Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, well, that's a compliment. I'll take that. Oh, well, that's a compliment. I'll take that.
• Well, good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, committee members.
• Well, in statute, the language is 'by April 1st.' Okay.
• That's been a challenge as well. That's been a challenge as well.
• Well done. Well done. Okay, committee, we're now in the discussion phase.

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, committee members.
• Well, in statute, the language is by April 1st. Okay.
• That's been a challenge as well.
• I think Burleigh-Morton is working very well with DOCR.
• Well done. Well done. Okay, committee, we're now in the discussion phase.

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership and approved the December 11 minutes. The committee first received an update from the Office of Management and Budget on the state general fund and major special funds. OMB reported revenues were tracking very close to forecast, with an estimated ending general fund balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. Staff also reviewed balances in the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, along with oil tax collections and the current revenue picture. Legislative Council staff then summarized the special session budget changes and noted the updated beginning balance increased the projected ending balance for the next biennium. The Tax Department presented taxable sales and purchases data by county and industry, showing overall sales tax activity remained strong, with retail trade the largest sector and several counties posting notable gains. Commissioner Kraschis then reviewed federal tax changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and estimated their impact on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the figures were compared to the 2025 baseline and would be incorporated into future forecasts. Members asked about the overtime and tip exclusions, the senior standard deduction, and the primary residence property tax credit application count, which was running ahead of last year at more than 154,000 applications. The committee also heard from the Department of Transportation on fee schedules, with members focusing on driver’s license fees and the fact that current fees cover only about half of program costs, meaning the highway fund subsidizes the remainder. DOT also reported on specialty plate activity, including nearly 3,900 blackout plates issued, and noted increased state fleet usage. The Information Technology Department explained its internal service fund rate-setting process and discussed possible billing simplification, including annual billing and improved invoice detail. OMB also provided data on leased office space in the Bismarck-Mandan area and state workforce counts, and Legislative Council updated the committee on legislative branch space planning. Finally, subcommittee reports noted continued work on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including Burleigh-Morton’s new DOCR housing wing and ongoing overcrowding in state correctional facilities. No formal votes beyond the minutes approval were taken, and the meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this clarifies that as well.
• Police officers a well-overdue raise well within their budget.
• Well, let me back up a little bit. Okay.
• You guys have been working well together.
• You guys have been working well together.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I thought, well, that makes sense.
• Well, you think we should put... Well, no, we shouldn't. No, we have other things to do, right?
• Well, it's a hard act to follow.
• Well, there are many. And you would like to not list that.
• Louis, but for those rural areas as well.

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I thought, well, that makes sense.
• Well, you think we should put... Well, no, we shouldn't. No, we have other things to do, right?
• Well, it's a hard act to follow.
• Louis area as well for a number of reasons.
• Louis, but for those rural areas as well.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee met in executive session and unanimously voted do pass on House Bill 1707, House Bill 2927, and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2057. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bill 1664, which would extend the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims from age 26 to age 41. Representative Brian Sites presented the bill as a needed step for survivors, and multiple witnesses and organizations testified in support, including survivors and advocacy, tort reform, chamber, and insurance groups. No opposition was heard, and the hearing concluded without a vote. The committee also heard House Bill 1845, a startup and angel investor tax credit proposal sponsored by Representative Gallick. The bill would create incentives for Missouri-based startups under $5 million in revenue, with higher credits for rural investment, annual caps, oversight by the Missouri Technology Corporation, and a sunset in 2033. Members questioned what taxes the credit would apply to, how it would work if Missouri changes its income tax structure, and what safeguards would prevent businesses from leaving after receiving credits. Business and economic development groups testified in support, saying the bill would help fill an early-stage capital gap and keep investment in Missouri. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3231, a broad economic development and “Missouri Innovation Zone” proposal sponsored by Representative Brad Christ. The bill would let cities opt in to create innovation zones with local permitting and governance changes, tax incentives, office-to-residential conversion tools, and reinvestment of net new revenues into public safety, infrastructure, and a rural development fund. Members and witnesses discussed local control, prevailing wage, revenue diversion, and implementation concerns, especially from the City of St. Louis and labor groups, while chambers, developers, municipal groups, and historic revitalization advocates generally supported the concept. The hearing ended with no opposition testimony and no committee vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you. That's not true. I have more than one thing.
• Well, thank you. That's not true.
• Well, Representative, what I'd like to do is open it up to you.
• Well, Representative Terry, I appreciate your perspective.
• Well, it should be the best interest of the child.

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Frankly, the Fred Meyer store had drugs as well and had other products as well.
• Frankly, the Fred Meyer store had drugs as well and had other products as well.
• Well, we will clarify. Bye.
• Well, I can ask this question.
• Well, I can ask this question.

Summary: The Labor and Commerce Committee heard public testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 618, the Eric Schrauss Memorial Act, would remove the current time-and-exposure qualifiers for the workers’ compensation presumption that certain heart problems in firefighters and law enforcement officers are occupational diseases. The sponsor and family members of fallen firefighters testified in support, describing delayed claims and arguing the bill would spare grieving families from lengthy appeals. Opponents including counties, self-insurers, cities, and L&I’s research staff said the current qualifiers are based on science, warned the change would greatly expand claims and costs, and noted a 2023 advisory committee did not recommend the change. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5379, which would extend interest arbitration rights to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission law enforcement rangers. The sponsor and a park ranger testified that rangers are commissioned peace officers who cannot strike and are paid less than comparable law enforcement, leading to staffing shortages and turnover. The bill was presented as a fairness and retention measure. Testimony on Senate Bill 6147, concerning grocery store closures in food deserts, was split: supporters from Tacoma, labor, and local government said a six-month notice requirement would help communities respond to closures like the Fred Meyer shutdown in South Tacoma, while grocers and industry groups argued the bill was too prescriptive, would add legal risk, and would not solve underlying crime and business pressures. Senate Bill 6106, requested by the Employment Security Department, would exempt tribes from the state WARN-style notice law and make employee names and addresses submitted in layoff notices confidential under the Public Records Act. ESD and business groups supported the bill as a clarification and privacy fix, and no opposition was heard. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 5927, which would cap future workers’ compensation COLAs at 3%; employers and self-insurers supported it as a way to address volatility and long-term liabilities, while labor, injured-worker advocates, and others opposed it as an across-the-board benefit cut that would erode wage replacement. L&I explained it has been studying possible COLA changes but did not bring forward its own proposal. Finally, Senate Bill 6287 on kratom would restrict adulterated or harmful kratom products, require labeling, set a 21+ sales age, and allow local regulation; supporters backed the age limit and bans on concentrated 7-OH, while some industry witnesses opposed the private right of action and local patchwork rules. The committee adjourned after public testimony; no final votes or executive action were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, my thoughts are... it's a great question.
• How well has raising rates done for them in any capacity?
• Well, we'd be well above your cap. Okay. All right. Interesting.
• Okay, well Bob then.
• Well, we appreciate it.

Bills: SB9 , SB 9

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit, school assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, they're all hired already.
• It's a good value for us as well.
• We're audited regularly by the state as well. We're audited regularly by the state as well.
• So we're excited about that as well.
• I'd like to hear from you as well.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met to discuss apprenticeship education and workforce development, with panelists from Santa Fe College, the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, ABC East Coast/ABC Institute, and Piper Fire Protection. Members heard that apprenticeships are growing in Florida, with panelists emphasizing that these programs offer paid, tuition-free training, progressive wage increases, and strong job placement in high-demand fields such as HVAC, electrical, fire protection, and construction. Panelists also described efforts to expand into new areas like accounting, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and surgical technology, while stressing the importance of aligning programs with employer demand. A major topic was funding and reimbursement. Panelists said the current model is complicated and often leaves providers with only a portion of the funds appropriated for apprentices, with one provider saying reimbursement can be as low as 44% and others describing caps, contract delays, and inconsistent CareerSource support. They argued that more of the money should reach training providers, that small businesses need more support to participate, and that transparency and contract reform could help expand enrollment and improve program quality. Several also raised barriers such as instructor approval rules, paperwork, and facility costs. Members asked about admission criteria, program costs, employer incentives, outreach to high school students, and whether apprenticeships should have greater access to other funding sources. Panelists said the main requirements are being employed and willing to work and learn, and that outreach through schools, career fairs, community partnerships, and public awareness campaigns is essential. They also discussed articulation agreements that can provide college credit for apprenticeship training and suggested statewide credit recognition and possible direct funding to providers as policy improvements. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with the subcommittee adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our mission lifelong well-being.
• ,</c><00:34:46.399><c> which</c> includes our strategy as well, which includes our strategy as well,
• </c> assessment, Hawaii performs very well. assessment, Hawaii performs very well.
• </c> more to to do around that work as well. more to to do around that work as well.
• Well, many different ways.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's not feeling well, as you indicated earlier.
• it as well.
• Well, I appreciate it. Thanks so much for being here.
• Well, thank you, and I really appreciate everyone who testified today, as well as everyone.
• Well, it didn't just pop up over the last 30 days. It didn't.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee held an invited-testimony hearing on LR 425, which examines the Whitehall campus in Lincoln and possible long-term options for youth currently served there. Chair Brian Hardin explained that Whitehall houses two separate programs for adolescent males: a substance use program and a youth-who-sexually-harm program. Testimony from DHHS officials described Whitehall as a Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) that provides about 40 hours of weekly programming, family involvement, school services, and community reintegration activities. Officials said the department is evaluating whether the programs should remain at Whitehall or move to another state-owned facility, with Hastings described as the department’s preferred alternative because it is more residential in design than a youth rehabilitation treatment center (YRTC).

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well
• Well, excellent question.
• Well, no problem.
• Well, and I appreciate your question.
• actually execute this well?

Bills: SB1475 , SB1447 , HB2288 , SB1521 , SB592 , SB1533 , HB1276 , SB201 , SB1477 , SB1232 , SB1255 , SB1327 , SB1525 , SB1721 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1317 , SB604 , SB1325 , SB1496 , SB2007 , SB1567 , SB2112 , SB1980 , SB1735 , SB1558 , SB1491 , SB1287 , SB1378 , SB1369 , SB1441 , SB137 , SB483 , SB843 , SB1433 , SB1257 , SB1365 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the Nurse of the Day and several student and athletic groups, including Career Tech students, charter school students, Meridian Tech students, and Carl Albert championship teams. A lengthy personal privilege/farewell-style speech was delivered by Representative Lepak, reflecting on his service, family, staff, and legislative colleagues, and offering general advice about public service and the legislative process. The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 1369, creating a 988 revolving fund to support Oklahoma’s mental health lifeline, passed 85-7. SB 1441, clarifying penalties for drones contacting critical infrastructure, passed 80-2. SB 137, adding DUI/GBI to electronic monitoring ineligibility and clarifying Department of Corrections language, passed 72-18 after questions about retroactivity and administrative authority. SB 843, raising the minimum ADA threshold from 400 to 550 for school districts to hire relatives of board members, passed 77-4, and its emergency clause also received the required two-thirds vote. The most extensive debate centered on SB 483, which would have authorized county commissioners to establish a relocation assistance program for people seeking to move to supportive housing or services. Members raised concerns about homelessness policy, county capacity, public-private partnerships, safeguards, and possible misuse or “bussing” of people between communities. The bill ultimately failed 35-52, and notice was given of a possible motion to reconsider. Later, SB 1433, requiring agencies to publicly post guidance documents and note they lack the force of law, passed unanimously; SB 1257, updating THC-related language in controlled substances law, passed 68-13; and SB 1365, updating promotional fund language for state retail outlets, lodges, gift shops, and golf courses, failed 43-42, with notice of reconsideration also given. The House then moved to recess until 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We might as well get right to business.
• This would go well beyond the 72-hour in-person inspection window.
• Trail work, as well as $16,000 for signage work.
• Chairman, I'm as saddened about the result of that as well. Mr.
• Chairman, I'm as saddened about the result of that as well.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, Mr. President, I do have a quorum.
• Very well put. So thank you for that.
• Well, and so you're right about that.
• Well, I agree.
• Well, there can be. So let's look at what... ...living now? Well, there can be.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we doing well? Are we not doing well? Why are we not doing well?
• We are doing well.
• All right, well.
• Well, thank you for that answer. Mr.
• Well, Mr.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I think some of the amount of frequency...
• All right, well, we don't have other members here, so...
• Well done, students. Thank you. Well done, students.
• “Well, again, I appreciate the idea, the compassion.
• All right, well, with that, any other comments up here?

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our future infrastructure held up extremely well.
• We've got our vegetation management program as well as a substation hardening as well for the storm surge
• Well, our hardened feeders are performing extremely well.
• Well, so work with our municipalities.
• Well enough.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you so much, Mr.
• Well, there's a couple things.
• Well, first of all, I heard you.
• Well, and that's the exact problem.
• Well, laws came into place in the 60s.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: child safety, Big Tech, CSAM, legislation, online exploitation, bipartisan, social media

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the pressing issues surrounding child safety online, with a particular emphasis on recent legislative efforts aimed at curbing child sexual exploitation and harmful content accessible through social media platforms. Senators engaged in a heated discussion regarding the implications of Big Tech's lobbying efforts against vital bills such as the Stop CSAM Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. Noteworthy testimonies highlighted real-life impacts of online dangers, including tragic cases of child exploitation and drug-related fatalities linked to social media interactions. The bipartisan nature of the committee's commitment to address these issues showcased a collective determination to make the digital environment safer for the younger generation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are well beyond the October date.
• And as you're well-known, it's not something to be done lightly.
• And as you're well-know, it's not something to be done likely.
• My question was about de-duplication as well.
• Well, there's quarterly payments that are made.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met to review how Florida’s Education Finance Program (FEFP) works, receive an update from the Department of Education on the October 2024 FTE survey and third FEFP calculation, and hear from three county superintendents about forecasting enrollment and reconciling scholarship students. The chair explained that FEFP is funded by both state and local dollars, is recalculated multiple times during the year, and is now closely tied to school choice policy. Department staff said the third calculation was still being rerun but should be completed soon, and described the forecasting process as collaborative among districts, DOE, and the Education Estimating Conference. Superintendents from Polk, St. Lucie, and Hendry counties said enrollment shifts, especially students moving to Family Empowerment Scholarships, homeschooling, or private schools, make budgeting and staffing difficult. They said districts often must hold back funds to protect against midyear losses, which affects collective bargaining, staffing, transportation, and classroom organization. Several members raised concerns about duplicate counting, transparency, and whether students receiving scholarship funds can also remain in district classrooms. DOE said districts can access scholarship information through a secure portal and that scholarship funding organizations are paid quarterly, with a new process requiring certification and possible future payment adjustments to reduce duplication. The superintendents urged better real-time tracking of students through a statewide ID or student information system and suggested scholarship students should be funded separately from district FEFP calculations. Members also discussed whether more frequent or daily attendance-based calculations would improve accuracy, though some warned that daily attendance could create new problems for high-poverty districts. The committee also briefly discussed categoricals, including mental health and ESE funding, with DOE saying it evaluates programs through studies, reporting requirements, and legislative direction. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with a motion to rise and adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, well, thank you, Senator, and thank you, the entire panel.
• Yeah, well, thanks.
• I am the co-owner of Windy Village Wellness.
• Okay, well, great. I think we will end and adjourn the committee.
• Okay, well, great. I think we will end and adjourn the committee.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held its second hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including food security, cottage food entrepreneurship, hemp regulation, lobster industry support, pesticide restrictions, pollinator protections, pet cemeteries, and municipal land rights. Committee chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted that 19 bills were on the docket, and took testimony both in person and remotely, with several legislators testifying out of turn because of scheduling conflicts. Several speakers supported food access and local economic opportunity bills. Representative Howard and Senator Oliveira backed the Food Justice Frontline Program and a cottage food/food entrepreneur bill, arguing they would fund nonprofit food security organizations, create jobs, improve SNAP/HIP outreach, and reduce barriers for home-based food businesses. Eastie Farm representatives and a student testified in favor of the food justice bill, describing food insecurity in East Boston and the need for grants, youth involvement, and multilingual outreach. Sidney Travis of the Institute for Justice also supported cottage food reforms, saying current municipal permitting rules create unequal access and that cottage foods are generally safe. The committee also heard sharply divided testimony on hemp legislation. Senator Comerford supported S. 54 as a public health measure to ban synthetic THC products, restrict intoxicating hemp sales to licensed dispensaries, and fund local enforcement, while Laura Beiner, John Nathan, and Elizabeth Wendorf opposed the bill or parts of it, warning it would harm compliant hemp businesses and small farmers. Representative Arena-DeRosa testified in support of a related pollinator bill, and Adam Karachi opposed pesticide restrictions for schools while Deborah Smith supported them, arguing existing protections should be expanded to other child-centered locations. The committee also heard support for a bill to aid lobstermen affected by right whale protections, a bill to preserve private pet cemeteries, and a municipal right-of-first-refusal bill for agricultural and recreational land. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.