Transcript Highlights:

• The Federal Reserve met with the leading banks in an evening emergency meeting, and the White House convened
• and move money around or just be very disruptive to the financial system, or break into the Federal Reserve
• around or just be very disruptive to the financial system of the, you know, break into the Federal Reserve
• just come just be very disruptive to the financial system of the, you know, break into the federal reserve
• are other costs that can be saved if you're part of an RTO, like operating costs and margins and reserves

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to maintaining a partial reserve, supporting programming that is scalable creates flexibility
• leadership has found a way to do all of this while also being mindful that we have to put more into our reserves
• to raise revenue, and how to make sure that we're funding health care and our state's safety net reserves
• to raise revenue, and how to make sure that we're funding health care and our state's safety net reserves
• So we urge you to protect these. safety net reserves.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• question about, you know, to what extent are districts maintaining a fund balance here in this in the reserved
• Um but the the fund balance uh total uh for all districts in the reserved account for operating capital
• 00:43:11.480><c> districts</c><00:43:12.240><c> in</c><00:43:12.560><c> the</c><00:43:12.640><c> reserved
• </c> uh for all districts in the reserved uh for all districts in the reserved account<00:43:13.240><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are the reserves part of that too? >> Yes, Madam Chair. Um... It is in there. Thank you.
• It is critical to us because, to your point about reserves, it also does apply to them, but due to their
• federal<01:08:22.319><c> nature</c><01:08:22.719><c> of</c><01:08:22.960><c> the</c><01:08:23.520><c> reserve
• </c><01:08:24.480><c> versus</c> federal nature of the reserve versus federal nature of the reserve versus

Bills: HF3560, HF3295, HF2937, HF3540

Keywords: electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have large financial reserves, yet they still have to pay the same rebates as large global
• In recent years, multiple districts across the state have entered binding conditions after reserves were
• Under the current WAC, there's a notifiable condition as found of a resident of a tribal reservation.
• Imagine the local health jurisdiction was trying to... ...reservation, the tribe does not receive said
• AIHC contends there's no real need for fiscal note for each agency to implement the... reservation, the

Bills: HB1316, HB2401, HB2557, HB2720, HB1073, HB2685, HB2640, HB2403

Keywords: postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have large financial reserves, yet they still have to pay the same rebates as large global
• In recent years, multiple districts across the state have entered binding conditions after reserves were
• Under the current law, there's a notifiable condition as found of a resident of a tribal reservation.
• Under the current whack, there's a notifiable condition as found of a resident of a tribal reservation
• Imagine the local health jurisdiction was trying to ...reservation, the tribe does not receive said information

Summary: The committee first heard Substitute House Bill 1128, which would create a Child Care Workforce Standards Board within the Department of Labor and Industries to study child care workforce conditions and make recommendations on employment standards. Staff explained that the proposed second substitute narrows the board’s role from setting enforceable standards to making recommendations, with estimated ongoing costs for L&I staffing and smaller costs for board member stipends and possible DCYF support. Supporters, including child care providers, SEIU 925, and labor representatives, said the bill would help address understaffing, low wages, and retention problems; opponents, including child care industry groups and private schools, argued it duplicates existing work, adds bureaucracy, and creates unfunded costs. No vote was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would direct OSPI and ESDs to develop a technical assistance and training framework to help schools coordinate student behavioral health supports. Staff said the bill aligns with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan and could largely be implemented with existing work and limited additional costs, though DOH would need some support. Testifiers from behavioral health and school counseling fields described severe youth mental health needs and urged passage, and OSPI said the work is doable with current resources. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2636, which would create a public education review advisory council to recommend K-12 policies and funding provisions for JLARC review; staff described JLARC, OSPI, and State Board costs, and no public testimony was offered. The committee next heard House Bill 1316, which would expand the Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program so additional university campuses can access funding. The sponsor said the program has strong retention outcomes, and student advocates testified that campuses such as UW Bothell need access to already appropriated funds for emergency aid, food pantries, and case management. Staff then briefed Substitute House Bill 2474, which would allow the Student Achievement Council Tuition Recovery Trust Fund to be used for refunds tied to broader consumer protection violations, with no expected fiscal impact; there was no testimony. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2365 on digital equity, which would expand the Broadband Office’s role, revise the digital equity forum, and rename the grant program; supporters emphasized rural access, affordability, and the loss of federal digital equity funding, while staff estimated significant Commerce staffing costs and some additional agency impacts. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2401, creating a Washington State Boys and Men Commission contingent on non-state funding, with staff outlining OFM startup and fundraising costs and an estimated operating budget if fully funded. Supporters said boys and men face mental health, education, and mentorship gaps and that the commission would improve coordination; the bill drew testimony from rural school leaders, nonprofit advocates, and community members. The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language access, which would require the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines and a report on interpreter and translator shortages; staff said the office could absorb the work but other agency and local government impacts were uncertain. Substitute House Bill 2517, on permitting for high-capacity transit, would let regional transit authorities apply for permits earlier and streamline land-use processes; Sound Transit and the sponsor said it would speed delivery of major projects, while staff estimated Commerce technical-assistance costs and possible local government impacts. The last bill heard was Substitute House Bill 2145 on the 340B drug pricing program, which would bar manufacturers from restricting contract-pharmacy access and require reporting to DOH; supporters said it protects safety-net providers and patient services, while opponents warned of higher costs for employers, state health plans, and litigation burdens. No final committee action or votes were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• That same survey also highlights that simply relying on reserves for nursing homes is not an option for
• simply same survey also highlights that simply relying<01:04:46.279><c> on</c><01:04:46.559><c> reserves
• for</c><01:04:47.720><c> nursing</c><01:04:48.160><c> homes</c><01:04:48.680><c> is</c> relying on reserves
• for nursing homes is relying on reserves for nursing homes is not<01:04:49.119><c> an</c><01:04:49.319
• testimony in your packets from a care center in New Ulm that estimates it will need to either drain its reserves

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There was also some discussion about carving out a piece of any proceeds to be reserved for the Attorney
• Does the Attorney General typically reserve some of the things in the other parts of the statutes?
• um does the Attorney<01:35:13.440><c> General</c><01:35:13.840><c> typically</c><01:35:14.239><c> reserve
• </c><01:35:14.760><c> some</c> Attorney General typically reserve some Attorney General typically reserve

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• common-sense, balanced bill simply directing hotels to disclose, via a public notice on site, reservations
• AB 2335 would establish a digital asset reserve fund to strategically invest digital assets and generate
• The pandemic forced many to drain reserves while facing rising insurance and maintenance costs, leaving
• AB 2020 fixes that by authorizing HCD to allow the transfer of excess reserves or operating income between
• AB 2020 fixes that by authorizing HCD to allow the transfer of excess reserves or operating income between

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, approved dispensing with the previous day’s journal, and then took up a long third-reading file. Early procedural actions included moving AB 1589 to the inactive file and continuing reconsideration items. The chamber then considered a series of bills largely focused on immigration enforcement, detention, worker protections, child care, voting access, and related public services. Several immigration-related measures passed, including AB 2393 on damages for false imprisonment/arrest, AB 1994 on an immigrant victims’ rights and resources card, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 1633 imposing a tax on for-profit detention facilities, AB 1650 requiring decals on rental vehicles used for enforcement, AB 1655 protecting CalWORKs benefits when a child is detained, and AB 1896 disqualifying people who participated in immigration enforcement from certain public employment. AB 2230, which would bar immigration enforcement near polling places and child care facilities, also passed after extensive debate. Supporters framed these bills as accountability and protection for vulnerable communities; opponents argued they targeted federal law enforcement, were unnecessary, or raised constitutional concerns. AB 1851 on statewide school mental-health guidance also passed unanimously. After the midday recess, the Assembly returned and continued with more bills tied to immigration impacts and child welfare. AB 2379 passed with urgency, requiring child care providers to be informed of constitutional rights and trained on protections when confronted by immigration enforcement. AB 2460 passed to update school behavioral-health referral protocols for students affected by immigration enforcement trauma. AB 2495 passed to expand prohibitions on employer immigration-related threats, and AB 2662 was presented as a way for California to monitor and document federal enforcement actions and report on their community impacts. Throughout the day, the floor featured repeated exchanges over whether the bills addressed real problems or were political messaging, but the measures that came to a vote generally advanced with majority support.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a 12:00 reservation for our end-of-year committee luncheon, so we are going to go for an 11
• So, we need to get there, and our reservation begins at 12:00 noon.
• So, we need to get there, and our reservation begins at 12:00 noon.
• So, we need to get there, and our reservation begins at 12:00 noon.
• So, we need to get there, and our reservation begins at 12:00 noon.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this next item is the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, or CREP, and it's based on a federal
• Uh, the federal program is the Conservation Reserve Program, and this is the enhancement mechanism: when
• Actually, I'm going to talk very slowly while we get this moving in order to reserve some time for your
• </c><01:37:21.440><c> some</c><01:37:21.600><c> time</c><01:37:21.840><c> for</c> uh in order to reserve
• some time for uh in order to reserve some time for your<01:37:22.120><c> questions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• before any of the recent challenges had materialized, they reported an average of 98 days of cash reserves
• things were kind of rolling out, as Ken stated in his testimony, many of our members did have cash reserve
• And so, to the extent agencies that had cash flow sufficient to get over that or cash reserves sufficient
• /c><01:45:20.920><c> that</c><01:45:21.120><c> or</c><01:45:21.200><c> cash</c><01:45:21.440><c> reserves
• </c> to get over that or cash reserves to get over that or cash reserves sufficient<01:45:22.120><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It works when we talk about the reservations and those kids that are now the adults and the fathers and
• representatives in Red Lake, like Thomas X, who provides literacy and tutoring to kids that are on the reservation
• , who may never even have left the reservation and now are advocating for these types of programs here
• It works when we talk about the reservations and those kids that are now the adults and the fathers and
• , who may never even have left the reservation and now are advocating for these types of programs here

Bills: HF1660, HF1824, HF1926, HF1002, HF994, HF1915, HF1336

Keywords: children, youth programming, needs assessment, community engagement, state funding, education, funding, school districts, state budget, rural schools, food support, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, food shelves, grant funding, Minnesota FoodShare, early childhood, Head Start, education funding, developmental programs, literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a flagpole there, but that is reserved for another occasion, another purpose.
• There is a flagpole there, but that is reserved for another occasion, another purpose.
• There is a flagpole there, but that is reserved for another occasion, another purpose.
• There is a flagpole there, but that is reserved for another occasion, another purpose.
• There is a flagpole there, but that is reserved for another occasion, another purpose.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 118 in executive session and adopted Amendment 0882H, which would remove the House and Senate members from the Child Care Commission while leaving the commission in place. Members said the amendment was a continuation of earlier committee discussion and supported it as a needed change. The committee then voted 12-0 to recommend ought to pass as amended, and HB 118 was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 142, dealing with Gold Star Mother’s Day. The sponsor explained that the bill was unnecessary because existing statute already directs the governor to issue a proclamation for Gold Star Mother’s Day and to urge appropriate observance, including flag-related ceremonies. Several members discussed how to ensure the proclamation and flag observance would happen and whether the committee report should note the existing statute. Other members said they would oppose killing the bill because the recognition was important. The committee voted 9-3 to table/ITL the bill, and HB 142 was declared inexpedient to legislate. The final major item was a public hearing on a non-germane amendment to House Bill 456, with a related draft amendment also discussed. The sponsor said the amendment would raise the annual membership allowance from $20 to $75, rename fees as dues, prohibit dues from being used to pay lobbyists, require NHMA dues to be brought before voters as a separate warrant article for transparency, and require separate accounting so lobbying funds are not co-mingled with other funds. Supporters said the goal was to keep taxpayer-derived money from funding lobbying while preserving non-lobbying services such as legal advice and training. Opponents argued the proposal was an overreach and would micromanage local towns. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did reserve the room upstairs for later in the evening tomorrow if we go late.
• We did reserve the room upstairs for later in the evening tomorrow if we go late.
• We did reserve the room upstairs for later in the evening tomorrow if we go late.
• We did reserve the room upstairs for later in the evening tomorrow if we go late.
• We did reserve the room upstairs for later in the evening tomorrow if we go late.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• in from the Legacy Fund deposits, we were not investing that because we had to build up our cash reserves
• And then when we know essentially a capital call was coming, we would start ensuring that we are reserving

Summary: The Legacy Fund Committee received updates from the North Dakota Retirement Investment Office (RIO) on fund performance, liquidity, in-state investments, and internal management. Scott Anderson reported strong returns for the Legacy Fund across multiple time periods, with performance exceeding the policy benchmark and expectations, driven largely by strong equity markets and effective implementation. He also reviewed private market pacing, noting commitments were on plan but that unfunded obligations and distributions were lower than expected, and presented a new liquidity analysis showing the fund had substantial capacity to meet obligations even under stressed market scenarios. The committee also discussed RIO’s internal investment program and cost savings. Anderson explained how internal management of fixed income, equity, and cash overlay strategies has reduced fees and transaction costs, while improving flexibility and portfolio construction. Members asked about staffing needs, and RIO leadership said asset growth has outpaced current staffing, with a request for additional FTEs likely coming to support investment, operations, risk, and legal functions. The committee also reviewed the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment program, including 50 South Capital and infrastructure lending, and heard that one manager’s buildout is progressing more slowly because many opportunities are still early-stage. Adam Odison presented a preliminary estimate of the 2026 Legacy Fund earnings distribution, projecting about $894.8 million under current law, with roughly $237 million to the Highway Fund and $554 million to the Property Tax Relief Fund after the sinking and interest fund allocation. Jody Smith then gave a project update on a new standalone Legacy Fund website required by statute, intended to consolidate performance, holdings, governance, fees, and use-of-funds information for the public, with a planned launch around the October State Investment Board meeting. She also raised a possible future proposal to place the Legacy Earnings Fund back under State Investment Board management so the cash could remain invested longer before being transferred out, though members noted liquidity, accounting, and bank-deposit implications would need further review. Finally, Kelvin Holden of the Bank of North Dakota reviewed the match loan program, explaining how it supports large economic development projects by pairing Bank of North Dakota loans with State Investment Board CDs. He said the program currently has about $272 million outstanding and has supported projects such as Coal Creek Station and the MDU gas line to Gwinner. Members discussed whether the program’s return is appropriate and noted a prior moratorium on new investments so the committee can revisit the policy next session. The committee then elected Senator Klein as chair and Representative Hogan as vice chair, and the meeting ended with members thanking staff and partners for the fund’s progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I may, I was slightly reserved on my opening remarks, conscious of time, but given the exit,... ..
• .reserved on my opening remarks, conscious of time, but given the I may be permitted to continue my opening

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we can go back and forth a little more, but I will reserve a few other questions because it seems
• And I look forward to reviewing this again as it comes to the floor and reserving my right to take a

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on community college procurement, higher education access, and student support. SB 1154 by Senator Reyes would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. Supporters, including San Bernardino Valley College, the San Bernardino Community College District, labor groups, and several districts, said it would improve delivery of complex facilities and align community colleges with other education systems. Opponents, including the Associated General Contractors, argued the bill’s skilled-and-trained workforce requirements and labor-compliance scoring would narrow the bidder pool and raise costs. The committee passed the bill to the Assembly Floor on a due-pass vote, with some members voting no or not recorded. SB 1255, also by Senator Reyes, would create a California Hispanic-serving institution designation. Supporters from HACU, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, UC, community colleges, and other education organizations said the designation would recognize campuses that serve large numbers of Latino and low-income students and strengthen accountability and student success. The committee approved the bill as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, with one no vote. SB 1328, presented on behalf of Senator Cervantes, would require LGBTQ+ points of contact at satellite or branch campuses of CSU and community colleges, either through designated staff or regular office hours. Testimony emphasized gaps in access at remote centers and the need for confidential support; one member raised concerns about staffing, costs, and whether existing systems could meet the need remotely. The bill was passed as amended and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 960 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand the circumstances under which community colleges could offer bachelor’s degrees in response to unmet workforce needs, especially where CSU programs are impacted or not realistically accessible locally. Supporters said the bill would help meet workforce demand and expand access for place-bound and adult learners. CSU and faculty representatives opposed unless amended, urging stronger partnership requirements, clearer workforce-need standards, and safeguards around duplication and Prop 98 funding. Members discussed impaction, regional access, and the role of partnerships; the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations. Finally, SB 632 by Senator Otagan would extend the California College Promise fee waiver to part-time community college students enrolled in nine units. Supporters said many students cannot attend full time because of work, caregiving, and living costs, and the bill would better reflect student realities; the transcript ends during testimony on this measure, before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we can go back and forth a little more, but I will reserve a few other questions because it seems
• for bachelor's degrees, and I look forward to reviewing this again as it comes to the floor and reserving

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• credit cards, especially those with rewards, have driven a shift away from cash, which the Federal Reserve
• I think the Federal Reserve Risk Officer survey from 2024 reflected that banks' biggest losses are related

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing focused on interchange fees, sales tax and tip processing, chargebacks, fraud, surcharging, and the broader future of payment systems. Chair Paul Feeney and co-chair Rep. Jamie Murphy opened by explaining the commission’s charge and inviting testimony from small businesses, industry groups, banks, and policy experts. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that Massachusetts tourism depends on universal card acceptance and stable interchange, and urging the commission not to disrupt the current system ahead of major events expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth. A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates describing thin margins and the burden of paying percentage-based processing fees on sales tax and tips that are not business revenue. Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others said restaurants often operate on very small profits and that processing fees on taxes and gratuities can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, and limiting repeat abuse. Commission members pressed witnesses on whether tax and tip amounts could be separated at the point of sale, and several witnesses said current consumer card systems do not transmit that level of detail. Testimony from credit union, banking, and payments representatives largely opposed state-level changes that would carve out taxes or tips from interchange, warning of compliance burdens, higher costs, reduced rewards, and possible effects on fraud protection and access to credit. Alex Verine of America’s Credit Unions and Deb Peters and Keely McEwen of the Electronic Payments Coalition said the payment system is complex, that interchange funds fraud prevention and network infrastructure, and that new state mandates could create operational and legal uncertainty. Dan Swanson argued states have authority to act and pointed to Illinois litigation and federal court rulings, while Julian Morris and Brad Popolado emphasized the benefits of card acceptance, the decline of cash, and the need to consider other payment methods and check fraud as well. Several witnesses discussed international payment systems, instant payments, and QR standards as possible future directions. The chairs and members engaged in extended back-and-forth with witnesses about whether Massachusetts could exempt sales tax from swipe fees, whether surcharging should be revisited, and whether vendor compensation or other targeted relief might be more workable than broad changes to interchange. No votes were taken. At the close of the hearing, the chairs said the commission would hold one additional public hearing date to be determined, after which members would begin developing next steps and a report.