Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> [clears throat]</c> requests in, excuse me, [clears throat] requests in, excuse me, [clears throat
• > uh</c><00:10:22.480><c> this</c><00:10:22.800><c> bill</c> the requests in this uh this bill the requests
• >> Co-sponsor request. >> Please proceed.
• </c> presentation by the state budget presentation by the state budget director. director. director.
• Co-sponsorship request. request. request. &gt;&gt; Please<00:57:57.040><c> proceed.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the Assembly Member mentioned, the impacts of HR1 and state budget decisions are, The impacts of,
• you know, HR1 and state budget decisions are already being felt.
• Once we allow these two different counties, every other city will come up with a special request.
• And you're right, that did have a budget impact, which is why we made certain changes last year when
• we adopted the budget.

Summary: The Senate committee heard AB 1768, which would authorize Los Angeles County and Contra Costa County to place local sales tax measures before voters to help offset federal funding cuts affecting Medi-Cal, nutrition assistance, and related health and safety-net services. Assembly Member Brian and supporters argued the bill would preserve local control and allow voters to decide whether to raise revenue to prevent clinic closures, layoffs, and service reductions. Testimony in support came from the California Primary Care Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, labor organizations, Contra Costa County, and others, while the cities of Glendale and Burbank opposed the measure. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was an appropriate response to federal cuts or an unnecessary tax increase. Supporters said the measure did not impose a tax directly but simply let county voters decide how to respond to the funding losses. Opponents argued California and local governments should address spending and affordability concerns without additional taxes, and questioned whether the federal cuts were the sole cause of the budget pressure. Several members also raised broader concerns about cost of living, health care financing, and local versus state responsibility. Senator Arreguín moved the bill for a due pass recommendation. The committee voted 5-2 to send AB 1768 to the Senate floor, with Senators Choi and Seyarto voting no. The bill was briefly held on call before the final tally was announced and the measure was reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Health Care Budget Subcommittee. The meeting will come to order.
• Quorum being present, I want to welcome everyone to the Health Care Budget Subcommittee.
• PCB for HB 2601 is the conforming bill for the health care budget.
• So for a budget committee to do such a great piece of work on the staff analysis, I appreciated that.
• Thank you all for your hard work on this budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was the only funding source that was specifically called out for analysis in the budget proviso
• This was the only funding source that was specifically called out for analysis in the budget proviso
• As Rachel discussed, funding for this study was included in the transportation budget.
• They are really a core part of city transportation budgets.
• So it can be difficult for them to go to voters with increased requests for funding.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> know, the issue of voluminous requests know, the issue of voluminous requests that<00:16:21.839>
• </c><00:17:10.160><c> I</c> for voluminous records requests. I for voluminous records requests.
• </c> or two ago just to handle 91A requests? or two ago just to handle 91A requests?
• </c> that one request was uh about 200 hours. that one request was uh about 200 hours.
• </c> for requesters. for requesters.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is a cleanup bill requested by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
• It's a moral issue for sure, but it is a state economic issue first from a state budget perspective.
• That 85% produces the food, fiber, and fuel that fuels the top three issues in the state budget every
• We would provide training on budgeting and provide support for home maintenance and housekeeping.
• Currently, Four Kids has 110 budgeted permanency specialists.

Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum and took up several House and Senate bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The committee first heard HB 2358, a cleanup bill requested by HHSC that would repeal outdated training and conference requirements for long-term care facility surveyors and certain providers; there were no witnesses, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard HB 18, the rural hospital stabilization bill, which would create financial assessment tools, a rural hospital finance office at HHSC, an academy for rural hospital officers, multiple grant programs, enhanced Medicaid reimbursement tied to average cost, OB/GYN add-on payments, expanded pediatric telehealth connectivity, and a rural pediatric mental health program. Senator Perry and witnesses from TORCH, a rural hospital, AARP Texas, and ARCHI strongly supported the bill as a way to stabilize rural hospitals, improve OB access, and address workforce and financial pressures. Committee members discussed rural hospital closures, low-volume quality metrics, system affiliation, and the need for predictable monthly reimbursement; the bill was left pending after testimony and questions. The committee next heard HB 37, which would create a perinatal bereavement care initiative for families experiencing stillbirth, neonatal death, or intrauterine fetal demise, including counseling, staff training, and access to cooling devices, with possible grants and a recognition program for hospitals. Senator Huffman explained the bill, and several witnesses testified in support, sharing personal stories about infant loss and the importance of time with the baby, trained staff, and cuddle cots or similar devices. A neonatologist also supported the bill while suggesting clarification that hospitals should not be penalized if state funding is unavailable and recommending use of regional advisory councils to help implement training. Public testimony was then closed and the bill left pending. The committee also heard HB 879, which would create a streamlined licensing pathway for veterans with medical or nursing experience to practice in Texas, and HB 913, which would add new state hospitals to statute and split the North Texas State Hospital into two separate hospitals with their own superintendents; both bills had no opposition testimony and were left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2744, a heart disease screening bill that would update the 2009 Texas Heart Attack Prevention Act to require insurance coverage for coronary CT angiography with plaque analysis, including soft plaque detection, as a preventive screening tool. The author and invited witnesses argued the technology is more effective than calcium scoring alone, can identify patients before symptoms appear, and could save lives at a cost comparable to or lower than colonoscopy. An insurance industry witness opposed the bill, arguing the technology has not been recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for universal screening and that the mandated coverage and payment level would raise costs; the bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1151, a parental rights bill clarifying that refusing psychotropic medication or psychiatric treatment is not neglect unless the child is harmed. Supporters, including parent advocates and attorneys, said the bill would protect parents from CPS overreach and preserve medical decision-making authority, while one witness urged broader attention to physical causes of behavioral issues. Public testimony was closed and HB 1151 was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got a hole in my budget, which I get an account for.
• have been allowed at all until New York State made the mistake of changing our banking laws at the request
• , we've had situations, I mean my own personal practice, where judges will say decision denied or request
• One party will make a request, the judge will grant it without giving an explanation.
• I just hope we'll see funding in the budget because this needs staff and judges, and without that, it

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its fourth meeting of the year and considered a series of bills, mostly on civil practice, real property, and court administration. SB 26A on extreme risk protection orders drew some concern about possible unintended consequences and broad exclusions for minors, but it was moved and reported to Codes. SB 1116, designating April 20 as New York State Constitution Day, was moved quickly and reported to the floor. The committee spent the most time on SB 1477, which would limit certain debt-collection practices involving sovereign debt and so-called vulture investors. Senator Krueger explained that the bill is narrowly targeted at investors who buy distressed sovereign bonds with the intent to sue in New York courts, while Senator Palumbo raised concerns about breadth and possible effects on legitimate lending and contract rights. After extended discussion and assurances that the bill would not affect ordinary investors or credit-card debt, it was moved and reported to Finance. Members also discussed SB 7541 on transparency for co-ops and condos; some members warned of unintended consequences and opposition from the co-op/condo community, while others argued it would improve disclosure. The bill was ultimately reported to the floor. Several other bills were approved with little or no opposition: SB 2546 on abandoned multiple dwellings, SB 8294 requiring more detailed judicial determinations on motions, SB 8372 on expenses in matrimonial actions, SB 8870 extending supervision requirements for a real estate license application, and SB 9482 creating a New York City Civil Court subpart for eviction matters involving affordable housing providers and small landlords. SB 9482 drew supportive comments, with a note that funding and staffing would be needed in the budget for it to function effectively. All bills considered were moved out of committee and reported to the appropriate next committee or to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• That came as an ask or request from local agencies as they were seeing this onslaught of retirements
• The governor requested funds to address local bridges that were in poor condition or posted with load
• And if they don't have money in their budget, the only choice is to go to their local property taxpayers
• And if they don't have money in their budget, the only choice is to go to their local property taxpayers
• That's the number one request for technical assistance: to help local agencies find funding.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 533, which would eliminate the vehicle registration sticker program. The sponsor said the stickers are often unreadable or obscured, law enforcement already runs plates during stops, and the change would save the Idaho Transportation Department an estimated $300,000 while keeping the agency neutral. Senators asked about other states that have ended sticker programs and the original purpose of the stickers; the sponsor said the visual color system was once used to identify expired registrations, but that is no longer effective. The committee moved the bill to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion carried. The committee also introduced RS 33330, sponsored by Senator Hart, to clarify what constitutes a valid right-of-way and highway. Hart described a recent Shoshone County dispute involving an old, incomplete road process and a vague legal description that led to litigation over access across private property. The proposal would require a record, survey, and public hearing process, and would make clear that counties or highway districts are not obligated to maintain every public right-of-way. The motion to introduce the RS passed. Members then received an update from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (ELTAC). The administrator reviewed the agency’s role serving cities, counties, and highway districts through training, technical assistance, and administration of federal and state transportation programs. She highlighted federal aid projects, the T2 training center, grant-writing assistance, the Children Pedestrian Safety Program, and the Leading Idaho Local Bridge Program, noting major investments, completed bridge projects, and the use of state funds to accelerate repairs and reduce local taxpayer burden. The committee asked about ELTAC’s coordination with ITD and how local governments seek funding help. Finally, the committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That came as an ask, or request, from local agencies as they were seeing this onslaught of retirements
• The governor requested funds to address local bridges that were in poor condition or posted with load
• And if they don't have money in their budget, the only choice is to go to their local property taxpayers
• And if they don't have money in their budget, the only choice is to go to their local property taxpayers
• That's the number one request for technical assistance: to help local agencies find funding.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• district and be having their property sprayed, they would be allowed to do that, just with a simple request
• Chairman, my understanding is the bill will work is that they will request an opt-out to the county,
• So a simple request for opt-out should be sufficient.
• We're supposedly in our budget to do anything.
• unoccupied or some other method, but it would be nice in this year when we're working to keep the budget

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee met on January 28, 2006, approved prior minutes, and then considered several RS introductions. RS 33076, dealing with mosquito abatement districts, would allow property owners to opt out of spraying by request to county commissioners and add penalties for noncompliance; members raised questions about notice, whether the opt-out affected taxes or only spraying, and whether the bill could hinder abatement, but the motion to introduce passed. RS 33014 would consolidate solid waste regulation under DEQ rather than health districts, with the sponsor saying it would improve consistency and could save money; members asked about fiscal effects, DEQ authority, EPA involvement, and whether the bill affected haulers, and it was introduced. The committee also heard RS 32909-C-2, which would raise the state reimbursement rate for housing state inmates in county jails from the current $55/$75 structure to a flat $80, citing a gap between county costs and state payments; members requested county-by-county impact data and the motion to introduce passed. Finally, RS 32985 would preempt local anti-discrimination ordinances that go beyond state law, with the sponsor arguing it would protect religious freedom and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses; opponents argued it would override local control and asked for data on economic impacts. The bill was introduced on a 14-2 roll call vote, and the committee noted it would be heard later in the Juden Rules Room.

Transcript Highlights:

• Idaho, like many states, is navigating tighter budget conditions, and the judicial branch has acted accordingly
• participants already in the system, the judicial branch has identified resources within our existing budget
• Last year, a case before our courts involved a parent's request to modify a custody order that had been
• Last year, a case before our courts involved a parents' request to modify a custody order that had been
• Early last year, we launched an attorney of record portal, fulfilling a longstanding request from Idaho

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is only one entity that can pass a budget. That is the governing board.
• And the fact that she said that the budget wasn't ...that is the governing board.
• I mean, our state is at a financial risk, our budget, but just had to make that comment.
• Then we included in last year's budget that everybody has to have an emergency operations plan.
• We're entering budget discussions soon. I'll join you on this issue.

Bills: HB2040 , HB2142 , HB2255 , HB2379 , HB2482 , HB2575 , HB2600 , HB2764 , HB4033 , HCR2015

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: public education, adoption, sex education, parental rights, student health information, school safety, resource officers, mental health, training, infrastructure improvements, Arizona Teachers Academy, teacher preparation, education funding, public schools, scholarships, teacher certification, community colleges, school district, governing board, training requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• It is funded at this point with $25 million, and $25 million is in the budget, Madam Chair.
• Madam Chair, is it in the budget?
• The Medicaid budget has been moved out of the House already. It's covered as Medicaid.
• What I'm concerned about first is: is the $2 million in the budget?
• in their budget for operating.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 66, which would expand and restructure the Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Fund. The sponsor said the substitute narrows the bill to a $25 million fund, with 50% reserved for physicians and the rest for other health professionals, and raises physician awards to at least $75,000 per year for a four-year commitment. Supporters from nursing, physical therapy, health systems, social work, and advocacy groups said the program would help recruit and retain providers in New Mexico. The committee moved the substitute and then passed the bill on a do-pass motion. House Bill 38, dealing with coverage for prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility devices, drew extensive testimony from amputees, Paralympians, clinicians, and disability advocates. The bill would clarify and expand coverage for activity prosthetics, activity wheelchairs, and related complex rehab technology, with limits on the number of devices and replacement tied to physiological changes. Supporters said access to these devices is medically necessary for physical and mental health, independence, and participation in sports and daily life. After questions about provider qualifications, insurance contracting, and replacement for growing children, the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill. House Bill 257 would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid reimbursement for vagus nerve stimulation implants for drug-resistant epilepsy. The sponsor and manufacturer’s representative argued current reimbursement is too low, leaving only UNM Hospital performing the procedures and limiting access statewide; they said better reimbursement could reduce emergency visits and long-term Medicaid costs. Members raised concerns about the bill’s language, including whether it could allow payment above allowable rates or create uncertainty about the reimbursement standard. A motion to table failed, and the committee then passed the bill 5-4, with several members noting they supported the concept but wanted the language tightened before the next committee. The committee also passed House Bill 178, which appropriates $3 million for shade structures in rural parks and outdoor recreation areas, after testimony that the project would reduce sun exposure, heat illness, and skin cancer risk. House Bill 198, which provides $2 million for peer-to-peer mental health training and treatment for first responders, also advanced on a do-pass without recommendation after members said they supported the goal but wanted clearer language on training standards, liability, and administration. Finally, House Bill 202, which would require data-sharing agreements to help the Office of Child Advocate access records from state agencies, drew support from child advocacy groups but concern from IT and family advocates about timelines, system complexity, privacy, and the need for family collaboration; the discussion continued with suggestions to refine the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know how that what they do, what they work with, and also to understand their budget.
• And then for our budget, we do have a very robust budget for a community of our size.
• So those are the major pieces of where our budget goes to.
• , benefits, operating budget.
• That's where we would need to request the help of the tears committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just request that an absentee ballot be sent to an alternate mailing address.
• To request an absentee ballot, you must already be registered to vote.
• I mean, your current budget certainly... I'll ask the question. Sorry.
• certainly I'll ask your current budget certainly I'll ask the<00:35:32.160><c> question.
• <c> have</c><00:35:36.480><c> enough</c> Does your current budget have enough Does your current budget

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> director of the Legislative Budget director of the Legislative Budget Office.
• </c> their budget. their budget.
• </c><00:53:38.800><c> of</c><00:53:38.960><c> 2024,</c> expenditure budget of 2024, expenditure budget
• ,</c> applies to the tax expenditure budget, applies to the tax expenditure budget, so<00:56:30.680><
• . budget. budget.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:30.920><c> the</c> HCR 193 and HR 183 requesting the HCR 193 and HR 183 requesting the establishment
• pending budgetary request, but that it be in addition to.
• We've got the budget full-time employee.
• request.
• request.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments. The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• A fiscal note was requested on January 13th, but has not yet been received.
• A fiscal note was requested on January 13th, but has not yet been received.
• We respectfully request your support. Thank you.
• crisis. ...used by the state to help with the budget crisis.
• Unfortunately, again, respectfully request a no.

Bills: SB5917 , SB6080 , SB6085 , SB5940 , SB5945 , SB5957 , SB5966

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: abortion medications, reproductive health, mifepristone, misoprostol, abortion access, medication abortion, early pregnancy loss, miscarriage management, Department of Corrections, Department of Health, health care providers, health care entities, Indian health care providers, pharmacy distribution, wholesale distribution, reproductive rights, women's health, emergency clause, immediate effect, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• THE BILL IT ACTS AS A SHELF FOR FUTURE INVESTMENTS AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO FUNDING ASSOCIATED THE BUDGET
• YOU SO MUCH FOR BRINGING IT FORWARD AND I HOPE THAT WE DO FIND SOME FUNDING SO THAT WE CAN GET THIS BUDGET
• WE USED TO TAKE CARE OF HER OWN RECORDS REQUEST AND TALLAHASSEE ORTHOPEDIC.
• I WAS ASSISTING A PATIENT WHO CAME IN TO REQUEST MEDICAL RECORDS WITH HER CHILDREN.
• WILL EVER REQUEST MEDICAL RECORDS UNLESS SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so our— Our request to Legislative Management was denied for the study.
• Further requests that are more current, and they're also located in your folder.
• Further requests that are more current, and they're also located in your folder.
• And then, Madam Chair, Representative Scraw, if that was a... if your request was a request for a bill
• That was a... if your request was a request for a bill draft, these are policy decisions, and I may need

Summary: The committee opened its third interim meeting with roll call, approved the November 13, 2025 minutes, and the chair reviewed prior committee work, including a denied request for a fertilizer-capacity study and a planned later discussion of the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger issue. Commissioner Doug Goring then presented Department of Agriculture updates on uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, the state’s irrigation 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 supply in North Dakota. Members asked about funding sources, fertilizer storage and availability, natural gas and water needs for future fertilizer plants, and how the model zoning website would help counties and townships apply setback and odor tools. A substantial 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 department is proposing changes to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and updated hydrologic data, while still limiting the model to direct, demonstrable costs and benefits. He said the goal is to make the analysis more realistic and consistent without changing statute, and he provided examples of how project benefits could change as drains age or as rainfall and flood data evolve. Committee members and water-user representatives generally supported continued work on the proposal, while raising concerns about downstream impacts, closed-basin projects, and whether the changes would meaningfully affect project approvals. The committee then heard from John Paskowski, state engineer, on Devil’s Lake, the West End and East End outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. He reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow limits, and explained that the control structure is intended to prevent a catastrophic uncontrolled release by slowing erosion and head cutting. Members asked about water quality trends, the length of the downstream flow constraint, and whether the Tolna Coulee area had been studied for possible natural overflow or silt buildup. The discussion emphasized ongoing flooding concerns, mitigation for affected landowners, and the need to balance outlet operations with downstream water quality and infrastructure protection.