Transcript Highlights:

• And then, as to the lakes: Upper Delax Lake, Lake, Midagoshi, Long Lake, Sweetwater Lake, Painted Woods
• Lake, and Devil's Lake.
• , Upper Delax Lake, Lake, Midagoshi, Long Lake, Sweetwater Lake, Painted Woods Lake, and Devil's Lake
• , Lake Irving, the Chain Lakes.
• lake.

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Summary: The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of statutory reports from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Water Resources. Chair Hauck noted that Legislative Management had denied the committee’s earlier request for a fertilizer capacity study, and that the committee would also revisit the proposed Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger later in the day. Commissioner Doug Goring reported on several agriculture topics, including uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, irrigation expansion potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and usage in North Dakota. He emphasized that fertilizer supply depends heavily on natural gas and water, that most nitrogen fertilizer is imported, and that large-scale fertilizer plants require very large capital investments. Members discussed fertilizer storage, natural gas pipeline capacity, water availability, and the role of state infrastructure in supporting value-added agriculture. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the tool was created under 2017 legislation to help evaluate projects expected to cost $1 million or more, and that the department is proposing adjustments to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and changing hydrologic data. He said the changes would remain focused on direct, demonstrable costs and benefits, not indirect impacts, and would be implemented through guidance and operating procedures rather than statutory changes. Committee members and water users discussed whether the revisions would better reflect real-world conditions, including deferred maintenance, changing rainfall patterns, and downstream effects. A representative from the Water Resource District Association said the group was working with DWR and hoped to review test scenarios before the June meeting. The committee then received a detailed presentation on Devils Lake, its outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. State Engineer John Paskowski reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow constraints, and the purpose of the Tolna Coulee structure in limiting head cutting and preventing uncontrolled downstream releases. Members questioned whether the structure was effectively a dam, whether the lake would naturally overflow without it, the last time the outlets ran, and whether water quality in Devils Lake has improved over time. Paskowski said the outlets last operated in August 2025, that sulfate levels still limit operations, and that the lake has freshened somewhat but not enough to eliminate water-quality concerns. The discussion also touched on whether water from flooded areas or closed-basin systems could be reused for irrigation, and on the broader implications of wet cycles, inundated land, and drainage management across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• SO THE LOCK SYSTEMS THAT COME IN AND OUT OF LAKE OKEECHOBEE CONTROLLING THE LAKE LEVELS IS OPERATED BY
• THE WHAT HAPPENS IS WHEN THE LAKE GETS TOO FULL BECAUSE THERE'S NO OTHER PLACE TO PUT IT THE LAKE GETS
• LUCIE ESTUARY I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT LAKE DISCHARGE THAT NEEDS TO GO SOUTH BUT THE LAKE COMING OFF OF
• THE BASIN'S BROWN TALKING ABOUT LAKE DISCHARGE THAT NEEDS TO GO SOUTH BUT THE LAKE COMING OFF OF THE
• IN LAKE OKEECHOBEE LOOK ITS TAX.

Transcript Highlights:

• Priest Lake, absolutely. Hayden Lake, absolutely.
• Lake Pend Oreille.
• if the lake was fully accessible.
• of that lake, or the lake bed, is managed by the federal government.
• Priest Lake, we talked about a little bit, and a little about Lake Pend Oreille.

Summary: The committee began by recognizing page Marley Johnson, who said she plans to finish school, attend flight school, and possibly pursue an aviation degree. Members asked about her experience in the Senate, and she said it changed her perspective by showing that state politics can be collaborative and focused on doing what is best for Idaho. The committee presented her with a letter of recommendation for flight school and an American 250 flag flown over the Capitol. The committee then considered several gubernatorial appointments and Idaho Department of Lands rules. It voted to send David Bobbitt’s reappointment to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and heard testimony from James Keating for reappointment to the Idaho Parks and Recreation Board; no vote was taken on his appointment at that time. The committee also heard a presentation from the Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission on a study claiming the Corps of Engineers’ lake-level management costs the North Idaho economy about $40 million annually, with testimony focused on extending the full recreational season. Members asked about effects on recreation, fish habitat, and the geographic reach of the economic impact. Three pending rules from the Department of Lands were reviewed and approved. One rule on mine land reclamation was described as a zero-based regulation update that mainly reduced word count and reorganized application requirements, with no major substantive changes. A fee rule for navigable waterways and encroachments under the Lake Protection Act was also approved; it reduced word count, added definitions, and clarified encroachment-related provisions, with no fee increases. A third rule on easements on state-owned lands was approved as well; it deleted nominal application and assignment fees, adjusted compensation language, expanded emergency work definitions, and extended temporary permits from 10 to 20 years. Committee votes on all three rules were unanimous. Finally, Idaho Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton gave an agency update on parks operations, deferred maintenance, new campgrounds and docks, trail management, reservation pricing, and budget impacts. She said outdoor recreation remains a major economic driver, that the department has used appropriated funds to add capacity and improve facilities statewide, and that some service reductions may occur because of budget cuts. In response to a question, she said snowmobile registration revenue is down because of limited snow, which could affect county-run snowmobile programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Priest Lake, absolutely. Hayden Lake, absolutely.
• Lake Pend Oreille.
• drawdown of the lake is simply that you have to get the lake to a certain point and stop.
• that lake, or the lake bed, is managed by the federal government.
• Priest Lake, we talked about a little bit about Priest Lake and a little about Lake Ponderay.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Baboosic Lake is not the economic powerhouse of Lake Winnipesaukee or other lakes in the state, but it
• Baboosic Lake is not the economic powerhouse of Lake Winnipesaukee or other lakes in the state, but it
• </c> lake that I'm very familiar with lake lake that I'm very familiar with lake kisaka<00:13:53.079>
• um</c><00:28:43.880><c> the</c> swimming in Lake uh babusek Lake um the swimming in Lake uh babusek Lake
• on Lake Todd the lake a village District on Lake Todd the lake Todd<00:37:21.560><c> Village</c><00:37

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 332, a bill to add protection and remediation of surface waters as a new authorized purpose for New Hampshire village districts. Prime sponsor Rep. Rosemary Rung said the bill is intended to give local voters in lake communities a voluntary tool to address cyanobacteria blooms and other water-quality problems through village districts, including the ability to raise revenue, adopt ordinances, and pursue treatments or watershed management measures. She emphasized that the proposal is meant to complement, not replace, state law and that any district action would still need to comply with existing permitting and environmental requirements. Supporters, including Andrea Laro of New Hampshire Lakes and Elizabeth Harper of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, said the bill would help municipalities collaborate on lake protection when state resources are limited. They argued that local districts could bring subject-matter expertise, access grants and technical assistance, and respond more quickly to problems such as septic impacts, runoff, culvert repairs, and in-lake treatments. They also suggested clarifying the bill’s wording around “protection and remediation” to better define the scope of authorized activities. Opponents, including Steve Wolf and Chris Norwood of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, argued that village districts can already be overly broad and sometimes expand beyond their original purposes. Wolf said existing town and state agencies already handle shoreline protection and warned that village districts can impose ongoing taxes and create governance problems. Norwood urged a study bill instead, citing concerns about the scope of village districts and examples where some districts have taken on planning and zoning powers beyond their original mission. No vote or final action on HB 332 was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• They basically told the people that live around the lake and live in those areas. around the lake and
• So, I had some color copies of the lake on the north end of the lake.
• All we've got is a video of what they showed us in a lake similar to Big Creek Lake in Birmingham.
• This is a very important lake. I believe he didn't get any approval. ... lake.
• For a 3600-acre lake that has been our lake for 70 years, that's too much power for one man.

Bills: HB352 , HB366 , SB272 , SB296

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9

Transcript Highlights:

• I tournaments at beautiful Lake Malone.
• Paintsville Lake shows what's possible when we make investments into these lakes.
• Paintsville Lake shows what's possible when we make investments into these lakes.
• . the fish that are in my lake?
• Location of the lake or pond.

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor

Keywords: Meeting start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:37 SB 39 discussion: 04:10 SB 39 vote: 26:35, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Devils Lake naturally spills into Stump Lake at the elevation of 1446.5, and then Stump Lake began
• So Devil's Lake naturally spills into Stump Lake at the elevation of 1446.5, and then Stump Lake began
• Lake.
• So we cannot drain into Devils Lake. You cannot build new drains into Devils Lake.
• Devils Lake.

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Summary: The committee met in Fargo and approved the minutes from the March 31 meeting before hearing a series of informational presentations focused on North Dakota agriculture, water, and research. NDSU President David Cook opened with remarks about NDSU’s land-grant mission, emphasizing statewide service through research, teaching, and extension, and highlighting examples such as the Lilac Agriculture startup and the university’s role in applying research to real-world problems. He said he intends to spend time listening across the state to better understand local needs. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study projected significant potential for expanded irrigation acreage, especially in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau, and estimated major economic gains from irrigation, including higher farm returns and support for value-added agriculture. Members discussed water permits, surface water versus aquifers, infrastructure, drought resilience, and the role of legal drains in improving productivity and generating economic activity. The presenters also noted that the full report is available online. Dr. Greg Lardy followed with NDSU’s required interim report, outlining the university’s agricultural research and extension system, including the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, seven research-extension centers, and the economic importance of agriculture to the state. He highlighted recent research impacts such as new crop varieties, potato breeding successes, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, weather-network tools, and 4-H programming. He also described NDSU’s budget priorities: restoring the governor’s proposed 10% cuts, additional operating support, and deferred maintenance funding. Committee members asked about the new agricultural field lab, storage sheds, and NDSU’s partnership with Grand Farm. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor presenting water-related research, including data center cooling, water reuse, smart irrigation, and a feasibility study on co-locating data centers with greenhouse and aquaculture production. Members asked about water use, ownership, and whether the concepts were operational or still speculative. Finally, North Dakota AgTech presented its NSF-funded innovation engine work, describing startup commercialization, on-farm trials, workforce development, and partnerships with NDSU, UND, tribal colleges, and other land-grant institutions. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lake County in general, but I am the executive director at Lake Technical College, which is Florida's
• education in Lake County.
• Secondly, Lake Works, which is an innovative program that brings together Lake County Schools, Lake Technical
• This creative space will house joint programs offered by Lake Tech and Lake Sumter State College, in
• This is a collaborative alliance between Lake County Schools, Lake Technical College, and Lake Sumter

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard a panel discussion focused on how Florida schools and colleges are exposing students to in-demand careers in manufacturing, semiconductors, transportation, and related fields, and how they are building pathways from middle school through postsecondary training. Panelists from Seminole County Public Schools, Lake Technical College/Lake County Schools, and St. Petersburg College described their career academies, dual enrollment options, industry certifications, and partnerships with employers, local governments, and state colleges. They emphasized early career awareness, counseling, and parent outreach as key to helping students understand technical education as a viable and prestigious path. Seminole County highlighted 51 career and professional education academies and new offerings in agricultural biotechnology, global finance, firefighting, and planned aerospace engineering. Lake County described Lake Technical College’s programs, strong completion and placement outcomes, and three partnerships: a flexible-day high school/workforce model at Lincoln Park Education Center, the Lake Works pathway collaboration with Lake Sumter State College, and a Transportation Innovation Hub with the City of Tavares that trains students on municipal vehicles and serves multiple local governments. St. Petersburg College discussed its manufacturing and engineering technology programs, including semiconductor processing, mechatronics, soldering, and clean-room training, along with new grant-funded expansion at its Midtown campus. Members asked about wages, the semiconductor workforce, how to change perceptions of technical education, how parents are engaged, and how Bright Futures CAPE and Gold Seal scholarships are communicated. Witnesses said school counselors, CTE teachers, parent nights, and district communications are used to promote these options, and that many students can earn strong wages through short-term certifications or two-year degrees. Lake Technical College also raised concerns about workforce funding not keeping pace with teacher pay increases and inflation, noting that funding covers only about 80% of what it earns and tuition has remained unchanged for 18 years. The meeting ended with members praising the programs, and the subcommittee adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond rising and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roseau Lake is a historic, shallow lake basin that was ditched and drained in the early 1900s.
• So are the lakes frozen up there? Still Lake of the Woods be frozen for a long time yet.
• So are the lakes frozen up there? Still Lake of the Woods be frozen for a long time yet.
• Lake.
• I live on a lake in that state.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:13.280><c> are</c><00:17:13.520><c> becoming</c> our lakes and rivers are becoming our lakes
• So support the New Hampshire Lakes Association.
• So support the New Hampshire Lakes Association.
• They're not just for lakes anymore.
• </c><00:28:02.640><c> as</c> used for management plans for lakes as used for management plans for lakes

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Devil's Lake naturally spills into Stump Lake at the elevation of 1446.5, and then Stump Lake began
• Furthermore, water in Stump Lake has more sulfates than the water in western Devils Lake.
• So we cannot drain into Devils Lake. You cannot build new drains into Devils Lake...
• So why is Devils Lake Basin unique? Devils Lake is not a rivering watershed basin.
• And we live right by a little lake that drains into another lake that drains into Devil's Lake.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Devil's Lake naturally spills into Stump Lake at the elevation of 1446.5, and then Stump Lake began
• Furthermore, water in Stump Lake has more sulfates than the water in western Devil's Lake.
• So we cannot drain into Devil's Lake. You cannot build new drains into Devil's Lake.
• So why is Devil's Lake basin unique? Devil's Lake is not a rivering watershed basin.
• And we live right by a little lake that drains into another lake that drains into Devils Lake.

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> amounts of improvements in in our lakes amounts of improvements in in our lakes in<00:31:29.159>
• </c> toxic blooms threatening Northern Lakes toxic blooms threatening Northern Lakes and<00:31:46.360
• Alice uh this project has been in Lake Alice uh this project has been in that<00:32:26.799><c> Lake<
• It's a completely different lake.
• </c> is showing positive results on the lake is showing positive results on the lake and<01:04:20.039

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we'll get started on White Lake.
• But we'll get started on White Lake.
• White Lake had a project.
• And White Lake is an important place.
• And White Lake is an important place.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The board met at the State Capitol and approved the agenda and prior minutes after brief motions and no public comment. Executive Director Michael Hare then gave a CPRA implementation update, describing a large portfolio of active projects and highlighting several that are under construction, nearing bid, or recently awarded, including Port Fourchon shoreline protection, Caernarvon marsh creation, Schooner Bayou saltwater barrier rehabilitation, Cain Bayou marsh creation, West Shore river reintroduction work, Morganza to the Gulf, Raccoon Island restoration, Chenier-O-Tig ridge restoration, Bayou Pigeon and Dismal Swamp boat launches, Grand Bayou marsh creation, Highway 1 terracing, and several National Coastal Resilience Fund projects. He also noted the annual plan public meetings had concluded, with comments accepted through February 17, 2026, and answered board questions about the Rockefeller shoreline project, saying CPRA and the Corps were working through geotechnical and environmental issues and trying to move it forward. The board then received a joint presentation from CPRA and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the White Lake Conservation Area and Management Plan. Speakers described White Lake as a 72,000-acre property in Vermilion Parish with major freshwater marsh, wildlife habitat, hunting and fishing opportunities, and aging infrastructure that currently operates on limited self-generated revenue. The plan, finalized in October 2025, focuses on habitat protection, maintaining wildlife, supporting revenue generation, expanding controlled public access, and strengthening partnerships. Proposed priorities include GIWW shoreline protection, Unit 2/Caddo levee stabilization, and north shoreline protection, with about $30 million secured for engineering and design and total costs estimated around $120 million to $130 million. Officials also discussed a possible lodge revitalization funded only with private dollars, broader landscape-level habitat management, conservation incentives for private landowners, and potential land acquisition for additional public access. Board members and agency leaders emphasized the importance of White Lake to waterfowl habitat and public recreation, and one member urged similar management attention for Sabine, Lacassine, and Cameron Prairie refuges. The final major presentation covered CPRA’s marsh creation design guidelines. Staff explained that marsh creation remains a major share of the coastal master plan and current project pipeline, and reviewed how projects are built using dredged sediment, containment dikes, and pipeline systems. They said the 2017 design guidelines were intended to standardize minimum design and construction practices, but are now being updated to reflect lessons learned, current survey standards, geotechnical practices, construction methods, and issues such as oil and gas infrastructure and land rights coordination. Board members asked about reducing unnecessary geotechnical costs, improving land-rights timing, considering unconfined marsh creation where appropriate, and accounting for why marsh areas are failing in the first place. Staff said they would consider those suggestions as part of the guideline update and then moved into a follow-up presentation on safety, access, and logistics for marine construction in the coastal zone.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent 11 cities over in the Lake Minnetonka area.
• I represent 11 cities over in the Lake Minnetonka area.
• </c> during winter months on our frozen lakes during winter months on our frozen lakes and<00:04:23.840
• Were you actually on a lake? Did you catch something? Mr.
• Leech Lake this weekend uh perch fishing Leech Lake this weekend uh perch fishing perch<00:07:41.720>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1120, the follow-up “Keep It Clean” bill from Representative Andrew Myers, which would create grant funding for local governments and organizations to improve garbage removal and related clean-water programs, especially around frozen lakes and winter recreation areas. Myers said the earlier Keep It Clean effort to enforce litter laws on frozen lakes had already reduced garbage in the water, and he framed this bill as a way to expand that success with additional resources. Testifier Robin Dwight of the Upper Red Lake Area Association and Keep It Clean Coalition described growing problems with trash and human waste on ice, said the coalition now has 60 members representing more than 10,000 lakes, and explained that local programs use dumpsters and separation systems to manage waste. Tom Johnson of the MPCA and Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers of the DNR both testified in support, saying improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real and growing problem and that the public education campaign has changed behavior on the ice. Members asked about the bill’s results and funding needs. Representative Pelz asked for more context on the coalition’s impact, and Dwight said the group has been active for about three years and recently launched a survey to gather more data on infrastructure needs for wheelhouse users. Representative Fiser asked what dollar amount would be needed, and Myers said the bill seeks general fund dollars, with a rough ideal range of one to two million dollars, though he emphasized he wanted to work with the committee on the final amount and funding mechanism. The discussion also noted a second related bill with a $10 wheelhouse fee as another possible funding option. No opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to lay over House File 1120 for possible inclusion in a future bill, and the bill was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Commissioner DJ Benton Court, &gt;&gt; We have 10 people that want to speak on &gt;&gt; We have 10
• 01:18:31.599><c> Uh</c><01:18:33.040><c> Commissioner</c><01:18:33.679><c> DJ</c><01:18:34.160><c> Benton
• Uh Commissioner DJ Benton time is up.
• Uh Commissioner DJ Benton Court, &gt;&gt; I'm<01:18:40.160><c> going</c><01:18:40.319><c> to</c><01:18
• Uh, for the record, DJ Benton, I have the pleasure of serving as the commissioner of the New Hampshire

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many lakes, including our most popular large walleye lakes, have special regulations that limit the sizes
• </c> lakes uh here in the state of Minnesota. lakes uh here in the state of Minnesota.
• c> walley</c><00:05:05.040><c> lakes,</c><00:05:05.759><c> have</c> most popular large walley lakes,
• Designated trout stream lakes and those supporting lake trout may need to be revisited for their limits
• I used to be the large lake biologist for Leech Lake, and I believe the sustainable number there was

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:02.239><c> bed</c> water in a substrate on the lake bed water in a substrate on the lake bed
• I am from Leech Lake Nation.
• I am an Inishab mother, Lake Nation.
• </c> and the next generations. on Leech Lake. and the next generations. on Leech Lake.
• </c> but we are sister tribes with Red Lake. but we are sister tribes with Red Lake.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, our lake bed—I think I had mentioned the lake bed according to a recent, not recent, I will say
• A discussion also about the MOU, a potential MOU with the lake bed, and most recently the Spirit Lake
• Is that the main issue for the water, for the lake? ...for the water, for the lake?
• But there's something unique about the lake that has been adverse. something unique about the lake that
• You know, Spirit Lake, Minnewaukan, that's our lake.

Committee: Joint Tribal and State Relations Committee

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.