Transcript Highlights:

• We have before us today, we're discussing and considering our actions on Senate Bill 269.
• Discussion? Mr. Chairman, Representative Warrey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Further discussion from the committee? Further discussion. Whoops. My name is Jack McDonnell.
• Discussion? Discussion?
• Okay, with that, is there any other discussion for the good of the order? Don't.

Bills: SB2069

Committee: House Political Subdivisions

Keywords: legal notices, publication requirements, transparency, state agency, public access, 908, all

Summary: The Political Subdivisions Committee met to reconsider Senate Bill 269, which concerns legal notices and newspaper publication requirements. Representative Motschenbacher explained that a prior version had a mistake in Section 2 and that the revised amendment, worked out with the Public Service Commission and the North Dakota Newspaper Association, would limit the change to state agencies rather than all governmental units because the broader version would have required thousands of affidavits and been too burdensome. The committee also discussed the meaning of “immediate publication,” with the newspaper association stating the intent was to post notices on the website as soon as a print notice is received, even before newspaper publication, so notices would still appear online if the print version was missed. Members raised questions about whether posting notices online before print publication could affect statutory notice periods, such as 30-day notice requirements. The response given was that the clock would begin when the notice is published on the agency website. After discussion, the committee adopted the amendment 11-0, with two members absent and not voting. The committee then approved Senate Bill 269 as amended and further amended on a 11-0 vote, again with two absent and not voting. Representative Motschenbacher agreed to carry the bill, though members noted it would likely go to a conference committee because of differences between the House and Senate versions. The chair thanked those who worked on the bill and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, for all the reasons we discussed.
• So I appreciate the discussion.
• San Diego, in my discussion,... ...food banks.
• You have had a lot of discussions on this, and I do hope that going forward these discussions that we've
• I appreciate the discussion for my colleagues.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Has there been much discussion regarding utilizing artificial intelligence?
• You know, because that was a very deep and complex discussion.
• And the discussion with the auditor was rich on that particular topic.
• And so those are some of the discussions we had, and that was rich discussion, but that's some policy
• So there is quite a bit of discussion going back and forth. I can promise you that.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous minutes, and then received an update from Senator Jonathan Sickler on the Cash Management Board’s work under House Bill 1278. He said the board has been reviewing statewide cash, liquidity, and investment practices, finding that the state generally manages money well but could improve forecasting, automation, and coordination across agencies. He highlighted that the state has about $35 billion in liquid assets and investments, with most in longer-term investments, and described a change already underway replacing more than 500 six-month CDs with a special-rate savings account to reduce administrative work. Members also discussed the impact of House Bill 1176 on Legacy Fund earnings and the possibility of future legislation to avoid losing investment returns when large transfers are made all at once. The board also noted that some agencies still hold funds outside the Bank of North Dakota system, and that this is being reviewed. Representative Nathan Toman then updated the Task Force on Government Efficiency, saying the group has focused on how to measure whether programs are actually working. He said the task force has not yet proposed legislation, but the administration has agreed that new and expanding programs should answer five questions, including who is affected, what outcome is expected, whether there is another way to do it, and how success will be measured. Members discussed the need for dashboards, program evaluators, better data collection, and possible use of artificial intelligence to identify duplicate or outdated programs. Toman said the task force will continue reviewing agency workflows, with upcoming presentations from courts, the university system, the auditor, and other agencies, and that future legislation or rule changes may be needed to require performance metrics. Phil Davis of Job Service North Dakota presented labor market and program updates. He reported that North Dakota’s unemployment rate is 2.5%, labor force participation is about 68.7%, and the state continues to rank near the top nationally. He reviewed job openings, in-demand occupations, and several workforce programs, including H-2A agricultural worker inspections, the Job Placement Partnership Program with DOCR, and virtual and in-person job fairs. Davis said the DOCR partnership has shown strong results, with lower recidivism and higher earnings for participants, and he emphasized that Job Service tracks outcomes and reports them to federal and state partners. Members asked about child care subsidies, workforce participation, agency coordination, and whether more staff are needed for H-2A inspections. Finally, Allen Knutson presented the updated S&P Global revenue forecast. He said oil prices have risen sharply since the last update, making the revenue outlook more favorable but still volatile. S&P’s baseline forecast showed the current biennium’s four major tax collections about $89 million above the legislative forecast, and a much larger increase for the next biennium, though he cautioned that federal tax changes and oil market uncertainty could alter the numbers. In an alternate scenario using higher near-term oil prices, he estimated about $242 million more in oil and gas tax collections and roughly $120 million more for the Strategic Investment Fund. Members asked whether another forecast should be requested once oil markets stabilize and about changes in tribal oil production assumptions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? I have a substitute ending in 0.02C.
• Any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none.
• Any discussion? House Committee substitute for House Bill 1840 be voted do pass. Any discussion?
• So, as we discussed earlier, it's more of a practice.
• empower parents, let them have those discussions.

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion? Representative Barbieri, thank you, Chairman.
• Several of us actually hosted a town hall Another opportunity to have this discussion.
• Any further discussion? Seen none. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• I've seen the issues that get discussed, and I've seen how truly low occurrence say.
• House Bill 583 is part of a three-year discussion.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first considered several RS introductions. RS 33229, by Rep. Healy, would exempt interior designers from parts of Idaho’s architecture practice law and create a certification pathway; it was introduced after brief questions. RS 33039, by Reps. Scott and Price, would create the Consumer Payment Rights and Transparency Act to limit the use of programmable money in ways that monitor or restrict lawful behavior; it was introduced after discussion about the bill’s new code section. RS 33177, by Rep. Sauter and Church, would require more transparency from insurance carriers about rating information for policyholders; it was also introduced. Director Dean Cameron then presented RS 32863, a wildfire risk mitigation fund proposal for homeowners, funded by excess fees and premium tax revenues to help harden homes against wildfire risk; members asked about eligibility, covered properties, and whether the program would apply statewide, and the RS was introduced. The committee then took public testimony on House Bill 583, which would strengthen statewide protections for short-term rentals and limit local governments from effectively prohibiting them while still allowing ordinances on health, safety, and welfare. Supporters, including the bill sponsor Rep. Jordan Redman, Idaho Realtors, vacation rental owners, and several property owners, argued the bill protects private property rights, supports tourism and local income, and prevents cities from imposing burdensome requirements such as commercial-style code upgrades, conditional use permits, or occupancy restrictions. Several supporters described personal examples of responsible short-term rental use, including housing for traveling workers and family gatherings, and said existing nuisance, noise, parking, and safety laws are sufficient. Opponents and skeptical witnesses, including residents of McCall, Driggs, Island Park, and the Association of Idaho Cities, argued that local governments need flexibility to address neighborhood impacts, overcrowding, sewage and water-system concerns, and repeated noise or party problems tied to high-turnover rentals. Some said current local ordinances have helped manage these issues, while others warned the bill would weaken local control and make enforcement harder. Committee members questioned witnesses about occupancy limits, code requirements, fees, and whether local rules were being used as de facto bans. At the close of testimony, Rep. Crane moved to send HB 583 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and several members declared Rule 80 conflicts or potential conflicts related to short-term rental ownership; the transcript ends amid member comments and debate, without a recorded final vote on the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the lady from Fyet 76 for discussion of the matter. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• </c> for discussion of the matter. for discussion of the matter.
• </c> discussion of the matter. discussion of the matter.
• </c> >> Chair recognizes the lady from Nelson 50 for discussion on the matter. >> Yes, sir.
• </c> for discussion of the matter. for discussion of the matter.

Keywords: HB 312 continued 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 25:16 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 27:27 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 28:33 ConC/Rules Report 33:45 Adjournment 35:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion? >> Not. All right. All in favor of approving minutes as amended?
• ,</c> sort of as we've had a discussion, sort of as we've had a discussion, there's<00:24:15.440><c>
• So I think a timeline would be an important consideration for further discussion. Thank you.
• </c><00:29:17.440><c> previously,</c> necessarily been discussed previously, necessarily been discussed
• </c> further discussion. further discussion. &gt;&gt; Thank<00:30:25.120><c> you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care approved the prior meeting minutes as amended after correcting the first paragraph. The chair then outlined the committee’s plan to produce a preliminary report by October 1, with additional meetings to follow, since some questions remain about the federal One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) and its effects on Medicaid financing and managed care. The main discussion focused on New Hampshire nursing home funding and how ProShare and MQUIP work. Members reviewed Medicaid rates, supplemental payments, intergovernmental transfers, and the role of federal matching funds. The chair and Mr. Litman concluded that OB3’s phase-down of payments above the Medicare rate likely would not directly eliminate ProShare or MQUIP in New Hampshire, but uncertainty remains about intergovernmental transfers and about how these payments would function if the state moved nursing facilities into managed care. Mr. Litman said managed care would likely require waivers for supplemental payments, and Texas was cited as an example of a state operating under such waivers. The committee also discussed dual eligibles, DNIP, PACE, and the possibility of carving out HCBS from nursing facility services. DHS said its managed care contract would allow the state to use MCOs for DNIP, with the goal of better coordination between Medicaid and Medicare, while PACE would likely require more study and might be more feasible in populated counties. Members also reviewed OB3’s new presumptive eligibility provisions and a state waiver request modeled on Washington’s approach, plus a separate grant for transitioning people from facilities back to the community. The rural health transformation fund was discussed as a possible source for workforce, telehealth, mobile integrated health, and other support investments, but not for direct construction or major building renovation. County representatives emphasized that any county role in PACE or DNIP would require significant vetting, infrastructure, capital investment, and a realistic timeline. The meeting ended with the chair saying the draft report would outline issues and possible alternatives, but not recommendations yet, and the committee adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ranking member and I have discussed that and agreed to that.
• Yes, thank you, Senator Coons, and I enjoyed our discussion.
• I have voted to defund UNRWA, and we've discussed that extensively today.
• I'd like to discuss your views about what people refer to as the day after in Gaza and beyond.
• There was a discussion earlier about artificial intelligence.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but I did talk to her we discussed.
• So that's the amendment, and I'm open to any discussion on that. >> Seeing no further discussion, I'll
• </c> be open to that discussion. be open to that discussion. &gt;&gt; Thank<02:06:17.440><c> you.
• Yeah, we can &gt;&gt; We can we can discuss that. Yeah, we can discuss<02:11:56.159><c> that.
• </c> discuss that. discuss that. No<02:11:57.679><c> worries.</c> No worries. No worries.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we discussed.
• So, just to me...” “...to vote for it if I don’t see some of the discussion that we discussed.
• Yeah, I know, appreciate the discussion.
• There is discussion about elimination of retroactivity.
• So that's where we always run into a wall in this discussion.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several insurance-related bills. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the Department of Insurance stronger enforcement tools when insurers fail to implement corrective actions identified in market conduct or financial examinations. Supporters said the bill would close gaps that allow repeated violations, improve solvency oversight, and protect policyholders; opponents argued CDI already has broad authority and raised concerns about duplicative penalties, due process, and the bill’s scope. Members discussed amendments to limit the bill to legal violations rather than recommendations, apply penalties per exam rather than per policy, and clarify accounting language. The committee voted to send SB 1209 to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call after a roll vote that included one no vote from Senator Niello. The committee also considered SB 1301, which would require more detailed non-renewal notices for residential property insurance, give policyholders time and information to address correctable issues, and restrict certain non-renewal reasons such as claims below deductible or not covered by the policy. Support came from homeowners, fire survivors, and consumer groups who said notices are often vague and leave families unable to keep coverage; insurers opposed the bill, warning that California’s notice period is already among the longest in the country and that the bill could worsen availability and add burdensome reporting requirements. The author said he was willing to reduce the notice period from 180 days to about three months and work on a mitigation-based process. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the item placed on call. SB 1026 by Senator Gonzalez would tighten regulation of bail fugitive recovery agents by allowing the Department of Insurance to suspend or revoke licenses without a criminal conviction, adding conduct restrictions, and requiring continuous liability coverage and proper appointment notices. Supporters, including Commissioner Lara, said the bill addresses serious misconduct and loopholes that have led to unsafe conduct and weak oversight. Bail industry representatives and crime victims’ advocates opposed the measure, arguing that the required insurance coverage is unavailable or unlawful as written, that the bill would be hard to comply with, and that it could reduce the number of recovery agents and delay justice. The committee moved SB 1026 to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 982 by Senator Wiener, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, which would authorize the Attorney General to sue fossil fuel companies to recover costs tied to climate disasters and insurance losses, with supporters framing it as a way to shift some climate-related costs away from policyholders and taxpayers. The author said amendments would remove retroactivity and delay liability until 2032, while supporters from flood and wildfire survivor groups and climate organizations said the bill would help fund recovery and stabilize insurance costs. Opponents from industry and building trades argued the bill was legally vulnerable, would create a de facto tax or liability scheme, and could harm jobs, energy production, and affordability. Testimony on SB 982 was extensive, but the transcript ends before any committee vote or final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Having been in discussions with representatives and senators for other states where it is their staff
• with representatives and in discussions with representatives and senators<00:09:38.240><c> for</c><00
• Did you want to discuss the Bureau of Developmental Services as well?
• the um Bureau of Did you want to discuss the um Bureau of Developmental<00:12:58.240><c> Services</c
• </c> um the representative have a discussion um the representative have a discussion with<00:49:10.480

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee approved the November 7 minutes with three abstentions and then received status updates on several ongoing audits. Audit staff reported that the special education oversight audit was in report-writing, with 34 of 71 observations completed and a draft expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The education freedom accounts audit had 22 of 41 observations completed, with a draft also expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The Doorway program audit had 5 of 13 observations completed, with a draft expected by the end of February and a final report by April or May. The committee then discussed possible new oversight topics, prompted by concerns about fraud in other states and the need to ensure New Hampshire programs are not vulnerable. Members suggested hearing from DHS officials, contract administrators, and possibly the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit about SNAP and other programs, as well as reviewing staffing levels in HHS contract management. There was also discussion of whether to revisit the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, though members noted that prior work on that area had been suspended because of litigation. A representative from HHS, Teresa Narrow, briefed the committee on the Bureau of Developmental Services. She said the state had been in compliance with CMS since July 1, 2023 after resolving issues tied to a system redesign and billing changes, and that provider-side billing problems had also been fixed. She also described three existing bodies involved in developmental disability housing oversight, including the Council on Housing Stability, the ABLE Housing Task Force, and a legislative study committee created by HB 168 in 2024. Committee members asked for her notes to be shared. The committee spent substantial time debating whether to pursue a new special education audit at the school-district level. Members discussed the need to examine why some districts have much higher special education rates and costs than others, and whether a statistically selected sample of schools could be used. Audit staff said no new audits could begin until about May or June and that only a couple of auditors would then be available. Members also noted that a legislative study committee is already working on special education and may issue a report later this year, and the committee appeared to leave the school-level audit idea as a potential future item rather than taking immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no.
• <00:06:31.360><c> on</c> discussion on discussion on 25057<00:06:33.560><c> under</c><00:06:33.919><c
• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no.
• Is there any particular item anybody wishes to remove to be discussed? Mr.
• </c> seven our background section discusses seven our background section discusses the<00:46:17.880><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on February 21 and first approved the January 30 minutes and the consent calendar, with item 2540 removed by the Department of Education and item 25057 set aside for discussion. The committee then took up FIS 25057, a Department of Transportation request tied to a federal grant for building information modeling and related data standardization across DOT systems. Transportation officials explained that the $2.405 million consultant-heavy request would connect surveying, design, construction, and asset management systems, improve efficiency and long-term asset tracking, and help the department catch up with other states. Several senators questioned the lack of immediate, quantifiable budget savings and the reliance on consultants, but the item was ultimately adopted. The committee next approved FIS 25054 for the Department of Health and Human Services after questioning a $16 million shortfall in the Children’s Health Insurance Program. DHHS explained the variance as a budgeting and accounting issue tied to separating CHIP from Medicaid managed care, pandemic-era continuous enrollment, and the new federal requirement for 12 months of continuous coverage for children. Members also approved a Cannon Mountain fee item, where park officials described a proposed price freeze for early-bird passes, a new in-season tier, and modest increases in off-season pricing, while noting operating cost pressures, strong snow conditions, and favorable customer value ratings. That item was adopted unanimously. The committee also approved the Department of Corrections item after discussion of staffing, retirement eligibility, overtime, and recidivism. Commissioner Helen Hanks said retirement-eligible staff had declined slightly, recruitment was improving, overtime hours were down, one housing floor had been closed because of lower population, and the department had reduced reincarceration by 8% over seven years, which she said produced substantial savings. The item was adopted. During informational items, the committee heard a Legislative Budget Assistant performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. The audit found the commission inefficient and ineffective in processing complaints, with average case closure taking 840 days, significant backlogs dating back decades, expired administrative rules, weak management controls, disorganized and outdated procedures, unreliable data, and unresolved prior audit findings. The audit included 25 recommendations, two of which may require legislative action. Commission staff said they appreciated the recommendations and expected the additional resources from the prior budget cycle to help address the backlog and improve transparency and efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was an awesome discussion.
• That was an awesome discussion.
• Any discussion?
• </c><00:59:35.480><c> but</c> 2525 to encourage further discussion but 2525 to encourage further discussion
• </c> date of 2525 for further discussions date of 2525 for further discussions members<01:00:46.440><

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 133 on energy, which drew opposition testimony from James Abraham, who said the bill was unnecessary because the Public Utilities Commission had already opened a proceeding to investigate wheeling, including intergovernmental wheeling, and should be allowed to finish its collaborative process. The committees then moved to SB 161 on county permitting and inspection, where several agencies submitted written comments or opposition, while the Grassroots Institute and HCDA-related testimony supported the measure. Members raised concerns about accountability and whether state agencies would report back on projects approved under any permitting exemption, and witnesses suggested annual reporting or amendment language to address that issue. The hearing then turned to SB 232 and SB 588, both related to renewable energy permitting. Testimony on SB 232 was largely supportive, but Rocky Mold of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association said SB 232 was an older version of a bill and that SB 588 was the preferred, updated measure. Members discussed whether the bill should be limited to residential or behind-the-meter customer-sited systems rather than utility-scale projects, and Mold clarified that the proposal was intended for customer-sited systems, not utility-scale facilities. For SB 588, the Department of Land and Natural Resources warned that state or county laws inconsistent with the National Flood Insurance Program could jeopardize flood insurance eligibility and related federal assistance, while Mold argued the bill’s FEMA floodway exemption was needed to avoid blocking solar installations on existing structures. The chair expressed concern about risking federal funding and questioned whether the exemption could be narrowed without defeating the bill’s purpose. SB 412, also on renewable energy, received supportive testimony from the State Energy Office and others. Members questioned whether a single coordinating entity should compile agency assessments, and Mark Glick said the Energy Office could take on that role if given the duty and sufficient staff. The committee then discussed SB 635 on energy efficiency, which would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting. Mark Glick testified that much of the work was already underway through benchmarking and related contracts, and a DAGS representative said the state was already assessing 590 buildings over 10,000 square feet, with results expected around 2027. Members suggested amending the bill to require annual status reports so the committees could track progress and avoid duplication. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any more discussion? Senator, I move approval.
• And if you will just call the roll if there's no discussion.
• If there is, I'll be glad to. discussion. If there is, I'll be glad to have it.
• We haven't discussed SB237. That's right, we did. Oh, we had a public... Okay. Yeah.
• Oh, believe we discussed it. Okay. Oh, believe we discussed it. Okay. All right. So, call the roll.

Bills: HB322 , HB346 , HB336 , HB384 , SB237

Committee: Senate Healthcare

Keywords: postpartum depression, postnatal care, maternal mental health, perinatal depression, postpartum screening, new mother, birth mother, newborn discharge, hospital discharge materials, public health education, maternal health, depression screening, health care providers, physicians, nurses, Alabama Department of Public Health, medical liability, standard of care, retired physicians, volunteer medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other discussion?
• Members any discussion?
• Any other discussion? discussion? discussion?
• </c> other discussion? Okay. Thank you. other discussion? Okay. Thank you.
• Members, any discussion? Members, any discussion?

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion. The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date. After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> discussion on 163? discussion on 163?
• Any further discussion? All Rosenwall. Any further discussion?
• </c> discussion on the amendment? discussion on the amendment?
• Any further discussion? pass as amended. Any further discussion?
• c> seeing</c> discussion any further discussion seeing discussion any further discussion seeing all<01

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• discussion.
• ...up in Fargo was part of that discussion.
• So again, a starting point for discussion.
• We're up for committee discussion and staff directive.
• We're up for committee discussion and staff directives.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that needs to be part of that discussion also.
• discussion.
• So again, a starting point for discussion.
• We're up for committee discussion and staff directive.
• Anything else the committee would like to discuss?

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to thank you for having us here today to discuss the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
• By utilizing the General Fund to support repayment of the loan, it will enable fee discussions to focus
• You know, I know that there's always a discussion about trying to get to this point... ...you know, I
• I recognize that we've been facing fiscal challenges, but at the same time this is a discussion that
• So, you know, I know that there's been discussion about the... but it is going to take resources and

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard updates on higher education issues, beginning with California State University’s turnaround plans for seven campuses with enrollment declines. CSU said overall enrollment is growing systemwide, but some campuses, especially in Northern California, face structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. The plans focus on reengaging stopped-out and adult learners, expanding partnerships and guaranteed admissions, improving retention and student support, and reducing costs through program suspensions, hiring freezes, shared services, and procurement consolidation. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the strategies were reasonable but urged regular legislative updates, and the Department of Finance had no additional comments. Committee members emphasized the need for implementation oversight, written updates, and attention to student outreach, financial aid, and privacy concerns around AI tools used in recruitment. The committee then reviewed the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s request for a $10 million General Fund appropriation to repay litigation-related borrowing. Department of Consumer Affairs and bureau staff said the bureau has a long-standing structural deficit, has already cut positions and shifted some costs, and that the General Fund backfill would reduce future fee increases on institutions. The LAO opposed the request, arguing the bureau can cover near-term costs with its existing loan and that litigation costs should remain the responsibility of the regulated entities through fees. Finance supported the one-time backfill as a unique situation that would lower fee increases and avoid passing litigation costs on to schools and students. Members asked about preventing a repeat of the problem, and bureau staff said they are pursuing fee increases through the sunset review and have strengthened internal policies and disability accommodation practices. The subcommittee also heard a broad update on Cal Grant funding and student aid. The California Student Aid Commission, UC, CSU, and the community colleges described Cal Grant as essential to affordability, but the LAO noted spending has grown faster than historical averages and said the state likely lacks capacity for major expansion in the near term. The segments highlighted the importance of state aid in covering tuition and living costs, and raised concerns about federal changes to student loans and Pell Grants, especially the elimination of Grad PLUS for some graduate students and limits on part-time borrowing. Committee members pressed for data on students who are eligible but not served by current Cal Grant rules, including adult learners and students affected by age and merit restrictions, and asked for analysis of phased-in implementation of the Cal Grant Equity Framework. Finance said full implementation would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and that affordability remains part of the state’s multi-year compact with the segments. Finally, the committee began discussion of the Middle Class Scholarship Program. CSAC and the UC and CSU said the program is a key part of affordability and debt reduction, especially after the 2022 reforms that expanded awards to total cost of attendance and improved administration. They warned that cutting funding by more than half would reduce award coverage from 35% to 17.5% of cost of attendance and could affect enrollment and persistence, particularly for middle-income students who do not qualify for other need-based aid. The segments also noted that recent administrative changes have reduced award revisions and campus workload, but that data exchange and award volatility remain challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• Order<00:03:35.440><c> every</c><00:03:35.720><c> discussion,</c> Order every discussion, Order every
• </c><00:15:13.760><c> Without</c> Any discussion? Any objections? Without Any discussion?
• Recognize the amended, any discussion?
• ><c> to</c><00:15:43.400><c> the</c> Any discussion or objections to the Any discussion or objections
• Any further discussion on the amendment. Any further discussion on the amendment?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 26, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week. The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems. On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.