Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:00.079> And<00:55:00.319> no,<00:55:00.640> there<00:55:00.800> are
• Moving right along.<00:55:12.960> Uh,<00:55:13.760> next<00:55:14.000> up<00:55:
• Um, I<00:55:35.440> was<00:55:35.599> just<00:55:35.680> going<00:55:35.760>
• > know<00:55:42.400> you<00:55:42.720> have<00:55:42.960> like<00:55:43.440>
• a<00:55:45.359> crowd<00:55:45.680> or<00:55:45.920> you<00:55:46.079> you

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund to the Interstate Stream Commission.
• So, the Interstate Stream Commission oversees the New Mexico Unit Fund.
• Recommendations were made at the August meeting to the Interstate Stream Commission, and they are now
• We expect that we will get some feedback from the Interstate Stream Commission.
• We have our older blind, which is 55 and older, comprising 3.5 percent of the population.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the sub is granting immunity for the medical boards and for interstate... interstate compacts because
• says this section does not apply to any requirement imposed by... ...requirement imposed by an interstate
• license compact or other interstate mutual recognition license requirement imposed by a law to which
• , all of that, the state... ...interstate compact, all of that, the state.
• amend Section 40... excuse me, Section 2 of the code to add that language, as well as replace line 55

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:40.079> uh<00:55:40.240> can<00:55:40.400> be<00:55:40.640> misleading
• >> All<00:55:43.760> right,<00:55:44.000> Senator<00:55:44.400> McCun.
• >> Thanks.<00:55:46.319> I<00:55:46.559> just<00:55:47.359> um<00:55:48.240
• again<00:55:54.319> in<00:55:54.559> the<00:55:54.720> same<00:55:54.880>
• <00:55:57.040> the<00:55:57.200> the<00:55:57.599> critiques<00:55:58.319> of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We live in an interstate system that is easy to travel east and west and north and south through our
• We live in an interstate system that is easy to travel east and west and north and south through our
• And then it states that down on line 55, if a violation of the section occurs in a location other than
• And then it states that down on line 55, if a violation of the section occurs in a location other than
• And then it states that down on line 55, if a violation of the section occurs in a location other than

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. Early discussion focused on immigration-related concerns and the costs of enforcement, with one senator pressing for data to support claims about crimes by undocumented immigrants and another citing specific cases and DPS removals of drivers with falsified CDLs. The committee also heard a bill requiring the sex marker on a driver’s license to match sex at birth; the sponsor said it was the same measure passed by the committee the prior year, and it received a title sufficient/do pass recommendation. Several bills addressed corrections and court procedures. One bill clarified that people in intervention court are subject to the sentencing judge’s sanctions and are not entitled to a separate technical-violation hearing like probationers or parolees; the sponsor said it would reduce, not increase, leniency, and the committee passed it. Another bill extended the statute of limitations for felonious assistance program fraud from five to ten years, citing the TANF fraud case and the need for more time to detect abuse in executive agency programs; it also passed. The committee then approved a bill allowing judges, after a hearing and specific findings, to order firearms removed in domestic violence cases and protective-order proceedings when the weapons pose a credible threat. The committee also advanced a bill increasing penalties for witness tampering, with the sponsor saying prosecutors wanted a stronger tool because defendants were sometimes willing to accept the current five-year penalty rather than face the underlying offense. Members discussed whether the bill covered intimidation versus tampering and whether the penalty should be tied to the underlying crime; a motion to reconsider/adjust the bill was adopted, and the bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation. Another measure increased fines for handheld mobile device violations while driving, especially in school and work zones, and members discussed whether the bill should be stronger and how any collected fines would be used; it passed. Finally, the committee approved a bill requiring reporting of certain convictions and adjudications to the Child Protective Services central registry, and ended by passing a bill increasing the fine for failing to use a screen on loads that can spill from vehicles and damage windshields, with members noting the fine had not been updated since 1974.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<01:55:06.080> you<01:55:06.239> know,<01:55:06.320> I've<01:55:06.639>
• the<01:55:08.719> other<01:55:08.960> side<01:55:09.119> of<01:55:09.199>
• > know<01:55:18.880> that<01:55:19.199> HR1<01:55:19.920> is<01:55:20.159
• The<01:55:44.639> largest<01:55:45.119> transfer<01:55:45.599> of<01:55:45.920><
• I<01:55:59.119> recognize<01:55:59.520> the<01:55:59.679> author<01:55:59.920>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Senate File 4612, a state government bill affecting the Department of Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families, was taken up with a House language amendment adopted at the outset. The bill’s authors gave sharply different perspectives: one described it as a limited, reactive measure tied to federal Medicaid changes and said it fell short of needed health care improvements, while the other argued it would avoid large federal penalties, add Medicaid work requirements, save taxpayer money, and help certain rural and disability-related services. Members then debated several amendments. A technical House research amendment was offered, followed by a contested amendment on the all-payer claims database. Supporters of that change argued the bill expanded data access and could allow sensitive health data to be sold or used outside the United States, raising privacy and jurisdiction concerns; opponents said the data would remain deidentified, access would be limited to researchers, and the fee structure was a cost-recovery mechanism rather than a sale. The amendment to the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie, and the underlying amendment was not adopted. The committee also adopted an amendment updating mortuary science rules for natural organic reduction and another that would automatically enroll certain people into medical assistance if they did not choose a program themselves. A later amendment creating a therapeutic psilocybin pilot program for mental health and PTSD treatment drew strong bipartisan support, especially from members citing veteran suicide, trauma, and promising research; it was adopted after discussion. The transcript ended while discussion continued on how the program would be administered, including questions about using the Office of Cannabis Management rather than the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• BNSF Railway, a major interstate commerce route, is inundated.
• I've got two interstate commerce corridors here. To me, this is more than rural flood control.
• It goes to the interstate commerce that it's significant.
• A lot of interstate commerce. I appreciate those. I am the one that is not a dollar figure.
• A lot of interstate commerce. I appreciate those. I am the one that is not a dollar figure.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• that<00:55:09.720> we<00:55:09.839> are<00:55:10.079> looking<00:55:10.520>
• at<00:55:11.520> um<00:55:12.119> you<00:55:12.280> know<00:55:12.480> is
• <00:55:18.839> licensing<00:55:19.400> side<00:55:19.559> of<00:55:19.720>
• :55:30.079> program<00:55:30.440> that<00:55:30.559> might<00:55:30.760> have
• and and the kids<00:55:47.240> had<00:55:47.480> access<00:55:47.760> to<00:55:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I would say<00:55:12.000> it's<00:55:12.240> saved<00:55:12.400> and<00:55
• <00:55:40.160> And<00:55:40.400> then<00:55:40.800> um<00:55:40.960> lastly
• <00:55:45.839> Um<00:55:46.240> there<00:55:46.400> were<00:55:46.559> four
• > um<00:55:49.359> for<00:55:50.319> uh<00:55:50.400> the<00:55:50.559> ABD
• request.<00:55:54.559> So<00:55:54.880> only<00:55:55.200> one<00:55:55.440>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled roll call and approved the prior meeting minutes. Members discussed attendance and substitutions, then moved to the DHS commissioner’s update, which focused on New Hampshire’s Medicaid 1115 waiver and the new community re-entry initiative for people leaving correctional facilities. The presenter explained that the waiver lets the state cover certain services not normally covered under Medicaid, including substance use disorder treatment, serious mental illness services, adult dental benefits, and the new community re-entry component. She also noted that a separate youth re-entry component is federally required, with youth defined up to age 21 and foster-care-related coverage extending to age 26. The update described how the adult re-entry program works for incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs, providing up to 45 days of pre-release services, care coordination with managed care organizations and DOC staff, telemedicine assessments, discharge prescriptions, insurance cards, and connections to community mental health, primary care, and substance use providers. For youth, the program includes more intensive case management, 30 days of pre-release services, and 30 days of post-release care coordination, with a stronger emphasis on screening, diagnosis, and holistic assessment. The presenter said New Hampshire received the adult waiver in July 2024, has implemented the program in state correctional facilities, and is beginning work at the youth center. Members and the presenter discussed why the program is structured as a waiver rather than a standard Medicaid benefit, with the explanation that CMS is allowing this as a newer policy area and that states generally pursue waivers for certain services. The chair and others emphasized the need for real cost and outcome data, and the presenter said an independent evaluator and evaluation plan are required under the 1115 waiver. Early results cited included 30 adults enrolled so far, 10 released, five youth enrolled with one released, and anecdotal early successes such as housing, employment, and better continuity of medication and treatment. The committee did not take any additional votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:55:15.520> we<01:55:15.640> are<01:55:15.760> serious<01:55:16.240> about
• > we<01:55:20.760> stop<01:55:21.040> trying<01:55:21.400> to<01:55:21.520
• A future where<01:55:28.480> all<01:55:28.720> children<01:55:29.120> have<01:55
• >> Mr.<01:55:48.600> Chair,<01:55:48.760> I<01:55:48.800> just<01:55:49.000
• c> that<01:55:58.480> we'll<01:55:58.600> take<01:55:58.800> in,<01:55:58.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to<01:55:00.560> tune<01:55:00.800> in<01:55:01.360> as<01:55:01.679> a<
• <01:55:03.760> Uh,<01:55:04.080> I<01:55:04.320> really<01:55:04.880> uh<
• Uh,<01:55:08.080> which<01:55:08.320> requires<01:55:09.119> um<01:55:09.679>
• I<01:55:19.280> think<01:55:19.599> um<01:55:20.239> this<01:55:20.480> is
• ><01:55:20.560> going<01:55:20.639> to<01:55:20.800> be<01:55:20.880> amazing

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• BE OPERATED ON A DESIGNATED TOOLING COUNTY ROADS MUNICIPAL STREETS THAT HAVE A POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55
• Wright: ON ROADWAYS MARKED 55 MILES AN HOUR OR LOWER. >> Sen. Martin: THANK YOU.
• YOU HAVE TO STAY WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT AND YOU CANNOT DRIVE ON A ROAD MARKED OVER 55 HOURS AND MILES
• YOU CAN ONLY CROSS THE FOUR-LANE ROAD AT 55 MILES AN HOUR OR LESS.
• MY WORRY IS THE SPEED UP TO 55 MILES AN HOUR IF SOMEONE IS GOING TO SLOW OR EVEN GOING THAT SPEED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Freric,<00:55:07.119> I<00:55:07.359> understand<00:55:07.599> your<00:55:07.760
• <00:55:09.440> Uh<00:55:09.760> corporations<00:55:10.640> are<00:55:10.960>
• > farmers<00:55:28.640> who<00:55:29.200> and<00:55:29.520> to<00:55:29.839>
• <00:55:32.000> I<00:55:32.240> mean,<00:55:32.400> I'm<00:55:32.640> sure
• of COVID uh<00:55:36.319> where<00:55:37.119> uh<00:55:37.280> JBS<00:55:38.079

Bills: HF3718

Keywords: veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house

Summary: The Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met with quorum present, approved the March 2 minutes, and then heard a presentation on economic consolidation in agriculture from Austin Ferk, who said he was not taking additional public testimony. Ferk argued that consolidation in meat, dairy, and grain markets has squeezed farmers on both input and output prices, raised consumer prices, and reduced product quality. He used charts and examples to claim that concentrated markets lead to price gouging, that farmers now receive a historically low share of each food dollar, and that industrial production has contributed to environmental problems, especially in Iowa. Ferk focused on several large agribusiness firms, especially JBS and Cargill. He described JBS as a dominant meatpacker with a history of bribery allegations and market power across beef, pork, poultry, and leather, and said its ownership of brands can obscure who is actually selling the product. He also criticized Cargill as an opaque, privately held company with enormous influence over grain and food markets, and said the farm bill and crop insurance system have been shaped to favor overproduction of corn and soy rather than diversified farming. He argued that these policies, along with ethanol demand and export-oriented livestock production, have harmed rural communities, increased manure and nitrate pollution, and contributed to health problems. In the latter part of the presentation, Ferk discussed antitrust and policy responses, including concentration studies, a proposed packer ban that would prevent meatpackers from owning the animals they slaughter, and restrictions on slotting fees and other pay-to-play practices in grocery retail. He also referenced the failed Kroger-Albertsons merger as an example of consolidation harming local communities. No committee vote or formal action was taken on the presentation beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• concern is that we have several law enforcement officers approaching retirement age, generally at age 55
• Next, the interstate compact unit, which is responsible for managing all transfers of supervision under
• the interstate compact for adult offender supervision.
• Currently, the Interstate Compact Unit is solely funded by prorating that cost across only the counties
• This change will ensure that the costs associated with interstate supervision transfers are equitably

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• President, and Senator, yes, one of them is the interstate, and also there's rail, and some of the infrastructure
• So with number 4, we got a proximity to a designated federal interstate highway or other 4-lane vehicular
• Because I would assume one in the south near Cruces, and obviously I-40 is a major commerce interstate
• You know, during the pandemic, I wound up getting, I have a 55-pound African sulcata tortoise that many
• So during the pandemic, I bought enough wood to build a little tiny home for my 55-pound tortoise, and

Transcript Highlights:

• As some<00:55:15.040> of<00:55:15.200> you<00:55:15.359> may<00:55:15.599> not
• c> and<00:55:17.920> this<00:55:18.079> is<00:55:18.240> why<00:55:18.800>
• <00:55:20.880> Other<00:55:21.200> big<00:55:21.520> flood<00:55:21.839>
• So, with<00:55:24.400> that,<00:55:24.640> I'm<00:55:24.880> going<00:55:24.960>
• <00:55:26.720> Well,<00:55:26.960> 1977<00:55:27.839> was<00:55:28.000> the

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• :55:39.920> question<01:55:40.159> that<01:55:40.320> you<01:55:40.480> were<
• were asked that<01:55:41.360> perhaps<01:55:41.679> I<01:55:41.920> know<01:55:
• :55:44.239> why<01:55:44.960> raw<01:55:45.360> plant<01:55:45.679> material<
• /c><01:55:53.920> tour<01:55:54.239> recently<01:55:54.639> and<01:55:54.880>
• I heard<01:55:56.159> was<01:55:56.480> that<01:55:57.599> um<01:55:58.080>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then approved an agency amendment to a health and family services regulation. The amendment reversed a prior change so that neonatal ICU beds would remain subject to regular review rather than nonsubstantive review. The remaining administrative regulations were then reviewed without objection. The main presentation was from State Auditor Allison Ball on a report finding $836 million in concurrent Medicaid capitation payments from 2019 through 2022, involving individuals enrolled in Kentucky and at least one other state. Ball said Kentucky relied on the PARIS system, which has limitations because it is updated quarterly and depends on voluntary state participation, while a better federal data source, T-MSIS, was not fully available to the state. She said the audit found weak internal controls, siloed processes, outdated guidance, and a low-priority attitude toward residency checks, all of which contributed to missed alerts and improper payments. She also said the report identified additional problems, including payments made after beneficiaries died and cases involving multiple states paying for the same person. Ball recommended better access to federal data, stronger MCO contract provisions, and more active oversight by the Department for Medicaid Services and managed care organizations. She said the contracts reviewed did not provide a clear way to recoup the improper payments, though she and her counsel suggested possible equitable legal theories might be explored. Members expressed concern about the scale of the waste and the lack of contract enforcement, and asked whether any money could be recovered. Ball said the audit did not identify a clear contractual path to recoup the funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• up<00:55:03.839> here<00:55:04.079> probably<00:55:04.319> knows<00:55:05.040><
• >> Ah<01:55:07.520> no<01:55:07.679> we<01:55:07.840> did<01:55:08.000>
• >> We<01:55:09.119> never<01:55:09.360> left<01:55:09.599> the<01:55:09.760
• >> So here's<01:55:18.400> what<01:55:18.560> we<01:55:18.800> have<01:55:
• So<01:55:46.880> we<01:55:47.119> have<01:55:47.280> two<01:55:47.520> motions

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:55:42.160> so<00:55:42.800> that<00:55:43.040> was<00:55:43.119> why
• c><00:55:43.280> I<00:55:43.520> asked<00:55:43.760> when<00:55:44.240> Mr.
• ><00:55:50.880> and<00:55:51.200> the<00:55:51.520> students<00:55:51.760> do
• <00:55:53.520> to<00:55:53.680> be<00:55:53.839> successful,<00:55:54.640> we
• > and<00:55:56.400> that<00:55:56.559> is<00:55:56.720> the<00:55:56.880>

Bills: HF2312

Keywords: higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct

Transcript Highlights:

• BNSF Railway, a major interstate commerce, is inundated.
• Give you an idea of the interstate grade raises.
• And then, of course, we also have the interstate commerce, and I'll touch on this a little bit.
• I've got two interstate commerce corridors here. To me, this is more than rural flood control.
• A lot of interstate commerce. I appreciate those. I am the one that is not a dollar figure.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.