Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:42:54.640><c> applicable</c> codes, fire codes, and other applicable codes, fire codes, and other
• We have our own transport system, a free transport system, ambulances that run in between the parent
• :40:28.320><c> a</c><05:40:28.480><c> free</c><05:40:28.798><c> transport</c> own transport system uh
• a free transport own transport system uh a free transport system<05:40:30.000><c> uh</c><05:40:30.320
• of our own transport system, the delays<05:41:18.160><c> in</c><05:41:18.400><c> transport,</c><05:41

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members of the committee, we've pulled out the sections of the compliance report that relate
• The authority for our budget was found in Section 8 of Senate Bill 2014 in the 2025 session, and this
• The color coding there: the projects that you see in red were funded with 2022-23 money.
• Our tax code is a mess in terms of enhanced oil recovery and the extraction tax.
• I think you heard earlier today in budget section from Joe Morcette.

Summary: The committee received a compliance and status update on Industrial Commission programs and the Bank of North Dakota. Staff reviewed appropriations and spending for several Industrial Commission funds and grant programs, including lignite research, oil and gas research, clean sustainable energy, grid resiliency, salt cavern analysis, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members discussed the timing of reimbursements, uncommitted balances, and the structure of the pipeline capacity and enhanced oil recovery funding. The Industrial Commission also reported on its administrative budget, grant management system project, and recent leadership transitions across several agencies. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described active grant rounds and the status of major projects. She said the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority approved three projects in its sixth round, with remaining uncommitted cash and loan capacity still available, though no new funding was appropriated this session. She also said the Oil and Gas Research Council approved six enhanced oil recovery projects and expects additional funding after a federal Department of Energy award replaces one project’s state funding. For grid resiliency grants, she said some projects have been funded, some commitments were returned or reallocated, and some DOE funds remain pending. She also updated the committee on the salt cavern business case study, which replaced an earlier larger development proposal, and on the NDSU research park grant, where the nonmatching portion was paid and the matching portion has moved slowly because the match must be in cash. Ron Ness then gave an extended presentation on enhanced oil recovery and North Dakota oil and gas trends. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, especially gas takeaway and projects like the Bakken East pipeline. He argued that enhanced oil recovery using CO2, natural gas, surfactants, and other methods could extend Bakken production for decades, but that the state needs more CO2 supply, better storage, and updated tax and regulatory incentives. Members asked about lateral lengths, CO2 availability, pipeline impacts, and the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Ness emphasized that the projects are intended to share technical learning across operators and attract follow-on investment. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and strategic update. President Don Morgan said the bank’s mission remains to support North Dakota agriculture, commerce, and industry while cooperating with the state’s financial sector. He reviewed the bank’s main business lines: participation lending with community institutions, student loans, disaster lending, mission-based programs, and a new fintech-focused effort. Morgan said deposits are flattening, so the bank is managing balance sheet growth carefully, while still reporting improved net income and strong efficiency. He also introduced Rough Rider Coin as a bank-to-bank payment rail, not a public cryptocurrency, intended to speed and modernize payments within North Dakota’s banking and credit union system. Committee members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster program use, and how credit lines and liquidity would be affected if deposits shrink.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Transportation Committee. Quorum is present. Today is Monday, March 17, 2025.
• system as a whole and transportation system as a whole and identify<00:08:05.000><c> those</c><00:08
• of conduct for Transit Riders rider code of conduct for Transit Riders which<00:46:45.480><c> was</c
• of Conduct assist customers with on Code of Conduct assist customers with wayfinding<00:50:42.200><c
• </c><00:51:43.520><c> Omnibus</c><00:51:44.040><c> Bill</c> uh 2023 uh Transportation Omnibus Bill uh

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen some recent proposals that would reduce special education transportation and nonpublic aid
• contracts are coming in Transportation contracts are coming in double<00:07:24.599><c> digits</c><00
• In the past three years, we've seen an increase of more than 800 budget codes.
• Section two allows for mandate relief also through the 2028-29 school year, and under this section school
• Section two allows for mandate relief also through the 2028-29 school year, and under this section school

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm looking at a section of the bill. It's on page four.
• <00:53:52.520><c> 9-101</c> section 9-101 section 9-101 of<00:53:54.560><c> the</c><00:53:54.680><c>
• </c> under section under section 9-503<00:54:05.120><c> of</c><00:54:05.200><c> the</c><00:54:05.280>
• So certain zip code. I represent Havre de Grace and Aberdeen and Bel Air.
• I represent Havre de Grace and code.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is already children's code.
• This section was in the statute.
• This section was in the statute.
• This section was in witness testimony. This section was in the<01:17:51.440><c> statute.
• </c> but we do have a robust children's code. but we do have a robust children's code.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:50.920><c> from</c><00:28:51.120><c> amendments</c> codes from amendments codes from amendments
• </c><01:25:20.480><c> of</c> change the purpose of this section of change the purpose of this section
• </c> Environment Transportation Committee." Environment Transportation Committee."
• </c> transport those with special needs. transport those with special needs.
• </c> us deal with transportation-related us deal with transportation-related emissions.<03:35:49.640>

Transcript Highlights:

• The other hand that I have was just your color-coded one in your file.
• Yeah, that color-coded one or somehow didn't get that in our packets. It was...
• So let's, I guess, wait now until the page returns so we can look at this lovely color-coded diagram.
• And we're making cuts across the board to Medicaid, transportation, public education.
• Medicaid, transportation, public education. So that's really top of mind for me and this.

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• Capital budgets are driven by code changes as well.
• And then we also have to, I believe, our code of ethics is dated.
• One section of our building is known as the Tar South section of the building.
• The second item is with respect to siding replacement on another section of our building.
• Uh, this section of the building, um, uh, life—do I have that right?

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 also allows a deduction for up to $6,000 in long-term rental income each year.
• There is a section that limits the exemption to $500,000.
• There is a section that limits the exemption to $500,000.
• House Bill 2257 makes technical administrative changes to the tax code.
• It codifies Department of Revenue... ...transportation matters.

Summary: House Finance held public hearings on several tax and property-related bills. HB 2584 would create a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm machinery and equipment purchased by eligible farmers, with supporters arguing it would ease financial pressure on farmers, encourage investment in more efficient and environmentally friendly equipment, and help rural economies. County officials opposed extending the exemption to local sales taxes, warning of cumulative revenue losses for local governments. HB 2376 would consolidate the state school property tax levy and expand property tax relief for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans by raising income thresholds, increasing exemption amounts, and simplifying the income calculation; county assessors and local officials supported the bill as a way to help residents age in place, while opponents argued it would raise taxes for others and weaken the 1% cap. HB 2610 would broaden the nonprofit homeownership development property tax exemption to allow limited interim rental or community use without losing the exemption, and testimony from affordable housing groups supported the change as a practical way to keep projects moving and reduce costs. HB 2615 would codify the Department of Revenue’s voluntary disclosure program and create a temporary tax amnesty period for certain unpaid business taxes; supporters said it would bring businesses into compliance and generate revenue, while one sponsor noted technical issues still needed to be resolved. In executive session, the committee advanced four bills. HB 2194, allowing a county and city within it to concurrently impose a cultural access program sales tax, passed 10-5. Substitute HB 2257, a broad tax code cleanup and technical changes bill, passed unanimously 15-0 after members said it clarified ambiguities from prior legislation. HB 2528, which would remove voter-approval requirements for certain cities to impose a local real estate excise tax, passed 11-4 despite objections that it reduced voter control over tax increases. HB 2175, exempting certain nonprofit providers of free durable medical equipment from sales tax on repair parts, also passed unanimously 15-0. The chair announced that HB 2584, HB 2610, and HB 2615 would be scheduled for executive action the following day, with no amendments allowed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I feel the same way for our transportation boards.
• Major Bill Holcomb, boating and waterways section leader, is here today from FWC, and you are recognized
• My name again is Bill Holcomb, and I'm the section leader for FWC, boating and waterways.
• The Division of Law Enforcement's Boating and Waterways section is leading a multi-year effort to reduce
• Senate Bill 164 amended sections 823.11, 327.4107, and 327.4108, and created 327.4111, providing officers

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first considered the appointment of Joshua Kellam to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellam described his background with Garcia Companies, emphasized his conservation interests and land stewardship work, and addressed concerns about his development ties, the commission’s composition, the recent black bear hunt vote, and a prior Yes on 2 campaign supported by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Supporters said he is a conservation-minded landowner and good steward of large acreage, while opponents argued the commission is already overrepresented by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend his confirmation, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no and the rest of the members present voting yes. The committee then received an FWC implementation update on recently enacted boating and waterways legislation. FWC staff reviewed five laws: the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388), Vessel Accountability (SB 164), Lucy’s Law/Boating Safety (HB 289), Disposition of Migrant Vessels (SB 830), and Water Access Facilities (HB 735). The presentation covered new rules on vessel stops, safety decals, Springs Protection Zones, derelict and at-risk vessel enforcement, long-term anchoring permits, tougher boating penalties, removal of migrant vessels, and grants for boating access infrastructure. Staff said rulemaking and officer training were underway, with some provisions already effective and others scheduled to take effect later in 2025 or January 2026. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and the new Springs Protection Zone standard. FWC explained that responsible owners must reimburse removal costs and can lose vessel registration privileges if they do not pay. On Springs Protection Zones, staff said the new law raises the threshold from any harm to significant harm and requires vessel activity to be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make that determination. Senator Smith questioned whether the higher standard makes protections harder to establish and asked about Silver Glen Springs; FWC said that proposal was paused and would be revisited under the new criteria. The committee took no further action and adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Idaho Constitution, Article 8, Section 11, requests the Legislature to make an overall assessment
• of code that said, we don't want to transfer any money out of our savings account because we're over
• There's revenue sharing, there's transportation, expansion and congestion mitigation fund, homeowners
• as miscellaneous, it had been coded as sales tax?
• Storage and transportation costs up about 9%.

Summary: The committee was convened to review Idaho’s economic outlook and general fund revenue projections for fiscal years 2025-2028, with members instructed to submit “homework” revenue estimates by noon the next day so staff could compile committee averages and medians for deliberations and a final recommendation to JFAC. Opening remarks emphasized the committee’s constitutional charge, the use of the binder materials and online packet, and that the committee would meet again the next day to discuss and vote on the revenue projection recommendation. Staff and agency presentations focused on the state’s budget and revenue picture. Legislative Services Office staff described structural imbalance concerns, noting that statutory spending changes and earmarked sales tax distributions have crowded out flexibility, while cash reserves remain substantial. The Division of Financial Management’s economist explained the official revenue forecast, including revised treatment of sales tax and tax relief fund accruals, and said the forecast largely held steady overall even as corporate and individual income tax categories shifted. She also discussed the impact of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act on SALT deductions and said recent corporate collections had rebounded sharply, suggesting timing and behavior changes rather than a broad economic downturn. Outside economists and labor experts painted a generally stable to positive economic picture. Zions Bank’s economist said the Federal Reserve is likely near the end of major rate cuts, long-term rates and mortgage rates remain elevated, tariffs have risen sharply, but inflation has not yet shown broad tariff-driven acceleration; he described the national labor market as slowing but not contracting and said 2026 could be a rebuilding year. The Idaho Department of Labor reported that Idaho’s unemployment remains historically low, job growth is steady, wage growth is moderating from overheated pandemic-era levels, and the state’s labor market remains healthier and more balanced than the national picture. The committee also heard from Idaho Power’s economist, who began a presentation on broader economic conditions and utility-related demand trends before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first bill today is Senate Bill 662, relating to transportation, which requires HHFDC to transfer
• It authorizes county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on all public streets, roadways
• Our first bill today is Senate Bill 662, relating to transportation, which requires HHFDC to transfer
• It authorizes county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on all public streets, roadways
• Our first bill today is Senate Bill 662, relating to transportation, which requires HHFDC to transfer

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The Committee on Housing met on February 11, 2025, to hear Senate Bill 662 and Senate Bill 66. SB 662 would require HHFDC to transfer the public roads in the Villages of Kapolei to the City and County of Honolulu by January 1, 2026, and would authorize county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on all public streets and highways. Testimony on the measure was in support from H50, the City and County of Honolulu, and an individual testifier. HHFDC Executive Director D. Minomi said the agency had been negotiating with the city over a $60 million transfer of road and infrastructure maintenance responsibility, but no formal agreement had been drafted; negotiations were paused when related bills were introduced. He said that if the bills do not pass, HHFDC would continue negotiations because the amount is less than the estimated cost of rehabilitating the roads itself and would free up staff time. The committee recommended SB 662 be passed with amendments, including a deferred date and report language referencing the ongoing negotiations, and the recommendation was adopted with aye votes from the chair, vice chair, Senator Kino, and Senator Kuha. The committee then heard SB 66, which would require counties to issue building permits within 60 days when applications are stamped and certified by a licensed engineer and architect and other conditions are met. Testimony was mixed, with the Department of Planning and Permitting for the City and County of Honolulu in opposition, and several groups including the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, RMS Sales, Hawaii Realtors, NAHawaii Chapter, BIA Hawaii, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce in support; several individuals also testified both for and against. The State Historic Preservation Division testified with comments. In decision-making, the chair recommended SB 66 be passed with technical, non-substantive amendments and with additional amendments from the State Historic Preservation Division, including requiring a complete application and specifying qualified professionals under SHPD rules for architecture, archaeology, architectural history, and/or physical anthropology. The committee adopted the recommendation by a vote of the chair alone, with no objections noted. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the recent past, we have focused our hearings on last-mile broadband infrastructure programs, transportation
• So right now, in our California Lifeline program, the public can go in and put their ZIP code in the
• They will be uploaded on the website where the customer will be able to enter their ZIP code and show
• the world of somebody without broadband being expected to go to the CPUC website, put in their ZIP code
• So my chief consultant was clever and looked it up at Section 304, is that correct?

Summary: The Communications and Conveyance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), focused on telecommunications, broadband deployment, resiliency, and the California Teleconnect Fund. Chair Tasha Boerner said the hearing was intended to examine structural issues at the CPUC, including whether telecommunications oversight should remain within the commission, while also reviewing major programs such as Last Mile, BEAD, carrier of last resort, and emergency preparedness. CPUC President John Reynolds and Deputy Executive Director Anna Maria Johnson described the commission’s work on public safety, universal service, broadband grants, Lifeline modernization, and network resiliency, including the 72-hour backup power requirement and merger review. Members questioned CPUC officials about the pace and metrics for Last Mile and BEAD projects, the relationship between middle-mile and last-mile buildout, and how the commission balances carrier obligations with the risk of driving providers out of high-cost areas. They also pressed the CPUC on the California Lifeline home broadband pilot, asking when enrollment would be available, which providers were participating, how much of the state would be covered, and what the surcharge impact would be. CPUC said 15 providers had been approved, one was already serving customers, and the rest were still onboarding, and it committed to provide follow-up information on timelines, coverage, and costs. A major portion of the hearing centered on the California Teleconnect Fund and proposed changes to how schools would access the program. Superintendent Tony Thurmond argued strongly against shifting administration from county offices of education and districts to individual schools, saying it would add burden, worsen inequities, and risk underuse of a valuable broadband subsidy. Committee members echoed concerns that smaller schools and districts may lack the staff to manage direct applications and reporting. In public comment, the Los Angeles County Office of Education supported the CDE’s position and urged changes that would align the program more closely with E-Rate and reduce administrative burdens. No formal vote was taken, and Chair Boerner closed by saying she remained committed to pursuing reforms to the CPUC and referenced her bills AB 2289 and ACA 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bar code 253189. You're recognized for amendment number one.
• Representative Cobb: justice officers, JPOs and JDOs are not currently recognized as officers under section
• armed security services must hold a valid license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm pursuant to section
• Amendment number one, bar code 237943.
• That's the bar code amendment number one. Sir, you're recognized to explain your amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then section 476, 483, 4.4. And then section 476, 483-409.
• This also affects section 488 by authorizing it.
• And then section 476, 483, 4.4.
• Speaker this also affects section 488 by authorizing it also deals with section 488 by authorizing it
• also deals with section 480 It also deals with Section 488 authorizing statewide court automation fee

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the House Journal by a 125-0 roll call vote. Members then spent a large portion of the morning recognizing special guests, interns, students, and constituents, including school groups, interns, a Savannah Bananas player, and several birthday and personal privilege announcements. On legislation, the House agreed to conference on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1421. The chamber then took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1000, a bipartisan measure to reauthorize the Missouri Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund and continue support for the Division of Tourism and Missouri Film Office. Supporters from both parties emphasized tourism’s economic importance statewide; the bill passed 136-6. The House next debated House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1020, an omnibus Department of Revenue bill covering fee office contracting, vehicle registration penalties, Real ID document retention, and other DOR changes. The body adopted an amendment lowering late registration penalties, making document retention opt-in, and restoring a five-year plate option, followed by a second amendment removing cosmetic damage as a basis for rejecting rebuilt-vehicle inspections. The bill then passed 130-10. Later, the House began debate on a combined judiciary/civil legislation bill involving insurance assignment-of-benefits restrictions, anti-SLAPP protections, workers’ compensation and court administration changes, and expungement-related funding; members adopted a title change and several amendments, including one to make attorney-fee awards more even in anti-SLAPP motions, while also debating a proposed St. Louis police legal expense fund amendment and whether it had been properly vetted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And two, how is Kentucky's tax code reflect, if at all, the change of the federal code?
• And two, how is Kentucky's tax code reflect, if at all, the change of the federal code?
• </c> federal code? federal code?
• </c> General Assembly has been doing code General Assembly has been doing code updates updates updates
• the code updates sometimes the code updates uh<01:21:23.120><c> exclude</c> uh exclude uh exclude uh

Summary: The meeting focused on reaching consensus on official Kentucky revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, using updated S&P Global economic forecasts compared with the September presentation. Staff explained that the updated forecast relied partly on alternative data because of the federal government shutdown, and they walked through changes in national and Kentucky economic assumptions across control, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios. The control forecast was described as slightly more optimistic in the near term but more cautious in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with GDP growth revised up for the current year and down somewhat in the outer years. The pessimistic scenario now assumed a two-quarter recession beginning in the current quarter, while the optimistic scenario was given a higher probability weight than before. The presenters highlighted several Kentucky-relevant variables that changed since September, including weaker manufacturing employment, weaker housing starts, weaker consumer sentiment, and lower expected non-farm employment in fiscal 2026. At the same time, wage and salary disbursements were revised upward in fiscal 2027, reflecting higher disposable income from tax changes, and real consumer spending was expected to be stronger in the near term. They also discussed assumptions about tariffs, business profits, the Federal Reserve, unemployment, oil prices, retail sales, vehicle sales, exports, and consumer sentiment, noting that some indicators were little changed while others shifted materially. Consumer sentiment was attributed to affordability concerns, tariff impacts, and a general sense of malaise, but was expected to improve in later years from a low base. Members asked follow-up questions about why the forecast worsened in later years and about the consumer sentiment assumptions. Staff responded that the forecast assumed larger take-home pay and refunds from tax withholding changes, along with some easing of tariff effects, which they believed would help offset a negative wealth effect from stock market declines. They also noted that S&P Global’s December forecast, which had already been published, was essentially consistent with the presentation and that the firm believed its earlier assumptions had tracked recent data well. No vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion was aimed at settling the revenue estimates that will underpin the upcoming branch budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health and Safety Code Section 102705 requires that if a petition for access is brought by an adoptee
• The State Bar requested the amendments to Business and Professions Code Section 6173 to allow it, or
• Second, mediation confidentiality established in Evidence Code Section 1115 is sequentially could potentially
• The first is concerning preemption in Section 1526.2.
• The second is more of a technical nature in Section 1526.1.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system. SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record. The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• :04:53.840><c> the</c><00:04:54.000><c> Dilly</c> transported within hours to the Dilly transported within
• emphasis on the counting than coding.
• </c> emphasis on the counting than coding. emphasis on the counting than coding.
• ,</c><01:21:47.520><c> whether</c> The biggest issue with coding, whether The biggest issue with coding
• All the state if it's coded as a tardy.

Bills: HF3492 , HF3493 , HF3494 , HF3495 , HF3602

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you and the code.
• Absolutely, yes, I think it's a code because sometimes things just get built because that person has
• They don't have time to wait for a code issues, so it may be where everybody works together, something
• something to code so something they take into consideration, um.
• We wanna study transportation to and from medical providers for veterans, particularly those living in