Transcript Highlights:

• states, institutions, government leaders, and others to effectively use evidence to drive strategic decision-making
• of the role of leadership of the Mānoa campus because of the fear that that will always drive the decision-making
• of the role of leadership of the Mānoa campus because of the fear that that will always drive the decision-making
• <01:02:27.680> So the decision-making across the tech.
• So the decision-making across the tech.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People have a right to be informed of their decisions, be part of those medical decisions, and not be
• If they are opposed to vaccines, I have, I cannot make that decision if I feel that this would not be
• There are other pieces that come into the language for how they make decisions, but ultimately we just
• I could have an immune disease that makes me very vulnerable.
• And thank you, just for education, because I have a daughter that lived with lupus who makes her decisions

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of health care, Medicaid, and patient-access measures, along with confirmation votes. The committee first reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal obligations, deleting a section affecting nursing home facility records, and setting a January 1, 2026 effective date; the bill then passed favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after Harris testified about priorities including financial accountability, managed care oversight, transparency, and quality improvement. Senators asked about audit findings and Medicaid managed care performance, and several witnesses and committee members voiced support for her appointment. The committee then advanced a series of bills, most of them with amendments, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on death certification by physician assistants and APRNs, SB 1412 on home health administration flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies by physicians, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills received support from industry, advocacy, or provider groups and were reported favorably as committee substitutes. The most debated measure was SB 1270, a broad strike-all amendment combining provisions on mRNA vaccine documentation, vaccination-status protections in the Patient Bill of Rights, medical marijuana reporting and background-screening definitions, compact language, and volunteer immunity. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the vaccine-related provisions, including concerns about discrimination, patient safety, provider discretion, and medical liability. After additional technical amendments and a time-certain motion, the bill passed favorably as a committee substitute, with Senators Davis and Osgood voting no and Senator Harrell expressing a weak yes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just want to make sure that it's not, they agree to do that.
• They have to make sure they check their direct certification process to make sure they're identifying
• So they're making a business judgment that they don't, and it's the right decision for them.
• I think the Eighth Circuit would have to make a ruling.
• the decision.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If time permits, decision-making will occur after we hear from all those offering testimony.
• If time permits, decision-making will occur after we hear from all those offering testimony.
• Uh, we're ready for decision-making, and the chair is going to recommend that we pass HCR 112 unamended

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor and Technology Committee met on April 17, 2026, and considered HCR 112, which asks the Department of Human Resources Development to work with state departments, agencies, and labor organizations to complete a comprehensive review of classification and compensation systems for civil service positions. DHRD, represented by Malia Donlon on behalf of Director Chiba, testified in support, and HGEA also supported the measure. No opposition was noted. The committee initially recessed to obtain a quorum before taking action. After reconvening, the chair recommended passing HCR 112 unamended. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation, with the chair, Vice Chair Lamosao, and Senator Fevella voting aye; Senators Ihara and Moriwaki were excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want to eliminate positions, but when we make decisions and we don't listen to people that actually
• We don't want to eliminate positions, but when we make decisions and we don't listen to people that actually
• We don't want to eliminate positions, but when we make decisions and we don't listen to people that actually
• make very difficult decisions having to make very difficult decisions uh<01:41:12.280> at<01:
• eliminate positions but when we make eliminate positions but when we make decisions<01:41:20.280

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That makes sense. That does make sense. And that wouldn't necessarily have been adjusted for. Okay.
• And I think it's a really strong point that I'm making you're making is that you have an executive agency
• We listen to a lot of people and we try to make the best policy decisions.
• We're going to make some good decisions based on that, but we may need to come back again with a science-derived
• To make sure that we can do this and make it the safest and cleanest possible and we are protecting our

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank you for your wisdom and your discernment to give us the right decisions that we make each day
• <00:06:37.199> that<00:06:37.440> we<00:06:37.680> make give us the right decisions
• that we make give us the right decisions that we make each<00:06:38.160> day<00:06:38.639>
• Please make students rights for life. Please make them<00:09:10.399> welcome.
• to make sure we have the census blocks to make sure we have the census blocks correct<00:12:42.560>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 8 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and dispensed with the reading of the journal. The chamber recognized several pages and visitors, including students from Students Rights for Life, and then moved to the calendar. House Concurrent Resolution 2 was called up and adopted unanimously, followed by House Resolutions 1, 4, and 5, which were also adopted without objection. The main bill considered was House Bill 1, described as a technical correction to last year’s judicial redistricting law to restore a missing chancery seat in the Grenada County area. Members asked about related district corrections and whether other changes would be handled separately. An amendment was offered to set the qualifying deadline for the new seat as February 2 if the governor signs the bill before January 23, or May 1 otherwise; the amendment was adopted. The bill then passed final passage by a vote of 116-0. After the calendar was cleared, members made announcements about the legislative prayer breakfast, page pictures, and a Stennis Institute event. The House also heard several motions to adjourn in memory of deceased community members, including Clarence Cooper, Megan Smith Bates, and Councilwoman Dorothy Glenn. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until 9:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognized the Vice Chair for the purpose of making a motion.
• The Chair asked the Vice Chair to make a motion on the amendment.
• He chose to make a few comments. The counsel explained the bill quite well.
• And the only thing we do by making it..."
• a decision, and I'm just wondering that's completely... the board if the board makes a decision and

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope you all make an informed decision. Very good, thank you.
• Banning THC is the right moral and financial decision to make.
• So I'm making those decisions as a consumer.
• So I'm trying to make sure that I understand before I make a decision.
• So I'm trying to make sure that I understand before I make a decision.

Summary: The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children. Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available. Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be decision-making after the hearing from what is on the agenda today.
• We will be decision-making after the hearing from what is on the agenda today.
• c><01:37:00.040> this<01:37:01.040> measure decision making um under uh this measure decision
• Committee on Water and Land is going into decision making on its agenda of Friday, March 14th.
• <01:37:42.320> of into decision making on its agenda of into decision making on its agenda

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• This makes decisions they make about our livelihood unilaterally.
• This makes decisions they make about our livelihood unilaterally.
• This makes decisions they make about our livelihood unilaterally.
• Please listen to drivers so we can make these changes that can help make things better for both rideshare
• in support of Senate File 3229 to make in support of Senate File 3229 to make clear<00:20:59.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• then make an informed decision<00:13:15.120> about<00:13:15.320> how<00:13:15.440>
• uh companies that built to make carpet. uh companies that built to make carpet.
• of money-making venture. of money-making venture.
• a a market to make it easier to recycle. a a market to make it easier to recycle.
• make a sound decision at this point. make a sound decision at this point.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This pivotal decision reinforced the fundamental right of individuals with developmental disabilities
• The United Farm Workers continues to fight to advance justice and make...
• It is an opportunity to make a change. His efforts remind us that together we can break barriers.
• And we look forward to seeing the impact you will make on the future. Again, welcome. Thank you.
• Please make sure you file by Tuesday the 1st.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode. On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so... ...decisions that the hospital was making that we didn't quite agree with.
• We don't have the people on board to make that decision.
• We don't have the people on board to make that decision.
• When developers know what to expect, planning staff and elected leaders make consistent decisions and
• Our planning and zoning is not about making sweeping policy decisions.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have this agenda plus decision-making from last Tuesday's agenda for decision-making.
• I also want to acknowledge that we have this agenda for decision-making and previous agenda for decision-making
• I also want to acknowledge that we have this agenda for decision-making and previous agenda for decision-making
• next previous agenda for decision-making, HB 1641, relating to transportation.
• We're going to defer decision-making till February 10th at 8:01 a.m. in conference room 4:30.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you can make your way up to the table.
• So I liken collections to making a teenager clean their room.
• That would make a huge difference.
• That would make a huge difference.
• important contract decisions of which Entities who make important contract decisions about which contractor

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The current SCPA 707 allows a judge to make a decision regarding a person who can't speak English, whether
• So I just needed to make that comment, and thank you.
• Just making sure. Any without record? The bill is reported to the floor.
• This is one of the things that just, I think, makes sense.
• This is one of the things that just, I think, makes sense.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee met for its final meeting of the year and considered a series of Judiciary-related bills. The first measure, S.48 (Walsh), proposed a constitutional amendment to bar the governor from using messages of necessity for budget-related bills. Supporters argued that budget bills should receive the normal three-day review period and that the public and legislature need more time to examine major spending and policy changes. Despite that support, the motion to advance the bill failed, and it was not reported. Several other bills were advanced with little or no opposition. S.951 (Kavanaugh), requiring disclosure of certain demographic information by real estate brokers and salespersons, was reported to Finance. S.7279 (Scarcella Spanton), allowing certified school psychologists to participate in certifications related to intellectual or developmental disability, was reported to the floor. S.9582 (Gonzalez), concerning persons ineligible to act as fiduciaries, drew concerns that judges should retain discretion and that the bill could create problems for well-intended fiduciaries, but it was still reported to the floor. S.9765 (Sunshine and Litigation Act on protective orders), S.9788 (arbitration), S.9788/9789 (jurisdiction over certain defendants in city and justice courts), S.9848 (contents of claims in the Court of Claims), and S.9894 (rape shield/evidence of a victim’s sexual conduct or dress) were also reported to the floor. The committee also discussed S.9790 (audio-visual coverage of judicial proceedings), with supporters saying cameras would increase transparency and public trust while preserving safeguards for sensitive proceedings; it was reported to the floor. Another bill, S.9798, would prohibit the use of reproductive or sexual health devices as evidence of prostitution in certain criminal or civil proceedings; it was reported to Codes. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were acted on, with the chair thanking members and guests and noting the committee would meet again the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• So can you make sure we get a copy of that? Certainly, Mr. Chairman.
• So can you make sure we get a copy of that? Certainly, Mr. Chairman.
• I think that's what I would think would make sense.
• That makes sense.
• And so we just want to share that decision once we have more details.

Summary: The committee first approved the November minutes by roll call vote, with a majority of members voting aye and some members excused. Staff then provided brief litigation updates: Fowler et al. v. Leathers remains pending in federal district court over interest calculations on transferred TERS funds, with summary judgment motions expected to be heard May 1; Dolan v. King County was decided against the state in Pierce County Superior Court on the issue of recouping attorney’s fees from a former PERS member, though no fees were assessed against the state in that case. An actuarial update noted upcoming presentations on the agency’s work and the latest valuation report, including new contribution rates reflecting updated demographic assumptions. The committee then reviewed its draft interim work plan and correspondence items, focusing on requests related to Plan 3, Plan 1 COLAs, teacher retirement age, and a missed early retirement factor. Members discussed a possible study of Plan 3’s design and outcomes compared with Plan 2, including retirement ages and benefit adequacy, and staff was asked to work with DRS on a study outline. The committee also discussed ongoing COLA requests and the need for retiree groups to bring forward a more formal proposal for the next budget cycle, with members noting that any recommendation should likely be made by October or November. Another major topic was the study of LEOFF 1 medical/disability boards, including how many boards exist, how they operate, and what costs they incur; staff said it was still gathering basic information and would provide an overview next month. Staff also explained planned changes to how correspondence will be handled and posted online due to cybersecurity concerns. The committee approved the May agenda by voice vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Be with our Speaker of the House as they make very difficult, but not necessarily insurmountable, decisions
• It's about finding common ground, making responsible decisions, and doing what is best for the people
• As Pennsylvania grows, we must continue and ensure that every decision we make makes life more affordable
• to our future and make sure that we are using tax dollars wisely, and we make sure that people can afford
• Madam Speaker, I'd like to make a motion to refer this back to the Commerce Committee.

Summary: The House met in extended session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and a series of journal, committee, and Senate bill reports. Members also received several referrals and Senate messages, and the Speaker signed multiple bills already prepared for the Governor. The chamber then took up a long slate of measures, largely budget-related and conference/concurrence items, with repeated roll-call votes and several brief floor remarks for and against the bills. Among the major actions, the House passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills addressing fiscal code and budget implementation, abusive towing practices, telemarketing robocalls and caller ID spoofing, prostitution penalty changes, veteran notification procedures, the cosmetology licensure compact, solar decommissioning, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, E85 flex fuel definitions, local road transfers, civil penalties for unlicensed commercial driving schools, and trailer sales. The House also adopted House Resolution 580 designating July 18, 2026, as Piping Plover Day. Most of these measures passed overwhelmingly, many by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most significant debate centered on House Bill 2400, the General Appropriations budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, and House Bill 1505, the education-related budget implementation bill. Supporters described the budget as a bipartisan compromise that funds adequacy and tax equity for schools, public safety, mental health, roads and bridges, veterans, seniors, and workforce programs while avoiding broad-based tax increases. Opponents argued the budget used accounting maneuvers, deferred spending, and was structurally unbalanced. After extended debate, the House concurred in the Senate amendments to HB 2400 by a 167-35 vote and to HB 1505 by a 172-30 vote. The House also considered House Bill 2559, which included Commonwealth property conveyances and a controversial provision affecting Penn State branch campus properties. A motion to recommit the bill failed, and the House ultimately concurred in the Senate amendments by a 105-97 vote after members debated property rights, labor effects, and the future use of the campuses. The session concluded with the Senate later concurring in several House amendments, the Speaker signing the final bills, and the House adjourning until September 9, 2026, unless recalled sooner.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anytime that we issue a finding, we will go back and check to make sure, we'll do a follow-up to make
• I think I would defer to the governor and the legislature to make that type of a policy decision.
• I'll make it quick.
• They have a team of investment professionals at the Wonder Fund that ultimately makes those decisions
• The Wonder Fund makes investment decisions on their own. Anybody else have a question?

Summary: The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts. The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects. Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.