Transcript Highlights:

• , and Deployment program.
• It's for $79,000. program.
• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• This ratification is for the nuclear planning and response program, which was moved in July 2025 to the

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee considered and approved several temporary appropriation requests in Section B, including spending authority for the Court of Appeals to pay appointed counsel in criminal appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics airport and aviation grants, and Insurance Department items for workers’ compensation benefits and premium tax refunds. It also approved ARPA-related requests in Section C to return unused federal funds from DHS aging, mental health, substance abuse, and Older Americans Act grants. In Section D, the committee reviewed and approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests, including Agriculture grants for wildfire preparedness and forestry capacity, a large Commerce broadband BEAD request, environmental recycling-related reallocations, and Oil and Gas Commission grants for facility repairs and sample preservation. Members questioned the broadband program’s audit process and performance safeguards; the State Broadband Director said the funds are federal, subject to audits, and payments are released only after engineering certification of completed work. The committee also approved DHS reallocations in Section E, including major transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical appropriations to private and public nursing home lines, as well as transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services. The committee then reviewed cash fund requests, miscellaneous federal grants, pay plan and performance fund transfers, methods of finance, and a large set of contracts. A Northwest Arkansas Community College official explained storm-damage repairs and insurance settlement issues, and DHS explained its hospital medical transfer was moving excess appropriation rather than cash. Members also questioned several UAPB tobacco prevention subgrants, especially arts-based outreach, and asked for more data on effectiveness; the committee later voted to expunge and re-refer the J-2 item for further review at a later ALC meeting. Additional discussion covered a DEQ grant to Free Geek of Arkansas for e-waste recycling, a UAPB tobacco program, and various contracts for universities, DHS services, corrections, and public safety. The meeting ended with reports filed for information and a brief member comment thanking others for concern after a tornado in Stone County; no one was injured.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as a state, we need to begin establishing what nuclear regulatory framework would look like within
• What this does is serve as the one-stop shop to administer all of the programs.
• What this does is serve as the one-stop shop to administer all of the programs that are necessary to
• Currently, we have 19 programs... ...consolidated effort for early childhood programs.
• Currently, we have 19 programs across five agencies.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of bills, mostly on a due-pass basis. Representative Grego’s bill to keep a prescribed-burn indemnity fund framework alive, with no state cost and hopes of private or insurance funding, passed 6-0 after discussion about wildfire risk and encouraging safer burns. Representative West’s HB 2962, removing time limits and refund caps for certain tax overpayment claims and extending refund rights for tribal members and former wards, also passed 6-0, with the sponsor saying it would apply retroactively. Representative Archer’s HB 3175, as a committee substitute, would begin creating a state nuclear regulatory framework in anticipation of future federal court changes; it passed 4-3. Representative May’s HB 3336 to remove the salary cap on the OMES CIO failed 2-5 and remained in Appropriations and Budget, while his HB 3831 to create a revolving fund for Oklahoma Task Force One equipment upgrades passed 6-1. Representative Wolfley’s HB 3566 raising tag agent title-transfer fees from $2.25 to $3.75 passed 6-1, and Representative Lawson’s HB 3621 to recreate a state data center for census preparation and LUCA support passed 6-1 after he agreed to amend it to be subject to available funds. Other measures advanced included HB 2958, a 9% pay raise for state employees, which passed unanimously 8-0; HB 3047, making LOFT the clearinghouse for statutorily required agency reports, which passed 6-1; HB 4301, strengthening the VA escape clause by requiring earnest-money refunds when a VA-financed home does not appraise, which passed 7-0; and HB 1979, creating a two-year task force to consolidate early childhood programs across agencies, which passed 4-2. The committee also heard a bill allowing the Attorney General’s Office and District Attorneys Council to buy vehicles without going through OMES, and it passed 6-2. After finishing the agenda, the committee announced a short recess before reopening for an Emergency Management budget hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• nuclear power needs. needs.
• For the Medicaid program?
• Any other programs, can you identify those programs that you are taking money from?
• to use that same program.
• program.

Bills: SB1 , HB500 , SB1 , HB1400 , HB 1094 , HB365 , HB 1109 , HB647 , HB500

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• We're hiring for a program coordinator and a training coordinator.
• Carey, real quick, you had said you suffered a loss in the program.
• Yes, my fearless leader vacated the program, and our training exercise coordinator also left.
• This is like emergency planning for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIP) and for nuclear shipments.
• This funds emergency preparedness training for what is the nation's only nuclear waste repository.

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• </c> nuclear energy and nuclear opportunity nuclear energy and nuclear opportunity uh<01:35:56.960><c
• out this very small program because the state has lots of programs, and this particular program, it
• </c> the lid program? the lid program?
• </c> Program established. Program established.

Transcript Highlights:

• China, Russia, and North Korea pose an increasing nuclear and conventional threat to key U.S. cities.
• The Trump administration has proposed an Iron Dome program for North America and issued an executive
• And that's all installation, not just super sensitive ones like nuclear sites.
• If terrorists get a hold of nuclear material, and there's a growing nuclear family, including Iran and
• North Korea, where nuclear material might become available.

Committee: Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• lunch and learn. >> Nuclear?
• the first nuclear lunch and learn. learn. learn.
• &gt;&gt; Nuclear?<01:41:02.880><c> Yes.
• and</c><01:41:04.480><c> learn</c> &gt;&gt; Nuclear?
• A nuclear lunch and learn &gt;&gt; Nuclear? Yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• through the HOPE program, transitional housing and support for single mothers in the Family Care Program
• The MAL Fellowship Program equips these future leaders.
• And that was a program where President Trump...
• I'm a banker, and I know how the loan program works.
• HB number 3849 by Canales, relating to the program categories in the Unified Transportation Program.

Bills: HB75 , HB188 , HB199 , HB4029 , HB330 , HB507 , HB524 , HB1517 , HB 1065 , HB1375 , HB1630 , HB1398 , HB 1227 , HB689 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2140 , HB4897 , HB5600 , HB5489 , HB4188 , HB2881 , HB2048 , HB3900 , HB4074 , HB5568 , HB5528 , HB3811 , HB3726 , HB3382 , HB4507 , HB4775 , HB3626 , HB3569 , HB5212 , HB5248 , HB5178 , HB3453 , HB3231 , HB3941 , HB1571 , HB1969 , HB1865 , HB2879 , HB2643 , HB4799 , HB4891 , HB5567 , HB5549 , HB5187 , HB5118 , HB3191 , HB1730 , HB1687 , HB2192 , HB4511 , HB4805 , HB1863 , HB3195 , HB3199 , HB5562 , HB5551 , HB5169 , HB3290 , HB3712 , HB3996 , HB5098 , HB5097 , HB5089 , HB3897 , HB3868 , HB3829 , HB4840 , HB3753 , HB4368 , HB4142 , HB2841 , HB3457 , HB3784 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10 , SB1844 , SB1833 , SB2284 , SB2052 , SB1666 , SB1265 , SB1146 , SB1921 , SB480 , SB1734 , SB296 , SB2039 , SB462 , SB1646 , SB2173 , SB2925 , SB682 , SB1173 , HB4535 , HB4520 , HB3824 , HB3066 , HB2442 , HB3863 , HB4773 , HB4327 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4879 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4144 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3424 , HB4744 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB4398 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB5681 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3812 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3664 , HB4233 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HJR218 , HB5623 , HB4921 , HB5673 , HB5520 , HB 105 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB4683 , HB75 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HB5577 , HB31 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HB188 , HB199 , HB4029 , HB330 , HB507 , HB524 , HB1517 , HB 1065 , HB1375 , HB1630 , HB1398 , HB 1227 , HB689 , HB689 , HB1814 , HB2160 , HB2140 , HB4897 , HB5600 , HB5489 , HB4188 , HB2881 , HB2048 , HB3900 , HB4074 , HB5568 , HB5528 , HB3811 , HB3726 , HB3382 , HB3382 , HB4507 , HB4775 , HB3626 , HB3569 , HB5212 , HB5248 , HB5178 , HB3453 , HB3231 , HB3941 , HB1571 , HB1969 , HB1865 , HB2879 , HB2879 , HB2643 , HB4799 , HB4891 , HB5567 , HB5549 , HB5187 , HB5118 , HB3191 , HB1730 , HB1687 , HB1687 , HB2192 , HB4511 , HB4805 , HB4805 , HB1863 , HB3195 , HB3199 , HB5562 , HB5562 , HB5551 , HB5169 , HB3290 , HB3712 , HB3996 , HB5098 , HB5098 , HB5097 , HB5089 , HB5089 , HB3897 , HB3868 , HB3829 , HB4840 , HB3753 , HB4368 , HB4142 , HB2841 , HB3457 , HB3784 , HCR76 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141 , HCR46 , HCR46 , HCR109 , HCR10

Keywords: magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in an interesting situation where we actually administer a property and casualty insurance program
• And what's happening is we're having what's called nuclear verdicts, where someone is getting sued and
• And what's happening is we're having what's called nuclear verdicts, where someone is getting sued and
• what is driving this expansion. ...maybe part of what is driving this expansion of these sort of nuclear
• maybe part of what is driving this expansion of these sort of nuclear awards that we're seeing.

Bills: HB1977

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: indemnification, liquor, commercial servers, liquor liability, business protection

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:41.200><c> once</c> very rigorous monitoring program once very rigorous monitoring program
• </c><00:58:36.319><c> in</c> benefits of a similar program in benefits of a similar program in California
• </c><01:09:23.920><c> some</c><01:09:24.159><c> of</c> programs are not cost-effective. some of programs
• </c> work through this net metering program work through this net metering program and<01:13:36.719><
• </c> certification program for plug-in solar. certification program for plug-in solar. and<01:30:30.000

Bills: HF2986 , HF3555

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So we took care of the state grant program.
• But they are also the basis of the state grant program and the North Star Promise program.
• A 7% cut across the board in academic programs.
• Fund the programs and the needs of the state of Minnesota.
• We did not cut county program aid. I thought that was very, very important.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ukraine gave up its own nuclear missiles for its independence.
• </c><00:33:37.120><c> missiles</c> Ukraine gave up its own nuclear missiles Ukraine gave up its own nuclear
• </c><00:47:14.960><c> of</c> embedded in courses and programs of embedded in courses and programs of
• </c><04:11:49.520><c> and</c> had the links to that book program and had the links to that book program
• </c><04:19:41.680><c> um</c> 653 relative uh to a pilot program um 653 relative uh to a pilot program

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic. Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience. A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Szabo worked as a career civil servant, first for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and then the Office
• Szabo was repeatedly recognized with awards for his excellent performance in the Office of Nuclear Reactor
• David's primary focus during the time included EPA's program... under the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission. At the NRC, I was able to become a member of the U.S.
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• This ratification is for the nuclear planning and response program, which was moved in July 2025 to the
• It amends an existing program for administration of the Autism Waiver Program.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• The four programs currently three are set up.
• Lastly, item four, the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor, Texas Nuclear Energy Fund.
• ERCOT generation loan program, a completion bonus program for an ERCOT generation. generation, an outside
• Wow, so we're talking $10 billion for this program.
• by expanding that program, why would we do that?

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:

• and co-coordinating a family program.
• social workers through the programs that I...
• The room education undergraduate program is similar to the building trades.
• We have to talk about the opioid settlement program.
• , which was the largest youth development program in Lee County for 11 years.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It eliminates funds for rural Program.
• </c><01:01:49.599><c> and</c> residency program and residency program and 14.9<01:01:52.119><c> million
• ,</c> community solar garden program, community solar garden program, modifications<01:13:53.280><c>
• </c> changes to the state's nuclear changes to the state's nuclear moratorum.<01:14:14.800><c> It</c>
• Uh, although I do know the Senator from Mankato... explore nuclear energy, not to even explore nuclear

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, both nuclear EMP and solar weather produce what's called ground-induced currents.
• He added that the bars on the right show nuclear EMP.
• So either one of these threats, what happens is whether it's a nuclear blast in the exoatmosphere or
• So nuclear electromagnetic pulse, the phenomenon...
• So as an example, if an adversary launched a nuclear weapon over, say, New York...

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee began by deferring six bills en bloc, then took up House Bill 1103, which would exempt certain industrial facility construction or improvement projects—especially aerospace-related facilities—from some local permitting requirements. Supporters said the goal was to reduce red tape and help Louisiana compete with states like Texas and Florida for aerospace investment, while members raised concerns about safety, home rule authority, and whether fewer permits could reduce oversight. The bill was reported favorably. Members then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1212, which would require utilities to assess large electric transformers for vulnerability to electromagnetic threats and report findings to GOSEP, with a public version of the report. The sponsor and a retired Marine officer argued the bill was a limited “scoping” measure to identify vulnerabilities to solar storms or EMP attacks and estimate hardening costs; they said the current federal standard is too low and that protection technology exists. Committee members and utility representatives questioned whether the bill duplicated existing federal/NERC requirements, whether the information could create security risks if disclosed, whether the PSC had already studied the issue, and whether the costs would be passed to ratepayers. The PSC said it had previously opened a docket and studied EMP/physical security issues but never issued a final recommendation. After discussion, the sponsor agreed to defer the bill, and the committee deferred HB 1212. The committee then reported several technical or narrower bills favorably: House Bill 241 updated bank records disclosure citations and replaced a reference to the defunct Office of Thrift Supervision with the CFPB; House Bill 1091 shifted local fire departments to direct reporting into the federal emergency response system; and House Bill 1027 extended existing liability protection for real estate agents to licensed appraisers regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance in one- and two-family homes. Finally, House Bill 1096, dealing with electrical cooperative bylaws and board authority versus member approval, was introduced with testimony from cooperative representatives explaining it was intended to restore member control or allow cooperatives to opt out of the 2012 change that had expanded board authority. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1096.

Transcript Highlights:

• regarding safety with regard to nuclear power.
• regarding safety with regard to nuclear power.
• regarding safety with regard to nuclear power.
• regarding safety with regard to nuclear power.
• The disposal program for solar panels.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• A nuclear facility is a quiet operation.
• A nuclear facility is a quiet operation.
• , oil and gas research program, and renewable energy programs.
• That's typically what the lignite research program, oil and gas research program, renewable energy program
• Typically, what the lignite research program, oil and gas research program, and renewable energy program

Summary: The committee met in Grand Forks, approved the February 26 minutes by voice vote, and recessed for a tour of Minnkota Power Cooperative before hearing presentations on large energy consumers and related infrastructure issues. The first presentation, from the North Dakota Transmission Authority, focused on the need for better local decision-making tools for counties, townships, and planning and zoning boards facing major projects such as transmission lines, pipelines, data centers, wind, solar, and large-scale agriculture. The speaker urged more objective, data-driven analysis, noted that local officials often have limited time and resources, and said the state should support training and tools through groups like the League of Cities and the Association of Counties. Members asked about proactive outreach, data center ordinances, and how to avoid subsidizing large loads or causing reliability problems. The Division of Air Quality then discussed environmental oversight of data centers, emphasizing that North Dakota’s air remains among the cleanest in the country and that the agency’s role is limited to air, water discharge, stormwater, and waste—not zoning or water use. The presentation explained that data centers generally have low direct emissions but may rely on diesel backup generators when the grid is unavailable, which creates air-quality concerns; the department said it is requiring air monitors at some projects to collect real-world data and guide future decisions. Members asked about generator emissions, misinformation, monitoring costs, and staffing succession, and the agency said permit applicants pay for the monitors while the state handles some QA work. The Department of Water Resources followed with an overview of North Dakota water law and data center water use. The director explained the state’s prior-appropriation system, the public-interest review for permits, and the large overall water supply available from groundwater and the Missouri River. He said most proposed data centers use closed-loop cooling systems and generally request relatively small amounts of water compared with other uses such as power plants, irrigation, and oilfield operations, and that even a worst-case data center scenario would use only a tiny fraction of Missouri River flow. Questions focused on downstream impacts and comparisons to fracking water use, and the director said the state’s use is too small to materially affect downstream users. Later, McLean County State’s Attorney Ladd-Erickson testified online about data center zoning and permitting. He asked the committee to have Legislative Council gather information on how other states handle data center permitting and to keep the topic on the interim agenda. He argued that local zoning should remain local, but said counties lack the technical and legal resources to manage complex reclamation or bonding requirements and that state-level enabling legislation may be more appropriate. He also recommended eliminating tax incentives for data centers. The committee chair said staff would prepare a document on other states’ zoning and permitting approaches. After a lunch recess, the committee reconvened at the EERC, where CEO Charles Gorecki gave an overview of the center’s 75 years of work and its role in oil and gas, carbon management, and other energy technologies, highlighting enhanced oil recovery and carbon dioxide utilization as major opportunities for future production and tax revenue.