Video & Transcript Research : 'utility lines'

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NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 5th, 2026 at 08:31 am

House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • to value avoided utility, and only utility, electric utility, greenhouse gas emissions that they achieve
  • And so what this does is it allows the utility to factor that into their utility costs and how, how..
  • So everyone's utility... ...behalf of the bill. So everyone's utility rates could go up.
  • And why is it only electric utilities? Aren't there other utilities that could...
  • Is it only electric utilities?
Keywords: 996, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Transportation Committee Nov 20th, 2025

Joint Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • line that crosses.
  • to support the utilities.
  • In the case of utilities, you're talking about either relocating the utilities or building completely
  • new utilities altogether.
  • And again, short-line trains are the opposite of the unit trains. By using short-line trains.
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.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The utilities that our Anaheim Public Utilities is working on on behalf of the city for this project
  • line component all the way to the property line.
  • line component all the way to the property line.
  • need to be at the property line.
  • it across the goal line, right?
Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery. The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay. The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation. The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPN Informational Briefing 06-24-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And in line with all of that, it became clear that um we wanted to incentivize the utility to operate
  • . utility. utility.
  • the utility. the utility.
  • If the utility that utility provides.
  • So, DCA, we represent utility customers before the Public Utilities Commission.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational briefing on the Public Utilities Commission’s performance-based regulation (PBR) framework and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ whistleblower complaint process. Chair Jared Kohole opened the meeting, noted it was informational only with no public testimony, and explained that members would hear presentations and then have an opportunity for questions. The committee heard first from Ulupono Initiative, which provided background on why utilities are regulated, how Hawaii’s cost-of-service model and rate cases work, and why PBR was adopted to shift utility incentives away from a capital-investment bias and toward performance, efficiency, cost control, and policy goals such as renewable energy and reliability. Ulupono described Hawaii’s PBR structure as a five-year multi-year rate plan with annual revenue adjustments, a customer dividend, a Z factor for extraordinary exogenous events, and an exceptional project recovery mechanism for large projects. It also outlined performance incentive mechanisms tied to renewable portfolio standard progress, interconnection speed, reliability, and shared savings. The presentation said the current docket is evaluating a possible hybrid approach that would combine forward-looking forecasting with historical results, and Ulupono advocated for stronger incentives, arguing the current rewards are too small relative to utility revenues and should be more meaningful to better align utility behavior with legislative intent. The PUC then presented its own overview, emphasizing that the PBR docket is open and active and that the briefing was limited to the record to avoid ex parte concerns. The commission described the development of PBR in Hawaii through multiple phases beginning in 2018: an initial collaborative phase to set goals, a formal contested-case phase that produced the initial framework, later phases adding scorecards, reported metrics, and additional performance incentive mechanisms, and subsequent refinements including sunset of some mechanisms and adjustments after the August 2023 Maui wildfires. The PUC said the framework is intended to be customer-centric, administratively efficient, and protective of utility financial integrity, and that current work includes evaluating how to balance forward-looking and historical test-year approaches within the rebasing process. No votes or formal actions were taken at the briefing.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026

Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • utility revenue.
  • utility by the general fund.
  • I have no idea to base that on from a utilities perspective, but I would like to know if it kind of lines
  • They utilize IT, they utilize finance, they utilize all those different departments.
  • And there's ways that we can utilize, especially with 1169, utilizing public utility agencies and other
Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • jurisdictional Those span county lines, jurisdictional Those span county lines, jurisdictional
  • Electric utilities.
  • Uh, wastewater utilities are using it, water utilities, oil and gas, especially inspectors here in the
  • 00:08:56.080> water<00:08:56.560> utilities, utilities are using it, water utilities, utilities
  • to maintaining and updating our utility to maintaining and updating our utility infrastructure.<
Summary: The committee first approved minutes from prior meetings after a motion and second, then heard a presentation from Kent Annis and Boyd Sheerer of the Kentucky Division of Geographic Information on the state’s “KY from Above” aerial imagery and elevation program. The presenters described the program’s goals of creating openly accessible statewide imagery and elevation basemaps, reducing duplicative local and state spending, and supporting uses such as transportation, emergency response, utilities, broadband planning, property taxation, economic development, and education. They said the data is owned by the Commonwealth, distributed in the public domain, and has strong return on investment, with statewide ortho imagery coverage completed in 2022 and elevation phases completed or underway in multiple stages. The witnesses emphasized that the program relies on cost-sharing among state, local, and federal partners and that a small state “seed” appropriation is needed to leverage larger federal contributions. They said about $300,000 a year in seed money could help secure additional federal funds, while a three-year imagery refresh cycle would cost about $5.7 million annually and storage/processing about $150,000 a year. They also noted that no subscription fee is charged for access, opposed charging for use of the data even by for-profit users, and said the program is intended as an economic development tool that avoids multiple entities paying for the same geography. Members asked about the funding request, the potential federal match, and whether the state should charge private companies for access. The witnesses explained that the requested amount was for aerial photography and LAR seed money, that federal funds would not cover aerial photography directly, and that the program already uses a cost-share model with 28 partners rather than subscriptions. They also clarified that imagery is refreshed every three years and elevation data on a longer cycle, with elevation prioritized because it supports accuracy for roads, water lines, and broadband planning. The presentation concluded with no formal vote on the program itself; after questions ended, the chair thanked the witnesses and adjourned the meeting.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

November 18, 2025 - 10:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • I will tell you are distribution lines which we're running.
  • But on the first part is a new line of those pipes.
  • I a the utilities.
  • Public utilities are natural gas distribution companies.
  • Models are forecasting tools that the energy logistics team you utilizes to forecast maximum utilization
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • line easement.
  • DAS is requesting, on behalf of DHS, to grant an electrical utility line easement to a facility currently
  • a perpetual utility line easement. a perpetual utility line easement.
  • <00:23:51.039> utility uh to grant a electrical util utility uh to grant a electrical util
  • utility line<00:23:51.600> easement<00:23:52.559> uh<00:23:52.640> to<00:23:53.039
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met and first approved the June 30, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee then took up a series of Department of Transportation property actions, including authorization to grant an access point in Exeter, sell two small tracts in Keene, amend a prior Guilford disposal based on a revised survey and appraisal, sell 0.42 acres in Lincoln, list and sell 9.77 acres in Chesterfield, sell 0.54 acres in Fremont, and approve a permanent access easement in Belmont. The committee also approved a utility easement in Albany and a permanent access easement on Route 153 for the Bickfords. Most of these items involved direct sales or listings, administrative fees of $1,100, and conditions requiring surveys and local/state approvals; several were approved unanimously after brief or no questions. Representative Faulkner declared a conflict of interest on the Chesterfield item, and Representative Newman sat in for that matter; later, Faulkner was recused from the Belmont item as well. The committee also approved a Department of Administrative Services request to grant a perpetual utility line easement to Public Service Company of New Hampshire for a facility under construction at the Hampstead hospital property, with the administrative fee waived because the grant was in exchange for utility service. During discussion of informational item LRCP25-038, staff explained that no committee action was needed because the item was only to notify members that a parcel’s fair market value had been reduced due to a change in access. The committee received additional informational materials from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development, including minutes from its May 8 meeting and memorandums on surplus land review for Meredith and Hampstead. The next meeting was set for December 9 at 9:30 a.m. at Granite Place, Room 228, and the chair noted the meeting would be on a Tuesday because of building scheduling. The committee then adjourned.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (04/13/2026)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • utilities were added to that paragraph. utilities were added to that paragraph.
  • investment on the part of the utility. investment on the part of the utility.
  • 10 through line 17, So starting on line 10 through line 17, section<02:37:58.399> 2A section
  • and 2D lines uh 18 through 29. and 2D lines uh 18 through 29.
  • The whole section starts on line 23 of page one: "An electric distribution utility shall not require
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The second change: Page 2, line 5, one line down after the comma, insert "higher education institutions
  • The third one, page 2, next line down, line 6, strike "or" and insert "in lieu of".
  • Line 6, strike the word "and".
  • So going back on line, on page three, line nine...
  • Line 10. Line 9, Senator. Line 9. Okay, I'm where I need to be now.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Community Affairs Mar 31st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Leek: UTILITY OR MUNICIPALITY. >> IN MY MIXING THE SAME. >> Chair McClain: YOU ARE. >> THE UTILITY IS
  • WE OWN THE UTILITY. THE UTILITY IS OUTSIDE OUR CITY. >> Sen. Leek: LET ME ASK THIS QUESTION.
  • NOT ONLY THE WATER UTILITY BUT ALL THE UTILITIES.
  • IT IS NOT FOR THE PHONE LINES WE HAVE IN THE PLANT, IT IS FOR THE WATER UTILITY. IT CAN BE REDUCED.
  • AS SOME OF YOU INDICATED, THIS IS A UTILITY. ALL THE COSTS OF THE UTILITY ARE BUILT INTO THE RATE.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Community Affairs Mar 31st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We own the utility.
  • Utility or municipality? Utility. Utility. Am I mixing up the two words? I'm sorry. Okay, sorry.
  • We own the utility. The utility is outside of our city. Yeah, it's confusing.
  • For the easement that the utilities—not only the water utility, but all the utilities—the electric, you
  • It's not for the phone lines that we have in the plant. It is for the water utility.
Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1730, a Live Local Act bill on affordable housing. The sponsor described it as a set of technical and policy adjustments to strengthen implementation, including changes to zoning, height, parking, moratoriums, attorney fees, and related land-use rules. An amendment by Senator Claudio was adopted, adding provisions such as a 10-story height limit near single-family neighborhoods, exclusions for certain protected areas, and changes to fee and use definitions. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 1674 on unrated bonds for Israel bonds, with a clarifying amendment adopted to make clear the bill applied only to Israel bonds. CS/SB 140 on charter schools was also approved after debate over parent-led conversion of public schools, municipal job-engine charter schools, and surplus school property; opponents warned about local control and impacts on teachers and communities, while the sponsor said the bill preserved district authority and created new school-choice and economic-development options. The committee also passed SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and CS/SB 954 on recovery residences, after strike-all amendments that addressed zoning, ADA concerns, bed caps, staffing ratios, and limits on operation in certain multifamily settings. Senators expressed support for expanding treatment housing but also raised neighborhood and staffing concerns. The committee then approved CS/SB 1714 on local housing assistance plans, which would allow SHIP funds for limited lot-rental assistance for mobile-home owners and require local plans to address mobile-home park closures. SB 658 on standardized construction lien release forms was reported favorably despite testimony from contractors and lawyers warning about possible effects on lien rights and the separate House proposal. The committee also reconsidered and then approved CS/SB 482 after a late-filed amendment addressing local government art fees and a key issue over defining “extraordinary circumstances,” with counties and cities saying more work remained. Finally, the committee passed SB 24 and CS/SB 4, both local claims bills, CS/SB 712 on synthetic turf and related construction rules, SB 952 repealing the emergency firearms/ammunition restriction, CS/SB 1164 allowing email notice delivery in landlord-tenant matters with opt-in safeguards, and SB 202 on municipal water and sewer rates, which drew extensive opposition from North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens officials over utility surcharges and revenue impacts. The meeting ended with SB 202 still under heavy questioning and testimony about the fairness and financial consequences of the surcharge structure.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 2, 2025 - 04:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So now we have a homeowner and the utility.
  • Why would the vendor contract with the utility contractor, or the utility contract with a vendor to install
  • So it could be a Representative Connelly: different from utility to utility, the rules or regulations
  • The county line that's not possible to just run a sewer line for 30 miles for 40-50 homes.
  • We're starting at line 177.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 19, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Just kind of along the same line.
  • Talking with many members of the contractors that do utility line work, it is understood that the owners
  • This current line is no different than the thousands of feet of utility line that the contractors have
  • lines.
  • lines.
Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and took up a series of bills, beginning with PCS for HB 743 on social media use by minors. The sponsor said the bill would extend last session’s restrictions by requiring parental access to messages for minors ages 15 and 16 and allowing law enforcement access with a warrant or parental request. Members raised concerns about abuse situations and private communications, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at protecting children from grooming and trafficking. The PCS was supported in public testimony and passed 15-0. Members then approved HB 1161, which would let victims of altered sexual depictions or deepfakes demand removal of the content and pursue civil remedies if it is not taken down; an amendment clarified a definition tied to federal law, and the bill passed 14-0. The committee also passed local bills for Duval County (HB 4053) and Oviedo/Seminole County (HB 4031) creating special alcohol licensing exception areas, and HB 717, which increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places, with supporters from historic preservation and local government groups. The committee next approved HB 1035 on building permits for single-family dwellings, as amended, to extend permit validity around building code updates, speed approvals after emergencies, and create faster review timelines for smaller projects; members questioned possible loopholes and storm-related applications, while the home builders association supported the measure. It also passed PCS for HB 1219 on employment agreements, creating a framework for covered non-compete and garden leave agreements for higher-wage employees or those with access to confidential information; several members objected to its impact on workers and the marketplace, and the vote was 11-5. Additional favorable votes were taken on HB 799 regarding condominium alcohol licenses, HB 869 expanding underground utility contractors’ scope to include certain fire line work after a contested amendment and testimony from both utility and fire sprinkler groups, HB 1071 on alternative plan reviews and inspections, PCS for HB 981 on athlete representation and NIL compensation, and PCS for HB 801 on HVAC/mechanical contractors repairing and replacing certain pool heaters, both of which drew mixed testimony and debate over scope and safety. The final item introduced was HB 311 on repair of motorized wheelchairs, which the sponsor said would improve access to parts, tools, and independent repair options for users.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs May 7th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, line 24 line. Yes. It's line 24 through page three, line 17. Okay.
  • Through line 17, and then through, oh sorry, through page four line 17.
  • Which starts on page 2 at line 24 and runs through page 3 line. 17, line 17, and then following there
  • Page 5, line 19, okay, and runs through page 10, line 21.
  • Okay, now here, so page nine, line, give it to me again, sorry. My pleasure. It's line 18.
Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, June 5, 2026

Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Line 10, page 5, SLIB must review all applications from public utilities and participating financial
  • Line 10, page 5, SLIB must review all applications from public utilities and participating financial
  • Line 10, page 5, SLIB must review all applications from public utilities and participating financial
  • the public Then page 10 line 8 um the public utility<00:20:19.679> makes<00:20:20.000> repayments
  • Or does the utility look for this bill to cover all the costs of a line, or just part of the cost of
Keywords: 916, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/23/26

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • monthly utility bills. monthly utility bills.
  • , line 27.
  • , line 27.
  • , line 27.
  • line page three<01:00:31.920> line three line three line 18<01:00:34.160> and<01:00:34.360
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/25/26

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, basically, it lines up Gruenhagen.
  • TENS deployment at utility networks.
  • we need those type of transmission lines we need those type of transmission lines to<00:42:51.040
  • reactors you see in line 1.16. reactors you see in line 1.16.
  • I was going to ask, you know, on line I was going to ask, you know, on line 1.16,<01:03:00.760><
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Insurance Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • license for utilities.
  • An optional limited lines license for utilities to offer home protection products.
  • you pick up the sewer line or the water line, and where the utility has to pay for it.
  • repair products, the line between announcing and soliciting remains vague, which can expose utilities
  • This limited-lines license allows utilities to then associate directly with home protection companies
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met without a quorum at first, then later established one and heard several bills. The main discussion centered on AB 1795, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage in homes. The author and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara argued the bill would provide science-based, health-driven rules and clearer claims handling for wildfire survivors. Consumer groups and insurers generally supported the goal but sought further amendments, warning about cost, scope, and possible conflicts with existing standards; fire survivors urged stronger protections and broader coverage. The committee ultimately voted to pass AB 1795 as amended to Appropriations, with members later adding their votes on call. The committee also heard AB 1576 on the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund, which the author said would reduce litigation and employer assessments while preserving protections for previously disabled workers. Supporters said the bill was a needed reform, while business, public entity, and insurance opponents argued it did not address the fund’s structural problems and that a trailer bill would be a better fix. AB 1576 was passed to Appropriations on a split vote, also held open for later additions. AB 1931, creating a limited lines license for utilities to offer home protection products, drew broad support and no opposition in the room; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2361, dealing with peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platform liability, passed as amended to Appropriations after supporters said it would align liability with fault and opponents warned it could reduce accountability for serious injuries. The committee also heard AB 2098, which would require employers to allow leave for workers’ compensation medical appointments during work hours, subject to notice and business-necessity limits. Labor supporters said workers should not have to choose between treatment and their jobs, while employer and insurance groups sought narrower standards and objected to some language. AB 2098 passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 2054, AB 2061, AB 2292, and AB 2724, was also approved and sent to Appropriations. Members repeatedly added votes after the roll was held open, and the committee adjourned after all items were processed.
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Budget Section Leadership Division Jun 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's just that funding has never made it to the finish line.
  • The total expenditures... $100 million in a line of credit.
  • I'm assuming by next session you'll have utilized part of that line of credit, and I'm wondering how
  • that will show up for us when we come. ...utilize part of that line of credit.
  • Going down the line, you can see we have 16 different lines of credit authorized, and so we do include
Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.