Transcript Highlights:

• And those include Janine Koy, Austin Johnson, Matisa Robinson, Christian Deer, and Sasha Allen.
• include Janine Koy Austin Johnson matisa Robinson<00:02:49.080><c> Christian</c><00:02:49.519><c> deer
• <00:02:50.120><c> and</c><00:02:50.319><c> Sasha</c><00:02:50.760><c> Allen</c> Robinson Christian deer
• and Sasha Allen Robinson Christian deer and Sasha Allen so<00:02:51.760><c> thank</c><00:02:51.959><

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed new members and Vice Chair Susan Tyler Whitten, reviewed committee procedures, and introduced staff. Members also introduced several guests, including family members, interns, and visitors from Kenton County. The chair noted there were no minutes to approve because it was the first meeting. The committee then heard House Bill 552 from Judge Executive John Sims of Falmouth County, who said the bill is a joint effort supported by KLC and the County Judge/Executive Association. He explained that the measure makes minor wording changes, replacing references to “jurisdiction” with “county or city” and changing “chairman” to “chair,” with the goal of ensuring smaller communities retain representation on local tourist commissions. Chair King added that the bill would allow a mayor or judge executive to appoint a county resident to a tourism board even when the tax district or business ownership crosses city-county lines. After brief discussion and no further questions, the committee voted on the bill. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor, with members present voting yes and Representative Whitaker explaining his support by saying tourism is a team effort in the counties. House Bill 552 passed out of committee and was sent to the House floor for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• What if the trustees at the same time lived in the state of Iowa and had the language in Iowa that’s
• It would be taxable in Iowa if those decisions and those distributions were made outside of Iowa.
• It would be a nonresident trust in Iowa if two of those three were made in Iowa.
• </c> being um um put in place by Iowa being um um put in place by Iowa resident<01:02:34.599><c> also
• </c> here if they had your your bill in Iowa here if they had your your bill in Iowa that that that was

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Iowa should be the Tuscany of North America, except now Iowa has a water crisis.
• Iowa should be the Tuscany of North America, except now Iowa has a water crisis.
• </c> of Iowa and the late Paul Wellstone. of Iowa and the late Paul Wellstone.
• I saw what Iowa used to be in my lifetime. Iowa fell apart.
• Iowa fell apart. It's sad lifetime. Iowa fell apart.

Bills: HF3718

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm talking about your John Deere, your Bayer, and everybody thinks that because of a bill that we carried
• I'm talking about your John Deere, your Bayer, and everybody thinks that because of a bill that we carried
• farmland there acre, but you can't buy farmland there for<01:07:51.440><c> in</c><01:07:51.680><c> Iowa
• </c><01:07:53.280><c> No,</c><01:07:54.079><c> I</c> for in Iowa for 10,000 an acre.
• No, I for in Iowa for 10,000 an acre. No, I agree. agree. agree.

Committee: Joint Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Jennifer Stefan, and I am the elementary principal at King Elementary in Deer River.
• My name is Jennifer Stefan, and I am the elementary principal at King Elementary in Deer River.
• We have been able to create a system for our students in Deer River to access health care regularly.
• We have a system to provide mental health support for our students and families in Deer River.
• Currently, schools are... an entire day of Education in Deer River an entire day of Education in Deer

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So instead of sending it all to Iowa and Chicago and them getting to utilize it for value-added, thank
• And I had someone from the Hunt family tell me if Grandpa had, Grandpa would have never let us shut down

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:

• So instead of sending it all to Iowa and Chicago and them getting to utilize it for value-added, so thank
• And I had someone from the Hunt family tell me if Grandpa had, Grandpa would have never let us shut down

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those of us who hunt do the same thing.
• Especially asked for Iowa. All right. Do we have a motion? So moved.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several tax and revenue measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform statewide method, provide certainty for developers, and exclude tax credits and other intangibles from valuation; county assessors and several counties opposed it, saying it would reduce assessed value and depart from market-based appraisal. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1406 to close the “Montana tax loophole” used to avoid California vehicle taxes, with support from the California Teachers Association and no registered opposition; it passed 2-0 and was placed on call. SB 984, conforming California law to the federal tipped-income deduction, drew support from the restaurant industry, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and enrolled agents, and passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. Later, the committee considered wildfire- and energy-related tax credits. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters said it would reduce wildfire losses and insurance costs, and it passed 3-0 on call. SB 1118 would provide credits for backup generators and solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author framed it as a resilience measure for households and small businesses, but members raised concerns about cost, diesel use, and whether the credit would reach lower-income households. The bill was moved 1-0 and placed on call, with the chair and other members noting unresolved budget and policy concerns. SB 1424, expanding a partial sales tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 on call. The committee also advanced SB 1249, a senior tax deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, with support from LeadingAge California and senior advocates; members noted it was narrowly targeted and passed 4-0 on call. SB 1113, conforming California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies, drew support from maritime industry groups and opposition from ILWU over the fiscal impact; it passed 4-0 on call. SB 1137, the Medical Expense Deduction Act, would allow a targeted deduction for medical expenses for lower-income taxpayers; supporters said it would help families facing high out-of-pocket costs, and it passed 4-0 on call. Finally, SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing that includes moderate-income units; supporters said it would help finance “missing middle” housing, while assessors and housing stakeholders requested amendments and guardrails. The bill was also moved forward on a committee vote and placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those of us who hunt do the same thing.
• Especially asked for Iowa. All right. Do we have a motion? So moved.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• Government and Finance study the feasibility of hunters buying upland game bird stamps with standard hunting
• Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which has been enacted by five states: Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the harsh Winters unlike most deer the harsh Winters unlike most deer species<01:04:50.000><c> reindeer
• Our plea is not to bring in white-tailed deer into Minnesota, but to continue our work with reindeer
• Sampling of over 1,200 deer collected by hunters resulted in three additional positive deer for CWD.
• Sampling of over 1,200 deer collected by hunters resulted in three additional positive deer for CWD.
• 08:38.159><c> by</c> sampling of over 1,200 deer collected by sampling of over 1,200 deer collected by

Bills: HF47 , HF434 , HF1503 , HF1702

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got Iowa now to the North, got Illinois Cross River.
• I actually come from the beautiful town of Hannibal, Missouri, right on the Illinois, Missouri, Iowa
• The 12 states this compact would include are Ohio, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee
• The 12 states this compact would include are Ohio, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee
• The 12 states this compact would include are Ohio, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee

Committees: House Economic Development , House Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• It's kind of like I was told once that John Deere tractors, they sell a lot of John Deere tractors.
• I was told once that John Deere tractors, they sell a lot of John Deere tractors, but they can't, they

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Its best practices have been passed in Florida, New York, and Iowa. All right. Thank you, sir.
• Chair and members, Paul Deere, representing the Western States Petroleum Association, strong opposition
• Kasha Hunt with Political Solutions, on behalf of the California Water Association, in opposition.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns. The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict. SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.

Transcript Highlights:

• Its best practices have been passed in Florida, New York, and Iowa. All righty. Thank you, sir.
• Chair and members, Paul Deere, representing the Western States Petroleum Association, strong opposition
• Kasha Hunt with Political Solutions on behalf of the California Water Association in opposition.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• And he went on to state, if Iowa can force every station in the state to sell E-15, why can't we make
• Quaker Oats use Iowa oats?
• And the reason why Quaker does not use Iowa oats is because Iowa can't grow the oats.
• Quaker does not use Iowa oats because Iowa can't grow the oats that Quaker uses.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so with that, I want to introduce, not that he needs an introduction, Bradley Hunt, who used to be
• Public schools offer norm-referenced tests to seniors in high school. the Iowa test today.
• I had the privilege to aid the efforts to pass school choice in Iowa and in South Carolina.
• The same thing is true in Iowa and Indiana.
• The same thing is true in Iowa and Indiana.

Bills: SB 2

Committees: Senate Education K-16 , Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deers, you're recognized for a follow-up. Thank you, Mr. President. And, Mr.
• Senator Deers, for a follow-up. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Thanks for the offer, Senator Deers.
• Senator Deers, you're recognized for a follow-up. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Deers, you were recognized for debate.

Bills: SJR47 , SB1491 , SB1579 , SB1806 , SB1552 , SB483 , SB63 , SB137 , SB346 , SB514 , SB1344 , SB1360 , SB1380 , SB1437 , SB1189 , SB1217 , SB1221 , SB1262 , SB1272 , SB1325 , SB1339 , SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> So, would it be axis deer, feral pigs, a dog?
• Let's just take the<00:06:55.199><c> the</c><00:06:55.600><c> access</c><00:06:55.919><c> deer</c><00
• If an access deer is case, same thing.
• pigs, &gt;&gt; So, would it be access deer, feral pigs, a<00:08:14.240><c> dog?
• </c> the issues with that, the access deer the issues with that, the access deer and<00:08:52.000><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the intent is to address the issue of invasive deer, our efforts might be better allocated towards
• things like controlling the deer movement.
• If the intent is to address the issue of invasive deer, our efforts might be better allocated towards
• things like controlling the deer movement.
• there are already emergency powers with the governor, and I think SEAPS used the example, the axis deer

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems