Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I... ...that leaves me a little perplexed.
• The CSD pool has 55 fire districts, The CSD pool has 55 fire districts, which provides work comp for
• We all took a big dive in that Olympic-size swimming pool.
• And in the... in the 20 Olympic size swimming pools with two...
• Olympic size swimming pools.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead of leaving these resources empty in places like Fort Worth or Laredo or Dallas or anywhere in
• Just because there seems to be quite a few folks who dip into this pool.
• So I'm just kind of concerned that maybe there might be a limited amount of pool and that we're just
• So y'all are expecting some more inflation and trying to leave some space for that?
• or permanently leave her abuser.

Bills: HB158

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivision, government spending, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1171 by Perry, relating to compensation leave and physical fitness programs and standards
• Senate Bill 1276 by Middleton and Cole, relating to the regulation of risk pools primarily consisting
• Senate Bill 1276 by Middleton and Cole course relating to the regulation of risk pools primarily consisting
• Senate Bill 1321 by Hagenbuch, relating to compensation and leave for certain peace officers, to Criminal

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, is that kind of what you're saying, that you want to leave a footprint or an imprint there in
• The funding for the retirement incentive pool, that was $1 million.
• Then the $3 million deficiency appropriation, that has to do with the new and vacant FTE pool.
• There was $2.75 million short for OMB to come up with to pay, to provide every agency with the new FTE pool

Bills: SB2012

Keywords: transportation, funding, infrastructure, grants, municipal, 908, all

Summary: The Government Operations division met to consider House Bill 1015, the OMB budget, with several amendments already in hand. A major portion of the discussion centered on Senator Mathern’s concerns about the proposed new state hospital in Jamestown. He argued the project is outdated, too expensive, and should be delayed or reduced in favor of local behavioral health services and deferred maintenance at the existing LaHogue facility. Other members questioned him about staffing, capacity, constitutional issues, and the relationship between the hospital proposal and broader mental health investments in other bills. The committee also reviewed budget mechanics, including the transfer of up to $240 million from the Social Services Fund to the Human Services Finance Fund, a $40 million deferred maintenance fund, a $3 million deficiency appropriation for the new and vacant FTE pool, and other OMB-related items. Members discussed whether OMB should have managerial control over the Jamestown project and generally agreed that OMB oversight could help manage costs, though concerns about the hospital remained. The committee then considered two funding items that drew the most debate: guardianship grants and a pro-life education campaign. After testimony from a representative supporting the campaign, members agreed to reduce that item by $500,000 and add $1 million for guardianship grants, while leaving the overall bill to be finalized in conference. The committee adopted Amendment Version 2006 with those changes and then passed HB 1015 as amended on a roll call vote, with all members voting aye except Senator Burckhard on the amendment vote; he later voted aye on the bill itself. The chair indicated the bill would move to conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving along, Section 3, again, that's the FTE pool.
• Moving along, Section 3, again, that's the FTE pool.
• So I'm just going to leave it at that.
• Savings from new and vacant FTE positions and $725,000 is added for a new and vacant FTE pool line item

Bills: HB1603

Keywords: Native American, grave protection, repatriation, cultural heritage, tribal compliance, 908, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and announced it would begin meeting at 8 a.m. for the rest of the week to work through a growing bill list. The committee first approved House Bill 1603, a companion to the Historical Society budget dealing with NAGPRA, including a $500,000 matching grant to be divided among North Dakota’s five tribes and a committee to address repatriation of human remains and cultural items. The vote was unanimous, 15-0. The committee then considered House Bill 1225, which would increase penalties for reckless endangerment involving a firearm and create a mandatory prison term. After debate over public safety concerns versus the bill’s fiscal note and prison costs, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation by a 9-6-1 vote. Members also discussed House Bill 1018, the State Historical Society budget, and approved an amendment that adjusted one-time funding items, including NAGPRA compliance, museum exhibits, military gallery funding, local historic grants, and line-of-credit repayment. The amended bill then received a due pass recommendation by a 14-2 vote. The committee next approved House Bill 1468, a behavioral health facility grant for St. Hayes, which supporters said would expand in-state access to acute and adolescent behavioral health care and reduce the need to send patients out of state. The bill passed 14-1. It then amended and passed House Bill 1485, increasing the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients by $15 and indexing it to inflation; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 14-2. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 1016, the Adjutant General/National Guard budget, after adopting an amendment that funded disaster relief, response equipment, IT and website costs, and staffing changes for the watch center; the amended bill passed 14-2. The committee adjourned after completing six bills and planned to resume the next morning at 8 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The average state tuition reimbursement is around $11 million, leaving us with about a million and a
• If you think about it, there are pooled time, pooled financial resources, and pooled emotional resources

Transcript Highlights:

• We're gonna leave this bill pending.
• The trust company also manages the Texas Treasury pool account, which averages $79 billion generated
• Investments include cash equivalent funds such as the Treasury pool and separately managed.
• Then we will invest those just like we do the overall pool. So your, your office wouldn't be.

Bills: SB 21, SB 72, SB 140, SB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842

Keywords: cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver, consumer rights, business regulations, refund policy, telephone solicitation, telemarketing, text message marketing, SMS marketing, robotext, spam text, consumer protection, deceptive trade practices, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, they did not leave North Dakota.
• OMB received $15.3 million of that $34 million pool. And we have a number of projects in the works.
• And there was a question at that time regarding the statewide litigation pool.
• , a total of $612,000, or 15.7%, has been expended from that pool.
• We do list out all the different agencies here that have access to the funding pool.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline. Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns. OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll remind the members to leave personalities out of the debate. Representative Niska.
• They leave the room and don't make sure they understand it.
• The tie vote leaves the situation unchanged, and the Speaker's ruling prevails.
• Their parents are voluntarily leaving, and they don't want to leave their kid behind, so those kids have
• to leave to a horrible situation.

Transcript Highlights:

• the committee room, center rest, I feel like I'm leaving Gorilla.
• So, I want everyone to think about that today as you leave the committee room.
• So, I want everyone to think about that today as you leave the committee room. >> And as you were leaving
• the Senate— >> As I leave the Senate.
• As I leave the Senate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's important that we ensure that we aren't accidentally leaving youth camps behind in these
• Yeah, I just want to make sure that we're not, you know, we don't leave any gaps, because I wanna make
• You know, at the pool this year we have international pool and spa rules that were adopted 5 years ago
• We have pool rules that are in the regulation.
• I'm going to leave that up to the pharmacists and their protocols.

Bills: HB 265, HB25

Keywords: youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid, public health, child protection, camp operator, camp counselor, Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Um it doesn't necessarily mean pool.
• And so if these applicants uh meet pool.
• <00:25:54.720> It<00:25:54.960> leaves doesn't touch that language.
• It leaves doesn't touch that language.
• It leaves that<00:25:55.440> formula<00:25:55.919> in<00:25:56.200> place.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But if it is, you can just strike the part where it says, you know, in equity pools, and that simply
• But if it is, you can just strike the part where it says, you know, in equity pools, and that simply
• But if it is, you can just strike the part where it says, you know, in equity pools, and that simply
• , to the larger state treasurers pool, to the larger state treasurers pool, which<00:29:28.799>
• which local entities already take pools which local entities already take advantage<00:29:55.279>

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• predict which applicants may have a baby in the next 10 years and eliminate those applicants from the pool
• 01.959> the and eliminate those applicants from the and eliminate those applicants from the pool
• just to start and so what is really pool just to start and so what is really needed<00:10:05.880>
• Join the conversation by leaving us a comment...
• The conversation by leaving us a comment on our social media pages.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't leave out jalapeños, we didn't leave out habaneros; we're going to celebrate it all.
• But to your point on labor, I don't want to leave it as a negative.
• we've also worked with the Office of the State Engineer, the Environment Department because they have pools
• MNERD has pools of money that they also distribute.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to leave that discretion up to the pharmacist.
• Removing it from behind the counter, you're leaving it behind the counter.
• It's people who self-select themselves out of the gene pool. Brad. I think he said, do you know?
• They remove themselves from the gene pool.
• I'm leaving the rest to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

Bills: HB25, HB48, HB149, HB254, HB26, HB192, HCR3, HCR4, HCR5, HCR6, HCR8, HCR14, HCR16, HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4, HR6, HR7, HR8, HR9, HR12, HR11, HR13, HR14, HR15, HR16, HR20, HR22, HR23, HR24, HR25, HR26, HR27, HR28, HR29, HR30, HR31, HR32, HR33, HR45, HR48, HR49, HR51, HR52, HR55, HR56, HR57, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HR65, HR66, HR70, HR71, HR72, HR74, HCR2, HCR7, HR10, HR21, HR35, HR36, HR37, HR38, HR39, HR40, HR42, HR43, HR44, HR46, HR47, HR50, HR53, HR54, HR67, HR69, HR75, HCR 5, HCR 6, HCR 8, HCR 14, HCR 16, HR 1, HR 3, HR 4, HR 6, HR 7, HR 8, HR 9, HR 12, HR 11, HR 13, HR 14, HR 15, HR 16, HR 20, HR 22, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 28, HR 29, HR 30, HR 31, HR 32, HR 33, HR 45, HR 48, HR 49, HR 51, HR 52, HR 55, HR 56, HR 57, HR 59, HR 60, HR 61, HR 62, HR 63, HR 64, HR 65, HR 66, HR 70, HR 71, HR 72, HR 74, HCR 7, HR 10, HR 21, HR 35, HR 36, HR 37, HR 38, HR 39, HR 40, HR 42, HR 43, HR 44, HR 46, HR 47, HR 50, HR 53, HR 54, HR 67, HR 69, HB 25, HB 48, HB 149, HB 254, HB 26, HB 192

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert

Transcript Highlights:

• Great, and we'll leave it open if folks want to add on.
• You got enough to get out, and we'll leave it open. Thank you.
• We'll leave the vote open. Assembly Member Kalra, all right.
• That's one pool we don't want to get into.
• We'll leave it open for other votes. Aye. Tangipa. It is out. We'll leave it open for other votes.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention. AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there are no other questions there, I'll move on to the report on the FTE pool through the end of
• You can see the general fund, other funds, and the total pool for each agency.
• And then, in the very right-hand column, you can see the percentage left of that pool.
• Sometimes it's to pay out accrued leave, right?
• That person retired with a significant leave balance, and that's never budgeted.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sandra Poole, Western Center on Law and Poverty, proud co-sponsor in support.
• Due to personal circumstances, I went on a leave of absence from my graduate program.
• Sandra Poole, Western Center on Law and Poverty, in support. Good afternoon, Chair and members.
• piece of the puzzle, and, you know, more specifically, this bill is very broad and open and really leaves
• Sandra Poole, Western Center on Law and Poverty.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did leave some slides with you.
• And if someone doesn't, doesn't necessarily fill out that they're in good standing or they leave that
• Over 50% of Bingo's grocery seats are from the sale of pool tab tickets.
• But I hate it when somebody answers a question generally because it leaves the door open.
• And I think there's the risk the bad actors are certainly, you know, kind of contaminating the pool.