Video & Transcript : 'lapse notice' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Notice those are the big drivers in the near term.
- And usually that is not something that any normal person notices.
- You'll notice the darker counties. Those are the ones with the highest energy burden.
- And um and so through that notice same.
- And um and so through that notice and<01:35:31.679><c> comment</c><01:35:32.080><c> period</c><01:35:
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (11-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- that project spending is we notice that project spending is highly<00:10:14.160><c> concentrated</c>
- So, while reviewing payments, LOIC staff noticed a few payments that may have been made late.
- The most noticeable thing is that there is no legend.
- </c><00:19:13.600><c> The</c><00:19:13.840><c> most</c><00:19:14.000><c> noticeable</c><00:19:14.559>
- The most noticeable thing or progress.
Summary:
The committee heard a staff report on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS), a multi-phase project intended to improve interoperable radio communications for first responders. Staff said Kentucky State Police did not appear to have violated statutes or regulations, but the project lacked an overall master plan, clear milestones, and consistent documentation, which contributed to delays, spending issues, and deployment problems. The report recommended updating the Kentucky Field Operations Guide to reflect SERVS and noted that the project has been funded in phases since 2018, with appropriations totaling roughly $216 million across 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, while about $109 million had been spent by the end of fiscal year 2025.
The report raised concerns about project sequencing and oversight. Staff said most spending was concentrated in special mobile equipment, with Motorola accounting for about two-thirds of all SERVS expenditures and the top four vendors making up 81 percent of spending. They also said a sample of Motorola payments suggested possible late payments, though they could not confirm whether interest was paid. Staff criticized the use of master agreements for a project of this size, the lack of a centralized ledger, and the absence of a documented timeline or risk mitigation plan. They recommended stronger procurement and planning requirements, including possible legislative changes requiring approved master plans for large capital projects and additional funding conditions tied to SERVS master agreements.
Land acquisition and deployment progress were identified as major bottlenecks, especially in Eastern Kentucky. Staff said the project began in western Kentucky using existing tower sites, but the remaining work is concentrated in harder-to-acquire areas, with more than 95 percent of new towers still incomplete. They said the Division of Real Properties did not begin formal contract work on acquisition until October 2024, despite earlier coordination, and recommended earlier consultation on future projects. Staff also noted that the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee had not been active in oversight, and survey results showed limited awareness and involvement among first responders. Committee members agreed that the lack of an initial implementation plan and the continuing need for funding reflected broader planning problems, and they discussed the need for a clearer end-to-end game plan rather than continuing to fund the project without a defined completion path.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (09/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I would like to make sure<00:35:49.680><c> that</c><00:35:49.920><c> we're</c><00:35:50.160><c> noticing
- is that autism sure that we're noticing is that autism diagnosis<00:35:52.320><c> oftentimes</c><00:
- We were all noticed on... >> We must have it. Yeah. Okay.
- We were all noticed on >> I think so.
- We were all noticed on >> We<01:38:24.480><c> must</c><01:38:24.639><c> have</c><01:38:24.800><
Summary:
The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs.
The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education (8-20-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, uh<00:44:41.440><c> I</c><00:44:41.680><c> noticed</c><00:44:41.920><c> it</c><00:44:42.160
- it had an hour component in uh I noticed it had an hour component in there<00:44:43.520><c> too,</c>
- We have noticed this fund trending down in recent years as people switch, we believe, from cigarettes
- You will<01:03:18.799><c> notice</c><01:03:19.119><c> that</c><01:03:19.440><c> there</c><01:03:19.680
- there is on this one will notice that there is on this one specifically<01:03:21.280><c> says</c><01
Summary:
The committee met to review KHEAA’s student aid programs ahead of the upcoming biennial budget. KHEAA officials outlined the agency’s role administering state grants and scholarships, emphasizing that net lottery proceeds are statutorily dedicated to student financial aid after a literacy appropriation. They focused on the College Access Program (CAP), Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG), and KEES, and explained that the FAFSA simplification changes significantly expanded eligibility for Pell and CAP recipients. KHEAA said the General Assembly’s additional funding this biennium allowed CAP to be fully funded, and that FY25 spending for CAP reached about $232 million for roughly 72,000 students, up from about 55,000 recipients the prior year. Officials said they are watching current-year application trends closely and expect a clearer funding picture by late fall as awards are actually disbursed and enrollment data comes in.
Members asked about how CAP eligibility works, the difference between applicants and recipients, and whether KTG is tied to Pell eligibility. KHEAA explained that CAP is essentially aligned with Pell eligibility, while KTG uses a different need formula and is limited to private colleges in Kentucky. They also noted that schools verify final eligibility after KHEAA’s initial review of application data. Questions about the FAFSA simplification act and federal changes led KHEAA to say they do not expect major effects on state grant and scholarship programs, though federal student loan changes may affect students, especially at the graduate level.
The committee also discussed KEES, which KHEAA said has been fully funded since its creation, and dual credit/work-ready scholarships. KHEAA reported that dual credit participation continues to grow and that FY25 spending for dual credit and Work Ready Kentucky totaled about $26.4 million, compared with a $13.1 million appropriation, with transfers from Work Ready used to keep dual credit fully funded. Officials said they will seek growth funding for dual credit in the next budget because the program has expanded and now includes the work-ready component under one statute. Members asked about transferability of dual credit courses and whether students actually use the credits toward degrees; KHEAA said it does not have hard data on every credit’s transfer, but it is seeing positive trends in bachelor’s completion and more high school graduates earning associate degrees. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (5-21-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- We noticed there were significant deterioration of the brick arches that were part of the issues, and
- We noticed uh there were ceilings.
- We noticed uh there were significant<00:56:33.680><c> deterioration</c><00:56:34.319><c> of</c><00:56
- I've noticed the number of lives it affects.
- Uh I've did notice like the Kentucky.
Summary:
The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies.
The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures.
The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (5-13-25) - Reupload Part 1
Transcript Highlights:
- that is, um, mean, uh, I also noticed that is, um, they<00:09:10.800><c> had</c><00:09:10.959><c> the
- I mean, I know we've got to give public notice and comply with the Open Meetings Act because we are a
- I mean, I know we've got to give public notice and comply with the Open Meetings Act because we are a
- Uh first question uh I noticed where 69.
- Uh first question uh I noticed where contract<01:27:42.719><c> number</c><01:27:42.880><c> 46</c><01:
Summary:
The Government Contract Committee met with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Representative McCool after the death of his sister, and approved the April 14 minutes. The committee then reviewed a large agenda of contracts and amendments, beginning with a deferred Office of the Controller procurement involving broker services. Members questioned why a contract that had previously been handled for about $300,000 annually was now priced at about $1 million, and why the procurement was limited to one year. Office of the Controller staff said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the work had previously been treated as not practical to bid, and the new RFP was intended to increase competition. They said the technical evaluation was scored before cost was considered, that past performance was not scored because it was seen as unreliable, and that AON received the highest technical score despite not being the lowest bidder. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action and let the contract proceed to the Finance Cabinet, with members noting continuing concerns about the pricing and process.
The committee next considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment for language services. DCBS representatives said the additional funding did not come from a new cut elsewhere, but from reduced spending on interpreter services because commonly used forms had been translated into other languages, freeing up funds for the contract. The committee approved the item unanimously.
The final major item discussed was an initial contract for the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists for legal services. Board staff said the board had been without a permanent general counsel since March 2024 and had relied on special and conflict counsel because of unusually heavy litigation, including 11 active cases, plus broader disciplinary and licensing changes tied to recent legislation and an oversight report. They said the contract was a not-to-exceed amount funded entirely by agency fees and that the board was currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing prior legislation and oversight findings about problems at the board and saying the contract was needed to help the board address ongoing litigation and corrective work. The committee approved the contract and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, sending them forward.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (04/01/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Notice they’re red and they’re blue. This is a wonderful sampling.
- </c> Delaware, uh South Carolina, and Delaware, uh South Carolina, and Kentucky.<00:25:24.640><c> Notice
- Notice they're red and they're Kentucky.
- Notice they're red and they're blue.<00:25:26.960><c> This</c><00:25:27.120><c> is</c><00:25:27.200><
- I noticed in comment I made earlier.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to continue its review of recommendations for New Hampshire’s family court, with the chair emphasizing a collaborative approach and noting that the group would focus on the origins of the family division, recurring problems identified in earlier reports, and comparisons with other states. Members discussed organizing testimony into three broad topics: the court hearing process and pro se litigant preparation, mediation/arbitration/counseling, and the interaction of domestic violence issues with family court and related criminal proceedings. The chair also noted that the subcommittee would not meet again for two weeks and encouraged members to review materials from Judge Michael Mace and NCSL research on other states’ family court systems.
Attorney Heather Culp, senior administrator for the judicial branch’s circuit court, testified about New Hampshire’s ADR programs. She explained that the Office of Mediation and Arbitration, created by statute in 2007, oversees more than 12 statewide ADR programs across the Supreme, Superior, and Circuit Courts, including family division programs such as divorce-parenting mediation, neutral case evaluation, guardianship, termination of parental rights, and voluntary adoption mediation. She said the divorce-parenting mediation program is the largest family division ADR program, with about 3,400 mediation sessions in 2023 out of roughly 6,700 cases, and that most cases involving minor children are referred to mediation soon after the first appearance session.
Culp described the family division process as beginning with a first appearance session led by a case manager, who provides information, helps with paperwork, and schedules mediation, usually within 30 to 45 days. She said mediation is strongly encouraged in parenting and divorce cases, but there is no requirement to reach agreement, and parties may settle some issues while leaving others for court. She also explained that mediation is prohibited or limited in certain domestic violence cases: cases with active civil protection orders may proceed only with both parties’ consent and possible safeguards, while cases involving criminal protective orders are not sent to mediation. Mediators in court-referred family cases are contracted with the court and must be certified by the executive branch’s mediator certification board; mediators do not communicate with judges, except through a brief ADR report noting whether the case settled or what the next procedural step is. Members asked about referrals, timing, and the meaning of “neutrals,” and Culp said the court uses in-house contracted neutrals for family division ADR and does not refer divorce-parenting cases to outside providers.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- You wait till you get your insurance notices this year, if you haven't already, and your tax statements
- You wait till you get your insurance notices this year, if you haven't already, and your tax statements
- You wait till you get your insurance notices this year, if you haven't already, and your tax statements
- You wait till you get your insurance notices this year, if you haven't already, and your tax statements
- You wait till you get your insurance notices this year, if you haven't already, and your tax statements
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And if you’ll notice kind of in the A1 amendment, thank you for adopting that, we did put a dollar amount
- And if you’ll notice kind of in the A1 amendment, thank you for adopting that, we did put a dollar amount
- And if you’ll notice kind of in the A1 amendment, thank you for adopting that, we did put a dollar amount
- And if you’ll notice kind of in the A1 amendment, thank you for adopting that, we did put a dollar amount
- last February from her heat off notice last February from her heat vendor<01:23:21.159><c> after</c>
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- During that tour, I noticed that almost every door of every teacher and every professor in that hallway
- <00:18:13.400><c> I</c> their offices and during that tour I their offices and during that tour I noticed
- that um almost every door of noticed that um almost every door of every<00:18:17.080><c> teacher</c>
- And maybe I'll ask you that and then to the testifier, just see if he's noticed an increase in that.
- </c><00:34:55.679><c> an</c> testifier just see if he's noticed an testifier just see if he's noticed
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe there were two deaths at the daycare during the time that my dog was there, and we got notice
- I was eight hours away, and we got notice that this was going on.
- </c><00:10:25.000><c> I</c><00:10:25.079><c> was</c> dog was there and we got noticed I was dog was there
- and we got noticed I was eight<00:10:25.480><c> hours</c><00:10:25.800><c> away</c><00:10:26.680><c>
- </c> eight hours away um and we got noticed eight hours away um and we got noticed that<00:10:28.360>
Committee:
Senate Commerce
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And I did notice that after I sent the checks in, the state budget collections went up.
- If you notice the correlation there, okay. Ms. Hegler or Mr.
- </c> whatever that number is and I did notice whatever that number is and I did notice that<01:23:43.120
- </c><01:23:49.639><c> the</c><01:23:49.840><c> correlation</c> up if you notice the correlation up if
- you notice the correlation there<01:23:52.120><c> okay</c> there okay there okay miss<01:23:55.080><
Committee:
House Taxes
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, I'll just note in about two weeks or so we're going to start sending out notices to all members
- 00:48:07.440><c> start</c><00:48:08.079><c> sending</c><00:48:08.480><c> out</c><00:48:08.680><c> notices
- </c><00:48:09.160><c> to</c> going to start sending out notices to going to start sending out notices
- They were doing the nationwide checks, and then in 2023 the Department of Public Safety noticed that
- noticed that the lottery<01:10:36.320><c> was</c><01:10:36.520><c> not</c><01:10:36.760><c> getting<
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I noticed that there are at least two members on the committee who are brand new, first-term
- </c><00:38:50.720><c> that</c> Terry uh Mr chairman I noticed that Terry uh Mr chairman I noticed that
- Unless we have to give notice. We have to give at least a 15-year notice to get out.
- we have to give at least a notice we have to give at least a 15-year<05:33:55.200><c> notice</c><05:
- Notice my shaking hands. But once we adjust to change, it can really be a relief.
Summary:
The House Education Committee held its organizational meeting for the new term, with members introducing themselves and describing their backgrounds in teaching, school boards, special education, administration, law, and related fields. Chair Glenn Cordelli outlined the committee’s goals and procedures, emphasizing civility, professionalism, and respectful treatment of witnesses and members. He also noted that the committee has been split into two this year because of the large volume of bills, and said the committee had already sent three bills to the other education committee, with 36 bills currently assigned and more expected.
The chair reviewed committee rules and logistics: hearings should start on time, members should minimize cell phone use and avoid searching during testimony, and questioning of witnesses is limited to one question at a time unless the chair allows a follow-up. Members were told to use the title “Representative,” to sign up on pink cards to testify, and to submit written testimony to the clerk. He also explained that hearings are for listening rather than debating, while executive sessions are where debate and motions occur. Possible motions include ought to pass, inexpedient to legislate, and retain in committee for further work, including subcommittees.
Additional procedures covered scheduling, with the committee expected to meet Wednesday and Thursday the following week because of a holiday, and regular meetings generally planned for Monday and Wednesday. The chair also discussed the consent calendar, reports from majority and minority positions, and the expectation that members who testify on a bill should not then question other witnesses on that same bill. No legislation was voted on at this meeting; it was a procedural and orientation session for the committee.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I noticed there's a number of, there's a large role for universities in the bill there. parties know
- </c><00:07:18.319><c> Um,</c><00:07:19.199><c> I</c><00:07:19.360><c> notic</c> >> Mr.
- Um, I notic >> Mr. Chair, thank you.
- Um, I notic there's<00:07:20.000><c> a</c><00:07:20.639><c> number</c><00:07:20.880><c> of</c><00:07:
- </c><00:55:16.079><c> that</c> noticing now, Representative Lane, that noticing now, Representative Lane
Committee:
House Election Law
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- pass legislation, um, this is already a liability for the schools because you're basically put on notice
- pass legislation, um, this is already a liability for the schools because you're basically put on notice
- What we've noticed in preparation, if I want to be a teacher today, some preparation will allow that
- What we've noticed in preparation, if I want to be a teacher today, some preparation will allow that
- What we've noticed in preparation, if I want to be a teacher today, some preparation will allow that
Summary:
The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m sure that you or your staff has noticed the commentaries and, quite concerned, frankly, never mind
- I’m sure that you or your staff has noticed the commentaries and, quite concerned, frankly, never mind
- I’m sure that you or your staff has noticed the commentaries and, quite concerned, frankly, never mind
- Section 14 begins on line 55.3 and establishes the required notice that MDE must provide again for a
- </c> 55.3 and establishes the required notice 55.3 and establishes the required notice that<01:26:02.960
Committee:
Senate Education Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 02/13/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- As she also noticed, if I go to renew my license plate on the state of Minnesota website, I pay a fee
- As she also noticed, if I go to renew my license plate on the state of Minnesota website, I pay a fee
- As she also noticed, if I go to renew my license plate on the state of Minnesota website, I pay a fee
- As she also noticed, if I go to renew my license plate on the state of Minnesota website, I pay a fee
- As she also noticed, if I go to renew my license plate on the state of Minnesota website, I pay a fee
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 42nd Legislative Day Jun 30th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One thing I always noticed about you is when you would talk about the troopers it would remind me of
- We did notice that the Port of Wilmington had $110 million for the Diamond State Port Corporation.
- requirement, my legal opinion would be that... ...that notice requirement, my opinion, my legal opinion
- So my knowledge of the case law interpreting the notice and single-subject requirement of the Constitution
- It was not a violation of the notice provision. Thank you.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- So the CFS issued a notice of funding opportunity.
- For example, you'll notice that Grand Forks' amount was less than others.
- So, for example, in Fargo, they're really noticing that they could do the needs of their area.
- So, for example, in Fargo, they're really noticing that they could do one-on-one engagement, and they're
- And because no one was measuring the ceiling, no one noticed when routine practice went through it.
Committee:
Joint Judiciary Committee
Summary:
The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations.
The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute.
A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions.
The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.