Transcript Highlights:

• it's having an unpriced asset and at a zero. been real good allocations made that really do bring efficiency
• , but to say that we're not going to look at efficiency, yet we need more and more and more, you're undermining
• Thank you. any efficiency you may not get the transmit power you need so that's that's an example of
• and I think AI has tremendous power and we need to marshal it for being able to use the spectrum efficiently
• country succeed. technologies that will make us the best. using all of its spectrum with maximizing efficiency

Keywords: spectrum policy, FCC auction authority, national security, innovation, technology development, 9-1-1 modernization, adaptive technologies, China competition

Summary: The meeting centered on the critical examination of spectrum policy and its implications for innovation and national security. The committee discussed the lapse of the FCC's spectrum auction authority, which has been in effect since March 2023, emphasizing the urgency of restoring this authority to maintain U.S. technological leadership against competitors like China. Witnesses provided testimony regarding the need for adaptive and reconfigurable spectrum technologies to enhance communication capabilities for both civilian and military applications. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the importance of modernizing 9-1-1 systems and ensuring robust emergency communication frameworks leveraging new spectrum innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• law versus policy, um, and again see if there's an opportunity to try different things and seek efficiency
• We should be seeking efficiencies, um, in reviewing how our processes go.
• So have you made those, and at that time you had assured me that you are trying to have these efficient
• Have you made those, and at that time you had assured me that you are trying to have these efficient
• these efficient recruitment processes through<00:12:16.279><c> de</c><00:12:16.560><c> her</c><00:12

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't go well financially or operates efficiently, what happens if it goes um um south, >> Mr.
• So we are 300% less efficient.
• So we are 300% less efficient. And 900. So we are 300% less efficient.
• He said the goal is to work together to solve those problems in the most efficient possible way.
• What where are we losing efficient? What where are we losing people?

Bills: HF4421, HF1937, HF4675, HF4715, HF4684

Keywords: county cost share, economically distressed county, human services finance, substance use disorder treatment, SUD services, civil commitment, state aid, county levy, poverty threshold, tax-exempt acreage, property tax exemption, Minnesota human services, county fiscal relief, local government finance, chemical dependency, behavioral health, PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services

Transcript Highlights:

• DOJ, and the committee staff for accommodating a request for amendments just to keep some of the efficiencies
• making sure that kits get tested or not tested as may be the case, but to make sure that there's efficiencies
• We have motion in like four seconds. of the efficiencies that have been developed over the years and
• making sure that kits get tested or not tested as may be the case, but to make sure that there's efficiencies

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on September 10, 2025, with one bill on the agenda: SB 733 by Senator Rahab. The author described the measure as a cleanup bill that clarifies implementation of SB 464, which gave sexual assault survivors the right to opt out of testing their sexual assault kits. The bill was presented as providing clearer procedures for practitioners and investigating agencies, especially when a survivor is undecided about whether to have a kit tested. The California Department of Justice testified in a neutral position and said it was available to answer technical questions. The California Association of Crime Lab Directors also took a neutral position, thanking the author and committee staff for amendments that preserved efficiencies in the transfer and handling of kits while clarifying whether kits should be tested. No opposition was voiced. The committee then moved the bill, and SB 733 was passed out of committee on a roll call vote with an A recommendation. The meeting then adjourned after no further public comment or additional business.

Transcript Highlights:

• been in existence for 35 years, should be re-evaluated to determine if the model used is the most efficient
• , fiscal accountability,<00:03:24.080><c> and</c><00:03:24.560><c> program</c><00:03:25.120><c> efficiency
• </c> accountability, and program efficiency accountability, and program efficiency and<00:03:26.080><
• </c><00:19:53.440><c> delivers</c> effectively and efficiently delivers effectively and efficiently delivers
• It will include how projects are prioritized and funded and any processes that address efficiency, as

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:22 Office of Education Accountability Report: Early Childhood Regional Training Centers (RTCs): 01:22 Approval of July 14, 2025 Minutes 31:21 Office of Education Accountability: 2025 Study Agenda 32:35 Adjournment: 39:12, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an Office of Education Accountability report on Kentucky’s early childhood regional training centers (RTCs). OEA said the centers provide valuable training, consultation, technical assistance, and materials for preschool personnel, especially for children with disabilities and at-risk students, and that the services align with state and federal requirements. However, the report found uneven student and teacher populations across regions, wide variation in per-student funding, some staffing data inaccuracies, and several fiscal oversight concerns, including inconsistent indirect cost rates, a building rental charge that may have been duplicative, and host districts recording RTC expenditures in a way that could blur them with district finances. OEA also said some documentation of progress toward goals was incomplete and that the technology lending library appeared underused. The report recommended stronger KDE oversight, uniform coding and accounting practices, review of budgets and expenditures, and an evaluation of whether the current five-center model remains the most efficient structure; OEA also suggested the General Assembly may wish to revisit KRS 157.318. Members asked about KDE’s response, whether the centers are required by federal law, how the centers operate, and whether changing the model would affect federal funding. OEA said KDE had only discussed the findings informally and had not issued a formal response, the centers are required by state law but not federal law, and changing the model would not jeopardize IDEA preschool funds. The committee accepted the report by motion. The subcommittee then approved the minutes from its July 14, 2025 meeting after initially delaying action because quorum was not yet present. After that, members turned to the Office of Education Accountability’s proposed 2026 study agenda. OEA said the three proposed topics are the annual district data profiles, facilities funding, and implementation of early literacy statutes. The district profiles would add an appendix showing the number and percentage of students moving to private school or homeschool by district and another appendix noting data-quality issues that affect comparability. OEA explained that district staffing data can undercount contract staff because those employees are not always entered into the system, and members expressed interest in tracking whether prior recommendations were implemented. One senator also raised a separate interest in reviewing whether KDE created and implemented regulations related to KFIX. The discussion remained informational, with no final vote on the study agenda shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI is also a tool that can help government agencies work more efficiently and creatively, so the excitement
• that's</c><00:20:37.880><c> a</c><00:20:38.080><c> really</c><00:20:38.360><c> good</c> create efficiencies
• that's a really good create efficiencies that's a really good thing<00:20:39.240><c> because</c><00:
• </c> more successful and or uh more efficient more successful and or uh more efficient so<00:26:30.480
• </c> individual and to increase efficiencies individual and to increase efficiencies whether<00:26:54.840

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just our mission is to be able to provide safe, efficient, environmentally sound, fiscally responsible
• ,</c> able to provide safe, efficient, able to provide safe, efficient, environmentally<00:02:35.360>
• And efficiently get through the process.
• efficiently deliver these projects. projects. projects.
• </c> to actually deliver the job efficiently to actually deliver the job efficiently and<00:41:53.200

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:20 Road Projects 46:30 Approval of Minutes 46:50 Railroads 57:26 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum, so it could not approve the minutes. The chair announced an Eastern Kentucky University health forum later that day and then proceeded with testimony on alternative delivery methods for road projects. Jason Sawala of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Chad Laroo of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors were sworn in and introduced themselves. Sawala explained KYTC’s use of alternative delivery tools, including design-build, construction manager/general contractor (CMGC), and public-private partnerships (P3s). He said the cabinet’s goal is to deliver the best value to taxpayers in terms of quality, cost, and time, and emphasized that alternative delivery is most useful on projects with special circumstances such as innovation needs, specialized technology, complex constructibility, schedule pressure, or early contractor input. He cited the cabinet’s wrong-way driving prevention project as an example where design-build helped evaluate technologies and coordinate with stakeholders such as EMS and first responders. He also outlined the main tradeoffs: alternative delivery can improve collaboration and sometimes accelerate schedules, but it also brings risks related to right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, changing scope, and the need for dedicated staff and compressed decision-making. He stressed that these methods are not a cure-all and are not appropriate for every project, while noting that traditional design-bid-build remains effective for most of KYTC’s work. Representative Branscum responded favorably, saying early contractor involvement is valuable and consistent with his experience in the vertical construction world. No votes or formal actions were taken because the committee lacked a quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• expertise, assist with resources, and right the ships so these small communities are operating efficiently
• and legally. ...and right the ships so these small communities are operating efficiently and legally
• of long, hard work over the summer, involving a very large group of individuals creating a more efficient
• So the intent here was to eliminate any potential fraud or waste and to create some efficiency.
• clean this up and make sure that we had plenty of safeguards in place to make sure that there was efficiency

Bills: HB3002, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3419, HB3463, HB3919, HB3985, HB4303

Keywords: counties, county officers, education, training, sunset law, county purchasing, procurement practices, budget management, public accountability, emergency procurement, reverse auction, bidding process, competitive bidding, public procurement, city council regulations, public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee heard and advanced several House bills focused on local government bidding, audits, ordinance publication, and county fair boards. House Bill 3418, which updates the Public Competitive Bidding Act for public construction projects and school district contracts, was amended to clarify that public agencies may still conduct preliminary procurement activities such as market research and vendor outreach; it then passed 9-0. House Bill 3463, requested by the state auditor, changes audit requirements for small municipalities under 2,500 people by moving from a biannual to an annual financial statement audit or agreed-upon procedures engagement and shortening the filing deadline; it passed 9-0. House Bill 3002 extends the sunset on the Commission on County Government, Personnel, Education, and Training to 2031 and passed 8-0. House Bill 4303 extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days and passed 8-0. House Bill 3919 would allow counties to replace the current nine-member Free Fair Association board with a five-member board elected from commissioner districts and at-large seats; it passed 8-0. House Bill 3416, also developed with the state auditor and other stakeholders, would let counties use quotes for certain smaller purchases instead of a full bidding process while keeping documentation and safeguards; it passed 7-1. House Bill 3417 would require cities and towns to follow the state competitive bidding laws and not bypass those standards through local rules; it passed 7-1. House Bill 3985, the Safe Neighborhoods Act, drew the most debate. The bill would give property owners in municipalities over 130,000 population a narrow path to seek compensation if a city adopts a policy or practice of not enforcing certain public safety laws, including laws against illegal camping, loitering, panhandling, public intoxication, drug use, and shoplifting, and that inaction reduces property values or forces mitigation costs. Supporters said it is meant to encourage enforcement of existing laws and protect business and property owners, while opponents argued it could burden under-resourced cities, criminalize vulnerable people, and rely on a questionable population threshold. The bill passed 7-2 after debate. Throughout the meeting, members also raised questions about felony and misdemeanor provisions in HB 3418, the cost and practicality of live video bid openings, and the use of a repealed statute reference in HB 3417, with the author saying he would provide follow-up clarification before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• system that were needed and laid out in Act 73 to enable the foundation formula to work fairly and efficiently
• to work enable the foundation formula to work fairly<00:04:03.320><c> and</c><00:04:03.400><c> efficiently
• </c> fairly and efficiently. fairly and efficiently.
• and effectively as we can efficiently and effectively as we can and<00:19:39.040><c> frankly</c><00:
• </c><00:41:36.720><c> and</c> is also not the most efficient and is also not the most efficient and effective

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure will create a more efficient and cohesive system where individuals will be better protected
• This measure will create a more efficient and cohesive system where individuals will be better protected
• This measure will create a more efficient and cohesive system where individuals will be better protected
• This measure will create a more efficient and cohesive system where individuals will be better protected
• ><c> delivery</c> coordinated, efficient project delivery coordinated, efficient project delivery and

Bills: HB2264, HB2336, HB2298, HB1518

Keywords: protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they have a really efficient system. ...by colleagues and families.
• What we have been doing is extensive projects that have to do with efficiency, right?
• River channel efficiency with considerations of habitat.
• When you talk about efficiency, SEQs are one of the most efficient in terms of delivering water because
• So they are pretty efficient in terms of a holistic approach to conserving water.

Transcript Highlights:

• experience, I appreciate the unique role of this committee in ensuring public funds are deployed efficiently
• in transit and rail is a critical element of our multimodal strategy to improve the reliability, efficiency
• financing program for Massachusetts communities, and we will be using it to deliver safer, more efficient
• when we're going to actually go to market, they can give us their best read of what would be most efficient
• want to enable MassDOT to really innovate and work on project delivery so that we can get some efficiencies

Bills: H5279

Keywords: municipal roads, bridges, transportation bond bill, infrastructure financing, capital spending, bond authorization, general obligation bonds, special obligation bonds, Commonwealth Transportation Improvement Act, road resurfacing, road repair, bridge repair, pavement, culverts, stormwater management, climate resilience, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian infrastructure, transit modernization, commuter rail

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Government Efficiency will come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
• With the quorum being established, the Committee on Government Efficiency will now go into executive
• This will conclude the hearing on Government Efficiency for today.
• We're going to run it as well as we can, effectively and efficiently, regardless of this bill getting
• That concludes the hearing on the committee for government efficiency for today, officially.

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency met in executive session and voted several bills due pass. House Bill 3136 passed 13-1, House Bill 2506 passed 14-0, and House Bill 1758 passed 14-0 after brief comments, including one member stating he would vote present because the issue divided the public. The committee then took up House Bill 2278, which was combined with House Bill 2403 in a House Committee Substitute. Members discussed and adopted a committee substitute and amendment creating an appeals board for MSHSAA-related eligibility disputes, with supporters saying it would provide a final, independent appeal option for students and parents and opponents raising concerns about process, timing, and gubernatorial appointments. The substitute for House Bill 2278 and 2403 was adopted and voted do pass 11-7, with several members voting no over concerns about independence and government oversight of a nonprofit. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2877, which would create a new unemployment administration adjustment fund funded by a small portion of employer unemployment contributions, capped at $10 million annually, to reduce reliance on general revenue for administering unemployment insurance. Representative Voss said the bill would not raise employer costs or affect benefits, and Division of Employment Security Director Alan Andrews testified in support, saying the measure would help avoid general revenue exposure and keep the program self-sustaining. Members asked about the effect in a recession, the relationship to federal funds, and whether the proposal could become a precedent for other funds; no opposition testimony was offered. The committee also heard House Bill 3428, a cleanup bill to move expired dormant funds back to general revenue. The sponsor said several funds had expired and were no longer in use, though some accounts had already been renewed or were still active and would be removed by amendment. Members questioned whether the affected agencies had been contacted and whether some of the money should instead be renewed or used for the original purposes; the sponsor said she was open to discussion, but the bill as presented was intended to reclaim expired balances. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote on the bill in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to make those systems a lot more efficient.
• c><00:20:34.720><c> an</c> services programs to do that in an services programs to do that in an efficient
• <c> Um</c><00:20:36.400><c> House</c><00:20:36.720><c> Republicans</c><00:20:37.280><c> have</c> efficient
• Um House Republicans have efficient way.
• It's going to uh allow more efficient.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Speaker Lisa Damoth and Leader Harry Niska held a press availability focused on “affordability” in Minnesota, arguing that families are being squeezed by rising costs for groceries, child care, housing, insurance, energy, and property taxes. They blamed recent DFL control for spending down an $18 billion surplus, raising taxes, and adding mandates and fees, and said House Republicans are prioritizing lower taxes and reduced mandates to help families keep more of what they earn. They outlined a package of Republican proposals, including making the state’s reinsurance program permanent, expanding direct primary care, requiring the state to pay for new health care mandates, allowing schools and local governments to opt out of some unfunded mandates, creating a property tax commission, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, repealing the retail delivery fee, ending the Social Security tax, lowering car tab and boat fees, and returning future surpluses to taxpayers. They also criticized DFL proposals such as additional health care mandates, a climate super fund, and higher car tab fees, and said they oppose any new tax increases. In response to questions, the leaders said some affordability measures could be affected by federal policy, but emphasized that many cost drivers are within state control. They said they are open to broader property tax relief, including caps, and to investments in DHS and county systems modernization to reduce fraud and improve efficiency. They also said they do not expect a large omnibus bill at the end of session, arguing that bills should move individually through committee and onto the House floor, and they accused House Democrats of delaying bills for bargaining leverage. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• data for decision making and planning. finding two: state office spaces are not being utilized efficiently
• OMES limiting its authority to only its 23 buildings results in missed efficiency gains in other agencies
• But our goal really is to be as effective and efficient as we can possibly be.
• Prioritizing efficiency in state buildings would generate significant savings for the state and avoid
• Texas and Arkansas both create strategic plans to increase efficiency and utilization of state-owned

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Government Efficiency will come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
• I'm just saying this is the government efficiency. Right, right. I understand.
• With quorum established, the Committee on Government Efficiency will now go into executive session.
• The Committee on Government Efficiency will now go into executive session.
• This will conclude the hearing for Government Efficiency for today. Thank you.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Government Efficiency will come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
• I'm just saying this is the government efficiency. Right, right. I understand.
• With quorum established, the Committee on Government Efficiency will now go into executive session.
• The Committee on Government Efficiency will now go into executive session.
• This will conclude the hearing for Government Efficiency for today. Thank you.

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency held a public hearing on House Bill 1817, which would require the Department of Social Services to publish monthly public-assistance data at the municipal level for places with populations of 1,000 or more. The sponsor said the bill was intended to give local nonprofits, churches, and community leaders better information to target aid, measure whether their efforts are reducing dependency, and identify underserved areas, while avoiding identification of individuals in very small communities. Supporters echoed the transparency and planning benefits, saying the data could help nonprofits allocate resources, spot gaps, and coordinate more effectively. Several members questioned whether the bill was necessary, whether the data was already available through public records or existing reports, and whether it would create busy work or divert staff time. Others raised concerns about the 1,000-person threshold as arbitrary, the possibility of discouraging assistance applications, and whether the bill would really improve outcomes or reduce fraud. The sponsor responded that the data is already being collected, that the software had already been funded, and that the bill would simply make the information publicly available in a more useful format. Testimony in opposition was not presented, and the public hearing on HB 1817 was then closed. The committee then moved into executive session and took up House Bill 1641. A House Committee Substitute was offered and adopted after brief discussion. The substitute bill was then voted do pass by a roll call vote of 12 ayes, 1 no, and 4 present. Representative Burton stated a present vote was appropriate because of concerns with some language in the bill, while other members supported the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that BenefitsCal has been great at trying to solve this, but there's only so much efficiency
• As part of the government efficiency drills, the budget of $1 million for establishing the Office of
• This difficult decision to include this office in part of the operations efficiencies was twofold.
• So you're saying it would be more cost-efficient to do it at the county level than the statewide level
• The second is through our weatherization services, where we provide energy efficiency upgrades at no

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need that operating support in order to adequately address, efficiently address, and quickly address
• I also want to briefly highlight how efficiently this institute runs.
• Since water is such an important resource, it needs to be managed effectively and efficiently through
• Our technologies on smart irrigation management also produce use water more efficiently and effectively
• That legislation was put in place with the idea that efficiency in spending statewide tax revenue was

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need that operating support in order to adequately address, efficiently address, and quickly address
• I also want to briefly highlight how efficiently this institute runs.
• Since water is such an important resource, that water needs to be managed effectively and efficiently
• That legislation was put in place with the idea that efficiency in spending statewide tax revenue was
• Been growing by such a large amount in previous biennia that looking at the efficiency of what we spend

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.