Video & Transcript : 'Human Services Committee' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:53.840><c> Services</c><00:04:54.320><c> primary</c> Department of Human Services primary
- Department of Human Services primary responsibility<00:04:55.400><c> to</c><00:04:55.480><c> investigate
- The A2 amendment significantly interacts with sections 609.542, which is a Human Services statute, and
- The A2 amendment significantly interacts with sections 609.542, which is a Human Services statute, and
- we're</c> for the Human Services and why we're for the Human Services and why we're doing<00:25:06.560
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
Keywords:
Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 11 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> committee substitute. committee substitute.
- Move all administrative functions of the Department of Human Services. >> My motion is that we recommit
- . committee. committee.
- </c> committee substitute. committee substitute.
- </c> committee sub. committee sub.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-11 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In this moment of prayer, we recognize that you desire the good of the human family.
- Are there motions relating to committee and subcommittee references?
- There's always room for maybe some type of human error.
- There's always room for maybe some type of human error.
- You know, I said in the last committee that we're arguing against the You know, I said in the last committee
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/19/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, I've been waiting for the House to call a meeting of our human services committee, and they
- Human services is stuck because the House Republicans only want to fund nursing homes at the expense
- Human services is stuck because the House Republicans only want to fund nursing homes at the expense
- The biggest parts of the budget, education, human services, the conference committees...
- Services, the conference committees haven't even met on those.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there a reduction in service on that side?
- So HCD has been tasked as part of this reorg to provide all of the administrative services and IT services
- It is local governments, counties in particular, that are the health and human services providers and
- It just seems to me that, again, counties are the primary health and human service providers in the state
- They're collected at the cost of service.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals related to the state’s housing and homelessness reorganization. On the first item, administration and Finance staff described technical adjustments to move administrative positions and resources between the California Housing and Homelessness Agency, HCD, and Cal ICH, plus authority for a chief deputy director at the new Housing Development Finance Committee. The LAO recommended approval but asked for clarification on funding for the chief deputy position. Several senators questioned whether the staffing shifts would reduce Cal ICH’s capacity and whether adding communications support and a new executive position was appropriate absent new housing funding; the item was held open.
The second item proposed a new $100 million CalHFA Disaster Rebuilding Fund, with $56 million General Fund and $44 million in existing National Mortgage Settlement funds, to help disaster-impacted homeowners access construction financing through tools such as a loan loss guarantee and interest rate buy-downs. CalHFA said the fund would help close the gap between insurance proceeds and rebuilding costs and would work through approved lenders. The LAO raised concerns about the lack of alternatives analysis, the broad delegation in the trailer bill, and the General Fund cost. Senators pressed for more detail on the estimated number of homeowners served, lender and homeowner eligibility, equity safeguards, and the role of the Legislature in program design; the item was held open.
The third item was trailer bill language for HAP Round 7, including accountability metrics, pro-housing designation requirements for certain large cities and counties, local match requirements, and a mechanism to recapture unspent funds. HCD said the proposal would streamline reporting by using one consistent set of system performance measures and would phase in the new requirements. The LAO questioned the timing, the burden of pro-housing designation, the size and source of the local match, and whether the proposal conflicted with the Legislature’s prior goal of getting funds out quickly. Several senators criticized the added requirements and the lack of new funding, while others said the proposal could improve accountability and reduce administrative burden by reusing existing plans. The item was also held open.
The fourth item began a proposal to reduce local development impact fees on state-funded affordable housing projects, framed as a condition on competitive multifamily funding rather than a statewide mandate. The presentation started but the transcript cuts off before questions or action on that item.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (04/15/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs
- On, in section seven, it talks about the Department of Health and Human Services should adopt rules.
- The statute, RSA 126-A:4, says the Department of Health and Human Services shall adopt rules under RSA
- This will not involve any new services or benefits created by the Department of Health and Human Services
- This will not involve any new services or benefits created by the Department of Health and Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the committee.
- Phase two will involve human resources and payroll, and that is underway.
- Good morning, Chair Perez and committee members.
- The remaining funds support counseling, academic services, and basic needs supports.
- Good morning, Chair Perez and committee staff.
Summary:
The committee first heard updates from the California State University on its turnaround plans for seven campuses with enrollment declines. CSU said overall enrollment has grown for three straight years, but some campuses—especially in Northern California—continue to face structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. The system described campus-specific strategies such as outreach to stopped-out and adult learners, guaranteed admissions, partnerships with community colleges and high schools, expanded high-demand programs, and cost reductions including hiring freezes, program suspensions, and shared administrative services. The LAO said the plans were reasonable but urged regular reporting so the Legislature can track results. Committee members pressed CSU for ongoing implementation updates, stronger recruiting efforts, and safeguards around AI use; CSU said it would continue regular check-ins and share best practices across campuses.
The second item focused on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and its request for a $10 million General Fund appropriation to repay a special fund loan used for litigation costs. DCA and BPPE said the bureau has long had a structural deficit and has already cut positions, streamlined operations, and shifted some costs to the Student Tuition Recovery Fund, but still needs fee increases through the sunset review process. The LAO opposed the General Fund backfill, arguing the bureau can cover near-term costs with its loan, that litigation costs should generally be borne by regulated entities through fees, and that using General Fund money could set a precedent. Finance supported the one-time backfill as a way to avoid larger fee increases on institutions and to isolate the litigation expense from the bureau’s ongoing structural shortfall. Members asked how the bureau would avoid repeating the problem; BPPE said it has updated policies and practices, including disability accommodation procedures and non-discrimination training.
The committee then reviewed Cal Grant funding and program updates from CSAC, UC, CSU, and the community colleges. CSAC said the Governor’s budget would increase Cal Grant funding to about $3.2 billion in 2026-27, driven by enrollment growth and higher tuition at UC and CSU, and highlighted efforts to improve payment processing and financial aid data. UC and CSU emphasized that Cal Grants are central to affordability and debt reduction, while also warning that federal changes under H.R. 1 could reduce access to loans and harm graduate and part-time students. Community colleges reported rising aid applications and awards, but said students still face major affordability barriers, especially mixed-status and undocumented students, and asked for more support for aid administration and completion grants. The chair repeatedly asked for data on eligible students who are not receiving Cal Grants and for a phased-in path to implement the Cal Grant Equity Framework; Finance said full implementation would cost hundreds of millions and the state is not currently in a position to fund it.
Finally, the committee began discussion of the Middle Class Scholarship Program. CSAC said the program helps low- and middle-income students cover total cost of attendance, not just tuition, and warned that cutting funding by more than half would reduce award coverage from 35% to 17.5% of cost of attendance. CSU and UC said the program is important for reducing student debt and supporting affordability, and CSU noted recent administrative changes have reduced workload and award adjustments. The hearing continued into the next agenda item after these presentations.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I sit on Human Services, and I know that there's always a Department of Corrections or public safety
- Human services talks a lot about wraparound service supports for our kids.
- Um I sit on human services<00:40:20.240><c> and</c><00:40:20.480><c> I</c><00:40:20.640><c> know</c><
- Human services talks a lot about in.
- Human services talks a lot about wraparound<00:41:04.720><c> service</c><00:41:05.119><c> supports</c
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jul 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had subcommittee meetings, budget committee meetings, and the like.
- Reports of committee will be deemed read and amendments adopted.
- He was approved by the rules committee on June 17th on a unanimous vote.
- Supervisor Rodriguez lived a life of service.
- His service extended far beyond the Board of Supervisors.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a ceremonial Independence Day observance featuring a prayer, color guard, Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by Philo Abit, followed by acknowledgments of the event organizers and the California Military Department’s flyover. The body then moved to business, beginning with Assembly Bill 126, the education budget trailer bill. Senator Laird described major education investments, including a 4.31% LCFF COLA, increased special education funding, teacher pipeline support, universal school meal funding, kitchen infrastructure grants, homelessness support, and pregnancy disability leave for K-12 teachers. Senators Nilo and Choi opposed the bill, criticizing Proposition 98 funding maneuvers and transparency concerns, while Senator Perez supported it as a historic investment. The bill passed on a 28-8 vote.
The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 67, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Senators from both parties spoke at length about patriotism, the nation’s founding ideals, immigration, civil rights, and the need to acknowledge America’s historical injustices while celebrating its democratic promise. The resolution passed unanimously, 36-0. The chamber also confirmed Jesse Melgar, Tom Epstein, Joseph Williams, and Mark Beckley to or for reappointment to state boards and departments, each by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
Later, the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments to SB 830, a Bay Area regional ballot-measure administration bill, after supportive remarks from Senators Arreguín and Cortese; the concurrence passed on a 29-4 vote. The consent calendar was then approved, with one item later reconsidered and removed. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of former Madera County Supervisor Max Rodriguez, whose public service and community leadership were praised, and with remarks from the President Pro Tem reflecting on the Independence Day observance before the Senate recessed and announced its next meeting date.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 17th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- : AB 440, Ramos, from the Transportation Committee to the Health Committee; and AB 1265, Haney, from
- the Revenue and Tax Committee to the Housing and Community Development Committee, then back to the Revenue
- and Tax Committee.
- Development Committee, then back to the Revenue and Tax Committee.
- Williams Human Relations Commission to promote positive human relations, respect, and the integrity of
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then handled several procedural matters before moving to the daily file. Members approved a motion to withdraw Assembly Bills 100 through 219 to the second reading file by a roll call vote of 42-15, and unanimously approved re-referrals of AB 440 and AB 1265 to different committees. The chamber also welcomed international visitors, student and community guests, and later heard a series of guest introductions tied to agriculture, immigration, and Irish heritage.
The main floor action centered on two resolutions. H.R. 19, recognizing California Agriculture Day, drew strong support from members representing agricultural districts, who highlighted the state’s farm production, exports, and the role of farmworkers and ranchers; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. ACR 51, honoring Irish American Heritage Month, was also adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added, with members speaking about Irish immigration, labor history, California-Ireland ties, and St. Patrick’s Day.
The Assembly also held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for the Honorable Leon Lawson Williams, a pioneering Black civic leader in San Diego who served on the City Council and County Board of Supervisors and helped expand public transit and advance civil rights. Members from San Diego and others described his barriers-breaking career and lasting influence on local government and community leadership. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee hearings and adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 8th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Today is April 8th, 2026, and this is the Committee for the Administration of Criminal Justice.
- All witness cards are maintained in the committee. Placed in the file.
- All witness cards are maintained in the committee records.
- Gonzalez has brought to my attention after we got it through committee last year.
- And thank you to the committee for Good morning, everyone.
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The Committee for the Administration of Criminal Justice met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 322, which would prohibit fees for victims or family members requesting transcripts of executive-session testimony before the Board of Pardons and Parole, was described as a cleanup measure and was reported favorably without objection. HB 635, dealing with criminal activity by agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations, received extensive support testimony from advocacy groups focused on foreign influence and transnational repression; the committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 132, which expands battery of a police officer to cover intentional sound directed at an officer and related conduct, drew strong support from law enforcement groups and significant opposition from civil liberties and criminal defense organizations concerned about vagueness, First Amendment issues, and impacts on parades and protests; after adopting an amendment moving the sound-related language into the general battery definition, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended.
The committee also considered HB 275, which increases minimum sentences when domestic abuse occurs in the presence of a child and extends the penalty to battery of a dating partner. Supporters argued the bill recognizes the lasting trauma to children exposed to domestic violence, while opponents warned that mandatory minimums reduce judicial discretion and that the child-presence language is broad; the committee adopted two amendment sets and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 808, revising Louisiana’s HIV exposure law to require a substantial likelihood of transmission based on current medical science and to narrow criminal liability for negligible-risk conduct, drew broad support from physicians, advocates, and people living with HIV, with testimony emphasizing that the law should reflect modern science and avoid overcriminalization; after adopting an amendment set, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, HB 1054, sponsored by Chair Villio, would allow certain law-enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticating with notice requirements; it received support from prosecutors and sheriffs’ groups and was reported favorably without objection.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Judiciary Committee Aug 18th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Judiciary Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We just passed a law with a human 30-year minimum mandatory for human trafficking.
- services, drug testing, social services, and court reminders.
- Committee of the second one we're recommending, the Uniform Occupational Licenses of Service Members
- One of the other committees that I serve on is the DUI Enforcement Committee.
- It is human tendency.
Committee:
Joint Judiciary Committee
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Aloha, chair, members of the committee. Aloha, chair, members of the committee.
- Services.
- Um, you know, data privacy is a huge issue, and we're asking for human services.
- Um, you know, data privacy is a huge issue, and we're asking for human services.
- Um, you know, data privacy is a huge issue, and we're asking for human services.
Committee:
Senate Government Operations
Summary:
The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused.
The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft.
Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language.
Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- it and with that we'll begin with committee business.
- The committee substitute, I have a committee substitute.
- You can begin Chairman and committee members.
- Chairman, I'm so sorry, I have a committee subsidy. Commissioner, I have a committee substitute.
- It's a human story.
Bills:
SB2972 , SB1909 , SB2815 , SB735 , SB2233 , SB800 , SB1069 , SB2683 , SB2986 , SB2058 , SB2310 , SB2055 , SB1032
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
expressive activities, freedom of speech, public forum, higher education, protests, student rights, antisemitism, public institutions, disciplinary policy, student organizations, compliance, institutional policy, disciplinary sanctions, diploma designation, institution merger, academic records, student options, Holocaust education, Holocaust Remembrance Week, genocide education
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Feb 13th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Transcript Highlights:
- committees and the full Legislative Joint Audit Committee this month.
- The committee granted permission to the Arkansas Department of Administrative Services, Office of Property
- The Department of Human Services reported instances of improper benefit payments to employees from the
- Staff from the Department of Human Services, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney
- In response to a request from this committee at its meeting held last month, ALA emailed to committee
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County.
The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs.
The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Senate Committee on Labor and Technology.
- I've attended one investment committee meeting and one board meeting.
- I've attended one investment committee meeting and one board meeting.
- Thank you for responding back to the committee.
- Um in terms of uh back to the committee.
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on March 6, 2026, and considered four gubernatorial nominations. For GM 690, Jesse Kola Dean was nominated for reappointment to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board. Testimony from the Retirement Savings Board and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations strongly supported Dean, citing his original membership on the board and his role in advancing implementation of the retirement savings program. Dean described his background and said the program was moving into implementation after the board approved the Connecticut consortium model; in response to questions, he said the main challenges had been finding an executive director and adapting the program from an original opt-in structure to the opt-out consortium model. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent.
For GM 634, Darlene Blakey was nominated to the board of trustees of the Employees' Retirement System. ERS and several individuals submitted support. Blakey, an executive vice president and chief lending officer at First Hawaiian Bank, said her banking and finance background and personal experience with her mother’s retirement benefits motivated her service. She told senators she had attended ERS meetings and was focused on improving retirees’ access to information, education, and retirement planning, and said she would recuse herself from matters involving First Hawaiian Bank because of a potential conflict of interest. The committee again voted to advise and consent.
The committee then considered GM 627 and GM 726, both nominations of Gina Anu Novo to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council for different terms. Written testimony from numerous supporters was read into the record. Novo, a longtime First Hawaiian Bank executive and current vice chair, described her experience building audit, compliance, human resources, and technology functions, and said she wanted to help strengthen workforce pathways, career development, retention, and outreach to youth and workers who do not pursue college. Senators asked about her plans to connect workforce development with education and financial literacy; she emphasized career pathing, training, and adapting to changing skills needs, including the role of technology and AI. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent on both nominations, and the meeting adjourned after all four nominations were approved by the committee.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine children's safety in the digital era, focusing on strengthening protections and addressing legal gaps. Feb 19th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, on the committee, On a committee with some of the most diverse viewpoints in the United
- These bills were reported out of this committee unanimously.
- from one end to the other on this committee.
- That's why this committee has taken this on on a bipartisan basis.
- , a committee hearing called Cyberporn and Children.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the pressing issues surrounding child safety online, with a particular emphasis on recent legislative efforts aimed at curbing child sexual exploitation and harmful content accessible through social media platforms. Senators engaged in a heated discussion regarding the implications of Big Tech's lobbying efforts against vital bills such as the Stop CSAM Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. Noteworthy testimonies highlighted real-life impacts of online dangers, including tragic cases of child exploitation and drug-related fatalities linked to social media interactions. The bipartisan nature of the committee's commitment to address these issues showcased a collective determination to make the digital environment safer for the younger generation.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, your Committee on Health and Human Services has under consideration Senate Bill 1124 and respectfully
- Chair, I move that when the Committee of the Whole rises to report that the subfloor committee amendment
- Chairman, the Committee on Health and Human Services has under consideration Senate Bill 1214 and respectfully
- Chairman, I move that the amendment of the Health and Human Services Committee be adopted.
- Now for the Education Committee amendment, I further move that the Education Committee amendment to Senate
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Mar 25th, 2026
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- And then during special session, the Health and Human Services in House Bill 1623, Section 7, also received
- So can you give another example in regards to data sets outside of human services? Mr.
- Is it the IT committee or is it the DOGE committee? Where does that land?
- very closely with the emergency service interim committee—because if legislation passes out of that
- This committee might not always have a quorum of IT committee folks on it.
Summary:
The task force met with a quorum and first reviewed a memorandum summarizing a survey of state agencies on possible statute revisions. Levi reported that 20 agencies submitted 70 proposals, with about 33 potentially becoming agency pre-file bills. Common themes included procurement, concessions, architect/engineering services, liability limits, and IT-related efficiencies. Members asked about sharing the survey results more broadly and about cross-agency coordination, especially with higher education and ITD-related issues.
OMB then presented three topics from its survey responses: concessions, pre-qualification of architects/engineers/construction managers/land surveyors, and publication of legal notices. OMB said the current concessions law is too rigid because it requires award to the highest responsible bidder and does not fit newer concession models, and it suggested a best-value approach, a higher threshold, and standardized templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB said the law is fragmented across several statutes and should be consolidated and expanded for broader use. On legal notices, OMB described the current rate-setting and publication process, noted rising costs and shrinking newspaper availability, and proposed a collaborative effort to modernize notice delivery, improve accessibility, and explore online options. The task force discussed how to move these ideas forward, and a motion passed directing OMB to implement its suggestions and report back at the next meeting.
The University of North Dakota then presented several proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND recommended raising the threshold for treating routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements as construction, arguing that the current $250,000 threshold forces unnecessary architect/engineer involvement and adds cost. It also proposed changes to bid advertisement language to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement criteria, a higher direct-hire threshold for design services, and an increase in the legislative approval threshold for privately funded projects. Members discussed the need for data, risk and complexity considerations, and collaboration with counsel and industry groups. A motion passed directing Levi and counsel to work with UND on bill drafts based on its proposals for a future meeting.
DPI followed with a shorter presentation on credentialing and statutory cleanup. It suggested reviewing the department’s 23 credential categories for relevance, and said DPI and the Education Standards and Practices Board have discussed transferring some credentialing authority to ESPB. DPI also recommended removing outdated school safety patrol language, cleaning up waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so districts are not burdened by obsolete reporting mandates. Members agreed the screening itself should remain in place, while the reporting requirement could be reconsidered. The committee then recessed until the afternoon session.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee, any questions for Mr. Martinez? Committee, any questions for Mr. Martinez?
- Saving services.
- Chairman, the committee. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, the committee.
- Chairman and committee.
- Chairman and committee.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare