Transcript Highlights:

• of the HEMK statute, clarify that the condominium Loan Fund is in the State Treasury, and delete the
• a loan appropriation, similar to the proposal in SP 144.
• This is Major Stason Tanaka from HPD's District 7, East Honolulu.
• district 7 East Honolulu I stand on our district 7 East Honolulu I stand on our written<00:13:21.959>
• It's been a lot of testimony. um so the section two replacement um so the section two replacement is<

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making and hearing sessions on February 4, 2025, covering a range of bills on public funds, cremation contracts, condominium insurance, insurance protections, veterinarians, landlord-tenant issues, agriculture, sex offender licensing restrictions, and service animals. In decision-making, SB 69 on deposits of public funds was passed with a defective effective date, SB 525 on cremation service contracts was deferred for later work on a concurrent resolution, SB 805 on condominium insurance was passed with amendments incorporating Attorney General recommendations, and SB 1141 on insurance protections was passed with amendments expanding the bill to catastrophic disasters and adding insurer response and loss-run reporting requirements. All of those measures were adopted by committee votes, with some members excused. During the hearing portion, SB 493 on veterinarians drew mixed testimony: state agencies and animal welfare groups supported efforts to create a workforce development fund and scholarship/loan repayment program, while the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association opposed the bill as written, arguing the board lacked capacity to administer the program, suggesting more WICHE funding instead, and objecting to new licensing fees. SB 606 on online business registration received comments from DCCA, SB 822 on landlord-tenant injunctions drew opposition from HPD and comments from the Judiciary, and SB 825 on eviction mediation received broad support from mediation advocates, the Judiciary, and others. Other measures heard included SB 276 on false labeling of Hawaii-grown roasted coffee, SB 1293 on tenant recovery in disaster areas, SB 1369 on solvency reporting for insurers and mutual benefit societies, and SB 1373 on automatic license actions against registered sex offenders, which received support from DCCA and several licensing boards. The committee also heard SB 1493 on emotional support animals, where the Attorney General raised constitutional and enforcement concerns, while disability advocates and others supported the bill and suggested clearer enforcement and disclosure language. SB 1662 on landlord application fees was also heard with comments from Hawaii Realtors and support testimony from individuals. In the later decision-making session, SB 493 was passed with amendments removing the proposed licensing fees and blanking appropriations, while SB 606 was deferred. SB 822 was passed with amendments adopting Judiciary recommendations, adding a Judiciary-facilitated working group to review the landlord-tenant code, and setting a defective effective date of July 1, 2050.

Transcript Highlights:

• 122</c><00:08:59.200><c> tariffs</c> the section the 10% section 122 tariffs the section the 10% section
• , credit cards, auto loans, and student loans.
• ,</c><00:10:27.120><c> and</c> loans, credit cards, auto loans, and loans, credit cards, auto loans,
• and in uh student loans. auto loans and in uh student loans. student<00:38:23.040><c> loans.
• Uh credit cards and auto<00:38:45.599><c> loans.</c> auto loans. auto loans.

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits. State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook. State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November. Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> is going to issue a loan or offer a loan is going to issue a loan or offer a loan without<00:46:20.720
• This is sort of boutiquey loans.
• This is sort of boutiquey loans.
• </c><01:02:56.118><c> [snorts]</c> these loans. [snorts] these loans.
• section five.

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The Housing Committee opened with a public hearing on HB 196, which would repeal the Housing Champion program. Representative Matt Drew, the prime sponsor, argued the program is an unnecessary and poorly targeted subsidy, saying it rewards municipalities after projects are completed and may not be limited to new housing production. He questioned the transparency of the program, cited difficulty finding required annual reports, and noted a fiscal note suggesting the state could recover up to $3 million if obligations are terminated. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the program’s criteria amount to political favoritism or a standard grant process; supporters said the rubric is specific and that municipalities are evaluated against objective requirements. Representative Priest, Nick Taylor of Housing Action New Hampshire, and Karen Benfield of Stay Work Play New Hampshire all opposed repeal, saying the program encourages local zoning and regulatory changes, helps smaller communities participate, and supports housing supply and young people’s ability to stay in the state. The hearing on HB 196 was then closed. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1405, a bill establishing an affordable housing guarantee program within the Housing Finance Authority. Prime sponsor Representative Chris Muns said the bill would reduce lender risk by guaranteeing up to 80% of principal on qualifying loans for affordable housing, with a cap of $30 million per lender per year and $300 million outstanding at any time. He described the measure as a low-cost public-private partnership backed by the full faith and credit of the state, and said it was identical to a prior Senate bill that had received unanimous bipartisan committee support before dying later in the process. He framed the bill as one part of a broader housing package aimed at financing, infrastructure, workforce, zoning reform, and other housing-related issues. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal actions were opening and closing the public hearing on HB 196 and opening the public hearing on HB 1405, with testimony continuing on HB 1405 at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• by section.
• by section.
• section.
• section.
• is</c> through it um section by section this is through it um section by section this is coming<00:48

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Section one amends 7 V.S.A. chapter 40 to update the definition of tobacco substitute.
• Section 3, 7 B.S.A. 210 clarifies the power of the control commissioners or the Board of Liquor and Lottery
• Section 3, 7 B.S.A. 210 clarifies the power of the control commissioners or the Board of Liquor and Lottery
• The bill also introduces a new section of Title 7 that prohibits the sale of deceptive tobacco products
• introduces a new section of title 7 that introduces a new section of title 7 that prohibits<00:48:59.920

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, Missouri ranks lowest among all states, investing only $7 per person in public health, which
• , nursing student loan repayment program.
• A couple of questions here on these, in this general section talking about chronic diseases and then
• I'll look up these sections and if I have any more questions, I'll come to you. So thank you.
• On page 238 is a new decision item for the student loan repayment federal authority increase.

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee heard the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services present its FY 2027 budget request, with Director Sarah Wilson and budget staff describing the department’s mission, major divisions, and the impact of federal funding shifts, especially the FMAP change that will shift costs to general revenue. Wilson emphasized prevention, public health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and data modernization, while several members praised the department’s responsiveness and cost-cutting efforts. The discussion repeatedly focused on lapses, excess authority, and the department’s stated practice of spending federal and other funds before general revenue where possible. Members asked detailed questions about local public health agency support, nutrition programs, rural health and primary care, newborn screening, the state public health lab, and the department’s use of flexibility and reallocations. There was extended discussion of substance use disorder funding: the department explained that some funding is being reduced in its own budget because transfer authority is being added for the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections, while some other SUD-related lines are actual reductions. Members also questioned tobacco prevention and cessation cuts, maternal and infant health programs, fetal infant mortality review, and minority health initiatives, with staff explaining program purposes and noting that some reductions were tied to excess authority or to moving programs to other departments. The committee also reviewed specific operational items such as the Health Initiatives Fund transfer, debt offset escrow for loan repayment defaults, donated funds authority, emergency preparedness, environmental health, health informatics, HIV/STI/hepatitis services, local public health incentives, and the COVID/ARPA authority reductions. Several members requested follow-up information on vacancies, lapse trends, grant spending plans, and program details. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the chair recessed briefly and the hearing continued with additional budget testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, it helped fund $1.2 million of business loans in underserved communities.
• CDFIs issued loans to 36 businesses totaling $1.2 million in 2024.
• Half of the loan amounts were below $2,500.
• that receive loans likely support 140 jobs and $670,000 in tax revenue.
• that receive loans likely support 140 jobs and $670,000 in tax revenue.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Transcript Highlights:

• We partner with them to provide that loan. We also will back and guarantee the loan.
• A couple to highlight: the Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides 0 percent interest loans to small businesses
• We were able to support them with a small business loan.
• Primarily, we administer loans.
• Looking at our District 7, which is West Central Florida, District 7 has very strategically planned all

Summary: The committee heard two informational presentations: one from the Department of Commerce and one from the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy and tools, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, defense, life sciences, and international trade. He described programs such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative, the Rural Community Investment Program, the Florida Opportunity Fund, the Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Job Growth Grant Fund, performance-based tax credits, and disaster recovery loans, and cited examples including ServiceNow, Williams International, NeoCity, and Point Blank Enterprises. Members asked about small-business grants, foreign investment interest, workforce needs, and whether additional tools are needed; Mahon said most Commerce programs are loan-focused and noted ongoing workforce and site-readiness challenges. Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, highlighting congestion relief, express lanes, bridge and interchange work, and accelerated delivery methods. She cited projects such as Golden Glades, I-95 improvements, the NASA Causeway Bridge, the DuPont Bridge, I-4 corridor work, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, A1A seawall work, and Turnpike projects, along with examples of cost savings and schedule acceleration. Senators asked about how express lane locations are chosen, toll revenue use in South Florida, the status and cost of the I-395 downtown Miami project, and whether EV and rideshare access to express lanes should be preserved. FDOT said it would follow up on several of those questions, and the committee adjourned without taking any legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were proposed adding the following new section to Chapter 156C, which would read—it would be Section
• you enact the new Section 73 as I just read.
• I respectfully urge this committee to support Section 106.
• However, we ask that the committee reject the amended language to Section 7AB in Section 47 inserted
• Lastly, I want to voice our support for sections 141 through 159.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Transcript Highlights:

• In Section B, these are various temporary appropriation requests.
• This is Section F, appropriation and/or fund transfer request.
• It shows cash-flow loans throughout the fiscal year.
• K-7 is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act report.
• K-7 is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act report.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee considered a series of appropriation, transfer, and review items, approving most requests in Sections B through J. These included temporary appropriations for state technology upgrades, personnel management, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, higher education workforce grants, an ARPA grant for the UAFS LPN program, an IIJA grant for geological/critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for 102 State Police vehicles, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, several cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission HVAC and AV needs, and overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military. One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands for $250,000 to cover operating expenses tied to a new building was discussed at length but failed on the vote after questions about the lease and operating costs. A major portion of the meeting focused on a $25.7 million pay plan appropriation request for 15 agencies. Members questioned why the Department of Human Services had not requested additional pay-plan dollars for human development centers, where DHS acknowledged staffing shortages, high turnover, and heavy overtime but said the issue was not lack of pay-plan funding. DHS was asked to provide a written plan to address staffing problems. The Department of Corrections testified that the pay plan had improved retention and hiring, and committee members asked for follow-up data on vacancies and staffing outcomes. Members also clarified that the pay-plan request was appropriation only, not new funding, and approved it. The committee then reviewed fund reports, including the restricted reserve, Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, Tobacco Settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust Fund, IIJA, and Revenue Services transfer reports. DHS and DFA were questioned closely about the Medicaid Trust Fund, with members noting a $90 million February draw and asking about projected year-end balances; DFA and DHS said February was a high-expense, low-revenue month and projected the fund would remain solvent through the fiscal year, ending between $150 million and $200 million, while a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The committee also discussed a state hospital damage report, where DHS explained that insurance proceeds would not fully cover the repair costs because of depreciation and the age of the buildings; members expressed concern that the state would recover far less than originally expected, and DHS said any additional insurance recovery would be limited and returned to restricted reserve.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we are seeking to cap the loan amounts and a reduction in the match for the higher loans.
• The loan origination fee would be in addition to, and that is standard with all of the loan programs
• CDFIs do a lot of work to get applicants and loan applicants in shape for the loan, and there's also
• </c> loan to help cover expenses for loan loan to help cover expenses for loan servicing<00:26:52.399
• </c> the loan to help cover expenses for loan the loan to help cover expenses for loan servicing<00:27

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 13 of the bill, line 758 to 800, substantially rewords section 945.48 of the Florida Statutes
• or repay a loan?
• that would be granted would be uncreditworthy loans, loans that were not creditworthy.
• Would be uncreditworthy loans, loans that were not creditworthy.
• 7 and the disposition of conservation lands in Section 18.

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Alaghar, Senator Howard, 7 aye, 0 nays, having received 7 aye and zero nays, I declare House
• new sections for and 5 to read as follows.
• Section 4, this act shall become effective July 1st, 2026.
• House Bill 3980 creates the Rule Loan Assistance Program.
• House Bill 3322 is an interpretation and duplicate sections law.

Bills: HB2650 , HB2696 , HB3177 , HB3264 , HB3298 , HB3321 , HB3322 , HB3497 , HB3499 , HB3500 , HB3742 , HB3845 , HB3941 , HB3970 , HB3980 , HB3981 , HB4421

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: probate, estate administration, summary administration, decedent, inheritance, open records, educational records, cybersecurity, student privacy, confidential information, court reporters, salaries, legislation, employment compensation, state administration, Oklahoma, criminal justice, minimum sentences, parole eligibility, violent crimes

Transcript Highlights:

• And those are not loans. Those are grants. Correct.
• Luther has in her amendment on page 2, lines 7 through 13.
• And so checking the first part of the bill on the first section.
• There being 132 ayes and 7 nays, House Bill 2118 is passed. Thanks to Engrossment.
• SB 91-7 by Zaffirini-Rilling, the certain boiler inspections reports in.

Bills: HB14 , HJR31 , HB43 , HB18 , HB 106 , HB36 , HB26 , HB149 , HB 121 , HB206 , HB136 , HB3114 , HB2733 , HB1732 , HB3700 , HB467 , HB 1130 , HB1846 , HB1442 , HB 1147 , HB2176 , HB2701 , HB805 , HB2890 , HB 1154 , HB1644 , HB2118 , HB1718 , HB2488 , HB2596 , HB1971 , HB2468 , HB484 , HB2578 , HB3204 , HB 1041 , HB307 , HB685 , HB1710 , HB538 , HB2525 , HB3125 , HB2027 , HB2894 , HB3077 , HB3684 , HJR99 , HB1399 , HJR5 , HB1330 , HB2110 , HJR2 , HJR6 , HB1587 , HB14 , HJR31 , HB43 , HB18 , HB 106 , HB36 , HB26 , HB149 , HB 121 , HB206 , HB136 , HB3114 , HB2733 , HB1732 , HB3700 , HB467 , HB 1130 , HB1846 , HB1442 , HB 1147 , HB2176 , HB2701 , HB805 , HB2890 , HB 1154 , HB1644 , HB2118 , HB1718 , HB2488 , HB2596 , HB1971 , HB2468 , HB484 , HB2578 , HB3204 , HB 1041 , HB307 , HB685 , HB1710 , HB538 , HB2525 , HB3125 , HB2027 , HB2894 , HB3077 , HB3684

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, farm products, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, agriculture, Texas Constitution, livestock, producer, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you would go to the sections and start with Section number five, okay, the first two sections are
• Section 7 is the fourth thing that I talked about, and it's the double billing.
• Section 7 is the fourth thing that I talked about, and it's the double billing.
• And if you look at the sections, it's talked about in section four.
• Section 7 is to carry over authority for a $45,000 grant.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2. The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Environmental Protection. 598 million for wastewater and drinking water revolving loan
• Up next, a have 7 Senate Bill 1162 by Senator leak water access facilities.
• Now, while we're not opposed to the entire bill, this section does cause concerns.
• >> I'd have to look back at the study to see that exact section.
• That's SB 796, and tab 7, 1, 1, 6, 2, Anybody else. Without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Chair recognizes the lady from Davis 7. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• </c> facilities resolving revolving loan facilities resolving revolving loan fund,<00:28:56.399><c> making
• </c> an act proposing to create a new section an act proposing to create a new section of<00:29:06.080
• Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
• Wednesday, January 7, the year of our Wednesday, January 7, the year of our Lord,<00:33:22.880><c> 2026

Transcript Highlights:

• Allen, EV Battery Management, do pass with author's amendments to, among other things, strike GGRF loan
• SB 409 Blakesphere solar property taxation exclusion do pass as amended to strike Section 2 of the bill
• SB 640 Cabaldon college admissions do pass with committee amendments to remove Section 3.
• SB784 Durazo home improvement loans, two-year bill. 809 Durazo construction trucking amnesty program
• SB 567, gravity-based energy storage wells, do pass with author's amendments to strike section one.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1 accepts the $397,97,940.
• Let's see, Section 6 is the loan portion of that gap funding.
• loan.
• The budget section and the HR section, at the conclusion of budget section, we break into sections, so
• To amend and reenact Section 47-17-01 and subsection 1 of Section 47-17-0.02.1 in Sections 47-17-2.2.2

Bills: HB1621 , HB1624 , HB1623 , HB1622 , HB1625 , HB1626 , HB1627 , HCR3038

Summary: The House convened in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge, confirmed a quorum, and recognized visiting students from Shiloh High School. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Representative Cindy Shriver Beck, and the House adopted the Employment Committee report approving special-session staff appointments. The chamber then considered House Bill 1621, which would require the presidential physical fitness test in K-12 physical education courses with exemptions for students with disabilities and an effective date of August 1, 2027. Supporters framed it as a return to a historic fitness standard and a response to federal direction; the bill passed 90-0. The House next took up House Bill 1624, a universal school meals bill that would place the program in statute rather than the Constitution, start it a year earlier than the initiated measure, and appropriate $65 million for the first year. Debate centered on whether universal meals were needed, whether the bill would preserve legislative flexibility and property-tax relief, and whether it would help families or subsidize those who could pay. The bill passed 55-38. Finally, the House began debate on House Bill 1623, the rural health transformation package tied to federal grant funds and a Bank of North Dakota loan program to support rural health projects, EMS, behavioral health, and related infrastructure. The sponsor and supporters emphasized North Dakota’s strong grant award, the need to move quickly, and the bill’s role in filling rural health gaps statewide. Some members raised concerns about federal spending, inflation, and telehealth, while others stressed the need to address EMS and workforce shortages. The transcript ends during debate on HB 1623, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• . section. section.
• Um, I mean, I would hope that every driver who's loaning out their car knows who they're loaning it to
• Um, I mean, I would hope that every driver who's loaning out their car knows who they're loaning it to
• out their car knows who they're loaning out their car knows who they're loaning<00:26:18.799><c> it<
• Um otherwise it's a loaning it to.

Bills: HF3919 , HF3791 , HF1781 , HF3908 , HF4233 , HF3966 , HF3430

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy