Transcript Highlights:

• Today, there's anywhere from 9 to 15 to 18, in some cases 30 to 36 months for approval through the PRC
• Chair and Representative Duncan, I'll take this one and then I might have the PRC jump in.
• have submittals to the PRC with respect to upgrading their grid and power supply.
• I ask the Chief of Staff of the PRC to respond. Mr.
• The rest of everything else that's happening at the PRC continues as it is right now.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our next bill is House Bill 254, avoided gases in PRC cost tests.
• The PRC has told us that... Through their energy efficiency programs.
• We, you know, the PRC still has oversight.
• Why are we wanting to expand that to the PRC being able to consider this in the rate? Mr.
• Is that because we're dealing with the PRC? Mr. Chair, yes. PRC? Mr. Chair, yes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the PRC is... So I have a slide deck for you.
• And then, of course, thank you for the trust and the investment in the PRC.
• Chair, about what this continued investment in the PRC means.
• And so the PRC doesn't want to sit and wait. We want to be proactive about this.
• So I'm excited to work with you all again in this next session to modernize the PRC.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I was concerned about it because it seemed to take power away from the PRC, and the PRC was a constitutionally
• President, Senator, I've checked with the PRC.
• So the PRC, Mr. President, Senator Steinborn, has responsibility.
• But with regards to the PRC, it's my understanding that the primary function of the PRC is to regulate
• Why is the PRC regulating this industry and this industry?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought I remembered when the PRC comes. I thought I remembered when the PRC came in here, Mr.
• And then I know you don't know the PRC budget or budget request.
• But it says in their budget request for their capital, PRC is requesting $5 million to PRC is requesting
• Chair, Senator Woods, FMD, GSD, we don't have a request in for PRC.
• PRC is coming with the request to remodel the building. But, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President Trump has rightly expressed concern about the PRC.
• Those PRC facilities pose a risk to the free flow of U.S.
• There are additional troubling PRC developments in the South Com region.
• The PRC has leased a space port. in the remote Patagonia region of Argentina.
• It shows that we are there enduring and we can block out the PRC and others. Thanks.

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• > uses<00:08:30.600> open-source use uh the PRC uses open-source use uh the PRC uses open-source
• That's just the PRC and Russia. North Korea.
• That's just the PRC and Russia. North Korea.
• back home in the PRC. back home in the PRC.
• PRC. PRC.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:36 Homeland Security: 00:03:46 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership: 00:36:29, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The role of the PRC, what would they have to do, Madam Chair? Let's see...
• The bill that 235 had basically allowed the PRC to establish the RPS benchmarks.
• But we have a PRC for that purpose.
• And putting this under the jurisdiction of the PRC does many things.
• The PRC is a Community benefits, but another one is also grid modernization.

Bills: SB78, SB235, SB22, SB310

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, sustainability, carbon emissions, energy regulation, microgrid, zero carbon resources, Public Regulation Commission, energy generation, electric utilities, motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County

Transcript Highlights:

• This initiative complements, not contradicts, the critical work already underway by the PRC.
• What this Council will do is actually the purview of what the responsibility of the PRC is.
• Mexico, including at the Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department and also the staff of the PRC
• PRC members are paid up to $190,000 a year. Is that correct? Mr.
• We would expect some staying power and reliability from the PRC themselves. reliability from the PRC

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: During the legislative meeting, House Bill 287 was discussed, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Health and Human Services Committee to oversee the state's $14.4 billion expenditure in this area. An amendment to the bill was adopted, which clarified funding and operational details. Public comments were solicited, but no one spoke in opposition. The committee ultimately voted, with some members expressing concerns about budget implications, but the motion to pass the bill as amended was made and seconded, with several members opposing it. House Bill 371 was also addressed, which focuses on creating an Acequia Infrastructure Fund to support land grant and Acequia communities. The bill aims to provide a financial mechanism for these communities to access funds for infrastructure projects without relying on capital outlay requests. The committee discussed the bill's implications, potential funding sources, and the need for further amendments regarding representation and oversight. A motion to pass the bill was made, with some opposition noted, particularly regarding the lack of specificity in the bill's provisions. Lastly, Senate Bill 143 was presented, which seeks to raise the caps on inspection fees under the Egg Grading Act, among other agricultural regulations. Supportive testimony was provided by representatives from agricultural organizations, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill's implications for consumers and the agricultural sector, ultimately moving towards a vote to pass the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The PRC takes just a few minutes.
• The PRC takes just a few minutes.
• Or should I do the PRC because the PRC is going to cover my property tax obligation, I would say, from
• a practical standpoint, I would probably say just do the PRC.
• And then the PRC is a true credit.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The PRC takes just a few minutes.
• The PRC takes just a few minutes.
• And obviously, it's one of the reasons the PRC was developed in the first place.
• because the PRC is going to cover my property tax obligation, I would say, Or should I do the PRC because
• probably say just do the PRC.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they are zeroed out through the PRC.
• PRC is a credit that follows at the end of the statement. Continue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• They're at zero because of both programs, and how many are at zero just because of the PRC?
• On the PRC will be available for us to review.
• When someone does apply for the PRC, a couple of things happen in the system.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, who wants to take the question about the air superiority of of the PRC over hours?
• And it confers to the confidence of the PRC and in inherently erodes deterrence as they see more and
• But in my opinion, we must work hard to counter PRC.
• So I want to talk a little bit about attacks on digital infrastructure by the PRC.
• And so it is not you more uniquely vulnerable to the PRC, it is more uniquely threatening to the PRC,

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. military strategy, China military drills, Taiwan, Philippines, North Korea, defense budget, military modernization

Summary: The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, how it works right now is that the PRC can allow economic development rates.
• This bill is based on rates or programs that the investor-owned utilities will suggest to the PRC that
• Might the PRC say yes or no? What kinds of criteria? So, Mr.
• This is all voluntary; they don't have to do this, but the PRC is in charge. Mr.
• The guardrails are proposed by the utilities. and the PRC. I understand that, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they are zeroed out through the PRC.
• PRC is a credit that follows at the end of the statement. Continue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• They're at zero because of both programs, and how many are at zero just because of the PRC?
• On the PRC will be available for us to review.
• When someone applies for the PRC, a couple of things happen in the system.

Summary: The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and heard a lengthy update from Tax Commissioner Brian Croshys on property tax relief programs. He reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting increased relief after House Bill 1158 and House Bill 1176, but also discussing how some households “income adjust out” of eligibility over time. Members asked about indexing income thresholds, expanding eligibility by age alone, simplifying administration, county-level notices, and whether the county and state systems could be streamlined. Croshys said the programs are heavily used, largely administered at the county level, and that the department is still refining compliance and reporting; he also said there were no material findings or overarching concerns in the latest review. The committee agreed more detailed PRC information would likely come back in a September meeting, and the chair announced an afternoon recess for lunch before later reconvening. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase report, the zero-growth report, and a statistical report on property values and tax levies by class. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and identified counties and cities with the largest percentage changes in growth or decline. She also summarized recent trends: agricultural values remain relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed values have risen over the last five years; in 2025, residential property accounted for the largest share of statewide property tax levies, followed by commercial, agriculture, and centrally assessed property. Committee members asked about unusual zero-growth figures, the effect of annexation and land-use changes, and whether the 3% levy cap was forcing political subdivisions to use reserves or defer spending. Myers said many counties complied by using reserves, delaying capital projects, or limiting increases, and that some counties had not used their full cap. The committee then moved to the stripper oil extraction tax exemption. Commissioner Croshys reviewed the state’s oil tax structure and estimated the revenue impact of keeping stripper wells exempt from extraction tax while still paying production tax. He said the exemption saves operators hundreds of millions of dollars over a biennium, while the state still collects production tax on those wells. He also discussed projected impacts if the exemption were changed for future wells and noted that future outcomes depend on oil prices, production declines, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly explained the historical difference between the 35-barrel and 30-barrel thresholds for certain wells, citing differences in completion costs and lateral lengths. The committee then heard from EERC CEO Charles Gorecki, who presented an analysis of oil well life cycles and said most oil is produced before wells reach stripper status, but that refracturing or other reinvestment can significantly extend production and keep wells above the threshold for years.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they are zeroed out through the PRC.
• PRC is a credit that follows at the end of the statement. Continue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• They're at zero because of both programs, and how many are at zero just because of the PRC?
• Because that's when the total presentation on the PRC will be available for us to review.
• When someone does apply for the PRC, a couple of things happen in the system.

Summary: The committee met to receive updates from the Tax Commissioner’s office on property tax relief programs and related compliance work. Commissioner Brian Croshys reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting that the Homestead program expanded significantly after HB 1158, that some households are “adjusting out” of eligibility as incomes rise, and that the committee may want to consider indexing income thresholds. Members asked for additional data on bracket breakdowns, possible costs of eliminating income limits for seniors, and how many households are zeroed out by the combined programs. Croshys also discussed the simpler administration of the disabled veteran credit, the growth in participation, and the heavy workload and auditing safeguards built into the new primary residence credit system. He said the department found no material compliance findings and that the program is designed to be digital-first, with county auditors and the Tax Commissioner’s office both involved in review and notification. The committee recessed for lunch and later reconvened, with the chair noting that more detailed PRC information would likely be available at a September meeting. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase, or “zero growth,” report and the 2025 statistical report. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and which jurisdictions showed the largest percentage changes in countywide, citywide, school district, and park district levies. In the statistical report, she summarized recent trends in assessed values: agricultural values remained relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed property values increased over the past five years. She also reviewed statewide tax levies by property class and clarified that centrally assessed growth figures were annual averages. Members discussed how shifts in land use and annexation can make it appear that tax burdens are moving from ag to residential/commercial property. Myers then summarized the interim study on the 3% levy limitation under HB 1176, saying most counties complied without budget changes, while some used hiring freezes, deferred purchases, or reserve funds; 23% of counties had to reduce levies, and the affected funds were mainly general, road and bridge, and weed control. She said 12 counties reported zero new growth in the data and that 35 counties reported not using all of their cap. The committee also received an oil tax presentation from Croshys on the stripper well extraction tax exemption. He outlined the number of active stripper wells, the production and revenue implications of the exemption, and projections for future biennia under different tax scenarios. He said the exemption represents substantial savings to operators but also corresponds to production tax revenue that would otherwise be collected, and he emphasized that future outcomes depend on oil prices, well counts, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly answered a question about why Red River wells have a different production threshold than Bakken wells, explaining it was tied to completion costs and lateral length. The committee then heard from Charlie Gorecki of the EERC, who presented an analysis of typical Bakken well decline curves and argued that most oil is produced before a well reaches stripper status, but that keeping wells open and investing in refracturing or other interventions can recover additional production. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the main actions were receiving reports, asking for follow-up data, and scheduling further discussion for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• One way to mitigate those fluctuating natural gas prices is to perhaps ask the PRC to... investigate
• And there are other things that we May want our PRC to take into consideration as well.
• Moving on, then, to Slide 21. 25, supporting PRC action.
• So, in many ways, the PRC already has the tools it needs to do much of what's in this presentation.
• So, working with the PRC, it's, again, everyone's in silos.

Transcript Highlights:

• The PRC takes just a few minutes.
• And obviously, it's one of the reasons the PRC was developed in the first place.
• because the PRC is going to cover my property tax obligation, I would say, Or should I do the PRC because
• probably say just do the PRC.
• And then the PRC is a true credit.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, it was just some simple math on the number of applications we've had for the PRC times
• The PRC applications can no longer take their credit with them.
• This legislation would repair that issue by allowing the PRC applicants to apply for a PRC on their new
• secondary home, or new construction that didn't qualify for the PRC prior to March 31.
• And I think that aligns with the spirit of the big PRC push we did last session.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee opened with roll call and a review of special-session procedure: bills would be heard in filing order, with related school-lunch bills grouped together, and any bill advancing would require a motion, second, and majority vote to be introduced. Members also discussed that the committee was functioning much like a delayed-bills committee, with final referral to either Appropriations or Policy depending on the bill’s fiscal impact. The first major proposal was Senator Schibley’s bill to create a narrow, statewide Bank of North Dakota bridge-loan program for struggling nonprofit medical facilities, prompted by Jacobson Memorial Hospital’s financial crisis. He argued the hospital and surrounding EMS services could close without short-term help, while committee members questioned the added language, the population cap, the $10 million fund with $5 million per applicant limit, and whether the program could open the door to future requests. Representative Headland then presented two cleanup bills from the prior property-tax session: one to fix notice and tax-certification issues for local taxing districts, and another to correct how the primary residence credit is applied so taxpayers receive the full benefit rather than counties retaining part of the reimbursement. Members asked about township hearing timing, the estimated $10–15 million annual impact, and whether the credit issue could be fixed retroactively; Headland said the bill was intended to correct the problem going forward. Three school-lunch bills drew extensive discussion. Representative Vetter proposed a small administrative appropriation to add an FTE to help eligible families enroll in the existing free/reduced lunch program, saying the goal was to ensure needy children are signed up and that the state should not subsidize meals for wealthy families. Representative Nathe offered a broader bill mirroring the pending initiated measure but placing the program in statute instead of the Constitution, moving implementation up a year, and funding it with a one-time $65 million from the strategic investment fund; he said this would preserve legislative flexibility and avoid constitutional entrenchment. Representative Dressler proposed raising the state-funded eligibility threshold from 225% to 300% of poverty, arguing it would expand access while still preserving federal reimbursements and encouraging better enrollment systems. Members debated costs, future budget pressure, whether the bills set a precedent for responding to ballot measures, and whether the program should include breakfast and other operational details. Other proposals included Senator Powers’ bill to create a hyperbaric oxygen board and support rural access to hyperbaric chambers for wounds, concussions, PTSD, and other conditions; Representative Tolman’s reporting-requirements bill to force new or expanded programs to justify purpose, alternatives, evaluation methods, and full implementation costs; Representative Frelich’s bill addressing the ongoing redistricting litigation and what happens if the Supreme Court or lower courts alter the current map; and a bill requested by the Public Service Commission and ITD for FERC litigation support and ADA website/document compliance. The committee also heard a rural-health eligibility bill from Representative Twait aimed at steering federal rural health dollars toward rural providers, with questions focused on whether the mileage limits would exclude some communities. One Holocaust education item was deferred until the sponsor could be located.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is the local wires that serve homes and businesses in a more transparent manner, subject to PRC
• Stating just that that the amendments as requested were from the PRC and does track language that is
• So we did not receive that letter from the PRC. We did not. OK, then we'll forget about it.
• Number one is it streamlines the distribution planning portion of this of of our work with the PRC, and
• The PRC has to have that power to protect ratepayers. Um, and so I appreciate all of that work.