Video & Transcript Research : 'surplus appropriation'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a mechanism should the committee and should the legislature see fit to appropriate funding.
- Last budget cycle, Governor Healey proposed increasing the Reggie Lewis Center's annual appropriation
- However, without a higher base appropriation, we cannot fully cover staff salaries, operating costs,
- They have two separate appropriations. They are not commingled.
- appropriated so that it floats on its own bottom.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills touching student access, campus safety, and institutional support. Early testimony focused on H. 4544, which would create a state Hispanic-serving institution designation to replace a lost federal designation and potentially allow future funding. Representative Kushmerek and Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge described Fitchburg’s growing Latino student population, the university’s local commitments such as the Fitchburg Promise, and argued the bill would help the institution better serve its community. Committee members asked about how the tuition-free local program is financed, and the bill was described as having no immediate funding request but allowing for future appropriations.
The committee also heard support for H. 1421, a proposed John F. Kennedy Service Scholarship Program for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Commonwealth Corps alumni, with Representative Arena DeRosa arguing that student debt discourages service and that the program would help make citizen service more accessible to lower- and moderate-income students. Members raised questions about cost, take-up, and whether the program should be capped. H. 1449, dealing with transcript withholding, drew support from Representative LeBoeuf and USPyre’s Demi Stoltz, who said withholding transcripts over small balances or non-academic fees traps students and harms workforce participation; members discussed how schools could still collect debts without blocking transcripts. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to improve study-abroad safety reporting, with Carrie Pascarello urging a centralized data system after multiple student deaths and serious incidents abroad, and members asking about how other states handle similar transparency measures.
Another major topic was H. 4113 on higher education sexual misconduct. Laura G. and Ashley Freeman supported a proposal aimed at preventing “passing the harasser” by requiring disclosure of substantiated findings or departures during open investigations in hiring processes. They said the bill would improve transparency and campus safety while preserving due process, and noted Washington State has a similar law. Members discussed whether the bill should be expanded to K-12 settings and asked about the Washington model’s effectiveness. The committee also heard from Mike Canavan of AFT Massachusetts in support of a bill to create a grant program for librarians to earn a master’s in library science, noting the credential is required for the profession but is not offered by any public institution in Massachusetts. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after all scheduled witnesses testified.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Under 4662, the department may use only money appropriated specifically for the purposes of the grant
- Surplus revenue to build additional regional transportation infrastructure, including financing projects
- generate revenue through taxes or user charges to fulfill their obligations. 4888 also ensures that surplus
- Uh, HB 4888 would give RMAC the authority to loan surplus funds to local governments building off of
- And RMA's um loaning surplus funds ensures they have a growing fund to be used for future projects while
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Supporting our Seniors – Senator Karin Housley May 19th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- seniors in their home was another focus for one of your bills, Senate File 3039, which aimed to appropriate
- money for the Minnesota Age appropriate money for the Minnesota Age and<00:03:42.720>
Place <00 - billion deficit when we had an $18 a $6 billion deficit when we had an $18 billion<00:09:26.240>
surplus - c> a<00:09:27.120>
$6 <00:09:27.360>billion <00:09:27.959>budget billion surplus - and a $6 billion budget billion surplus and a $6 billion budget deficit.<00:09:29.839>
We're <
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And at the appropriate time, I would move the bill. Thank you very much.
- SB 1193 will also require the board to document and post on their website appropriate appropriated discretionary
- SB 1193 will also require the board to document and post on their website appropriate appropriated discretionary
- On average, how much money do supervisors have available in surplus?”
- No witnesses at the appropriate time. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear a long agenda of local government, housing, labor, and transparency bills. The committee first adopted the consent calendar for SB 1187 and SB 1388, then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for repairs and repetitive maintenance work. Supporters said the bill would speed emergency and small repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. The bill was ultimately moved forward on a 2-2 vote after discussion of amendments and labor negotiations, and later the committee’s final roll call showed it passing out on a 5-2 vote.
The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting duplicative litigation over a San Diego County housing project, and SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a small special-district audit flexibility by raising the revenue threshold from $150,000 to $250,000. SB 1256 drew support from the author and project counsel, who argued the project had already been litigated and was delaying needed housing, while opponents said the bill would interfere with wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 had support from county auditors and special districts, with no opposition, and was approved 5-0. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing county supervisors to remove an individual trustee for cause, also passed unanimously after testimony describing serious dysfunction and opposition from the California Special Districts Association.
The committee then took up SB 1193, which would impose transparency and approval requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding to nonprofits and other entities. The author and supporters described the bill as a response to grand jury findings and alleged conflicts of interest, while Alameda County argued its current process is already transparent and that the bill would add burdens and could harm services. After amendments and discussion, the bill passed 5-0. SB 1383, a density bonus law bill clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, was supported by labor groups and moved forward despite no opposition, with the final roll call showing it passing out 5-1. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects because of SB 79 density concerns, also passed after support from L.A. Metro and labor and no formal opposition, with the final vote recorded as 5-2. The committee later resumed to hear SB 1272, the CASH Act, which would limit certain sanctions on homeowners for prior unpermitted work by previous owners; the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full testimony and vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House Taxes Committee considers proposed 'wealth tax' 4/7/26
Transcript Highlights:
- of money and that's why we had<00:05:20.960>
a <00:05:21.080>giant <00:05:21.520>surplus - had a giant surplus. had a giant surplus.
- and found out we had a $6 plus surplus and found out we had a $6 billion<00:51:56.360>
deficit. - And that was with an $18.5 billion surplus; we raised taxes by $10 billion.
- And that was with an $18.5 billion surplus; we raised taxes by $10 billion.
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on two tax bills: House File 4123, by Representative Agbaje, would expand Minnesota’s net investment income tax to include certain business income, especially income from S corporations and LLCs not subject to federal self-employment taxes, while keeping the current rate and million-dollar threshold; she said it would raise an estimated $88.7 million next year. House File 4616, by Chair Gomez, would impose a 1% annual tax on fortunes above $10 million. Gomez framed the bill as a response to growing wealth inequality and argued that wealthy households and large fortunes should contribute more to public services, while Agbaje said her bill would broaden the tax base and help meet state needs.
Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project, Erica Mominee of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, Lauren Richards, and teacher Kristen Sinicariello, said the bills would help address wealth and income inequality and provide needed revenue for public health, education, and other public services. They pointed to federal tax cuts for high-income households, cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and strains on state agencies and schools. Richards said small businesses already pay more than large corporations like Amazon, and Sinicariello argued that higher revenue would support classrooms and help equalize opportunity.
Opponents, including Brian Cook of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Dalton Danielson of the Minnesota Business Partnership, and John Beschi of NFIB Minnesota, warned that both bills would hurt business competitiveness and investment. They argued that HF 4123 would effectively create a new higher tax tier for pass-through businesses and that HF 4616 would be difficult to administer, could force sales of illiquid assets, and could discourage entrepreneurship and capital investment. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee moved through bill presentations and public testimony before member discussion.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- As a general rule, I am not a fan of running non-appropriation bills in fiscal session.
- Do you know if there's enough appropriation at DFNA to do this?
- Usually, they need to get a surplus going until their revenues come in.
- We had a billion-dollar surplus a few years ago, a billion and a half.
- In 2006, when I came in, we had almost a billion-dollar surplus on a $4 billion budget.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We have filled 81% of the positions that have been appropriated, and that represents 79% of CTMH.
- I think when I looked at it the other day, they got $32 million in surplus. They're buying it.
- I think when I looked at them the other day, they got $32 million in surplus.
- And so I think that it is appropriate for our team.
- And so I think that it is appropriate for our team.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information.
Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time.
Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not have any appropriation.
- There are budget any appropriation.
- Representative Cole said no problem. relative to sale of surplus state land. relative to sale of surplus
- proceeds from the sale of surplus proceeds from the sale of surplus property<04:03:44.560>
must - <04:05:15.920>
disposal <04:05:16.399>process the surplus disposal process the surplus
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Higher Education - 04/21/2026
Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- over the funding after the Governor's released her executive budget, we did find substantial funds, surplus
- We will take a look at the surplus funds and all of those accounts, because it's not just appropriations
- from the Legislature and the Governor; it's also... ...appropriations from the Legislature and the Governor
Summary:
The New York State Senate Committee on Higher Education met on April 21, 2026, with a quorum present and considered nine bills. The committee advanced bills addressing licensing discrepancies for junior and assistant landscape architects (S.1834A), SUNY/CUNY research foundation financial reporting (S.6745), credits for volunteer firefighters and EMTs enrolled in SUNY or CUNY (S.7367), campus pool and health membership for disabled veterans (S.7784A), early licensure eligibility for dental residents in multi-year specialty programs (S.8401A), a 90-day grace period for certain social workers awaiting limited permits (S.9303), interior designer certification standards (S.9673), and a transfer of excess tuition reimbursement account funds to support proprietary vocational school oversight (S.9682). One bill, S.948 concerning occupational therapists, was held pending resolution with the State Education Department.
Members asked questions on several measures, including whether firefighter/EMT credits were tied to service rather than coursework, how the dental residency bill would work in practice, and the funding source and purpose of the proprietary school supervision account transfer. Support was noted for the interior designer bill from ASID, CIDQ, and IIDA, while most other bills had no listed support or opposition memos. The committee explained that the fund transfer bill would move up to $500,000 from a tuition reimbursement account balance above $2.5 million to help the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision address oversight needs.
All of the bills taken up and moved were reported out of committee, with some sent to the floor and others to the Finance Committee as indicated by the chair. Several were reported without recommendation from individual members. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/27/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- legislative body raises and appropriates legislative body raises and appropriates funds<00:12:06.560
- I have a process question. much is raised and appropriated in uh in much is raised and appropriated in
- <00:36:08.520>
the bond but you're only appropriating the bond but you're only appropriating - appro without a non-appropriation appro without a non-appropriation clause<01:24:26.960>
for< - is the cost of fiveyear Appropriations is the cost of fiveyear Appropriations must<01:58:54.360>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- do that to my knowledge is to do it through a supplemental appropriations bill. appropriations bill
- For a total of 6.5 billion in newly appropriated money out of a $54 billion surplus, I cannot go back
- HB number 500 by Bonnen relating to making supplemental appropriations and reduction in appropriations
- and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority. appropriations.
- Thank you Appropriations Committee.
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
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- the sale of surplus property to go back to the operating fund or the general fund if the property is
- So what all went into that risk analysis, and is it the appropriate level based on the risk analysis?
- That's the appropriate level after we raise that.
- Also, as she mentioned, we're looking at surplus property in conjunction with OMB.
- You guys appropriate and we spend the money. We don't have any cost-benefit analysis.
Summary:
The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion.
OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated.
The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We all also have the regular procedure that is nothing different where the The Chair of Appropriations
- We're going to have the appropriations bill on the floor. or on April the 10th, is that right?
- Budget Day, Appropriations Day, and we will do the budgets. Here in the House.
- An amendment placed in Article 9A does not constitute an item of appropriation or a permissible detail
- I do know we have a surplus. I don't know the number.
Bills:
HJR1, HJR2, HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392, HB195, HB 13, HB143, HB135, HJR1, HJR2, HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, property tax, ad valorem tax, tax exemption, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, equipment exemption, machinery, local government finance, school district revenue, county taxes, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax relief, commercial property, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- An organized process governed by board policy with appropriate intersections with state partners, including
- Using the funding appropriated by the Legislature in the Fair Share supplemental budget, which we thank
- We do know that we've left ourselves with some surplus money that we've used responsibly for one-time
- So we know we'll have another surplus even this year.
- Well, let me just start off, and I'll ask the Commissioner to add to it if it's appropriate or needed
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on the BRIGHT Act, a higher education capital bill that would use Fair Share surtax revenue to fund major repairs, modernization, and decarbonization projects across UMass, state universities, and community colleges. UMass leadership described a $4.8 billion deferred maintenance backlog, aging buildings, and the need to modernize facilities, improve accessibility, and reduce emissions. Administration officials said the bill would authorize $2.5 billion in capital funding, split roughly 50-50 between UMass and the rest of public higher education, plus additional targeted funding for housing planning, smaller modernization projects, campus master plans, and workforce skills grants. They emphasized that the financing structure is modeled on the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and would not raise student costs, while also supporting affordability through financial aid and free community college.
Members raised questions about regional equity, the distribution of funds among the five UMass campuses and the 24 state university/community college campuses, project labor agreements, whether the bill would unlock private or federal matching funds, and how the system is preparing for AI and changing workforce needs. UMass officials said project selection is data-driven, based on deferred maintenance, safety, accessibility, sustainability, and programmatic needs, and that the flagship campus in Western Massachusetts would likely receive a large share because of its size and needs. They also said UMass Boston would receive its own share and would not be shortchanged by the Bayside project. On labor, they said PLAs are commonly used and they would follow existing board and building authority policies. On affordability, they said the university has shifted hundreds of millions into need-based aid and that the state’s recent support has helped keep tuition low for many students.
DCAMM and higher education officials said the state’s public campuses account for a large share of state-owned building space and a disproportionate share of operational carbon emissions, making decarbonization a major driver of the bill. They said the legislation would allow larger, more comprehensive projects that can address deferred maintenance, energy efficiency, and program needs at the same time, while also making some projects shovel-ready through the Fair Share supplemental funding already appropriated. A later panel from the State Universities Council of Presidents argued the bill’s authorization is still too small to meet long-term needs and urged the committee to increase the bond cap and ensure a more equitable distribution among segments. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 2/27/26
Transcript Highlights:
- We now project to end fiscal years 2026 and 2027 with a surplus of $3.7 billion, which is $1.3 billion
- Left unspent, that surplus will carry forward into fiscal years 2028 and 2029.
- Um, any increases need to be appropriated by the legislature.
- Um, any increases need to be appropriated by the legislature.
- If you include include uh appropriation If you include include uh appropriation carry<00:31:10.240
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits.
State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook.
State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November.
Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Mar 26th, 2025
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Plastic bottle excise tax proposed 3/10/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And we need that revenue stream that could potentially do appropriation bonds as well to extend it to
- And we need that revenue stream that could potentially do appropriation bonds as well to extend it to
- And we need that revenue stream that could potentially do appropriation bonds as well to extend it to
- couple of years back, and I know that we're all getting tired of hearing about what was an $18 billion surplus
- couple of years back, and I know that we're all getting tired of hearing about what was an $18 billion surplus
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:48.760>
$2 uh current 2025 Bill appropriates $2 uh current 2025 Bill appropriates $2 - that was going to be appropriated that was going to be appropriated or<00:19:07.120>
decisions - <00:43:28.040>
appropriation is where that appropri appropriation is where that appropri appropriation - money with the capital bud appropriation money with the capital bud appropriation correct<01:45:
- It wouldn't be on the surplus statement because it's not an appropriation, but I do want to just get
Summary:
The committee took up House Bill 2 retirement provisions, focusing on Group Two/Tier B changes in pages 25-39. Jan Goodwin of the New Hampshire Retirement System and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions, but it restores certain pre-2011 benefit rules for Tier B members, including changes to average final compensation and earnable compensation, and it also addresses the annuity multiplier for years of service. Members discussed the tier structure, with Tier A referring to vested members, Tier B to those hired before 11/1/12 who were not vested, and Tier C to later hires. Several members expressed concern that the bill’s purpose was to restore Tier B benefits, not to change Tier A rules or create broader changes affecting newer hires.
The retirement system flagged two likely drafting problems. First, it said a provision appears to omit a special-duty/earnable-compensation limitation in the Group Two section, which they believed was a scrivener’s error caused by moving language out of the Group One definition without adding it back for Group Two. Second, they noted the bill’s multiplier language overlaps with changes already enacted in HB 1647, which increased the multiplier for service beyond 15 years for Group Two and carried an estimated $26 million cost. The committee discussed that HB 1647 was originally broader in the House, but the Senate narrowed it to Tier B only.
The actuary’s comparison of the 2023 and 2025 HB 2 versions showed the bills are close, but the 2025 version differs in funding and timing. Staff said the 2025 bill appropriates $2.5 million more per year for 10 years, and that, together with updated actuarial assumptions and a larger share of the affected tier having already retired or otherwise left service, results in a larger reduction in unfunded liability than the 2023 bill: about $98.2 million versus $68.5 million. Employer contribution impacts were described as small overall, though the 2025 bill was said to be somewhat more favorable than the 2023 version. Members also questioned why House Bill 1 only funds $5 million in the first year, and staff said that was tied to the governor’s revenue estimate and that the full funding does not begin immediately. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received testimony, asked clarifying questions, and noted that some issues would be addressed in the fiscal note worksheet.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Rural Health Transformation Committee - Appropriations Division Jan 13th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Doesn't it, House Appropriations? Back home again.
- Basically, it's a work session on the appropriations bill that is before us.
- We do not need legislative appropriation to accept the grant.
- We do need the appropriation.
- It would not appropriate any additional funds.
Summary:
The Appropriations Division met in a work session on the draft Rural Health Transformation appropriations bill, 25.1392.01000, with no public testimony taken. Legislative Council and the Department of Health and Human Services walked through the bill, which would appropriate about $397.8 million in federal grant funds over two federal fiscal years, provide transfer authority, allow certain federal funds to be used for salaries and wages without counting against existing transfer limits, and authorize OMB to adjust other agencies’ spending authority if they receive grant awards through HHS. The bill also includes several temporary statutory exemptions to help implement the program, plus recipient acknowledgement/reporting requirements, periodic reports to Legislative Management, and an immediate effective date upon filing.
Committee discussion focused heavily on how the federal rural health transformation money can be used and administered. Department officials explained that CMS will review projects for allowability and sustainability, that the state has flexibility to move funds among categories, and that the grant is limited to 10% administrative costs. Members asked about whether the funding could support renovations, equipment, ambulances, bulk purchasing, food distribution, and other rural health ideas, and were told many details will depend on CMS approval and the eventual applications. Questions also addressed cash flow, timing of obligations and reimbursements, FTE funding, and whether grant recipients should be told the program will not continue beyond the federal period; officials said the language is meant to prevent expectations of automatic continuation, not to bar future legislative action.
The committee also discussed the bill’s use of a two-year appropriation amount, with staff explaining that the state must appropriate enough authority to cover the federal grant cycle and that unused authority would lapse if the full amount is not received or spent. Members raised concerns about whether the bill’s language could limit creativity or future program design, but department officials and several members emphasized the need for flexibility because CMS may reject overly specific directives. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend the bill draft to the full committee; the motion carried on a roll call vote, and the chair said the full Joint Appropriations Committee would take up the bill at the special session next week.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- How much new money do we have to be appropriated for FY 26?
- But it is available to be appropriated.
- Okay, the total appropriations can grow by $892 million.
- appropriations are maintained as flat.
- So, multi-year appropriations for piloting things.