Video & Transcript Research : 'sessions'
Page 25 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- end of the previous legislative session end of the previous legislative session or<00:09:42.040>
- Every session, it kind of ramps up.
- <00:29:34.240>
was wouldn't we now again last session was wouldn't we now again last session - earlier in the session.
- um like before session um like before session ends<01:06:38.559>
just <01:06:39.039>I<
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Senate in Special Session E May 12th, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Secretary will now read the proclamation calling the special session.
- session.
- All of the bills are identical to the bills filed during regular session.
- All of the bills are identical to the bills filed during regular session.
- This bill is the identical bill from the regular session.
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session for budget conference work, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and moments of silence honoring Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to the budget, implementing bill, collective bargaining/state employee issues, retirement, DMS, law enforcement radio system, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, correctional facilities financing, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, fuel taxes, and taxation. Chair Hooper outlined the process for moving Senate and House budget conforming bills into conference posture, noting that conference meetings would be on one-hour notice.
The Senate then took up and passed a series of Senate conforming bills and House companion bills, generally by unanimous 32-0 votes, with delete-all amendments used to place Senate language onto House bills or to clear bills for conference. Measures addressed fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, judges, pre-K through 12 education, retirement, higher education, health care, government administration, correctional facilities financing and capital improvements, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, state employees/collective bargaining, and the implementing bill for the 2026-27 budget. Senators repeatedly moved that, when the House version was not passed as received, the Senate request conference or accede to the House’s request for conference.
The General Appropriations Bill was handled by substituting House Bill 5001E for Senate Bill 2500E, amending it with Senate substance, and passing it 32-0 before requesting conference. House Bill 7031E on taxation was also amended and debated; Senator Berman used the debate to urge consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax for summer relief, but the bill ultimately passed and the Senate requested conference after failing to pass the House version as received. The session ended with a motion to waive rules for publishing the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session, followed by adjournment upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other Senate business.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/01/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We are back in regular session.
- Motion to come out of executive session. Have a motion to come out of the executive session.
- We go to executive session. We have a motion to go in executive session.
- We're in executive session.
- go in executive session. So moved. go in executive session. So moved.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/18/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The committee entered executive session.
- All right, move to come out of session. I have a motion to come out of executive session. Second.
- I move we go to executive session. Second. We have a motion to go into executive session.
- I move we go to executive session. Second. We have a motion to go into executive session.
- Senator Lang will take this one out of executive session. All right, out of executive session.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Leadership Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- that we authorized during this session, I guess?
- Either here in session or by the time we got to June 30th of 2027.
- So we have a regular session report that we prepared after the regular session.
- So we have a regular session report that we prepared after the regular session.
- So that is one item to note for the upcoming session.
Summary:
The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production.
The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates.
OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections.
Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I'd like to close the executive session on this bill and put it off to the next work session that
- So, I'd like to close the executive session on this bill and put it off to the next work session that
- So, I'd like to close the executive session on this bill and put it off to the next work session that
- So, I'd like to close the executive session on this bill and put it off to the next work session that
- executive session on House Bill 1042. executive session on House Bill 1042.
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 241, which would provide information about alternative pain treatments rather than mandate services. Members cited support from the prime sponsor, medical organizations, insurers, and other stakeholders, and noted there was no fiscal impact. The committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to ought to pass the bill.
It then took up House Bill 629, which raises a boat decal fee and dedicates the revenue to the dam maintenance fund. Members described the state’s deteriorating dam infrastructure, noting the large number of dams, the high-hazard sites, and the much larger funding need, while saying the bill would provide only a modest start. They also said boat owners generally did not strongly object to the fee. The committee voted 7-0 to ought to pass.
House Bill 1042, concerning an increase in the unified contingent credit limit for New Hampshire Business Finance Authority projects, drew more divided discussion. Supporters said the higher cap would provide needed flexibility and liquidity for business development and that the state treasurer and BFA had explained the credit structure and low historical loss rate; opponents warned the increase would raise state exposure too much, too soon. After debate, the chair postponed the bill, then later returned with an amendment lowering the proposed limit from 450 million to 400 million, which the committee adopted unanimously. The committee then moved to ought to pass as amended.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1411, which would have allowed withholding payments to the federal government in response to federal actions. Members opposing the bill argued that withholding employee-related funds would be unlawful and ineffective, while supporters said it could serve as a statement and suggested interim study instead. The committee rejected the bill on a 4-3 vote and voted to inexpedient to legislate.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Media Availability 6/4/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I looks for the special session.
- <00:03:48.159>
on be ready for a special session on be ready for a special session on Thursday - How long will a special session last? How long will a special session last?
- Can you mute goes to special session?
- <00:08:59.360>
is happened at the end of last session is happened at the end of last session
Summary:
Leaders said final drafting was still pending on several major bills, especially the health and human services measures and, to a lesser extent, transportation. They explained that the revisor and nonpartisan staff must circulate lengthy drafts among House and Senate chairs and agencies for technical review, which is causing delays. Because the special session agreement is traditionally negotiated only after the bills are posted in final form, they said the timing of the special session is still being worked out, along with the order of bills and whether some previously agreed-to technical, non-money provisions can be restored.
The discussion emphasized that the bills represent a large share of the state budget and affect vulnerable populations, so leaders said they want more time to review the language carefully and avoid mistakes. They also said they are trying to preserve some bipartisan technical agreements, while noting that a standalone or rolled-back approach to undocumented health care and a rollback of the non-compete ban were not being actively pursued at the leadership level. One leader said the work on health and human services has been fiercely negotiated and should ultimately earn public support.
On timing, the best estimate was that the special session would likely begin Saturday, with tomorrow unlikely and Thursday only a very small possibility. Leaders said they are trying to finish before June 10 to avoid additional layoff notices for state employees; they noted that 750 to 950 nurses already received notices and that 10,000 to 20,000 employees could be affected by another round. They said the special session agreement will likely limit the session to one day, and they discussed the vote thresholds needed: 68 in the House and 34 in the Senate to pass bills, plus 90 in the House and 45 in the Senate to suspend the rules and speed proceedings.
No formal votes were taken in this exchange. The speakers also reflected on procedure, saying they want reasonable debate without late-night floor sessions, and contrasted this year’s tied chambers and bipartisan cooperation with last year’s prolonged filibuster and partisan conflict.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-04 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- regular session of the Legislature since statehood in 1845.
- And for his 51st session in a row, the Honorable Lee Moffitt.
- What are my priorities for this session?
- I've been asked the same question: What are my priorities for this session?
- So here's my ask of you this session. Let's focus on what matters.
Summary:
The Florida House convened for the opening day of the 2025 regular session with prayer, moments of silence honoring Senator Geraldine Thompson and Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, a quorum call, presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The chamber also recognized Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz as law enforcement officer of the day and approved the journal. Numerous guests were introduced, including members of the Florida Cabinet, Supreme Court justices, former House speakers, former legislative leaders, former members, and Speaker Perez’s family.
Speaker Daniel Perez delivered the opening address, emphasizing that the session should focus on meaningful reforms, strong committee work, and bipartisan engagement rather than personal priorities. He highlighted property insurance as a major issue and said the insurance and banking subcommittee would investigate possible misconduct by insurers, including the use of subpoenas, sworn testimony, and outside experts. He also pointed to housing, health care, public education, public safety, government accountability, and budget savings as key areas for legislative work.
The House received a letter from Governor Ron DeSantis requesting a joint session on March 4 at 11 a.m. for the State of the State address. The chamber adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 1294 to authorize the joint session, and the related House concurrent resolution was laid on the table. The House then adjourned to conduct committee and other business and to reconvene for the joint session at 11 a.m. or upon call of the Speaker.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/19/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- After 15 sessions, I have observed sessions are never predictable, and most times not simple.
- After 15 sessions, I have observed sessions are never predictable, and most times not simple.
- It's bigger than any one issue or any one session.
- And in fact, that's what we do every session here in Tallahassee.
- I look forward to working with each of you this session.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by children in the chamber, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. Newly elected Senator Ralph Massullo was certified and sworn into office by Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, and several current and former state officials and senators were recognized in the chamber.
The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 1466 to convene in joint session with the House to receive the Governor’s message, waived the rules to immediately certify the resolution to the House, and notified the House and Governor that the Senate was ready to proceed with the 2026 regular session. In remarks, Senate leadership and the President discussed priorities including rural Florida, agriculture, citrus recovery, food insecurity, affordability, tax relief, balanced budgets, and the importance of deliberation and checks and balances.
The President also highlighted recent and planned initiatives such as the Farmers Feeding Florida program, rural health care investment, and property tax relief, while emphasizing faith, service, and cooperation in the chamber. Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be taken up the following day. The session concluded with a benediction by Senator Massullo and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting, with the Senate set to meet later in joint session with the House.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/18/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- and I close the executive session. and I close the executive session.
- the executive session. Huh? the executive session. Huh?
- I close executive session. session. session. >> Why<01:38:40.239>
though? - close the executive session. close the executive session.
- close the executive session. close the executive session.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Did you, this last session, the regular session, is this a first called special session?
- You did not file one during the redistricting session, during the regular session, but here we are a
- month after the session ended.
- Call on this special session in 2025 when I didn't hear anything about it during the regular session.
- Well, in every committee we have in special sessions and regular sessions, one of the committee chair's
Bills:
SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5
Keywords:
redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House DFL Media Availability 1/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to kick out representative tapy session to kick out representative tapy and<00:04:16.799>
remember - Dibble: The Court's decision didn't come out until the first day of session, which was already a busy
- How much of this is a hangover from the end of last session?
- hangover from the end of last session hangover from the end of last session Lisa<00:15:47.800>
- Legislative sessions are always bumpy.
Summary:
On January 27, 2025, Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman and Representative D. Dibble said they had resumed negotiations after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that a quorum in the House is 68. They said the ruling brought Republicans back to the table and clarified that actions taken by Republicans between January 14 and January 24 had no legal effect because the House was not validly organized. Both said they had spent several hours over the weekend and that talks were making gradual progress, though no final agreement had been reached.
The main issue remained power-sharing in a tied House. Hortman said the DFL wants Republicans to run the chamber only until the House returns to a 67-67 tie, at which point the parties would implement the previously negotiated shared-governance agreement with co-chairs, equal committee membership, and a co-speaker. She said Republicans instead want to continue operating as if they had a majority. Hortman also said the DFL was looking for ways to make the interim Republican-majority period meaningful, including possible permanent committee arrangements, while still preserving the principle of shared power once the tie is restored.
A second major topic was the GOP effort to remove Representative Brad Tabke. Hortman and Dibble said Tabke had won his seat three times—on Election Day, in a recount, and in court—and argued that removing him would be an undemocratic precedent. They also said the Supreme Court’s ruling confirmed that Secretary of State Steve Simon was properly presiding over the House under the quorum rules. In response to questions about pay for absent members, Hortman said legislative pay is set by the Constitution and statute and that no action without a quorum could change it. They said they had exchanged roughly 10 written offers since January 13 and hoped to reach an agreement soon, possibly by the end of the week.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: House Speaker Demuth Budget Negotiations Media Availability - 06/04/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I would say special session should be called soon.
- No date going to be a special session.
- doing pdeiums in between these sessions doing pdeiums in between these sessions or<00:04:09.120>
- Um I don't take PDM personally sessions.
- Will the House suspend the rules to make this special session just a single day?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and doing a special session that's only 30 days long.
- The ability to do was that a special session or was it a regular session? It doesn't matter.
- Legislative sessions are like my argument is that it does matter because the special session is only
- What about in a regular session? Are you OK to use a quorum break in a regular session? Absolutely.
- and not regular sessions.
Bills:
HB18
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security 4/20/26
Transcript Highlights:
- staff, and visitors safe this session. staff, and visitors safe this session.
- So, with has been going this session.
- Since the beginning of session, we have screened 121,598 people.
- Since the beginning of session, we have screened 121,598 people.
- So, very comforted by that this session.
Summary:
The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on April 20, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the January 13, 2026 minutes. The chair thanked the State Patrol, sergeants-at-arms, and capital security officers for their work during the session, and noted that the committee’s earlier recommendations were reflected in Governor’s Executive Order 2602, including weapon screening at the State Capitol. The chair also said the committee’s annual report included recommendations for bonding, policy, and budget changes, and expressed hope the legislature would act on them.
Department of Public Safety and State Patrol officials reported that implementation of weapon screening had gone well overall and said they were continuing to gather feedback for improvements. Colonel Bogayevich said that since the start of session, 121,598 people had been screened at the Capitol’s entrances, 548 permits were verified, and 52 prohibited items were turned away. Examples of prohibited items included knives, a camping/marshmallow skewer, and a screwdriver; no firearms were found in the Capitol building. She also said the busiest day produced a wait of about 15 to 17 minutes, and that staffing was adjusted to handle larger groups such as school tours.
The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms reported that 49,277 people had come through Senate screening as of the previous Friday, including 196 concealed carry permits, and that 2,359 people had entered the West Gallery to observe Senate proceedings. He also said some Senate building access doors had been reduced to direct traffic and that an audit of key card access had begun. The House Deputy Chief Sergeant-at-Arms reported about 1,400 people had been screened for the House gallery, and noted that an NCSL visitor from Oregon would shadow House security staff to learn from Minnesota’s approach. Members from both bodies praised the professionalism of security staff and said the added trooper presence made members and the public feel safer.
No members of the public signed up to testify, so the public comment period closed without testimony. The meeting adjourned after the chair reiterated that the goal of the security measures was to allow visitors, members, and public servants to participate safely.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-12 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Secretary will now read the proclamation calling the special session.
- . and any conference report resulting therefrom during the special session.
- All of the bills are identical to the bills filed during regular session.
- Members, SB 2512E is the judicial certification conforming bill we passed out during session.
- This bill is the identical bill from the regular session.
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and observed a moment of silence for Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer. The Secretary then read the special session proclamation, which limited the session to budget-related matters including the General Appropriations Act, implementing bill, collective bargaining/state employee issues, retirement, law enforcement radio system funding, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, corrections, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup, fuel taxes, and taxation. Chair Hooper outlined the process for handling Senate and House budget bills and conference posture.
The Senate took up and passed several Senate bills, including SB 2506E on fuel taxes, SB 2508E on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2512E on judges, and SB 2514E on K-12 education, each by 32-0. The chamber then received House bills and, for each, adopted delete-all amendments to place the Senate language onto the House vehicle or delete everything to prepare for conference. Bills addressed included HB 7031E (taxation), HB 5701E (petroleum cleanup programs), HB 5203E (government administration), HB 5207E (Department of Management Services), HB 5403E (correctional facilities financing and capital improvements), HB 5501E (documentary stamp tax distributions), HB 5001E (the General Appropriations Act), HB 5003E (implementing bill), HB 5201E (collective bargaining), HB 5205E (retirement), HB 5601E (higher education), and HB 5301E (health care). Most passed 32-0, with HB 5403E passing 31-0.
During debate on HB 7031E, Leader Berman urged consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax to provide immediate relief at the pump, citing high gas prices. The Senate ultimately passed the House bill as amended and then acceded to the House request for conference on the taxation package and the other House bills. The Senate also substituted HB 5001E for SB 2500E and HB 5003E for SB 2502E, and similarly substituted House bills for the related Senate conforming bills before voting to send them to conference.
At the close of business, the Senate observed a moment of silence for former Senator Bill Posey. The Rules Chair announced the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet that day or the next, and the Senate adopted a motion to establish the special order calendar for the remainder of the special session by website publication and Secretary announcement. The Senate then adjourned upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other business.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Who sets the agenda for the special sessions? The governor.
- But was it a special session or was it a regular session? It doesn't matter.
- Legislative sessions are legislative sessions.
- So you're saying that this bill should only apply to special sessions and not regular sessions?
- and not with any special sessions.
Bills:
HB18
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-04 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- regular session of the Legislature since statehood in 1845.
- And for his 51st session in a row, the Honorable Lee Moffitt.
- I've been asked the same question: What are my priorities for this session?
- So here's my ask of you this session. Let's focus on what matters.
- Members, please stay close by for the joint session, which will begin at 11 a.m.
Summary:
The Florida House convened for the opening day of the 2025 regular session with prayer, moments of silence honoring Senator Geraldine Thompson and Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. The chamber recognized Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz as law enforcement officer of the day, approved the journal, and welcomed state officials, Supreme Court justices, former House speakers, former legislative leaders, former members, and Speaker Perez’s family.
Speaker Daniel Perez delivered opening remarks focused on making the House a more engaged and dynamic chamber, emphasizing substantive reforms, strong committee work, and accountability in government. He highlighted property insurance as a major issue, noting concerns about undisclosed reports and directing the insurance and banking subcommittee to hold hearings with subpoena power and outside experts. He also called for attention to housing, health care, public education, public safety, and budget savings, urging members to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse and to find recurring spending cuts.
The House received Governor Ron DeSantis’s request to address a joint session on March 4 at 11 a.m. and adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 1294, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session for that purpose. Upon adoption of the resolution, HCR 1289 was laid on the table. The House then adjourned to allow for committee and subcommittee meetings and to reconvene for the joint session later that morning.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Leadership Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- that we authorized during this session, I guess?
- due to be funded in the '27 biennium, '27 session.
- . conferences, visual training, and tactical training sessions.
- So we have a regular session report that we prepared after the regular session.
- So that is one item to note for the upcoming session.
Summary:
The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery.
The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific.
OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling.
Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.