Video & Transcript Research : 'legislators'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 02/24/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- legislative cost analysis. legislative cost analysis.
- the legislative leazison for the MSRS. the legislative leazison for the MSRS.
- legislative initiatives for this year. legislative initiatives for this year.
- I'm the legislative liaison for TRA. >> Okay.
- staff put together legislative staff put together legislative principles<01:05:15.119>
kind
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- and um legislative<02:54:54.520>
staff legislative staff legislative staff this<02:54:55.880> - a summary that they and the legislative auditor work out. work with the legislative auditor on work
- <03:01:20.360>
auditor the office of the legislative auditor the office of the legislative - the office of the legislative auditor. the office of the legislative auditor.
- prior to uh legislative prior to uh legislative uh<03:48:55.560>
approval.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:22:06.000>
on <03:22:06.120>cacr anyi to legislated on cacr anyi to legislated - the motion of inexpedient to legislate the motion of inexpedient to legislate hearing<03:37:40.479
- the motion of inexpedient to legislate the motion of inexpedient to legislate on<03:56:10.359>
- the motion of any speed to legislate the motion of any speed to legislate cares<03:59:36.439>
- the motion of inexpedient to legislate the motion of inexpedient to legislate on<04:05:43.640>
- the motion of any speed to legislate the motion of any speed to legislate cares<03:59:36.439>
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislators were invited last year at the end of the year in 2025.
- The four legislators on the committee will be back.
- Management legislation.
- Legislative Council. Move into the next session.
- We posted on the Legislative Council social media accounts.
Summary:
The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively.
Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, HOU DEFER, HOU Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Authorizes HHFDC to make recommendations to appropriate legislative bodies.
- to appropriate appropriate legislative to appropriate appropriate legislative bodies.<00:04:27.520
- final approval by a county legislative final approval by a county legislative body<00:04:37.600>
- <00:19:04.880>
Part <00:19:05.120>two legislative appropriations. - Part two legislative appropriations.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing heard and then took action on a series of housing-related bills concerning HHFDC, HPHA, inclusionary zoning, nonprofit housing trusts, housing project exemptions, the rental housing revolving fund, and a new for-sale housing program. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and HPHA, with additional support from groups such as Hawaii YIMBY, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Holo Collaborative, the Kobayashi Group, and others. On SB 2424, the Kobayashi Group argued the bill would help open housing to a broader pool of local households, including buyers slightly above income limits who still cannot afford market-rate housing. On SB 2342, the chair asked HHFDC for final figures on rental housing revolving fund appropriations since 2016 and was told the amount was about $1.1 billion, including conveyance tax revenue.
In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 2189 with amendments, noting concerns about transparency and accountability in HHFDC’s loan-award process; SB 2190 with amendments; SB 2234 with amendments; SB 2177 with amendments; SB 2194 unamended; SB 2342 with amendments; SB 2060 with amendments; and SB 2070 with amendments. The committee deferred SB 2195 and SB 2196 after testimony comments, and deferred SB 2063 because the chair said SB 2060 would be used instead as the vehicle for mixed-income subaccount changes. SB 2424 was discussed in hearing but then deferred in decision-making pending legal advice on issues including owner-occupancy, county income restrictions, buyback rules, and county council approval. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2062 and its proposed SD1, but deferred that measure because the relevant changes had already been incorporated into SB 2060 SD1.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Election Law Subcommittee Work Session (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair would like to make a motion of inexpedient to legislate. Would you second that?
- legislate<00:25:15.600>
would <00:25:15.760>you legislate would you legislate would you - <00:26:51.000>
representative <00:26:51.880>Burnham legislate representative Burnham legislate - subcommittee as inexpedient to legislate subcommittee as inexpedient to legislate for<00:27:12.880
- The total vote is 5-0 for inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 684.
Summary:
The House Election Law Subcommittee met to review its report and vote on eight bills concerning voter registration, absentee voting, domicile qualifications, photographic identification, and related election procedures. The chair explained that the subcommittee’s mission was to consolidate and reconcile the bills, review constitutional and federal-law issues, and issue recommendations. Members thanked the chair, legislative staff, and outside contributors for the report and supporting materials, including research memos and testimony. The report was expected to be formally issued later in the week, with the bill recommendations finalized at the meeting.
The subcommittee first voted on House Bill 27, relative to absentee ballots, where members discussed a proposed bipartisan follow-up bill to clarify language for voters in jail and correctional facilities. The bill was recommended ought to pass by a 3-2 vote. House Bill 289, on domicile qualifications for voting, and House Bill 323, requiring government-issued photographic identification to vote, were both retained by unanimous 5-0 votes. House Bill 385, concerning a prior voting law, was recommended inexpedient to legislate by a 3-2 vote after members cited constitutional concerns and cost. House Bills 418, 618, and 684 were each recommended inexpedient to legislate unanimously, with members saying the subcommittee was consolidating overlapping bills into one measure per topic.
The final bill, House Bill 686, requiring identification when requesting an absentee ballot, was retained unanimously for further work over the summer and review by the full Election Law Committee in November. After completing all eight votes, members said the process helped them better understand the issues and that there was substantial bipartisan agreement on many principles, even where they differed on implementation. The meeting concluded with thanks and no further action beyond the subcommittee recommendations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- There are several groups that will benefit from this legislation if passed.
- There are several groups that will benefit from this legislation if passed.
- We appreciate the consideration for this legislation. Thank you, Steve.
- Simply put, these two bills modernize legislation for PAs in Massachusetts.
- session or this current legislative 2025 session.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives.
A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing.
There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee meeting will come to order.
- Welcome to the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.
- Honor for the 89th legislative session.
- legislative session.
- of Honor for the 89th legislative session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is especially urgent right now.
- I urge you to report this legislation out favorably. Thank you. Good morning.
- Latham, I've heard from opponents of this legislation today very careful to kind of...
- We feel this is the most effective piece of legislation to address.
- For these reasons, we urge you to oppose this legislation, and I'm happy to take questions.
Summary:
The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients.
On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections.
On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- where they set in motion legislation where they set in motion legislation where<02:09:14.800>
- co-sponsor for this legislation co-sponsor for this legislation including<04:09:39.319>
Congressman - Please vote yes on this bill and its companion legislation.
- sides of the aisle this legislation sides of the aisle this legislation directly<04:40:36.680>
- <07:49:50.080>
they've <07:49:50.240>worked this legislation they've worked this legislation - <07:49:50.080>
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Davidson has his legislative interns.
- I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
- Madam Speaker, when we rush legislation through the legislative process, making big policy changes, we
- In addition, Madam Speaker, this legislation... ...centerpiece of it.
- That would be the practical impact of passing this legislation.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved several journals, and welcomed a number of guests, including Irish dignitaries, scholarship winners, interns, student pages, and members of Omega Psi Phi. After confirming a quorum, the chamber received committee reports and referred new bills and resolutions, then recessed for caucuses and committee meetings before returning to floor action.
In the afternoon session, the House considered several bills and amendments. It approved amendments to House Bills 426, 1127, 2551, and Senate Bill 146, while rejecting an amendment to HB 1127 that would have tightened background-check requirements for out-of-state dentists. The chamber also agreed to HB 2234, which creates a spent grain donation tax credit and updates the malt beverage tax credit, and HB 2551, which limits text-message notices by the Turnpike Commission and other agencies about unpaid fines, fees, or tolls. Senate Bill 146, creating the Veterans Trust Fund Board, was amended to add audit-related changes and then agreed to.
The House then took final passage votes on several bills. HB 133, allowing a process to petition for reinstatement of parental rights, passed 191-11; HB 138, barring parental incarceration as the sole basis for termination of parental rights, passed 200-2; HB 2207, on capital development loans, passed 202-0; and HB 2224, dealing with utility rate and tax-related changes, passed 202-0 after extensive debate over affordability, consumer protections, and tax relief. HB 2473, repealing the Flood Insurance Education Information Act of 1996, also passed unanimously, and HB 2544, addressing school administrator rights and compensation disputes, passed 141-61.
The most extensive debate centered on HB 2632, which reallocates educational tax credit caps and replaces the EITC and OSTC programs with a new options tax credit framework beginning in 2027-28. Supporters said it would improve transparency, accountability, and access for the poorest students, while opponents argued it would reduce scholarship opportunities, add burdens, and harm families and schools that rely on the current programs. After lengthy debate, the House passed HB 2632 by a vote of 105-97. The chamber then announced a Finance Committee voting meeting, recommitted several bills to Appropriations, and adjourned until June 23, 2026.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I just say as a legislator, I'm not sure that you...
- The legislative auditor makes two recommendations related to data reporting.
- The legislative auditor recommends that the legislature keep the survivor's exemption in place.
- The legislative auditor's conclusion is that the Developmental Disabilities Administration...
- So the second legislative Provide reliable client data to us for this study.
Summary:
At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations.
The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses.
JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Service (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not new legislation.
- In fact, as many of you legislation.
- already adopted comparable legislation already adopted comparable legislation and<00:06:53.440><
- :57.039>
general this legislation pass, the general this legislation pass, the general assembly - As highest legislative priority.
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call, approval of the September 17 minutes, and an introduction of Sarah Rome to the committee. The chair also noted that the committee would stay on schedule and then moved to presentations. Representative Amy Neighbors and Taylor Williams of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association presented a refiled “pharmacy parity” proposal, formerly House Bill 3, to require Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacist clinical services already authorized under current scope of practice. They said the bill would not expand Medicaid or pharmacist scope, but would align Medicaid with commercial insurance, improve access and outcomes, and likely save money; they cited a Cabinet report under Senate Joint Resolution 26, which found similar laws in other states were producing savings or trending toward savings and would require only modest administrative updates. No member questions were raised after that presentation.
The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening Program from Senator Stephen Meredith, Dr. Whitney Jones, Melissa Carrier, and Representative Neighbors. They described the program’s goals of increasing screening, reducing deaths through earlier detection, and preventing cancers by finding polyps, saying it has produced substantial savings and improved outcomes. Speakers emphasized Kentucky’s high colorectal cancer burden, especially in younger adults, and said the program helps uninsured and underinsured Kentuckians access stool-based screening and follow-up colonoscopies through a network of partners including the Department for Public Health, Kentucky Cancer Link, and university cancer programs. They requested an increase in funding from $500,000 to $1.25 million annually, or $2.5 million over the biennium, to expand services, fill geographic gaps, and support education and navigation.
Members asked whether the colon cancer screening was already covered by Medicaid, and the presenters replied that Medicaid does cover it, but the program serves people who are not on Medicaid or who fall into a separate eligibility category based on income and insurance status. A member also clarified the requested funding increase. The committee then moved on to the next agenda item, an update from the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky, where board member Sal Santoro and CHNK Behavioral Health leaders began a presentation describing the organization’s broader behavioral health work and its request, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concludes or any action is taken.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Nixon: In regards to legislation that I filed.
- Representative Nixon: This legislation does nothing to impact that.
- And I just fear this legislation is going to lead to that.
- There's legislation in Congress.
- They might even let you feed them because you are a legislator.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 2, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I support this legislation and urge all my colleagues to do the same.
- Cisco, in introducing this bipartisan legislation for too many veterans.
- Cisco, in introducing this bipartisan legislation for too many veterans.
- Once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation.
- ONCE AGAIN, I ENCOURAGE ALL MEMBERS TO SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, in addition, we do have members of our legislative body, both from the House legislative body,
- The 2025 Legislative Medal of Honor recipient.
- This legislation is. I understand that.
- As Representative of legislation.
- But for some reason, we treat legislation like this. ...reason we treat legislation like this.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Tourism and Gaming Working Group (TGWG) - Thu Jun 18, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a little bit tricky to legislate. a little bit tricky to legislate.
- 16:09.880>
everyone because of this legislation, everyone because of this legislation, everyone - legislation itself. legislation itself. >> Okay,<01:29:43.920>
great. - case, it would be in the legislation." case, it would be in the legislation."
- at what that that legislation was. So. at what that that legislation was. So.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (1-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I know the general concepts underlying this legislation were discussed last year.
- concepts underlying this legislation concepts underlying this legislation were<00:03:14.799>
- <00:04:53.400>
as summarize uh this draft legislation as summarize uh this draft legislation - It's important to note this legislation coincided with the legislation that was passed in 2022, which
- with the legislation coincided with the legislation<00:09:35.279>
was <00:09:35.480>passed
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:02
Attendance Roll Call: 00:49
Approval of Minutes: 01:55
CERS Retiree Health Subsidy Proposal: 02:14
SB 58: 24:05
TRS Sick/Annual Leave Proposal: 32:53
Adjournment: 48:00, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the prior month’s minutes after a roll call established a quorum. It then heard testimony on a draft proposal from Senator Robbie Mills to increase CERS retiree health subsidies for members retiring on or after July 1, 2003. The bill would raise the non-hazardous subsidy from $14.63 to $40 per month per year of service and the hazardous-duty subsidy from $21.94 to $50, with employee contribution rates adjusted based on the health trust’s funded status. Supporters from sheriffs, firefighters, police chiefs, and the Kentucky League of Cities said the change would improve recruitment and retention, better align the subsidy with the cost of a single health plan, and preserve the system’s financial footing through shared employer-employee costs and funding triggers.
Committee members asked about the fiscal impact, the effect of funding levels above 150%, and how the subsidy would work for rehired retirees or employees who later take private-sector jobs. Mills and other witnesses said preliminary actuarial work was still forthcoming, that the bill was intended to be revenue-neutral or close to it, and that the subsidy would continue to be paid monthly; they also noted existing 2008 rules for rehired retirees and said the benefit would still be available even if a retiree later had other insurance. One member suggested looking at stable accounts as an additional option for special-needs planning in a later bill.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 58 from Senator Robin Webb, which would allow state employees to designate a Special Needs Trust as a beneficiary for retirement benefits. Webb said the measure would help employees provide for disabled dependents without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid eligibility, and that the bill follows federal special-needs trust rules. He said the proposal could be revenue neutral, but actuarial analysis was still pending and KPPA had asked for electronic rather than paper transfer provisions. Members questioned whether the authority already exists, how the trust would work, and whether stable accounts should also be considered; Webb said he would follow up with additional information.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- the legislation they propose to vote on. the legislation they propose to vote on.
- legislate on Senate Bill 223. legislate on Senate Bill 223.
- Bill 123 is inexpedient to legislate. Bill 123 is inexpedient to legislate.
- legislate? Senator Sullivan. legislate? Senator Sullivan.
- to legislate on Senate Bill 634. to legislate on Senate Bill 634.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We have first Lori Leison, Deputy Legislative Auditor from the Office of Legislative Auditor's office
- from the uh our legislative auditors. from the uh our legislative auditors.
- it is directed legislatively. it is directed legislatively.
- legislatively named grants. legislatively named grants.
- Commissioning enabling legislation. The Commissioning enabling legislation.
Bills:
HF3564
Summary:
The Legacy Finance Committee met to approve the prior meeting minutes and then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its performance audit of the Department of Natural Resources’ administration of Outdoor Heritage Fund grants. OLA explained that the DNR generally complied with the criteria tested, but the audit identified two main problem areas: grant payments and grant monitoring. The audit covered 13 grants, mostly legislatively named grants awarded in fiscal year 2020, and reviewed agreements, amendments, payments, monitoring, and some site visits.
OLA reported that for three grantees, totaling about $400,000, invoices lacked enough detail to determine whether costs were allowable, and about $5,000 was paid to two grantees without sufficient supporting documentation. The auditors also said DNR lacked policies defining allowable costs and what “directly related to and necessary” means under state law. On monitoring, DNR missed required annual visits for six grants, made payments on current progress reports that were missing or not on file, and had weaknesses in closeout evaluations, including missing required elements, late completion, and two grants with no closeout evaluation at all. OLA recommended stronger documentation, clearer guidelines with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, timely monitoring and closeout, obtaining progress reports before payment, and improved internal controls.
Members reacted strongly to the findings, especially the repeated failures to follow grant procedures and the risks of legislatively named grants and advance payments. Representative Heintzeman and Vice Chair Skraba questioned whether the issues reflected broader problems in state grant oversight and asked about prepayments, follow-up, and whether more legislative action was needed. OLA officials said they do not rely on self-attestation, but instead retest agencies after 2 to 3 years, and noted a new annual update-report process that will track whether agencies implement prior recommendations. Judy Randall, the Legislative Auditor, said the laws and policies already exist and emphasized that the issue is ensuring agency staff follow them; she also said most recommendations in the recent update report had been implemented. No further committee action or vote was taken on the audit during this portion of the meeting.