Transcript Highlights:

• "But some of us are getting tired of waiting and hoping.
• Again, it's some of the most vulnerable of our population, and we're not taking care of these folks.
• reserve fund as of the end of last month.
• So is it a burn rate of $70-ish, or is it a burn rate of $90?
• And so the state of Arkansas was asked to help them come up with the money so they could start the repair

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee considered a series of appropriation, fund transfer, and reserve requests across multiple agencies. Section B temporary appropriations included funding for state technology upgrades, personnel management staffing and IT skills assessment, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, and higher education workforce grants and credentialing pathways. Additional items covered an ARPA grant for the University of Arkansas Fort Smith LPN program, an IIJA grant for the Oil and Gas Commission’s critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for State Police vehicle purchases, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, and cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission’s AV system and HVAC work. Most of these items were approved by voice vote. One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands drew extended questioning and was ultimately not approved. Members questioned the $250,000 transfer to operating expenses tied to the purchase of a West Little Rock office building, the ongoing lease costs at the prior location, and whether the agency had adequately planned for building-related expenses. After discussion, the motion failed, and members told the agency to tighten spending and return if needed. The committee then took up 15 pay plan appropriation requests totaling $25.7 million and approved them after discussion with DFA, DHS, Corrections, and the State Board of Election Commissioners. Members focused heavily on DHS staffing shortages at human development centers, where officials said vacancies and turnover were driven by overtime and burnout rather than pay alone; one member asked DHS to submit a written plan to address the issue. Corrections reported the pay plan had improved hiring and retention. The committee also approved overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military. Reports on reserve funds, the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, tobacco settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust, IIJA, and revenue transfer activity were received. The Medicaid Trust Fund report prompted significant concern about February’s $90 million draw; DHS said the month was unusually high because of cash-flow timing and that the fund should end the year with a balance between $150 million and $200 million, while lawmakers noted a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The final discussion centered on DHS’s state hospital damage claim and reconstruction funding, where members expressed disappointment that insurance reimbursement would likely return only about $1.8 million now and possibly about $97,000 more later, far less than the roughly $5 million initially expected. DHS explained the policy was based on actual cash value and depreciation for old buildings, and said the work would proceed on Unit 3 for secured restoration because it was the most cost-effective option.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we had another one in 2018 to begin making repairs. Were any of those repairs made?
• This 1.6 million, did they do repairs? It was just completely unsuccessful, a waste of money.
• These repairs or emergency repairs for safety hazards.
• of that.
• The state match of 49% of the allowable square footage of 104,000 would be $28 million.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
• of the Office of relating to the budget of the Office of Hawaiian<00:24:02.880><c> Affairs.
• And in economic development, diversification, and tourism, $36 million for repair and upgrades of the
• the</c> for repair and upgrades of the for repair and upgrades of the convention<00:53:08.880><c> center
• 410 relating to the budget of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of the industry. of the industry.
• </c><00:09:36.120><c> our</c> lot of this work and so most of our lot of this work and so most of our
• of</c> Minnesota, city of Chaska, city of Minnesota, city of Chaska, city of whichever,<00:47:29.200>
• 5% of our uh uh uh of of of fees.<00:47:45.120><c> That's</c> fees.
• The park does not take care of dead trees. The park does not repair the sidewalks.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California, for most of the state of California.
• Repair and maintenance of Delta levees are currently funded through a combination of state, local, and
• Repair and maintenance of delta levies are currently funded through a combination of state, local, and
• So investing in the repair of subsidence...
• So investing in the repair of subsidence and critical Delta levee repairs is essential to a long-term

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair Central Valley subsidence damage and Delta levees to protect State Water Project deliveries. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to safeguard water for 27 million Californians, prevent threats to life and billions in infrastructure, and address long-standing levee and canal vulnerabilities. Testimony in support came from Restore the Delta, the Central Coast Water Authority, and a broad coalition of water agencies, environmental groups, local governments, and business interests; one organization, the California Chamber of Commerce, supported if amended to include federal conveyance infrastructure. No opposition witnesses appeared. Members from both parties praised the bipartisan coalition and discussed funding, beneficiary-pays concerns, and the need to prioritize water infrastructure. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 872 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author and tribal co-sponsors framed the measure as a science-based, consultation-driven roadmap that would not authorize reintroduction but would evaluate habitat, impacts, and implementation. Supporters, including tribal representatives, conservation groups, and animal welfare organizations, emphasized the grizzly’s cultural significance, ecological role, and the value of planning for coexistence. Opposition came from retired and current law enforcement, county officials, ranching and hunting groups, and rural representatives, who raised public safety, staffing, livestock, and wildlife-management concerns, arguing the Department of Fish and Wildlife lacks resources for another apex predator. Committee members debated whether risk, public safety, local control, and potential reintroduction areas should be addressed earlier in the process. The author agreed to consider amendments on those points and on funding and local authority. The committee voted 4-1 to pass SB 1305 as amended to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee also heard SB 1079, which would create a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to identify firefighter needs, test new technologies, and speed deployment of successful wildfire tools. The author said the bill would formalize a pipeline from pilot projects to statewide use and build on existing Cal Fire technology efforts. Support came from Megafire Action, Fireworks, Aurora Tech, and the Orange County Fire Authority; the California Association of Realtors supported if amended to allow nonprofits to administer grants directly to homeowners. With no opposition testimony, the bill was moved on a 2-0 vote and held on call pending additional members. The committee later took up SB 997, a district bill for the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency that would grant lien authority so it can enforce groundwater fees and sustainability plan requirements without relying on civil litigation. Support came from water contractors, rural counties, and county associations; members discussed whether similar authority should be extended to other GSAs. The bill was moved on a 2-0 vote to Judiciary and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• You mentioned getting some money for the repair. How much did you get for the repair of the bridge?
• how much did you get for the repair how much did you get for the repair<00:10:01.240><c> of</c><00:10
• of the bridge uh we have not repair of the bridge uh we have not received<00:10:02.880><c> any</c><00
• of this of ahead it's 11 miles of of this of Highway<00:31:51.639><c> 74</c><00:31:52.440><c> here</
• <01:13:38.199><c> of</c> thousands of dollars versus tens of thousands of dollars versus tens of millions

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to stay on top of our backlogs, clear them, and move forward throughout the pandemic with
• We were able to stay on top of our backlogs, clear them, and move forward throughout the pandemic with
• </c><00:35:18.240><c> of</c> Do you track the timeliness of of Do you track the timeliness of of something
• </c> most of the number of the of the 1.5% most of the number of the of the 1.5% that's<00:39:10.480>
• </c> question of of sort of aggressively question of of sort of aggressively chasing<00:51:25.680><c>

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and 851,000 in the next biennium. of the of the spreadsheet um because of the of the spreadsheet um
• And that starts on page 14 of the DE. Department of Health. And that starts on page 14 of the DE.
• One of our most efficient counties, the backlog is 45 days.
• </c> of fact. of fact.
• </c> consideration of all of these things. consideration of all of these things.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, WE HAVE ALL OF THESE TYPES OF TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE FOR ON-SITE TREATMENT SYSTEMS
• EACH OF THESE HAS A LITTLE BIT OF A DIFFERENCE.
• TO BE PART OF THIS.
• 33% OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT HERE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
• MAYBE LOTS OF HOMES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Jackson and confirmed by the city council of the city of Jackson.
• of Jackson as of services from the city of Jackson as of 1126. 1126. 1126.
• of Jackson and confirmed by the city council of the city of Jackson.
• Two city council of the city of Jackson.
• of the mayor of governor upon the advice of the mayor of the<00:06:53.360><c> city</c><00:06:53.520>

Committee: Joint Energy

Keywords: Energy - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The cost of the lack of repair in our roads is obvious in the trip and the stiff repair.
• The cost of the lack of repair in our roads is obvious in the trip and the stiff repair.
• The cost of the lack of repair in our roads is obvious in the trip and the stiff repair.
• The cost of the lack of repair in our roads is obvious in the trip and the stip report.
• of state.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, as amended, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor explained that the amendment removed a proposed 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales, while leaving the broader financing structure in place, including a $400 million seed appropriation and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenues into the new funds and related road accounts. Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill on a do-pass vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for certain public works projects, while preserving a zero contribution rate where no approved program exists for a classification. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, and building trades representatives, argued the bill would close loopholes, expand training opportunities, and strengthen the workforce. Opponents, including utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico, argued it would raise project costs, duplicate existing federally approved training programs such as TTCP, and unfairly require payments from contractors who already train workers in-house or cannot access approved programs. Members debated whether the bill would affect existing in-house programs, rural access to training, and whether the language conflicted with existing law. An amendment to limit the bill to projects of $50 million or less was tabled, and the committee then passed HB 270 on a 6-5 do-pass vote. After the bill vote, the committee received a District 3 New Mexico Department of Transportation presentation covering project status, funding, and equipment needs in Bernalillo, Valencia, and parts of Sandoval and Socorro counties. DOT staff reviewed completed and upcoming maintenance and STIP projects, local government and school district cooperative projects, and equipment requests. Members asked about delays on the Rio Bravo Bridge project, which DOT said were caused by utility coordination issues, and about the I-25/Gibson interchange, which remains in design and development with later-year funding anticipated. The presentation also addressed specific local projects such as Paseo del Norte and Paseo del Volcán.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Texas Officer of Inspector General of the OIG estimates that approximately 10% of healthcare spending
• We show you registered as Blake Hudson, Director of Public Affairs, Texas Association of Healthcare of
• Of the community of pharmacy across the country.
• Type of plans are regulated by the state of Texas.
• them once a payment of a claim is made, 2 years, up to 2 years to get the repairs completed on the, uh

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of this B.A. 7 is to increase statutory dedications out of the major events.
• I'm the Director of the Office of Facility Planning and Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members.
• I'm the Director of the Office of Facility Planning and Control for the Division of Administration.
• I'm Rachel Dunaway on behalf of the Office of Risk Management.
• Rachel Dunaway, on behalf of the Office of Risk Management.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget met on March 19, 2006, and first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget from the Office of Planning and Budget, with no changes reported. The committee then approved several BA-7 budget adjustments, including additional funding for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism’s Cultural Development Program, a $24.4 million federal funds increase for the Louisiana Department of Health’s Rural Health Transformation Program grant, and a $1 million statutory dedication for reimbursement related to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. All of these items were recommended for approval by both OPB and the Legislative Fiscal Office. The committee also approved a Facility Planning and Control request for the Louisiana Military Department to add $9.1 million to the Jackson Barracks cyber warfare operations project to incorporate a SCIF, bringing total authority to $29.7 million. Members then approved several interpretations of legislative intent to correct or clarify prior appropriations, including parish and local-government recipients and purposes in St. Mary Parish, Catahoula Parish, Lafourche Parish, East Feliciana, and the Wind Foundation of Louisiana. In addition, the committee approved one-year extensions and added funding for Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism tourism advertising contracts, and approved a final extension of the Office of Risk Management’s contract with Sedgwick Claims Management Services. Later, the committee reviewed but did not require action on a change-order report and heard presentations on two university-related agreements. Louisiana Tech University described a plan to shift campus utility service from its aging cogeneration system to local utility providers, requiring new chillers and boilers but projected to save more than $1.6 million annually in operating costs, with estimated debt service of about $1.2 million. The committee also heard an extension request from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for consulting services supporting its Banner ERP system. The meeting concluded with adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The three are just routine repairs that have been identified as part of our inspection program.
• Those are currently included within the dam repair fund that the state of Minnesota funds.
• One of the new elements of that, and the state is aware of this, so upon the repair of that dam we replaced
• So, the dam repair fund is the only source of funding for the DNR for repairs, and the needs throughout
• So, the dam repair fund is the only source of funding for the DNR for repairs, and the needs throughout

Bills: HF343 , HF446 , HF448 , HF674 , HF811 , HF832 , HF1661 , HF1528 , HF1536 , HF1541 , HF1670 , HF1438 , HF1714 , HF1748 , HF1835 , HF1904 , HF1929 , HF1942

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: HF343, Chisago County, Shorewood Park Sanitary Sewer District, Rush Lake, sewer extension, wastewater infrastructure, sanitary sewer, treatment pond, sewage treatment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, local infrastructure, municipal utilities, water quality, sanitation, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, HF446

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and of course, corporate ownership of and of course, corporate ownership of single-family<00:03:
• of of concerns that we just a couple of of concerns that we want<00:14:40.080><c> to</c><00:14:40.120
• the time were the market didn't come back for a number of years, and if you invested money to repair
• </c> taking advantage of people and much of taking advantage of people and much of it<00:52:25.680><c
• We assisted a family with two children under five who were at risk of eviction due to a car repair bill

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of our communities, we are already seeing a high number of vacant homes in some of my HOAs, in the
• of areas.
• Gordon, after major disasters, we often see an influx of fraudulent home repair contractors and scammers
• Insurance is also about future risks and the future cost of repairs. Mr.
• Literally, our Navy spends tens of millions of dollars a year, sometimes hundreds of millions. of millions

Committee: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We spent about $26.57 million of the portion that was designated for repair and renovations.
• So we had a portion of it for repair and renovations and a portion of it for new construction.
• repair.
• There's a lot of money in a lot of these trust funds.
• Not that I can think of off the top of my head. Not that I can think of off the top of my head.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard an update from Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon on staffing, overtime, capital needs, and inmate population growth. Dixon said the prison population has risen by about 8,000 since January 2021 while staffing has not kept pace, forcing the agency to open 53 housing units without funded positions and rely heavily on overtime and National Guard support. He cited a $189 million deficit tied to salaries and overtime, noted that most staff have less than three years of experience, and argued the solution is to fully fund posts for operational housing units. He also reviewed the department’s fixed capital outlay projects, including repairs, new housing construction, and medical modular units intended to reduce outside hospital transports, and gave an update on the VINE victim notification system and its expansion. The committee then heard from Florida clerks of court representatives Jason Welty and Miami-Dade Clerk Juan Fernandez-Barquin, who described clerks’ court-related and county duties and said clerk budgets have not kept pace with the broader justice system. They requested reimbursements for injunctions for protection ($3.3 million), Baker Act/Marchman Act/sexually violent predator cases ($2.5 million), and juror management ($4.8 million), and said future funding for new judges should include the full courtroom system, not judges alone. Fernandez-Barquin also raised concerns about unfunded mandates, rising retirement and health costs, low court-side pay, and the need to revisit filing fees and trust fund allocations. Members asked about collections, payment plans, license suspensions, and whether some fees or trust fund distributions could be redirected; the governor’s budget had already picked up the $2.5 million request for Baker/Marchman/SVP cases. During public testimony, speakers urged broader criminal justice reforms and additional funding priorities. A prosecutor emphasized that adding judges requires funding for prosecutors, public defenders, and clerks as well. Other speakers called for parole or long-term sentencing reform to reduce prison populations and costs, criticized staffing and conditions in prisons, and raised concerns about inexperienced correctional officers, visitation delays, and lack of air conditioning in some facilities. The committee took no substantive votes on the items discussed and adjourned after hearing the presentations and public comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• shall be experienced in the making, fitting, or repairing of prosthetics.
• It states one of whom shall be experienced in the making, fitting, or repairing prosthetics.
• It states one of whom shall be experiencing the making, fitting, or repairing prosthetics.
• They can do those. in the making, fitting, or repairing of prosthetics. That could be a dentist.
• shall be experienced in the making, fitting, construction, altering, and reproducing or repairing of

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee first heard House Bill 495, which would consolidate the Board of Denturity under the Board of Dentistry, add a board seat for someone experienced in denturistry/prosthetics, define denturists’ scope of practice, and address the denturist board’s financial deficit. The sponsor and Department of Occupational and Professional Licenses argued the change would improve efficiency and reduce costs while preserving the profession. Denturists, interns, and association representatives opposed the bill, saying it could create conflicts of interest, leave their profession without a guaranteed denturist on the board, increase barriers to entry, and allow dentists to influence fees and rules. The Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would maintain public safety, preserve licensure, and reduce government size. After testimony and committee discussion, the original motion to send the bill to the floor was withdrawn and the committee voted to send HB 495 to amending order for clarification, including possible language about a denturist board member. The committee then took up RS 33-468, a proposal to repeal Medicaid expansion effective January 1, 2028. The sponsor said the measure was intended to refocus Medicaid on the most vulnerable, address budget pressures, and respond to concerns that expansion can discourage work. Several members opposed the idea, arguing that it would remove coverage from many Idahoans, harm providers, and likely cost the state money by losing federal funds and related tax revenue. Others supported it as a needed step to control spending and prioritize traditional Medicaid populations. After debate, a motion to return the RS to the sponsor failed on roll call, and the committee voted 10-6 to introduce RS 33-468. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• rate of 18%.
• anti-Semitism, to address some of the concerns around the chilling of free to criticize the nation of
• pair of pants, one shirt, and one pair of underwear.
• She said by refusing to invest in repairs and infrastructure, the state of Florida is choosing to neglect
• By refusing to invest in repairs and infrastructure, the state of Florida is choosing to neglect human

Bills: S0436 , S0532 , S0600 , S0644 , S0682 , S0928 , S1072 , S1332 , S1632 , S1634

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: foreclosure, court clerks, budget management, judicial sales, Florida statutes, bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, bond conditions, surety, attorney fees, litigation costs, court jurisdiction, equitable awards, financial resources, domestic violence, protective injunctions, electronic monitoring, enhanced penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• out of ops.
• It would be a description of the type of product, I think.
• And with the help of David, we got a list from all the schools of what kind of projects they would use
• Yeah, for maintenance and extraordinary repairs, those kinds of things.
• Yeah, that the for maintenance and extraordinary repairs, those kinds of things.

Bills: SB2003

Committee: House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division

Keywords: higher education, student loans, scholarships, capital projects, workforce development, funding, North Dakota university system, 908, all

Summary: The committee met to work through the higher education budget, beginning with a conflict-of-interest request from Representative Martinson, who was excused from voting because of a partnership that leases office space to Bismarck State College. Members then reviewed the higher education institution budget sheets, covering ongoing and one-time funding items for campuses and system projects such as BSC housing, Lake Region roof repairs, UND’s STEM and National Security Crossroads projects, the UND allied health facility, NDSU projects including New Horizons, DSU deferred maintenance and campus security, Mayville’s Old Main, Minot projects, and the regional health institutes. Members also discussed student financial assistance, the professional student exchange program, IT security funding, and workforce/education innovation grants. Several amendments and policy questions were debated. The committee adopted an amendment to make workforce education innovation grants competitive rather than automatically distributed, and then voted to remove language prohibiting those funds from being used to duplicate academic programs. Members also removed similar anti-duplication language from the New Horizons section. They agreed to extend the UND hyperbaric chamber transfer authority to 2027 and clarified language around UND land-sale proceeds. A proposed amendment to add $5.6 million for the Wahpeton State School of Science building purchase failed for lack of a second, and a proposal to restore fetal alcohol spectrum disorder funding to UND was left for conference. The committee also discussed, but did not add, a tuition cap change, a study on the Praxis exam, and several governance-related provisions. The committee spent significant time on broader higher education policy items, including a $3 million enterprise resource planning request for the university system, a $2 million grant program for students who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are caring for young children, and a $1.1 million request for library age-verification software tied to the Odin system. Members also discussed dual-credit authority for UND and NDSU, a goal for the UND medical school to increase North Dakota resident enrollment, and intent language regarding the commissioner/chancellor model and presidential search authority. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the amendments and then gave the higher education budget a do-pass recommendation as amended, with Representative Sanford designated as the carrier. The Forest Service budget was also approved, including two additional FTEs, and the committee adjourned after noting it would continue with other budgets the next day.