Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:17.519><c> Church</c> pastor at Clear Creek Community Church pastor at Clear Creek Community
• Clear Creek Community Church. He's from Clear Creek Community Church.
• </c> for our entire Yuper community. for our entire Yuper community.
• </c> communities in the face of disaster. communities in the face of disaster.
• </c> our communities and the nation at large. our communities and the nation at large.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've made about $1.5 million available to communities.
• It goes back to communities for tree planting.
• Bismarck-Mandan is a large community. We are a sister community.
• community to have this institution here.
• It's the story we tell the community to help policymakers and the community understand the challenges

Summary: The committee first reviewed the 2024-25 tuition waiver report for the North Dakota University System. Staff explained that waivers were reported for degree-seeking students and broken out by residency, institution, and waiver type. Members asked about partial versus full waivers, institutional discretion, athletic waivers, and whether campuses have published guardrails or transparency requirements. Staff said most waivers are set by institutions, with some statutory and board-required categories, and that athletic waivers are a small share of total waiver dollars. The report showed total gross tuition of $354.5 million, tuition waived of $38.9 million, and 11,193 of 42,040 students receiving some waiver. Members also discussed how waivers affect net tuition revenue, housing and food collections, and whether campuses are using waivers strategically compared with scholarships and other funding sources. The committee then heard a presentation on tuition rates by campus and State Board policy. Staff explained the board’s tuition factors for resident, Minnesota reciprocity, contiguous-state/U.S. nonresident, and international students, and noted that campuses often seek exceptions based on program-specific competition and enrollment goals. Members asked whether rates are based on cost or competition, and staff said campuses typically bring forward estimates and market comparisons when requesting special rates. The presentation also reviewed general fund appropriations versus net tuition revenue by campus, and members discussed how local tuition decisions and waivers do not directly affect the state funding formula, though they do affect institutional revenue and reserves. Questions were also raised about the Higher Learning Commission’s financial composite indicator and how it differs from the more intuitive reserve and revenue figures. The committee next received a broad overview of non-higher-education entities affiliated with the State Board of Higher Education, beginning with NDSU agriculture-related units. Dr. Greg Lardy described the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, the NDSU Extension Service, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the branch research centers, emphasizing their statewide role in crop and livestock research, extension education, and county-based outreach. He outlined funding mixes for extension, the experiment station, and branch stations, noting that grants and contracts support both research and education, while the agronomy seed farm is self-funded through seed sales. Members asked about the new and vacant FTE pool, R1 research status, matching requirements for grants, and whether state appropriations count toward research expenditures. Dr. Lardy also highlighted major research impacts, including crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, and NDAWN weather data. The Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute also presented. NCI described its role in market development, technical services, and education for regional agriculture, its governance through the Northern Crops Council, and its funding from state appropriations, other states, and earned revenue. Members asked about the source of out-of-state funding, intellectual property, and the institute’s international reach. UGPTI then outlined its transportation research, federal and state funding structure, and work on road and bridge condition assessments, travel demand modeling, and workforce training. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> now the city and most of the community now the city and most of the community want<00:10:28.160>
• We did it three times in our community, and we had houseless community.
• We did it three times in our community, and we had houseless community.
• We did it three times in our community, and we had houseless community.
• had houseless community.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, local communities can advocate on behalf of their own.
• are being built, what communities?
• The collective model works for our communities.
• And especially our emerging diverse communities.
• and small business community.

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then took up a series of bills on business, professions, health, cannabis, and consumer protection. AB 72, creating an electric vehicle economic opportunity zone in Riverside County, drew questions about whether the state should target one region over others, but supporters argued it would help bring EV manufacturing and related jobs to the Inland Empire. The bill passed on a 8-1 vote to Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. AB 685, which would create the Small Business Resiliency and Innovation Fund to support technical assistance and capital infusion programs, drew broad support from small business networks and chambers, but some groups raised concerns that the June amendments could affect eligibility and that the funding should be clearly supplemental rather than replacing existing support. The author said discussions were ongoing, and the bill passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 173, a resolution, on a 7-0 vote, and AB 1760, a Dental Practice Act cleanup bill sponsored by the Dental Board, on a 10-0 vote. AB 1637, which would limit changes to physician-authored medical records and make unauthorized alterations a misdemeanor, was supported by physicians and labor groups who said it would protect patient safety and professional accountability; it passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. AB 1785, allowing online sales of pseudoephedrine products with existing age and quantity safeguards, passed 10-0. AB 1973, expanding the ability of advanced practice clinicians to perform procedural abortions within their training, drew strong support from reproductive health providers and strong opposition from anti-abortion witnesses who raised safety concerns; after questions about training and oversight, it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. The committee then considered AB 2025, requiring disclosure when rental listings use digitally altered or AI-staged images. Supporters said it would prevent renters from being misled, while the California Apartment Association said it was working with the author on implementation; the bill passed 8-1 to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. AB 2697, allowing drive-through cannabis sales with local approval and security requirements, was supported by cannabis businesses and operators as a way to improve access and compete with the illicit market, while narcotics officers opposed it over ID verification and public safety concerns; it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. Finally, AB 2249, responding to a state audit on cannabis packaging attractive to children by defining prohibited imagery and creating a public rubric and pre-review process, received support from the cannabis operators association and the state auditor’s office, while small independent farmers raised concerns that some categorical bans could sweep too broadly. The transcript cuts off during that bill’s opposition testimony, and no final action on AB 2249 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our faith-based communities are also adversely affected by this.
• 23.040><c> also</c> Our faith-based communities are also Our faith-based communities are also adver<00
• ><00:24:22.320><c> the</c><00:24:22.480><c> burdens</c> communities have been seeing the burdens communities
• >> Initially it's been to reduce the community burdens because our communities have burdens that hit
• because our community burdens because our communities<00:27:21.679><c> have</c><00:27:21.919><c> burdens

Bills: HB585 , HB585

Committee: House Financial Services

Keywords: Washington County, circuit clerk, compensation, county government, local legislation, money transmission, transaction fees, international wire transfers, income tax credit, suspicious cash transactions, Securities Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Executive Director for the Board of State and Community Corrections.
• We've held multiple listening sessions with community members.
• in the community.
• It would be nice if, when we are closing facilities in these communities, CDCR worked with the communities
• that a prison closure can create in a community.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> continue</c><00:03:30.720><c> to</c> community leaders who continue to community leaders who continue
• That is why I made transparency and routine communication a priority.
• </c><00:07:02.400><c> I</c> routine communication a priority. I routine communication a priority.
• Our soldiers are not separate from the communities they represent.
• community, state, and nation. community, state, and nation.

Transcript Highlights:

• , I represent a very... ...and exist in these northern parts of our communities.
• And that actually harms those water users communities.
• We don't want that community to suffer while the fix is going on.
• We do have some concerns about how it would impact acequia communities.
• , especially in tribal communities.

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• or any community in New Mexico.
• Some wood for their community in terms of fuel.
• each area that are aware of a particular need in the community.
• The oil and gas communities and agricultural communities or lessees on the private have the Candidate
• The next thing you know, you take a community like mine.

Transcript Highlights:

• To sustain that momentum, we as a community are making major investments.
• It is a community-building type of business that really has. tremendous reach and impact across the community
• It took a lot of community heart, but we grew.
• It's a community economy, and our craft beer is right in the middle of it.
• I love that community aspect of this.

Bills: HB249 , HB 1186 , HB2313 , HB2408 , HB2508 , HB2730 , HB2974 , HB3045 , HB3232 , HB3336 , HB3710 , HB4044 , HB4236 , HJR133 , HB249

Committee: House Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to make our community safer, the time someone spends incarcerated needs to be more than just
• ...which are local, which are working with community partners, doing the work of reintegration from the
• , nonprofits, and community volunteers that doesn't cost the Commonwealth and the taxpayers anything.
• Dear chairs and members of the committee, my name is Benji Kemper, and I am the community organizer at
• Modified vehicle noise is distressing communities around the country, from Massachusetts to California

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed. The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> immigrant community. immigrant community.
• </c> is hard to find, and our communities is hard to find, and our communities aren't<00:06:38.080><c
• ,</c> Representative Sencer-Mura: Treatment of the immigrant community, for the harm that that community
• Our communities no longer trust that the system meant to protect them actually will.
• Our communities no longer trust that the system meant to protect them actually will.

Transcript Highlights:

• , where there is a need in a match with our business community.
• And then that helps the businesses within those communities grow.
• That I've seen just from my personal experience, our community development focuses on helping communities
• improve their own community, their lifestyle, and their amenities.
• And those things that make a community thrive.

Committee: House Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee (LEAD)

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> community meetings. community meetings.
• </c> and her community. and her community.
• lowincome communities to determine their<00:29:56.799><c> own</c><00:29:57.039><c> destiny</c><00:29
• at Our Lady Mother of the community at Our Lady Mother of the Church.<00:32:33.039><c> The</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:36.799><c> are</c><00:32:37.120><c> honored</c> and the Colorado community are honored and

Transcript Highlights:

• so we can inform our community, but not just our community, our Latinx community, and our African-American
• community, about this component that has occurred to all of our people.
• And I grew up in a small rural community in northern New Mexico.
• If you're a little community...
• The small communities don't.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I am from the community of Sederda-de-Con in northwest New Mexico.
• so we can inform our community. ...developing a way to have better communication so we can inform our
• community, but not just our community, our Latinx community, and our African-American community about
• And I grew up in a small rural community... ...in northern New Mexico.
• The small communities don't.

Summary: The committee met on American Indian Day and first rolled Committee Substitute House Bill 110 at the sponsor’s request. It then heard House Memorial 32, which would direct the Indian Affairs Department and the Commission on the Status of Women to study the history and ongoing impacts of forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women and women of color in New Mexico, including known cases, access to reproductive health services, educational policy, and possible reparations. The sponsor, survivors, and expert witnesses described personal experiences and historical research, arguing the issue remains unresolved and that New Mexico could become the first state to formally acknowledge it through a memorial and study. Support came from the Commission on the Status of Women, Planned Parenthood, ACLU of New Mexico, and others; one member objected to the phrase “reproductive justice,” but the sponsor declined to change the language. The committee approved the memorial on a 7-1 vote, with Representative Block voting no. The committee then heard House Bill 109, which would speed up the approval and release of Water Trust Board funding by suspending the current legislative authorization step and relying on a more streamlined review process. The sponsor and NMFA witnesses said the bill would help rural and small communities avoid delays that drive up construction costs, especially given inflation, drought, and the large number of water projects needing funding. They noted the bill would still involve review by multiple state agencies and that legislators could still obtain project information from NMFA. Members asked about oversight, transparency, and whether the change would reduce legislative control, but supporters said the current process adds months and can force communities to reapply when costs rise. The committee passed the bill on a voice vote after a motion for due pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. underrepresented communities throughout California. Thank you very much. Next witness.
• These investments make our communities safer and more resilient.
• The incentive has been used in communities such as Inglewood, ...would not otherwise exist.
• That's often very expensive, but the benefits are tremendous for our communities and for our state.
• It is important that the industry provides equitable job opportunities in our communities.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met with a delayed start while waiting for quorum, then heard several bills before moving to the suspense file. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the planned cannabis excise tax increase at 15% rather than allow it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is struggling against the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for children, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement promised under Prop. 64. The bill was sent to suspense during regular order and later approved out of suspense on a 6-0 vote with amendments, including a five-year sunset and a reduced rate. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings for housing and mixed-use projects; preservation and housing advocates supported it, and it was also sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee then heard AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKenna, which would require studios seeking optional diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility film tax credits to complete the plans they submit to the California Film Commission. Labor supporters said studios should do more than make good-faith efforts, and the bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Vice Chair Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners who have requested installment plans, and it passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. Afterward, the chair gave a general warning that the bills on suspense represented large revenue losses and emphasized the committee’s need to weigh tax expenditures against other state priorities. On the suspense file, the committee approved AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485, mostly on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while AB 547 passed 5-1. Several other bills, including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 6991, AB 814, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, and AB 1481, were held in committee. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the suspense-file actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• wrestling teams of Kamehameha Schools, a Lāma, who have brought pride and glory to their school and community
• propelled them to victory but also exemplify the values instilled by their school, coaches, and community
• You've made your school, your families, and your community proud.
• <00:06:31.840><c> number</c> Communication number Communication number 423<00:06:33.680><c> return</c
• </c> and there's uh folks from the community and there's uh folks from the community happy<00:14:48.120

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number four, Senate Communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate communications?
• We are in receipt of a communication returning the noted House bills, both having passed third reading
• </c><00:17:38.039><c> Mr</c> number four Senate Communications Mr number four Senate Communications Mr
• </c> in receipt of a communication returning in receipt of a communication returning the<00:17:43.320
• </c><00:18:07.039><c> and</c> director of external Communications and director of external Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• It was operated by a champion home and community-based services.
• Again, he's the owner of a champion community based services at the time.
• . community in Texas.
• code: 502 It would be a way of communication, but not the best way.
• Involved in the community activities at this point.

Bills: HB451 , HB645 , HB 1041 , HB 1151 , HB 1155 , HB1536 , HCR12 , HCR12

Committee: House Human Services