10,000 people—remarkable number—participated. Region by region.
- For the Redwood region, it's jobs in tourism and health and forestry and fisheries.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott Phillips at the Washington Poison Center. We will have Dr.
- I'm the CEO of Washington's Poison Center. I'm appearing today as a witness on House Bill 2516.
- The nonprofit Washington Poison Center operates 24/7.
- I'm the owner and operator of a pest business in Vancouver, District 18, and a resident.
- Food security is another thing to think about.
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills, with most of the discussion focused on tribal representation and natural resource management. On HB 2117, which would add a tribal representative to the Board of Natural Resources, the prime sponsor and DNR officials said the bill would strengthen government-to-government relationships without replacing existing consultation duties. Tribal leaders from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation testified in support, as did the Commissioner of Public Lands and DNR’s tribal relations director. County and timber interests said they were not opposed to tribal representation but raised concerns about trust responsibilities, beneficiary interests, and whether the representative should come from a tribe with commercial forest management experience. The committee later closed testimony on HB 2117 and read into the record 192 pro, 124 con, and zero other sign-ins.
The committee also heard HB 2516, which would impose a two-year moratorium on the use of certain anticoagulant rodenticides and bromethalin after a Department of Agriculture report and while the Washington State Academy of Sciences studies alternatives and impacts. The prime sponsor argued the bill balances rodent control with concerns about wildlife, groundwater, and human exposure, while opponents from the pest management industry warned it would remove effective tools and worsen rodent problems, especially for low-income and manufactured-home communities. Supporters included the Washington Poison Center, wildlife rehabilitators, Birds Connect Seattle, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and other advocates who cited poisonings in wildlife and children and pointed to non-toxic alternatives and integrated pest management. The committee read into the record 754 pro, 176 con, and five other sign-ins.
For HB 2554, which would repeal RCW 77.110 and related language tied to Initiative 456 and tribal fishing rights, the sponsor and the Attorney General’s Office said the statute is unconstitutional and inconsistent with federal treaty law and court rulings. The Department of Fish and Wildlife also supported repeal, describing the measure as removing an unenforceable anti-tribal statute. The committee then moved on to HB 2327, a bill directing JLARC to audit the county forest board lands trust and DNR’s management of those lands. The sponsor, former Rep. Jim Buck, county representatives, and forest industry witnesses supported an independent review of the trust structure and performance; some asked for amendments to address reconveyance options, broader legal and ecological considerations, and consultation with tribes and the Board of Natural Resources.