Transcript Highlights:

• the North Dakota Association of Counties, the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts, and the Minnesota
• This is in statute where we are obligated to meet on a quarterly basis to review water issues, which
• regarding stormwater projects in the state, including looking at current funding sources, related statutes
• You mentioned one legislative item regarding affordability that may—there might have to be a statute
• change or enhancement to the statutes regarding that area.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• He's in Minnesota, but thank you so much for hosting us and for all that you do.
• They got in groups and imagined a statute that they thought would be necessary.
• What was interesting to me is that, of course, there were statutes they suggested about housing and other
• Because I think a statute would be too much.
• In the statute itself, each of the regions must undergo what's called a sequential intercept model mapping

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just a glitch bill that gets the statute of Florida aligned with the federal statute.
• But that program was embedded in the nursing home statute, Chapter 400.
• Homes and adult daycare centers out of Chapter 400 and created its own statute, Chapter 400.
• And that statute is a social welfare statute.
• It actually makes it, by citing that statute rather than the old statute that the prior version, it makes

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require hospital emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, staff training, child-sized equipment and medications, a pediatric care coordinator, and participation in a national pediatric readiness assessment. The bill was reported favorably after no public opposition. CS/SB 1224, aligning Florida law with federal requirements for paramedics to administer controlled substances under physician or nurse practitioner direction, also drew supportive testimony from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring coverage of continuous glucose monitors under both pharmacy and durable medical equipment benefits, was likewise reported favorably after brief support from AARP. The committee then considered CS/SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by defining certain conditions as chronic diseases, creating a statewide registry, and requiring screening and training in hospitals, surgical centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Family members and blood clot advocates strongly supported the bill, but assisted living representatives objected to being included, arguing the bill would impose unrealistic medical expectations and liability on residential care facilities. Senators also raised concerns about the assisted living provisions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said more changes were likely later. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with recovery residences and treatment centers, was amended to reduce the number of active patients from 500 to 300 and then reported favorably after extensive debate over zoning, clustering, neighborhood impacts, and access to recovery housing. CS/SB 1050, which expands the developmental disabilities pilot program and creates an adult pathways waiver option, generated the most extensive testimony. Supporters said it would help reduce the long APD waitlist and expand services, while many families and advocates warned against managed care, citing provider shortages, weak oversight, and the importance of consumer-directed care. Committee members emphasized that participation is voluntary and that people can disenroll, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening and level-two screening requirements, and CS/SB 1578, expanding breast cancer screening coverage, were both reported favorably with little opposition. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations; after an amendment expanding the committee from three to five members, it was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1240, updating DCF substance abuse and mental health procedures including 988, methadone assessment, forensic evaluators, and Baker Act transfer timing, was amended and reported favorably after debate over transfer deadlines and facility responsibilities. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at improving Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates by tightening program standards, requiring exit exams and remediation, mandating reporting and inspections, and limiting accreditation extensions. A strike-all amendment was introduced that would also require certain low-performing programs to offer a three-month graduate preceptorship. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full debate and final action are completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:02:00.960><c> Tipton.</c> &gt;&gt; Representative Tipton.
• Representative<00:02:03.520><c> Watkins</c> Representative Watkins Representative Watkins &gt;&gt; present
• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:02:07.520><c> Dosset</c> &gt;&gt; Representative Dosset &gt;&gt; Representative
• &gt;&gt; And<00:02:10.640><c> Chairman</c><00:02:11.039><c> Fister</c> &gt;&gt; And Chairman Fister &
• gt;&gt; And Chairman Fister &gt;&gt; present.<00:02:13.680><c> Thank</c><00:02:13.840><c> you.

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• one of them went to Virginia, and one of them went to, I think, I don't know if it was Michigan or Minnesota
• demands that we don't even know about yet, this is going to be a key piece because right now our statute
• And right now, our statute doesn't give us any flexibility whatsoever to change how we meet demands.
• The fees in statute are intended to assist in the oversight. of those utilities, but currently they go

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1494, an act amending section 27423-Hards under Vice Statute, building the operation of mines.
• SB 1497, an act amending Title 17, Section 26, and 15-24-02, Arizona Revised Statutes, building academic
• SB 1585, an act amending Title 12, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section
• SB 1632, an act amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section
• SB 1723, an act amending sections 13-3622 and 13-3967, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to bail.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the wheat producers in North Dakota, Minnesota, who have no other option but rail and rail out to
• has requested that this study look into a sidewalk utility, which is not currently authorized under statute
• really limit the reimbursement... ...with road improvement districts because the statutes really limit
• the reimbursement levels for agencies that move forward with the projects under the RID statutes.
• to revise the code to allow for full reimbursements of those projects that are done under the RID statutes

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas statute requires physicians to file a fetal death certificate for babies who are at least 20 weeks
• The statute is interpreted as prohibitive of providing a fetal death certificate if the gestational age
• Minnesota complex, that they were all absolutely tailored and organized on the same page.
• You kind of have to be very prescriptive in statute.
• First, it revises the definition of "network provider" in the statute section 1467.0168 to include a

Bills: HB136 , HB451 , SB425 , SB466 , SB905 , SB1986 , SB2311 , SB2450 , SB2805 , SB2826 , SB2919 , SB3001 , HB136

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1494, an act amending section 27-423, hard rock mines under vice statute, building the operation of
• SB 1497, an act amending Title 17, Section 16, and A.R.S. 15-24-02, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating
• SB 1585, an act amending Title 12, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• SB 1723, an act amending Sections 13-3622 and 13-3967, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to bail.
• SB 1723, enact amending sections 1336-2 and 1339-67 errors in our vice statutes relating to bail.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a series of personal privilege introductions recognizing guests including the Doctor of the Day, realtors visiting for Realtor Day, and the family of former Senator Barbara Leff. The chamber also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 264 honoring Barbara Leff, followed by a moment of silence in her memory. The Senate then moved through a large number of bill introductions and first readings, as well as Committee of the Whole consideration of several measures. In Committee of the Whole, senators considered and advanced multiple bills, often with technical or negotiated floor amendments. Among those reported out as do pass or do pass as amended were SB 1494, SB 1497, SB 1503, SB 1535, SB 1544, SB 1580, SB 1582, SB 1584, SB 1585, SB 1602, SB 1632, SB 1723, and SB 1798. The amendments addressed topics such as technical corrections to mining and pension language, classical learning tests, sex trafficking record sealing, probation reporting, school safety funding, kinship foster care stipends, DES credentialing, domestic violence release conditions, and a school safety/threat identification pilot program that was revised into a FAFSA awareness recognition program. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several bills. HB 4115, SB 1012, SB 1213, SB 1416, SB 1474, SB 1511, SB 1549, SB 1573, SB 1634, SB 1647, SB 1649, SB 1664, and SB 1725 were considered, with most passing on party-line or near-party-line votes; SB 1416 and SB 1664 passed unanimously, while SB 1549 passed with broader support. Several members explained votes on immigration enforcement, concealed carry in establishments serving alcohol, commercial driver licensing, campaign finance, and a digital asset reserve fund. HB 2993, dealing with DPS legal representation funding, passed 16-13 after debate over constitutional concerns, funding sources, and the use of the Attorney General’s consumer fraud fund. The session ended with the Senate adopting the Committee of the Whole report and transmitting the passed bills to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• :48.080><c> this</c><00:02:48.319><c> one</c><00:02:48.480><c> and</c><00:02:48.640><c> then</c><00:02
• :48.800><c> we</c><00:02:48.959><c> will</c><00:02:49.120><c> RFP</c><00:02:49.599><c> it.
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:02:50.959><c> So</c><00:02:51.519><c> 20</c> &gt;&gt; Okay. So 20 &gt;&gt; Okay.
• So 20 &gt;&gt; 27 &gt;&gt; 27 &gt;&gt; 27 &gt;&gt; seven.<00:02:54.400><c> Yeah.
• &gt;&gt; All<00:02:57.040><c> right.</c><00:02:57.360><c> Any</c><00:02:57.680><c> questions?

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.280><c> these</c><00:02:01.520><c> positions</c><00:02:01.920><c> were</c> positions these positions
• were positions these positions were previously<00:02:02.719><c> supported</c><00:02:03.159><c> on</c
• supported on federal funds associated<00:02:04.600><c> with</c><00:02:04.799><c> specific</c><00:02:
• :56.680><c> informal</c><00:02:57.680><c> inquiry</c><00:02:58.200><c> and</c><00:02:58.400><c> not</
• c><00:02:58.599><c> a</c><00:02:58.920><c> not</c><00:02:59.080><c> a</c> an informal inquiry and not

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met on February 6 and began with decision-making items. SB 663, concerning additional positions for the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, was deferred again after the chair said the university’s response did not include the requested details on vacant positions, recruitment status, and fill dates. The chair said the committee needed the full information before considering new positions, and the university apologized for treating the request as informal rather than a formal committee inquiry. The committee then discussed SB 672, relating to capital improvement projects for the Y. Manalo Research Station. University representatives said the project had been identified late because of timing and that they were still developing a broader plan for SEAR research facilities. The chair questioned how the project fit within the university’s existing Board of Regents-approved CIP priorities and whether any current priorities should be displaced. The university said it could not unilaterally reprioritize the budget, and the measure was deferred pending better direction on how it fits into the overall plan. For SB 557, which would require the John A. Burns School of Medicine to direct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention for Maui, the committee heard strong testimony in support from Maui health care providers and community representatives. Supporters described severe shortages of physicians and dentists, long waits for care, and the need for housing, loan repayment, scholarships, transportation, and telehealth support to retain providers. The university said it was willing to help and suggested the work could be done through existing rural health and AHEC efforts. The bill was kept alive for further work, with the chair encouraging the parties to develop a plan. The committee also heard SB 1107, establishing a medical education position at JABSOM to support ECHO-style mentorship and guidance programs. The university opposed the bill, saying it did not believe the measure addressed a problem that needed fixing and that Hawaiʻi already has five ECHO clinics administered through the Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association, not JABSOM. The committee then took up SB 1204, concerning integration of the Kakaʻako medical school and cancer center. University leadership asked for time to develop a plan and timeline, possibly with an external consultant, and requested the bill be withdrawn. The chair expressed skepticism, citing long-standing concerns about the cancer center’s finances and planning. Testimony included support from the American Cancer Society and a patient who warned that integration could jeopardize the cancer center’s NCI designation and clinical trials, while a university vice president said the NIH P30 grant does not require the cancer center and medical school to remain separate and that many NCI centers are integrated. No final votes were taken on the measures discussed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And um to begin with uh<00:02:00.560><c> first</c><00:02:00.799><c> and</c><00:02:00.960><c> foremost
• </c><00:02:01.439><c> I</c><00:02:01.600><c> believe</c><00:02:01.840><c> everyone</c> uh first and foremost
• I believe everyone uh first and foremost I believe everyone has<00:02:02.399><c> a</c><00:02:02.560>
• <c> sheet</c><00:02:02.799><c> that</c><00:02:02.960><c> looks</c><00:02:03.200><c> like</c><00:02:03.439
• ><c> this</c><00:02:04.079><c> uh</c><00:02:04.240><c> that</c> In fact, it'll be about, and I would

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance heard testimony from Bo Barnes, deputy executive secretary and general counsel for the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), on the TRS budget request for the upcoming biennium and how it compares with House Bill 500 as introduced. Barnes emphasized that the bill fully funds the system’s additional funding request to pay down TRS’s legacy unfunded pension liability, which he described as critical to the system’s long-term funding plan. He also explained that the pension and health insurance requests are broken into several line items, including legacy benefit items, state shared-responsibility payments for retiree health insurance, and reconciliation items that adjust for prior over- or underpayments. Barnes said the state portion of shared responsibility for retiree health insurance was funded below the request in House Bill 500, but he described the health insurance trust as a success story under the post-2010 shared-responsibility model. He said the trust is projected to be fully funded in about two years if medical inflation and federal subsidies remain stable, and he noted that any shortfall in the current budget would be reconciled later and could reduce investment income. In response to questions, he explained that the legacy benefit items are treated as part of the total actuarially determined employer contribution and that unpaid legacy benefits would have the same impact on the retirement trust as unpaid ADC amounts. Barnes also addressed questions about whether the $47.2 million SEEK-related teacher contribution reconciliation could be split between fiscal years, saying it could be done but would reduce investment income and potentially increase future contribution needs. He said the pension fund is currently about 61% funded and that TRS has received full funding for the pension for 10 straight years, with the state having provided full additional funding and more in recent budgets. He concluded by asking the committee to consider TRS’s original budget request, warning that underfunding now would be reflected in future actuarial calculations and could cost the Commonwealth more over time.

Transcript Highlights:

• I read the statute. It did better than me.
• But this, the exception for Alexandria is not from this statute.
• That's my understanding, but currently under state statute, St.
• But currently, under state statute, St.
• Now, under state statute, St. Bernard is listed.

Bills: HB345 , HB502 , HB511 , HB655 , HB667 , HB713 , HB714 , HB730 , HB743 , HB777 , HB803 , HB836 , HB871 , HB1037 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and aviation measures. HB 1175, by Rep. Turner, updated aeronautics-related definitions and was reported favorably without objection. HB 655, by Rep. Brough, authorized DOTD to use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems, with Secretary Glenn LaDay explaining it was intended to give DOTD flexibility for possible privatization or contracting of ferries such as Cameron; it was also reported favorably. HB 1037, by Chairman Borek, shifted certain DOTD operational responsibilities to a chief operating officer and was reported favorably, and HB 1174, also by Chairman Borek, recreated DOTD and was reported favorably as a cleanup measure. HB 714 and HB 502 were voluntarily deferred. The committee then considered several port-related bills. HB 871, by Rep. Carver, would have added two St. Tammany Parish appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, but the author asked to voluntarily defer it, saying the timing was premature given ongoing work on the Louisiana International Terminal and related access projects. HB 345, by Rep. McMakin, expanded the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports and was reported favorably. HB 713, by Rep. McCormick, would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors; after extensive debate and testimony from the port, the Port Association, and Caddo Parish opposing the bill, the committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer it. HB 667, also by Rep. McCormick, would change Caddo-Bossier Port commissioners from appointed to elected; witnesses argued it would politicize the board, create election costs, and conflict with the port’s current structure, and the committee again voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer the bill. The committee also advanced local infrastructure and flood-protection measures. HB 743, by Rep. St. Blanc, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, was reported favorably after testimony that the district would help the parish manage the airport as an economic development asset. HB 836, by Rep. Hilferty, would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East by Senate confirmation; after concerns that the original August 1 date could interfere with hurricane-season operations, the committee adopted an amendment moving the reconfirmation date to December 1, 2026, and then reported the bill favorably by substitute. Finally, HB 730, by Rep. Cruz, was presented to prohibit the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to assess taxes or fees on aircraft owners, with an amendment narrowing the bill to smaller aircraft; the discussion continued into questions about enforcement and exemptions for carrier airports.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 32 counseling is relatively new to Arizona, Ohio, and Minnesota, with more than 30 more states already
• and duties, removing gifted students from special education, recompiling current special education statutes

Bills: HB95 , HB111 , HJR1 , HB32 , HB33 , HB61 , HJM2 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB8 , HB30 , HB43 , HB156 , HM2 , HM16

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, Great River Energy in Minnesota found that one line had an average of 60% more capacity with
• An individual or entity that receives money at a non-residential address, as defined in the statute,

Bills: HB551 , HB 1281 , HB1378 , HB1617 , HB2868 , HB2881 , HB3374 , HB4439 , HB4726 , HB4732 , HB4878 , HB4914 , HB4921 , HB4958 , HB5200 , HB5318 , HB5360 , HB5402 , HB5568 , HB5573 , HB5623 , HJR218

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.680><c> that</c><01:02:50.880><c> is</c><01:02:51.039><c> updated</c><01:02:51.520><c> every</c><
• 01:02:51.799><c> year</c><01:02:52.680><c> um</c><01:02:52.920><c> if</c> Nation that is updated every
• </c><01:02:53.400><c> the</c><01:02:53.520><c> 2024</c><01:02:54.240><c> Alice</c><01:02:54.680><c> report
• page<01:02:55.559><c> three</c> page three page three they<01:02:56.640><c> have</c><01:02:56.880><c
• > the</c><01:02:57.119><c> levels</c><01:02:58.279><c> um</c><01:02:59.279><c> uh</c><01:02:59.400><c

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with testimony largely in support. SB 1388 and SB 1393, both concerning the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education representation and land conveyances, received support from DOE and the School Facilities Authority, with no questions or action taken. SB 423, which would add Head Start representation to the Early Learning Board, was supported by the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning, which explained the bill would realign the board with federal Head Start Act requirements after the board was restructured in Act 170; EEL also requested an effective-date amendment. SB 422, allowing DOE to award diplomas to students whose education was disrupted by war, drew support from DOE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Council, and the Special Education Advisory Council, but also significant opposition from the Hawaii Patriot Republicans and many individuals; members asked questions about the bill, and DOE explained the measure’s purpose, but no vote was taken. The committee also took testimony on SB 532, which would expand who may administer certain medications in schools. DOE, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii supported the bill. Members asked detailed questions about oral, nasal, and topical medications and the process for prescription review and administration; DOE explained that parents request the medication, a school form is completed, a nurse reviews it, and either a trained school health assistant or a contracted nurse administers the medication. DOE said the measure could improve attendance and learning, especially for students with ADHD, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The committee then heard SB 659 on locally sourced food products and school meals, where DOE’s procurement office opposed the higher small-purchase threshold and DOE exemption from procurement rules, while Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others supported the bill as a way to advance farm-to-school goals and the 30% local food target by 2030. Testimony and questioning focused on the proposed threshold increase, transparency, and whether an online bidding system would be preferable. Finally, the committee heard SB 1300 on subsidies for ALICE families’ school meals. DOE supported the bill but requested amendments: defining eligibility at 250% of the federal poverty level, delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year, and covering reduced-price lunch students in full for 2025-2026. HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, and others supported the measure, emphasizing food insecurity, the burden of meal paperwork, and the educational importance of free meals. Hawaii Appleseed suggested replacing ALICE with a federal poverty level standard and removing a rulemaking requirement that could delay implementation. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chaplain for today is my pastor, Pastor Ryan Brayley from Central Lutheran Church, Elk River, Minnesota
• Paul, Minnesota, Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the purpose of this report is to comply with North Dakota Century Code 15.1-02-09.
• So the purpose of this report is to comply with North Dakota Central Code 15.1-02-09.
• Data is submitted annually via our STAR system as required in North Dakota Century Code 15.1-02-03.
• One of them is a timeline of actions, and then just a review Of the requirements in the statute.
• Counts pilot program—this was an additional section of statute, kind of towards the end of the bill,

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• About 15 years ago working with AARP and the University of Minnesota we set out to manufacture Blue Zones
• In Minnesota, we saw a 30% drop in health care costs among city workers. That was in 2009.
• I think it was in Minnesota you saw a town that saved 30% of their city worker health care costs since

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Keywords: health policy, lifespan, quality of life, community health, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting was marked by discussions surrounding health policies aimed at enhancing the lifespan and quality of life for the community members. The chairperson initiated the session with personal reflections on the importance of extending not just the years of life but also the quality of those years, especially from the perspective of parents and grandparents. Members engaged in thoughtful dialogue regarding potential legislative measures that could address public health in a more holistic manner, emphasizing the need for community outreach and effective health education programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commission is an independent bipartisan oversight agency charged in statute with investigating state
• It was a separate statute that says CCAs have to have, you know, exit fees or long-term contracts to
• It was a separate statute that says CCAs have to have, you know, exit fees or long-term contracts to
• I'm not quite sure how we'd make it apply to them through their own statutes because I think that would
• I'm not quite sure how we'd make it apply to them through their own statutes because I think that would

Committee: House Utilities and Energy