Transcript Highlights:

• in 2023, and there was a $2.5 million transfer from SIF for that program.
• Also, we do have some information regarding the child care assistance program.
• from SIF for that program.
• Thank you. and there is a $2.5 million transfer from SIF for that program.
• Another area that has been discussed is a free meal program.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• folks who are licensed drivers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are operating with a privilege granted
• It cannot be used, spent on new programs, new spending.
• this amendment also requires reporting So this amendment also requires reporting for the Home Base program
• know, again, de-identified for personal information, but that we can know who is in the Home Base program
• continued transparency and accountability in both the emergency shelter system and the Home Base programs

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a fiscal year 2025 close-out supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments, many of which were withdrawn, adopted, or rejected. Early debate focused heavily on funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Massachusetts, with Senators O’Connor and Feeney arguing for restoring money for transportation, safety, and event readiness, citing projected ridership surges, economic benefits, and the need for Boston and the Commonwealth to invest. Senator Driscoll also won adoption of an amendment directing the MBTA to study and report on its local assessment formula, using Milton and Quincy as examples of perceived inequities in how communities are charged relative to service received. The Senate then took up several other amendments, including measures on fire survivor support, vaccine liability, mental health and sidewalk projects, council on aging and public safety items, disaster relief, service dogs, and MBTA assessments. Senator Tarr offered amendments on driver record transparency and energy cost reporting, but those were not adopted. A major roll-call vote rejected Tarr’s amendment to restore a larger share of excess capital gains to the stabilization fund; supporters argued for stronger rainy day reserves, while the Ways and Means chair defended the bill’s use of a deficiency reserve fund and warned of revenue losses from federal tax changes. The Senate also adopted an amendment on shelter and Home Base spending transparency, requiring renewed reporting on emergency shelter and housing assistance programs. Later, the chamber adopted Senator Edwards’ amendment creating a Massachusetts Federal Employee and Service Member Civil Relief Act to protect federal workers and service members in the event of a shutdown, including relief from eviction and foreclosure-related harms. The Senate also adopted Senator Rodrigues’s Ways and Means amendment, then approved the underlying supplemental budget as amended and ordered it to third reading. After the final roll call, the bill was passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 vote. The Senate concluded by agreeing to adjourn and by honoring Mrs. Anne Lee in memory, with a brief communication from Senator Cyr noting a prior remote-vote error for the journal.

Transcript Highlights:

• You do have to take a training program.
• Next up is House Bill 2298, authorizing county auditors to create a voluntary title protection program
• As a brief reminder, this bill would authorize Title protection program to prevent land record fraud.
• It would also establish a grant program for the Department of Commerce to administer to provide grants
• For the Department of Commerce to administer to provide grants to local governments that substantially

Summary: The House Local Government Committee heard public testimony on HB 2588, which would let county ferry districts exercise broader authority over ferries rather than being limited to passenger-only ferries. The sponsor and county officials from Whatcom, Pierce, and Skagit described rising operating and capital costs for county-run vehicle ferries and said the bill would give local governments a needed funding tool. Opponents argued it would create another tax burden and that county councils do not directly represent voters on such decisions. The hearing on HB 2588 was later reopened for additional testimony, but no vote was taken in the hearing portion. The committee also heard HB 2094, which would require non-charter counties to appoint coroners rather than elect them, unless they use appointed medical examiners. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address accountability and staffing problems, citing Yakima County as an example and arguing that coroner positions are technical and should be filled through hiring rather than partisan elections. Supporters said appointment would reduce ballot complexity and allow for professional management, while opponents, including elected coroners and the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, argued that elected coroners provide independence, public accountability, and the ability to order inquests without political pressure. The public hearing on HB 2094 was closed without committee action during the hearing. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. HB 2451 on local tax increment financing passed with three adopted amendments and a 7-0 vote. HB 2298 on county title protection programs also passed with one adopted amendment and a 7-0 vote. HB 2566 on local government procurement passed 7-0 without amendment. HB 2267 on urban forest management ordinances passed 4-3 after a substitute was adopted, with some members expressing concern about state guidance becoming too regulatory. HB 2530 on public facilities districts for regional aquatics and sports facilities passed 7-0 after removing the deadline for forming such districts, and HB 2388 on siting distributed energy generation on agricultural lands passed 7-0 after an amendment narrowing the bill’s scope. The committee then returned to public testimony on HB 2094 and HB 2588 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it has a set geolocation program into it, which some bad guys are doing, so if you jam Wi-Fi and GPS
• We'll get some technology for some grants.
• This is my nose of the camel into the tent to start what I hope is a program like ICAC, Idaho Crimes
• Against Children. to start what I hope is a program like ICAC, Idaho Crimes Against Children, that has
• The Regional Information Sharing Systems has been congressionally funded for over 50 years, and grants

Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules Committee approved the minutes from January 27, 2026 and then considered two RS introductions and two bill hearings. RS 3-3101, a minor change to a reckless driving proposal by Rep. Pohanka, added the word “active” to the school zone/construction zone language and was introduced. RS 33096, sponsored by Chairman Skog, would clarify disturbing-the-peace law to specifically cover willful and malicious disruption of worship services; it was also introduced after brief discussion about whether broader wording could have been used. The committee then heard House Bill 522, which would create penalties and authorize reasonable countermeasures against drones operating in restricted airspace around correctional facilities. Rep. Hill and witnesses from the Idaho Department of Correction and a counter-UAS company described drones as a growing security threat used to deliver contraband and aid escapes, citing thousands of detections and examples from other states. A member of the public raised First Amendment and press-access concerns, but the bill was still moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation in a unanimous roll-call vote. The committee also heard House Bill 518, which would allow the Attorney General’s office, at the request of local law enforcement, to take the lead on human trafficking prosecutions. Supporters from Nampa police, victim services, local government, and prosecutors described trafficking as a multi-jurisdictional crime that strains local resources and re-traumatizes victims through repeated interviews. The Attorney General’s office testified neutrally, saying it could take on the work but would need additional resources and that the bill’s current scope may be too narrow to be used often. Despite that caution, the committee unanimously sent HB 518 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning; a scheduled budget presentation was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I look at the other entities that have already been granted, and you can find them in the statute
• On page 2, Section D, line 22, it said, shall not be used as a sole basis to grant or deny bail.
• What else are they going to be used besides these pretrial... ...is a sole basis to grant or deny bail
• Just to follow up on Representative George's question, I think about, like, Grant County in my district
• Pretrial assessment in Grant County? The answer to your question is no. Representative Hefner.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. Senate Bill 419, as amended to update the effective date to 2026, would allow the state treasurer and the Department of Wildlife Conservation/Wildlife Conservation Commission to employ or appoint attorneys. Supporters said the treasurer’s office handles highly specialized financial matters and needs in-house expertise and faster legal advice; questions focused on possible conflicts with the Attorney General, fiscal impact, and why Wildlife was included. After discussion, the bill was reported due pass by a 7-2 vote. Senate Bill 835, also amended to a 2026 effective date, would require qualifying licensing boards and commissions to submit proposed non-rulemaking actions with anti-competitive implications for review by the Secretary of State. The author said the bill responds to antitrust concerns raised by the North Carolina dental board case and is intended to provide state supervision before boards take potentially anti-competitive action. Members questioned whether existing court remedies and Attorney General oversight were sufficient, and whether a single official should have that authority. The bill passed due pass 8-2. Senate Bill 1618 would require courts to conduct pretrial risk assessments early in criminal cases, with the assessments used as one factor in bail decisions but not as the sole basis for granting or denying bail. The author said the bill is modeled on federal practice and is meant to help judges make fact-based decisions and reduce jail overcrowding, especially in Oklahoma County. Members asked about who validates the assessments, county implementation, and costs; the author said counties could choose their own approach and that the fiscal impact would not be significant. The bill was reported due pass 6-4. The committee also considered Senate Bill 262, which was heavily amended and had both the title and enacting clause struck while members continued working on it. The bill concerns moving certain inmates convicted of nonviolent financial crimes out of county jails and into appropriate intake/transport processes, with the author emphasizing the goal of reducing jail overcrowding and inviting further collaboration on the language. Members raised concerns about fairness and possible unequal application based on community ties, and the bill was reported due pass 8-1 despite being acknowledged as a work in progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> up for just those good robust programs up for just those good robust programs that that that you're
• </c><00:06:44.319><c> the</c> this kind of a robust PTO program the this kind of a robust PTO program
• </c> many people are waiting for this program many people are waiting for this program to<00:18:45.919
• </c><00:21:20.240><c> in</c> mistake in different it programs in mistake in different it programs in
• </c> expend more time if this kind of program expend more time if this kind of program availability<00

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have two kinds of programs: ways that programs are funded, either General Revenue (GR) or through
• It's the short story... and the COPA program is a fee-supported program.
• We need specific vehicles for programs such as the mold program or fuel motor quality where you can't
• More excitingly, we have plumbing programs in over 60 high schools. schools with a plumbing program that
• Medication and drug testing program.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, Chairman, Dallas County has a robust program. In Collin County, Rep.
• The QHP program has supported similar developments all across Texas.
• This bill seeks to add the city of Tyler to the Qualified Hotel Project Program.
• In fact, we became the 11th city authorized under the program.
• Granted in the statute.

Bills: HB 1039 , HB2289 , HB2370 , HB2404 , HB3066 , HB3076 , HB3117 , HB3118 , HB3169 , HB3178 , HB3179 , HB3182 , HB3196 , HB3241 , HB3377 , HB3500 , HB3567 , HB3715 , HB3954 , HB4098 , HB4109 , HB4222 , HB4226 , HB4412 , HB4659 , HB4682 , HB4683 , HB4755 , HB4926 , HB5165 , HB5562 , HB5596

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax authority, border counties, tax legislation, municipalities, hotel tax revenue, convention centers, economic development, local government authority, HB 2370, HOT tax, venue projects, convention center, municipal finance, local government code, Section 334.0082, tourism tax, debt financing, bond repayment

Transcript Highlights:

• fund that are more substantive about how the funds are to be used or how someone applies for, like, a grant
• program under the fund, but the technical language of the creation of...
• Someone applies for, like, a grant program under the fund, but the technical language of the creation

Committee: All CODE REVISION COMMISSION

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Where there is sadness, joy, grant.
• following measures SB 2 Creighton, relating to the establishment of an education savings account program
• personnel office, becoming an assistant to the US Department of Health and Human Services National AIDS Program
• Rahim al-Husseini was designated as the 50th hereditary imam of the Shia Imam Ismaili Muslim and granted

Transcript Highlights:

• program at the Department<00:41:01.600><c> of</c><00:41:01.720><c> Health.
• is for many hospitals that have training programs, and we're similar in that way.
• That program inspired her to be a doctor, but helped her get into medical school.
• There were about six programs closed, 100 FTEs or so.
• </c> program cuts and personnel cuts and etc. program cuts and personnel cuts and etc.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• SCR 14 by Zaffirini, granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the
• The University of Houston Grants graduate, he established and operated a real estate firm specializing
• commerce, leadership bernie has been shaping our future of our community through its rigorous. long program
• His selfless act has granted Mr. Good a renewed lease on life. and a future filled with hope.
• to life-saving initiatives, including the establishment of a hospital. based violence intervention program

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Grant us the strength to act with integrity, the courage to stand for what is right, and the compassion
• The Senate has passed the following measures SCR 11 Zafarini, granting the legislature permission to
• water and wastewater infrastructure, legislation providing for a universal education savings account program
• legislation to provide salary increases for Texas teachers, including through merit-based compensation programs
• SCR 11 by Zafarini, granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than 3 days during the period

Transcript Highlights:

• But this program will have $5 million dedicated to go to grants to homeowners here in Kentucky to strengthen
• But this program will has $5 weather.
• ><c> go</c><00:02:55.400><c> to</c><00:02:55.680><c> grants</c> million dedicated to go to grants million
• <00:48:36.800><c> for</c> program for program for those<00:48:38.240><c> qualifying</c><00:48:39.200>
• </c> relief under the gold carding program relief under the gold carding program on. on. on.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:38 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:01:34 Proposed Legislation for the 2026 Session 00:10:14 Basic and Added Reparation (PIP) Benefits 00:10:41 Prior Authorization 00:46:15 Measures to Strengthen Kentucky’s Economic Infrastructure 00:59:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee met in a special-called session of the Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance and first took up three Department of Insurance regulations tied to House Bill 256, the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program: 806 KAR 22:00, 22:10, and 22:20. Commissioner Sharon Clark said the program would provide $5 million in grants to help homeowners strengthen roofs, with regulations covering eligibility and operations, contractors and evaluators, and reinspections in cases of suspected fraud. A committee substitute to 806 KAR 22:10 was explained as a technical correction to conform to the statutory preference for in-state contractors and evaluators. Representative Hampton moved and Representative Rudy seconded approval of the substitute, and it was adopted by voice vote; the amended regulations were then reviewed. Clark also said the grant money would be distributed statewide rather than targeted to storm-prone areas. The committee then heard an update from Commissioner Clark on mental health parity in response to questions from Representative Pollock. Clark said the department reviews insurer filings and conducts market conduct examinations, but does not have authority over provider reimbursement rates or to require providers to join insurer networks. She said complaints are investigated and, when needed, teams review claims and data on site to check compliance with parity requirements. No action was taken on that discussion. After approving the November 4 meeting minutes, the committee heard testimony on a proposed PIP reform package from Representative Josh Bray, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, and State Farm. Supporters said the bill would apply the workers’ compensation fee schedule to most PIP medical claims, keep the $10,000 PIP limit in place while stretching benefits further, reduce balance billing, modernize benefit amounts, and address fraud and delayed billing. They noted hospitals would be exempt from the fee schedule, while hospital-based physical therapy would be included, and said the compromise reflected negotiations among stakeholders. Some members questioned whether exempting hospitals undercut the bill’s purpose and asked about possible rate effects; proponents said they had not done a rate analysis and that the bill could lead to more treatments within the existing PIP limit. No vote was taken on the PIP proposal during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Iron Range Senator Grant Hoschild shares his priorities and successes this session, including extending
• With me now is DFL Senator Grant Hoschild. Senator, thank you for being here.
• With me now is DFL Senator Grant<00:01:55.280><c> Hoschild.
• Senator, thank you for Grant Hoschild. Senator, thank you for being<00:01:56.960><c> here.
• , but it's a reimbursement grant.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CalFresh is more than a food program. It is one of the CalFresh is more than a food program.
• They're in the CMSP program.
• , the CAROT program.
• program for these dollars.
• This particular grant program is through the clinics, yes. Okay.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the issue as a major federal disruption that would reduce benefits and shift costs to the state, counties, hospitals, and other local systems. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center, each describing projected enrollment losses, higher state and county costs, and implementation challenges. The LAO outlined H.R. 1’s main changes: new and expanded work requirements, more frequent eligibility redeterminations, restrictions on certain non-citizen eligibility, and financing changes affecting provider taxes and federal matching rates. The LAO estimated that 1 to 2 million people could be disenrolled from Medi-Cal and more than 600,000 could lose CalFresh, with additional costs from reduced federal support and possible state and county administrative burdens. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget includes about $1.4 billion General Fund in 2026-27 to respond to H.R. 1, with larger out-year reductions in federal funds and projected Medi-Cal caseload losses of up to 2 million by 2029-30. The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, while noting the state could choose policies that would reduce some of those losses. The Food Research and Action Center warned that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, worsen health outcomes, and strain local economies and emergency systems. Members questioned the witnesses about procedural disenrollments, regional variation, the overall growth in Medi-Cal spending, the future of the MCO tax, the CalFresh error rate, and the downstream effects on hospitals and county indigent care. Several senators argued that the federal law was driven by tax cuts for high-income earners and would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color. Administration witnesses said some impacts are still being analyzed, that counties and departments are working on implementation, and that the Legislature may need to use statute, reporting, and oversight tools as federal guidance develops. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a unique program, but where this says other programs... >> How does, you know, that's a program
• It's a unique program. program. program. &gt;&gt; I<03:32:15.520><c> understand.
• Is it any saying it's to any program. Is it any program?
• Is it some programs? Is it So program? Is it some programs?
• </c> program across the country. program across the country.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we use those levers to be able to do things and provide programs.
• Yet a year later, even the conservative Trump administration has become big spending, new programs, and
• Because of the fragmentation that exists in the funding programs of Congress today, what do you look
• And those programs are cut drastically. Our 401(k)s are cut drastically.
• But to keep these programs sustainable for the long term, we have to get this fiscal mess in check.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over state government programs and what I call providers, which are the recipients of state funds, is
• When we know that fraudsters are stealing our taxpayer dollars, they are stealing program dollars.
• Just half. $100 million a year, and that's just one program. That's just Medicaid, okay?
• You have child care assistance programs coming in at over $100 million. Dollars.
• The amount of DHS's budget, that is grants, is this much compared to the Medicaid spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other reason I brought this... program mea the medical Eligibility program mea the medical Eligibility
• and CFI has authorization for programs and CFI has authorization for nutrition<01:53:53.400><c> programs
• This program is not mandatory, as you know.
• </c> provided some flexibility this program provided some flexibility this program is<02:31:29.800><c
• </c> for 90 days the department will grant for 90 days the department will grant provisional<02:33:25.359

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all