Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1160, amending Section 13-3729, A.R.S., relating to unmanned aircraft.
• Senate Bill 1620, amending section 9-461.17, A.R.S., relating to telecommunication utilities.
• Senate Bill 1620, amending section 9-461.17, A.R.S., relating to telecommunication utilities.
• Senate Bill 1668, amending section 36-831, A.R.S., relating to the disposition of remains.
• Senate Bill 1668, amending section 36-831, A.R.S., relating to the disposition of remains.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Corinna Saldana. The chamber also received a proclamation honoring Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s centennial and a visit from university representatives, and briefly highlighted the House softball championship trophy. Early business included a motion to return SB 1113 to the Senate for further amendment and a motion to reject Senate amendments to HB 2133 and send it to conference committee. The House then considered a series of Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. Bills receiving due pass recommendations included SB 1038, SB 1042, SB 1133, SB 1327, SB 1431, and SB 1447. SB 1429 and SB 1566 were amended before receiving due pass recommendations. SB 1124, SB 1167, SB 1214, SB 1315, SB 1635, and SB 1763 were also amended and recommended for passage, while SB 1501 was retained on the calendar. Debate focused especially on SB 1327, concerning foreign funding and public universities, SB 1315, concerning school-law enforcement interoperability plans, and SB 1635, which opponents argued was overbroad and threatened speech and community safety efforts. After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the House placed several bills on third reading and then passed SB 1067, SB 1160, SB 1235, SB 1620, and SB 1668. Recorded votes showed SB 1067 passed 1-0 with six not voting, SB 1160 passed 32-23 with five not voting, SB 1235 passed 45-10 with five not voting, SB 1620 passed 48-7 with five not voting, and SB 1668 passed 55-0 with five not voting. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1160, amending Section 13-3729, A.R.S., relating to unmanned aircraft.
• Senate Bill 1620, amending section 9-461.17, A.R.S., relating to telecommunication utilities.
• Senate Bill 1620, amending section 9-461.17, A.R.S., relating to telecommunication utilities.
• Senate Bill 1668, amending section 36-831, A.R.S., relating to the disposition of remains.
• Senate Bill 1668, amending section 36-831, A.R.S., relating to the disposition of remains.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• question, and so I think I thought I just heard you touch on it, and it had to do with the outside sections
• My question was why are we going to be trying to reauthorize in those outside sections what should probably
• question, and so I think I thought I just heard you touch on it, and it had to do with the outside sections
• At the bottom of the bill, in the sections that authorize how much bonding the state will do, it's only
• This bill requires any bonds that are issued pursuant to Section 2A or Section 2B, the G.O.

Bills: H5279

Keywords: municipal roads, bridges, transportation bond bill, infrastructure financing, capital spending, bond authorization, general obligation bonds, special obligation bonds, Commonwealth Transportation Improvement Act, road resurfacing, road repair, bridge repair, pavement, culverts, stormwater management, climate resilience, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian infrastructure, transit modernization, commuter rail

Transcript Highlights:

• referral agents have the same definition of referral agency as listed in 0.2 under the amendment section
• who has direct knowledge that a minor is or has been a victim of abuse or neglect, as defined in Section
• The bill stipulates that this section does not apply to faulty or repeated non-emergency alerts from
• Section 44-1376, a licensed telecommunications provider, a licensed video service provider.
• Nguyen amendment dated March 6 at 3:30 p.m. adds an employee of a utility as defined in Section 40-491

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard a long series of Senate bills, mostly on third-read consent, covering education, public safety, health, courts, labor, and water. Several bills were briefly explained and then pulled from consent for further discussion, including measures on public records review standards (SB 1078), sexually explicit materials in schools/libraries (SB 1435 and SB 1567), burial costs in death cases (SB 1135), military flags in HOAs/COAs (SB 1184), court-ordered treatment guardianship (SB 1243), standardized state hiring (SB 1665), released-time religious instruction (SB 1741), firearm safety instruction in schools (SB 1424), student participation in extracurriculars after certain convictions (SB 1475), Celebrate Freedom Week (SB 1572), federal scholarship-granting organizations/vouchers (SB 1142), immigration-related arrest notifications (SB 1055), defamation standards (SB 1099), peace officer certification for military police veterans (SB 1107), mandatory reporting of child abuse/neglect directly to DCS (SB 1127), attorney licensing and discipline issues (SB 1148 and SB 1039), concealed weapons on college campuses (SB 1068), and firearm muffling devices/silencers (SB 1069). Members also raised constitutional, policy, and school-safety concerns on several of these bills, while supporters emphasized alternative pathways for students, veterans, and workers, and tighter reporting or licensing rules. Other bills were described without extended debate, including claims against the state for unpaid contracted services (SB 1097), workers’ compensation death benefits for surviving spouses who remarry (SB 1136), burial expense increases (SB 1135), state agency web pages for internal guidance (SB 1586), court-ordered treatment procedures and service of process in mental health cases (SB 1113), medical examiner authorization (SB 1123), tribal MOUs with DCS (SB 1125), controlled-substance scheduling conformity with federal classifications (SB 1188), EMT personal information protections (SB 1193), mammography notice updates (SB 1318), assisted-living referral disclosures (SB 1477), accommodation school GED instruction for 11th graders and students over 16 (SB 1166), credit enhancement board continuation (SB 1422), school district and charter school obligations related to religious release time (SB 1741), school firearm safety instruction (SB 1424), and school civics/freedom-week instruction (SB 1572). The committee also heard bills on CPA certification pathways (SB 1181), insurance adjuster licensing (SB 1415), county voter-registration rules online (SB 1040), campaign address privacy (SB 1259), federal land acquisition notification (SB 1281), water supply/demand assessments (SB 1202), environmental compatibility for power plants and small modular reactors (SB 1418), and groundwater recovery rules (SB 1785). The meeting ended with announcements and a brief recognition of Rep. Stephanie Hamilton with an “Affordability Award.” No final votes are shown in the transcript excerpt; instead, many bills were either left on consent, pulled for later discussion, or flagged for closed caucus. The chair then asked guests to leave so members could hold a closed caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, withholding funds pursuant to this section, the state superintendent and the legislature
• Any funds withheld under this section may be released to the applicable local board of education upon
• In other words, withholding funds pursuant to this section, the state superintendent and the legislature
• Any funds withheld under this section may be released to the applicable local board of education upon
• superintendent of education that the local board of education has come into compliance with this section

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are repealing Section 36 of Title 19.
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3041, page two, section... Mr.
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3041, page two, section one, line 16, by striking 2% and inserting
• This entire section, as I read it, allows for the discounting of cash purchases and then a surcharge
• Yeah, that's the section I read.

Bills: HB1268, HB3041, HB3075, HB3378, HB3463, HB3619, HB3620, HB3624, HB3722, HB4335

Keywords: retirement, public employees, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, science and technology, research, board appointments, emergency legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• We are repealing Section 36 of Title 19.
• July 1, 2026, and by adding a new section declaring an emergency.
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 3041, page two, section one, line 16, by striking 2% and inserting
• This entire section, as I read it, allows for the discounting of cash purchases and then a surcharge
• Yeah, that's the section I read.

Bills: HB1268, HB3041, HB3075, HB3378, HB3463, HB3619, HB3620, HB3624, HB3722, HB4335

Keywords: retirement, public employees, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, science and technology, research, board appointments, emergency legislation

Summary: The Government Oversight committee opened with prayer and then took up a series of bills, many related to census preparation, election administration, municipal oversight, and state/local regulatory policy. Leader Lawson presented three census and mapping measures: HB 3619 updated the state geographic information one-stop initiative and authorized leaf-off aerial surveys to support a single boundary map layer; HB 3620 created the 2030 Complete Census Count Committee; and HB 3624 repealed a statute tied to meandering waterways and county boundary interpretation. All three passed, with HB 3619 and HB 3624 receiving unanimous support and HB 3620 passing 13-2. Chairman Bowles presented HB 3463 to modernize municipal audit procedures for small communities under 2,500 population, emphasizing transparency and accountability; it passed 16-0. Floor Leader West presented HB 3041 on credit-card surcharge rules for retailers. Members debated whether the bill’s cap language was really a cap or a notice threshold, and an amendment to raise the percentage from 2% to 4% was ultimately withdrawn so the language could be fixed later; the bill still passed 19-0. Pro Tem Moore’s HB 4335, aimed at preventing a patchwork of local pet-shop and pet-breeder bans while preserving statewide standards, drew questions about preemption and enforcement but passed 13-6. Representative Hildebrandt’s HB 3075 created a penny-rounding rule for cash transactions by public entities, allowing rounding to the nearest nickel; it passed 18-0. Representative Ranson’s HB 3378 made a temporary change to the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board’s terms to address delays in grant timing, and it also passed 18-0. Representative Crosswhite Hader’s HB 3722 would require incomplete voter registration applications to be returned rather than defaulted to “independent/no party,” prompting extended debate with the State Election Board about voter intent and processing; it passed 15-3. Finally, Vice Chair Hays presented HB 1268, which adds a DROP option to the pension system for EMTs, county jailers, and assistant sheriffs with a five-year cap; it passed 13-4. The committee adjourned after announcing a Thursday meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically says that the provisions of this section are not going to prohibit... ...the municipal bodies
• I believe that would fall under the section where they would not be allowed to exempt them from compliance
• I think beyond the 200, when you've got certain sections that speak to 750, you've got a section that
• In the C3 section, it talks about if an entity or project for which the incentive of funds are received
• If you'll notice at the front of page one, we're dealing with new law, and right below line 8, Section

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee considered several bills dealing with municipal regulation, penalties, incentives, fireworks, and tax increment financing. Senate Bill 1519 would allow low-impact home-based businesses to operate without additional municipal permitting or zoning restrictions, while still requiring compliance with state and federal laws and applicable professional boards. Members questioned how the bill would define “no-impact” businesses, how it would affect short-term rentals and home-based services like nail salons or dispensaries, and whether it reduced local oversight. The bill passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1775 clarified that municipalities may impose penalties for traffic-, alcohol-, and drug-related offenses that are less than or equal to the state statutory penalty, and set caps for other municipal fines. After extended questioning over whether the bill lowered or matched state penalties, a legislative analyst was brought in to explain that the measure was intended to resolve confusion about municipal authority. The bill passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1900 would direct 5% of the value of state economic development incentives to cities or counties for infrastructure, with members raising concerns about how the funds would be split, whether counties or cities would control them, and how the bill would apply in unincorporated areas. The author said he was open to revising the language, and the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1948 would expand the time frame for licensed fireworks sellers to sell consumer fireworks year-round and would also bar counties from prohibiting private outdoor consumer fireworks displays, subject to burn bans and other safety limits. Questions focused on safety, county zoning, and whether the bill relied on an outdated building code reference. The bill passed 8-2. Senate Bill 2080, a request bill from county assessors, would require assessors to be included as an information resource in TIF/TID processes, align district boundaries with parcel lines, and allow administrative fees to cover assessor costs. Members debated the justification and size of the fee and whether it would burden local governments, but the bill passed 8-2.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think in reviewing this bill there is a very substantial intent section, and one of the areas of the
• intent section that I got caught on was 1-2D, the part where it talks about raising taxes on financial
• I'm reading currently from Section 204, as I don't deal with this section of the code very often, RCW
• So, yeah, Section 204 deals with the tribal capacity grant program, which I mentioned at the beginning
• I think the rates in Section 105 are also in perpetuity, and so we might need to work on that a little

Summary: House Finance met on Friday, January 23rd, and heard three bills. On House Bill 2194, staff explained that the bill would allow a county and a city within that county to both impose the cultural access sales and use tax at the same time, with the county providing a credit for the city tax. Representative Parsley said the change would let more jurisdictions support cultural, arts, science, and school-related programs. Olympia and Thurston County officials testified in support, describing grant funding for cultural organizations, free programming, and school access benefits; a committee member raised a question about how the change could affect county bond obligations. The committee then heard House Bill 2089, which would narrow a B&O tax preference for first mortgage interest by removing the requirement that a financial institution be located in 10 or more states, and direct the resulting revenue to the wildfire response, forest restoration, and community resilience account. Staff said the bill would raise significant revenue and have implementation costs for the Department of Revenue. Representative Scott said the bill was intended to restore wildfire funding and limit the preference to community banks, while opponents from the Washington Bankers Association and Community Bankers of Washington warned the bill could harm community banks and mortgage lending if not drafted carefully. The Department of Natural Resources and a public employee representative supported restoring wildfire preparedness funding. Finally, the committee heard a proposed third substitute for House Bill 1960, which would replace property taxation for new or repowered large renewable energy facilities and battery storage systems with a state and local excise tax structure, while also creating a local investment distribution account and a tribal capacity grant program. Staff and the sponsor described the bill as a way to reduce property tax shifts onto nearby taxpayers and provide more stable, predictable revenue for local governments and tribes. County officials, assessors, treasurers, and some clean energy and conservation groups supported the concept but asked for clearer definitions, payment timing, and rate adjustments; utilities and renewable developers said they supported the goal but opposed the bill as drafted because of concerns about the rates and the treatment of centrally assessed utilities. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearings on all three bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the front part of that section, you'll see a letter from the OSP director, Ms.
• is still a section for the OSP director's signature.
• No content provided in this section beyond the continuation of the out-of-state contracts list.
• No content provided in this section beyond the continuation of the out-of-state contracts list.
• No content provided in this section beyond the continuation of the out-of-state contracts list.

Summary: The review subcommittee met to consider a supplemental agenda, methods of finance, an alternative delivery project, discretionary grants, and a large slate of construction, out-of-state, and in-state contracts. The supplemental item was a $2.6 million out-of-state contract with Tyler Technologies for a mobile app that would let citizens access state services through a single sign-on, initially for DFA vehicle and licensing services, with possible expansion to other agencies. Members also reviewed five methods of finance, including University of Arkansas projects for roof and cooling tower replacements, a new $100 million academic classroom building at U of A Fayetteville, a police department renovation at UA Fort Smith, and a boiler/chiller replacement at Hope-Texarkana. Questions focused on project timing, why some items were being reviewed after work had begun, and the high estimated cost of the Fayetteville classroom building; DFA explained that projects under $250,000 are not reviewed and that the larger project was still in design and would later seek a guaranteed maximum price. The committee also reviewed two DHS discretionary grants: one for targeted youth advocacy in southwest Arkansas and another adding $582,000 for family-centered treatment training and implementation. In the services contract section, members discussed construction-related contracts, including an ASMSA electrical scope increase tied to three-phase power requirements and the U of A Fayetteville architect contract for the classroom building. Out-of-state contracts included major items such as ACT Education’s $17 million amendment to provide required pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th graders, a $12.5 million DFA contract for rural health transformation grant management, DHS’s $16.5 million EBT services contract with updated chip-card and fraud-prevention features, and ADH’s special procurement for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The committee also reviewed U of A system consulting contracts for financial advisory and sponsorship strategy work, with university officials saying the outside expertise was needed for specialized planning and revenue-generation efforts. In-state contracts covered corrections reentry services, nursing board investigations, foster care and child welfare services, DHS office janitorial work, emergency management radio system expansion, veterans’ home nursing staffing, and UAMS grants consulting. A lengthy exchange centered on the Department of Corrections’ reentry housing contract, with members pressing officials about vacant beds and urging fuller use of the program, while corrections staff said placements depend on screening and eligibility. Another discussion addressed the balance between out-of-state and in-state contracting, with a member noting the large dollar volume going to out-of-state vendors and asking whether Arkansas vendors receive any preference; State Procurement said current law does not allow an in-state preference. The committee approved the supplemental agenda, the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, the discretionary grants, and the contract lists, and then received routine reports and an emergency action report before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we're repealing a section which contained outdated and duplicative reporting language.
• These sections contain language that required digital asset managers to ensure that their assertion forms
• If I'm reading your bill, it says this section applies only to a residential tenant who, number one,
• Each section replaces separate outdated references which now conflict with current law.
• For your convenience in the Dropbox, we provided a section by section summary of those changes, and again

Transcript Highlights:

• This is section 51 that I'm referring to. >> Thank you for your testimony. Much appreciated, right?
• Sorry. >> Thank you for letting me speak about sections. 31 32 this bill that have to do with changes
• Fluoridation of the optimal level 0.7 parts per million sections. 31 32 of Senate Bill 700 contain a
• Now, while we're not opposed to the entire bill, this section does cause concerns.
• >> I'd have to look back at the study to see that exact section.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The relevant section in the bill is 28111.
• I'll just basically reference line 107, that section where...
• And also at section three, the presiding Circuit Judge of each circuit, in his or her discretion and
• And in section three, section four, this act shall become effective on June 1st.
• It just restores a couple of words back to the code section that we took out in a very large bill that

Bills: SB210, SB225, HB280, HB287, HB94, HB88, SB157, HB7, HB8, HB42

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• How this will be sectioned off and has to have 63 votes in order to pass, and if during that local application
• /c><00:05:05.600><c> this</c><00:05:05.840><c> will</c><00:05:06.000><c> be</c><00:05:06.160><c> sectioned
• </c><00:05:06.639><c> off</c> others how this will be sectioned off others how this will be sectioned

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the code sections here are only the code sections either on the House or the Senate side.
• Uh, the code sections here are only the code sections either on the House or the Senate side.
• </c> filed had nothing but the code sections. filed had nothing but the code sections.
• Section three of the bill.
• </c> Section three of the bill. Section three of the bill.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 12 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We urge this committee to correct these sections. ...and principles stated above.
• We appreciate the sponsors' consideration of some of the amendments to Section 3C.
• And the last thing, Section 3C, appreciate the additional language.
• And the last thing, Section 3C, appreciate the additional language.
• And also dealing with the underpayment section, I think, is a good thing.

Keywords: 1146, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this opportunity to share this section of the budget.
• I recall when I came over here, it had that section actually with less language.
• And it's interesting that you say that because the next section of Section 34 speaks to reducing the
• I have a question on Section 150 of the bill. Who's answering?
• So Section 150 prohibits state agencies from contracting with any organization who...

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1115 of the Social Security Act enables the Secretary of Federal HHS to waive certain federal
• Section 1115 of the Social Security Act enables the Secretary of Federal HHS to waive certain federal
• Section 71118 from H.R. 1 Section 71118 from H.R. 1 made a change to require the CMS Office of the Actuary
• However, in the final section, it just noted substance use... ...the final section, it just noted substance
• And we can do that as a committee recommend to legislative council that we add a section.

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• Division of Budget Section to order and ask counsel to call the roll. All right. Thank you, Mr.
• and the actual amount spent per month in each one of those sections.
• the actual amount spent per month in each one of those sections.
• You'll see the total number that we testified to in our budget for each section.
• They also have another section of the metal decking set as well.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Representative Hostetler, I'm simply going on the language of Section 4.
• Representative Hostetler, I'm simply going on the language of Section 4.
• And Section 4 just says legal assistance. It doesn't limit it to legal assistance.
• Section 4 about legal assistance.
• And just for reference, harboring is in three sections of code. And I'd... of the bill.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard extensive testimony on HCR 23, a resolution calling for an Article V convention to propose congressional term limits. The bill’s sponsor and supporters argued that Congress is broken, term limits are broadly popular, and the states should use Article V pressure to force Congress to act. Supporters said the convention process is controlled by the states and ratification by 38 states is a strong safeguard. Opponents, including several Republican officials and private citizens, warned that an Article V convention is unpredictable, could exceed its intended scope, and could threaten the Constitution; they urged using elections instead. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to hold HCR 23 in committee by an 8-7 roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 764, which would prohibit organizations from knowingly transporting, harboring, or providing certain assistance to people unlawfully present in the United States, with language modeled on federal immigration law. The sponsor said the bill does not target immigrants themselves or ordinary charitable aid, but rather organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and related fraud, and argued the state can mirror existing federal prohibitions to support enforcement. Questions focused on how the bill would affect nonprofits, the meaning of “harboring,” and whether the bill improperly incorporates federal definitions. Testimony from the Idaho Food Bank and others opposed the bill, warning it could criminalize routine charitable work, create fear among volunteers, and be difficult to administer because of vague standards like “reckless disregard.” A Catholic witness said the bill would burden religious obligations to aid migrants regardless of status, while supporters maintained the bill would not interfere with lawful charity and would only reach knowing facilitation of illegal conduct.