Video & Transcript Research : 'spending cap'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 158, 281, 317, 340, 1062, 1187, 1234, 1300, 1306, 1381, 1541 (5/27/26)
Transcript Highlights:
- You can't; you don't know where it goes. they spend the other 5 months and 29 they spend the other 5
- So, for all of our friends in the media that keep reporting it as a full blown spending cap, it's not
- a full blown spending cap.
- It would put in a spending cap on administrative spending. And I think that's very important.
- I mean, I like spending the HAVA money.
Keywords:
9:00am HB 158
9:10am HB 281
9:20am HB 317
9:30am HB 340
9:40am HB 1062
9:50am HB 1187
10:00am HB 1234
10:10am HB 1300
10:20am HB 1306
10:30am HB 1381
10:40am HB 1541, 928, house, all
Summary:
The committee of conference first resolved House Bill 158, which concerns public inspection of absentee ballot lists. The Senate explained a revised approach that removed the broader bill language and instead directed the Secretary of State to review absentee ballot data after each general election for patterns such as common addresses and to report findings to the committees of jurisdiction. The House agreed to the Senate position, and the conference committee voted unanimously to concur.
The committee then took up House Bill 281, dealing with a sortable electronic voter checklist. Members debated the Senate’s removal of language that would have included the absentee ballot mailing address when different from the voter’s registration address. Concerns were raised that releasing mailing addresses could expose where voters are not home and could affect overseas and military voters. The committee also discussed a related form for election officials who personally know a voter, including how long the form would be retained and whether it would be subject to public records law. After further discussion, the House agreed to the Senate changes with an additional requirement that the form be signed, and the committee voted to proceed with the amended Senate position.
House Bill 317, concerning verification of a person’s identity by a supervisor of the checklist without identification, was also discussed at length. The Senate’s version preserved the ability for election officials to identify people they know, but required a signed form under penalty of perjury and added a nursing home-related provision. Members described the measure as balancing community-based identification with tighter documentation, and a House witness described local problems with inconsistent ID checks and concerns about voting in nursing homes. The House sought one additional change requiring the nursing home verification form to be signed, and the Senate accepted that addition; the committee then voted to move the bill forward on the consent calendar.
The conference committee next considered House Bill 340 on electioneering by public employees. The chair presented a replace-all amendment that tied the definition of electioneering to existing law, added a prohibition on expressly or primarily political surveys, and created a civil penalty of up to $1,000 alongside the misdemeanor penalty. Members discussed clarifying when the misdemeanor versus civil penalty would apply and which categories of public employees were covered. After caucus, the Senate agreed to the House’s replace-all approach with the clarifying changes, and the bill was closed. The committee also resolved House Bill 1062 by agreeing to strike a sunset clause from the Senate version authorizing random audits of citizenship qualifications, and it began discussion of House Bill 1187 on the filing window for special-election candidates, where the House proposed requiring local election officials to arrange a filing time on the same day or next business day after being contacted.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So when determining fiscal year 25's 25% spending cap, you would take fiscal year 24's ending fund balance
- And that would equal your cap for fiscal year 25.
- Because, after all, what we're talking about here is a cap, just like the 3% cap.
- But... ...they have this additional 3% cap.
- And, like Senator Hogue has mentioned, we have another cap, the 3% cap.
Summary:
The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses.
Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself.
The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings.
The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/10/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- other entities are capped like that, too.
- at that $1.5 million capped at that $1.5 million uh<00:27:37.080>
cap <00:27:37.560>just - capped like that,<00:27:44.120>
too. - We're not going to spend like nuts anymore.
- We're not going to spend like nuts anymore.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 50 Apr 30th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- dollars cap for public schools.
- So the existing caps.
- Again, no, we're not changing the cap.
- Is clear there is no cap on the amount that can be spent until you reach that total cap for credits.
- Your cap is still at 200,000 dollars.
Keywords:
bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 5, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:13:31.359>
Congress impacted by the statutory cap. - Congress impacted by the statutory cap.
- He knew that Speaker Johnson was not telling the truth about deficit spending.
- He knew that Donald Trump in spending.
- And you caps not okay. Kill the Bill.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So we are currently capped on the PEP side, and that cap will, or really in all scholarships, and that
- cap will continue to increase over time.
- There's no cap here in a couple of years.
- And that's the amount—that's the cap at the moment.
- Spend up to that amount, just as you said.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects.
Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Mar 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for being over Wall Caps.
- Medical negligence is not one size fits all caps are Medical negligence is not one size fits all caps
- No, no caps. There's no evidence only opinions.
- without caps and our discussion.
- Second, the bill repeals a cap on arbitrator.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- Projects must be built to a capped, known price.
- And then there's also a regional cap that applies to...
- So it was trying to set aside a cap for municipal... ...was trying to set aside a cap for municipalities
- So I think that's a cap that really should be addressed.
- The third cap, which is particularly important to me, is the net metering cap on behind-the-meter government
Summary:
The hearing focused on ways Massachusetts can accelerate solar deployment, lower costs, and preserve reliability as electricity demand rises and federal support for solar and other renewables changes. Chair Creem opened by emphasizing solar’s role in meeting climate mandates and peak demand, citing June heat-wave data showing behind-the-meter solar reduced wholesale prices and saved ratepayers money. Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney of DOER said Massachusetts has grown from 3 MW of solar in 2008 to 3.5 GW today, highlighted SMART 3.0 as a flexible, evergreen incentive program, and said DOER is working on updated rates, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, net crediting, and a petition to the DPU to speed implementation. She also said Massachusetts joined the lawsuit over canceled federal Solar for All funding.
Committee members and witnesses discussed several policy changes to speed projects before federal tax credits expire, including automated permitting, remote inspections, faster interconnection, and changes to caps on municipal and regional solar development. Senator Barrett pressed Mahoney on whether the 10 MW municipal cap and regional caps should be lifted, and on whether the state should increase its solar tax credit to offset the loss of the federal residential credit. Mahoney said the municipal cap should be revisited and that interconnection cost allocation and other market issues need to be worked out before lifting broader caps. She also said DOER is open to automated permitting and is already developing a permitting portal under the 2024 climate law.
Industry and advocacy witnesses largely supported streamlining measures. Sunrun’s Bronte Payne urged removal of a proposed requirement that all net-metered facilities enroll in SMART, and recommended automated permitting, remote inspections, flexible interconnection, better hosting-capacity information, consumer protections, and continued support for Connected Solutions and virtual power plants. Permit Power’s Hannah Bernbaum and Solar App’s Matthew McAllister argued that smart permitting and remote inspections can significantly reduce soft costs and delays, with McAllister saying Solar App now operates in over 320 jurisdictions and saves about three weeks on average. They said remote inspections are already common and can be done safely with photos, video, and qualified third parties. Community solar and clean energy advocates, including CCSA’s Kate Daniel and Vote Solar’s Lindsay Griffin, supported a 10 GW solar target by 2035, a higher refundable state tax credit for low-income households, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, and preserving the option to build outside SMART so projects can retain renewable energy certificates. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members requested follow-up materials and draft language from witnesses.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Apr 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First and foremost, it takes that 5% rent cap and makes it 2%.
- First and foremost, it takes that 5% rent cap and it makes it 2%.
- Cap the rent at 5%. Hi, my name is Reverend Roy Huang.
- We have the shortages of housing and capping rent. Capping rent doesn't fix that.
- over a quarter who spend over 50% of their income on rent.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing.
Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/10/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #25
Transcript Highlights:
- On top of that, spending is about 3.1%, I think, year over year.
- I think that's the lowest spending increase we've had, I want to say, in 10 years.
- The reason it's good is because it encourages agencies to spend less space, right?
- Thank you. ...spending by $50 million each year for three years.
- That will create a new hard cap of $350 million.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have caps on these agriculture fees, and we want to raise the caps to stay up with inflation.
- We have caps on these agriculture fees. We want to raise the caps to stay up with inflation, Mr.
- Chair, these are caps. These are not automatic raises. These are caps.
- We came into Senate Finance with a 2.7% overall increase in recurring spending.
- She did not spend $30 million between the last special session and now? No.
Keywords:
auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's part of why the spending growth is increasing.
- We'll be engaging in the cap-and-trade discussions where those things will be handled.
- Hello, Justin Garcia with CAPS-UAW Local 1115. We want to thank this...
- Hello, Justin Garcia with CAPS-UAW Local 1115.
- John Downs, CAPS, California Association of Scientists.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency.
Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency.
Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, you know, this is dealing with members and annual caps. We do not annual caps.
- Um, we do not have annual caps in this plan.
- There is no annual cap.
- Uh, and none of those plans have caps on health benefit spending. caps on health benefit spending.
- Um, and there's no plan to have caps, but the have caps, but the notification done by providers through
Bills:
HB441
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, you know, this is dealing with members and their annual caps. Um, we do not... annual caps.
- There is no annual cap.
- Uh, and none of those plans have caps on health benefit spending. caps on health benefit spending.
- Um, and there's no plan to have caps, but the... have caps, but the notification done by providers and
- Where you say we’ll put in a cap, and if you take this cap, then your premium’s much lower.
Keywords:
hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax, excise tax, age verification, underage sales, product testing, certificate of analysis
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 16th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- on social media than they're spending in school.
- The proposed 10% price cap is the surgical intervention we need.
- So when we put a price cap on something, the demand is still there.
- In countries that have similar types of caps, they still have these platforms.
- been able to demonstrate in any way that the caps were the cause of, types of caps.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 1988, which would require companion chatbots to respond to credible crisis expressions with a 988 lifeline notice, human review after repeated crisis signals, and a pause in the chat. The author and supporters said AI chatbots are increasingly used for emotional support but are not equipped to handle suicidal or violent ideation safely; they cited cases of harmful chatbot responses and argued the bill is a limited safety measure, not a ban. Support came from crisis, family medicine, and child/family service organizations, and there was no formal opposition testimony. Members praised the bill’s intent and the author’s work, and the bill was held pending quorum before later discussion moved on to the next item.
The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and create an e-safety advisory commission. The author argued that social media product design—such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds—drives compulsive use and mental health harms, especially for children, and said the bill would still allow safer, non-addictive platforms and online spaces. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, addiction, and mental health harms; several organizations and advocates also supported the measure.
Opponents, including EFF, privacy groups, civil liberties organizations, and youth and LGBTQ advocates, argued the bill is overbroad, raises privacy and First Amendment concerns, and could cut off young people from community, news, and support. They pointed to Australia’s experience as evidence that age restrictions are easy to circumvent and may shift harms elsewhere, and urged feature-level regulation instead of age-based exclusion. Committee members debated whether the bill is a “ban” or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the commission could meaningfully define and update harmful features; several members said they would support the bill while acknowledging it needs further work and ongoing oversight.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- to spend the money in fixing up?
- to spend the money in fixing up?
- <00:13:11.760>
authority the spending authority the spending authority when<00:13:13.600>< - >> We ask for appropriate spending >> We ask for appropriate spending authority<00:13
- because we didn't have spending because we didn't have spending authority. authority. authority.
Summary:
The committee first heard testimony from Dr. Edney on the state revolving fund program for rural community water associations. He explained that the program has operated since 1997 using EPA grant funding and a state match, with low-interest loans, emergency funding, and loan forgiveness. He said the state match has risen in recent years because of increased federal infrastructure funding, but is expected to decline again as that enhanced funding ends. Members asked where repayment money goes, and he said it stays in the revolving fund rather than going to the general fund. He also discussed EPA pressure for consolidation of small water associations, minimum operational standards, and the possibility of using loan forgiveness incentives to encourage consolidation. No votes were taken on this presentation.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2824, which extends the eligibility dates for certain energy projects to qualify for ad valorem tax exemptions, moving the relevant deadlines from 2026/2027 to 2031. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed it by voice vote. Next, Senate Bill 2867 revised an earlier employer child care tax credit program. Senator Boyd said the bill simplifies the program, allows a 50% income tax credit for employers providing dependent care during work hours or making at least $2,000 per child direct payments to licensed child care entities, and caps the credit at $3,000 per child per year. A committee substitute also placed a $1 million cap on the overall credit program. Members discussed the need for child care support, the role of federal and state funding, and whether the bill would increase employer participation. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill by voice vote.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 3109, a simple bill affecting Lafleur's Bluff State Park. Senator Blount explained that the park is managed under a lease with a nonprofit and that the bill would exempt the nonprofit from paying property taxes on the leased state park land. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by voice vote, then rose and reported the measure out of committee.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 115 May 8th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because we're over the cap. Because we're over the cap.
- below the cap. below the cap.
- fiscal year spending. fiscal year spending.
- If there was an error we should be fixing this regardless if we are over the cap, the spending cap, or
- if we are under the spending cap.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- that DHS does on hospital spending.
- All that spending is determined by DHS. It's historical spending.
- We already spend state dollars through ABC programming.
- Instead, allowing the cap to be exceeded up to $1,800.
- That hit that $500 cap go all the way up to the $1,800 cap.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So when determining fiscal year 25's 25% spending cap, you would take the ending fiscal year 24's fund
- And that would equal your cap for fiscal year 25.
- Because, I mean, after all, what we're talking about here is a cap, just like the 3% cap.
- . but They have this additional 3% cap.
- If we allow this to go by, and like Senator Hogue has mentioned, we have another cap, the 3% cap.
Summary:
The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations.
Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose.
The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria.
The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- to spend money on um is not going to spend money because ICE is going to pay them for this.
- <00:50:58.800>
uh time their officers are spending uh time their officers are spending uh - , that, well, you're not going to spend, that, well, you're not going to spend, you<00:51:13.119>
- money on um is not going going to spend money on um is not going to<00:51:18.640>
spend <00:51 - <05:58:10.400>
I don't spend more than 183 days in. I don't spend more than 183 days in.