Transcript Highlights:

• So no rigs on the reservation. Really, we had a teacher seminar last week.
• The city of Bismarck does not want that growing in their city forest. And so...
• Any state employee with an Outlook account can go onto their calendar and reserve these spaces.
• It's just Outlook, and you can reserve them that easily.
• The four spaces, 14, 13 through 15, 16, are hoteling spaces where any agency could reserve them just

Keywords: 908, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• and Law Enforcement, allows a county sheriff to regulate and utilize the aid of volunteer posse and reserve
• Enforcement to House Bill 48 allows a county sheriff to regulate and utilize the aid of volunteer posse and reserve
• a continual basis to keep towns and cities properly budgeted, by not overflowing with excessive reserves
• and allowing people to build their homes. ...flowing with excessive reserves and allowing people to
• eliminating the position of a use fuel tax of nine cents per gallon used in a vehicle transporting forest

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting was a caucus-style run-through of many bills and resolutions across Appropriations, Commerce, Education, Federalism/Military Affairs/Elections, Government, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, ENRU, Public Safety, and Rural Economic Development. Measures discussed included housing and HOA rules, school policy and funding, health care licensing and records timelines, public safety and corrections funding, election and campaign rules, water and environmental policy, and several criminal justice and juvenile justice changes. Many items were described as being on third-read consent or consent calendars, with staff often noting that no questions were raised and no sponsor was present. Several bills drew sponsor explanation or member discussion. In education, members reviewed bills on teacher strikes, school safety, math placement, student outcomes, free school meals, parent permission for clubs, and school bond ballot disclosures. In health, bills covered prior authorization data reporting, nursing board rules and complaint procedures, pharmacist testing/treatment authority, opioid antagonist expiration dates, board continuations, and a constitutional amendment on refusing medical mandates. In government and public safety, members discussed DCS legal representation, inmate medical records, public safety parity funding, sheriff authority, border support funding, and a resolution supporting county sheriffs. In commerce and housing, bills addressed condominium and HOA authority, shade structures, pet restrictions, insurance certificates, apprenticeship definitions, automatic renewal contracts, and a state housing affordability district. There was notable discussion on House Bill 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and DOC salaries using interest from the state rainy day fund and other revenue sources. The sponsor argued it would provide a reliable way to fund public safety pay, while others objected that it would consume interest needed to preserve the fund’s value and that a general fund appropriation would be more appropriate. The bill prompted extended back-and-forth, with some members supporting the concept and others saying it was fiscally irresponsible. Another point of discussion came on House Bill 2775, where staff noted a possible misprint in the bill history, and on House Bill 467, where staff clarified that the inactive voter list changes related to e-poll book status categories. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, and the meeting appears to have been a review of measures before floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Law Enforcement, allows a county sheriff to regulate and utilize the aid of volunteer posse and reserve
• enforcement to House Bill 48 allows a county sheriff to regulate and utilize the aid of volunteer posse and reserve
• on a continual basis to keep towns and cities properly budgeted by not overflowing with excessive reserves
• on a continual basis to keep towns and cities properly budgeted by not overflowing with excessive reserves
• eliminating the position of a use fuel tax of nine cents per gallon used in a vehicle transporting forest

Summary: The meeting was a lengthy caucus-style review of many bills and resolutions across multiple committees, with staff giving brief descriptions and most items placed on consent or third-read consent calendars. Topics included appropriations, commerce, education, government, health and human services, environment, public safety, and transportation. Measures discussed ranged from school policy and board continuations to housing, water, public safety, licensing, and election-related changes. Several bills were noted as strike-everything amendments or as having been amended in committee. A number of bills drew sponsor comments or brief questions. In education, members discussed bills on teacher strikes, school math placement, school meals, student clubs, bond election disclosures, and a proposed commission on student outcomes. In health and human services, members discussed nursing board rules, pharmacist testing and treatment authority, medical records timelines, opioid antagonist expiration dates, and a proposed constitutional amendment on the right to refuse medical mandates. In government and public safety, members debated funding and staffing issues for DPS and corrections, including a proposed public safety parity fund, as well as bills on county sheriffs, legal representation for DPS, and corrections oversight funding. There was also discussion of election and local government measures, including inactive voter list procedures, circulator disclosure rules, and committee termination filings. Other topics included housing affordability districts, development fees, historic-area middle housing exemptions, water and groundwater management, environmental compatibility siting, and trade-related commissions. One notable exchange involved HB 4044, where members debated whether using rainy day fund interest for public safety pay was fiscally responsible; supporters argued it was a practical way to fund raises, while opponents said it would weaken the fund and should instead be handled through the general fund. No roll-call votes were taken in the transcript, and most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or third-read consent calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• , a state forest, and a national forest.
• About 40% of our forest fires are on federal land.
• So the new administration has opened the floodgates for forest management.
• We just won't go out and hire a bunch of forest managers.
• And I was shocked that the Forest Service hadn't hired anybody yet. So why?

Bills: SB6211, SB6234, SB6242

Keywords: real estate, excise tax, growth management, uniformity, local government, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, shared stewardship, counties authority, land management, environmental agreements, local governance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Health Council and in Colorado Forest Health Council and in connection<00:53:32.000><c> therewith</c
• The Colorado Forest Health Council offers a forum for stakeholders who manage or depend on forests to
• The Colorado Forest Health Council offers a forum for stakeholders who manage or depend on forests to
• These issues, opportunities, and threats facing our state's forests. And we ask for an aye vote.
• claims</c><01:16:11.280><c> of</c> If the reservation of claims of If the reservation of claims of privilege

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent Stillwater, Forest Lake, and the surrounding St. Croix Valley.
• I represent Stillwater, Forest Lake, and the surrounding St. Croix Valley.
• I represent Stillwater, Forest Lake, and the surrounding St. Croix Valley.
• I represent Stillwater, Forest Lake, and the surrounding St. Croix Valley.
• </c> been technically res have been reserved been technically res have been reserved um<00:24:12.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is located in the Tonto National Forest, the Bulldog Canyon OHV area.
• This was on Forest Service land, Forest Service property.
• This was on Forest Service land, Forest Service property.
• We’ve worked with the Forest Service.
• , enforceable law on Forest Service land.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and 2024 estimated forest sector losses reported<00:28:43.520><c> by</c><00:28:43.840><c> forests,</c
• </c> provide payments for farm and forest provide payments for farm and forest business<00:30:42.000>
• and Director of the Forest Division, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation; a Forest Economy Program
• ><c> Department</c><00:39:43.119><c> of</c><00:39:43.280><c> Forest</c> Forest Division, Department of
• Forest Forest Division, Department of Forest Rec<00:39:44.240><c> Parks</c><00:39:44.640><c> and</c>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Removing some of that from the forest improves forest health. It increases climate resilience.
• Forest Health it increases improves Forest Health it increases climate<01:10:32.840><c> resilience</
• Collectively, the forest absorbs more carbon than is emitted, which makes the forest sector the only
• Collectively, the forest absorbs more carbon than is emitted, which makes the forest sector the only
• Collectively, the forest absorbs more carbon than is emitted, which makes the forest sector the only

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We had issues with cattle going onto the forest or into Sleda.
• Prescribed burning wasn't allowed on the forest side or on our side.
• That's why the forest was so thick. They tried planting.
• We have relatives who lost quite a bit of forest land—not trees, I should say.
• It started on forest land right next to the boundary of Isleta.

Transcript Highlights:

• may only appoint tribal members to the board if the members are from a tribe that actively manages forest
• To the board if the members are from a tribe that actively manages forest resources.
• practices, including but not ...consequences to agricultural activities or forest practices, including
• And the necessity of having tribes that actively manage forest resources is that we are changing the
• You have low-rainfall forest in the Colville. You have super high rainfall in western Washington.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an executive session on a series of bills and a joint memorial. Staff summarized measures on agricultural marketing (SB 5816, adding juice grapes), Board of Natural Resources membership and tribal representation (SB 5838), irrigation district hiring exemptions (SB 5930), ungulate population management and predator mitigation (SB 5960), a green fertilizer incentive program (SB 5971), mitigation grants for landowners (SB 6075), tribal participation in the Conservation Futures Program (SB 6097), agricultural impact statements and related protections for farmland (SB 6104), timber sale process modernization (SB 6216), increased wildlife penalty assessments for covered species trade (SB 6233), shellfish licensing and biotoxin fee caps (SB 6318), and a federal wildfire response memorial (SJM 8015). Several bills had proposed substitutes or amendments, including competing changes to SB 5838 and SB 5960, but some items were ultimately set aside with no action. The committee adopted a substitute for SB 5971 and advanced it to Ways and Means. It also adopted a substitute for SB 6097 and sent it to Rules. SB 5816, SB 6216, SB 6233, SB 6318, and SJM 8015 all received due pass recommendations, with SB 5971 and SB 6318 referred onward to Ways and Means. SB 5838 was debated at length over tribal representation on the Board of Natural Resources; amendments to require forest-management expertise or alternate east/west representation were rejected, and the proposed substitute was approved and passed. SB 6233 drew comments about possible unintended consequences, but the bill passed. The committee took no action on SB 5930, SB 5960, SB 6075, and SB 6104. The chair later confirmed that every bill on the executive session agenda had either been moved forward or dropped from the agenda. The meeting ended with the chair thanking staff and members for getting through the last committee meeting before the policy cutoff, and the committee adjourned subject to signature of the boards.

Transcript Highlights:

• The area that the Forest Service is presently working on is Forest Service property.
• On the second item, you mentioned the Forest Service, that they're doing some work on forest land.
• Forest Service. But I was just curious with regards to the expansion.
• I've actually sent a letter to the Forest Service, the State Forest, to basically prioritize the East
• Forest Service come before this committee historically.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Vice President of Minnesota Forest Vice President of Minnesota Forest Industries<00:54:02.599><c
• Removing some of that from the system, from the forest, improves forest health.
• Collectively, the forest absorbs more carbon than is emitted, which makes the forest sector the only
• managing our forests.
• Forest Forest good<01:03:26.720><c> question</c> good question good question representative<01:03:29.279

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Minnesota’s efforts to build a SAF industry. Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because it could benefit agriculture, forestry, clean energy, and rural economies. She highlighted the 2023 state SAF tax credit and sales tax exemption for facility construction, describing the credit as a nation-leading incentive designed to stack with federal IRA credits and attract producers and blenders to Minnesota. Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines said aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s best available tool to reach net-zero goals by 2050. He explained that SAF is a certified drop-in fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and infrastructure, and he cited growing global demand and limited supply. He said Minnesota has many potential feedstocks, including used cooking oil, corn, soybeans, and camelina, and praised the state’s SAF tax credit and the Minnesota SAF Hub as important steps toward making Minnesota a leader in the sector. Peter Fros of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building an industrial-scale SAF value chain in Minnesota. He said the state has key advantages, including airport demand, corporate partners, research institutions, and agricultural inputs, and estimated that three SAF biorefineries could create tens of thousands of jobs and significant emissions reductions. He also said the Hub is working on blending infrastructure, private demand commitments, a winter camelina expansion study, and efforts to secure additional refineries before 2030. Members raised questions about how sustainability is measured, and Fros said the Hub relies on the federal GREET model but wants a clearer, transparent, and standardized national method that also accounts for issues like water quality and biodiversity. Amanda Bellik of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association said corn-based ethanol is a strong fit for SAF production through the alcohol-to-jet pathway because it is abundant, affordable, and supported by existing infrastructure. She said SAF development could create a new value-added market for corn without requiring new acres, but emphasized the need for significant capital investment, stable tax policy, and efficient permitting. She also said the group has worked with a consultant on third-party sustainability assessments of corn production practices to help fill data gaps and support the carbon-intensity requirements tied to SAF incentives.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've seen firsthand the devastating impact QOB has had on our forests and farms.
• Are there any members with reservations? reservations? reservations?
• Are there any members voting with reservations? Any members voting no? Thank you, Chair.
• Are there any members with reservations? reservations? reservations?
• </c> Are there any members with reservations? Are there any members with reservations?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 13 and heard several bills, with most testimony focused on House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry. Supporters described the program as a critical, community-based response to the Maui fires that provides health screenings, mental health support, referrals, and workforce training. Testifiers said the study has identified serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia, and several emphasized that the program has saved lives and should be expanded to reach more children and underserved residents. Committee members also noted broad written support from medical, public health, and community organizations. The committee then heard House Bill 65, HD1, on human and community resilience, which would fund development of a Human and Community Resilience Institute. The dean testifying for the University of Hawaii said the institute would take a data-driven, community-based approach to food and nutritional security, especially given Hawaii’s high food insecurity rate and the loss of SNAP-related positions. House Bill 6005, also on the agenda, drew testimony in support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others, though the transcript excerpt does not include the bill’s full description. The committee also heard House Bill 1605, HD1, expanding the Hawaii National Guard state tuition assistance program to graduate degrees; the Department of Defense, Hawaii Army National Guard, and University of Hawaii supported it, and members clarified that it is a state program separate from the federal GI Bill, though it may sometimes be combined depending on eligibility. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1967, HD1, on permitting workforce development, which would implement recommendations of the speed task force by creating a permitting workforce pipeline with community colleges and coordinating with state and county permitting agencies. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the University of Hawaii supported the measure. House Bill 2139, HD1, on invasive species, would fund research on treatment methods for the Queensland Longhorn Beetle; DLNR, the Farm Bureau, CGAPS, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers, farmers, and others supported it, citing damage to native trees, culturally important plants, and crops such as cacao, and noting promising early results from nematode biocontrol trials. The final bill heard was House Bill 2383, HD1, establishing a statewide workforce PELL grant framework for short-term training programs; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Workforce Development Council, and the University of Hawaii testified, and a committee discussion followed about how responsibilities would be divided among DIR, WDC, and the governor’s certification role. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• about a billion dollars in the account, both in FY26 as well as FY27, and leaves us with a lower reserve
• And leaves us with a lower reserve than I'm sure the governor would prefer, but it is a decision that
• House Bill 1168, a passed effort by Representative Springer to increase our wildfire preparedness and forest
• including the $10.3 million for the EXA program and the $3 million from the one-time WIOA governor reserve
• Michael Moran with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Second to the last word.

Bills: HB2289

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• And for purposes of class 2C managed forest land, property subject to a conservation easement is allowed
• And for purposes of class 2C managed forest land, property subject to a conservation easement is allowed
• In addition, we recommend adjusting the time when remaining reserved credits are made available to 60
• </c><01:02:06.200><c> credits</c><01:02:06.600><c> are</c> time when remaining reserved credits are time
• when remaining reserved credits are made<01:02:06.920><c> available</c><01:02:07.440><c> to</c><01:02

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the reserve is only 50% of what a private carrier would be required to do. I don't know.
• They don't have large financial reserves, yet they still have to pay the same rebates as large global
• Bill Stoffager, on behalf of the American Forest and Paper Association, is here in opposition to the
• This will also expand access for voters with disabilities, those on tribal reservations, and military
• This will also expand access for voters with disabilities, those on tribal reservations, and military

Bills: SB6294, SB6211, SB5650, SB6033, SB6297, SB6343, SB6067, SB6082, SB6323, SB6324, SB5862, SB5923, SB6151

Keywords: local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:17:03.840><c> Gentleman</c> reserve. Gentleman reserves. Gentleman reserve.
• I reserve. from Florida is recognized. I reserve. Gentleman<03:51:53.680><c> reserves.
• I uh and with that I<05:22:28.878><c> reserve.</c> I reserve. I reserve.
• Gentleman reserves. Gentleman time. Gentleman reserves. Gentleman reserves.
• Gentleman from Montana reserve. Gentleman from Montana reserves. reserves. reserves.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , both suspending required deposits into reserves as well as taking money out of reserves, totaling $20
• And then we can build the reserve. I think that would be our advice to you.
• That is also a good resource for us to have fresh water reserved.
• , but putting more money into reserves in the big picture.
• Paul Mason with Pacific Forest Trust. Three quick items.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the May Revision from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office, focused on resources, environmental protection, energy, and related budget issues. Finance said the May Revision keeps the budget balanced in 2026-27 and 2027-28, narrows the structural deficit, and proposes major investments in natural resources, including Proposition 4 bond funding for the Golden Gate Fields acquisition, wildlife refuge and wetland projects, Fort Ord Dunes campground operations, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, wildfire-human coexistence, and beverage container recycling. The LAO praised stronger-than-expected revenues but argued the state still has a structural deficit and is relying too heavily on reserves, recommending more reserve deposits and fewer new discretionary expenditures. Members questioned several proposals, especially the Golden Gate Fields purchase and the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program. Agency officials said the Golden Gate Fields site is a time-limited opportunity, would be remediated by the current owner, transferred to East Bay Regional Park District after closing, and restricted to park/open-space uses rather than commercial development. On Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, Finance and the Natural Resources Agency said the $25 million request would help launch year one of the program, support scientific monitoring, and maintain commitments to environmental flows and habitat restoration; the LAO said the request was premature because the Bay-Delta plan has not yet been formally adopted and the state’s total funding commitment remains unclear. Officials also discussed water storage, subsidence, and the need for ongoing investments in aquifer recharge, aqueduct repairs, and recycling. The committee also reviewed a proposed $1 million shift for the Coexisting with Wildlife Initiative. Fish and Wildlife and the Cattlemen’s Association said the money would support limited-term staffing, deterrence tools, and livestock-loss compensation, while acknowledging the amount is modest compared with the need. Members emphasized the growing human-wildlife conflict problem and the importance of nonlethal deterrence and public education. The discussion then turned to greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues and transit; members warned that lower auction revenues and possible CARB rule changes could leave little or nothing for Tier 3 programs such as transit, clean water, and air-quality programs. Finance and the LAO said the Legislature should plan for multiple revenue scenarios and consider whether the existing cap-and-invest spending framework still matches current revenue expectations and priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work to protect old-growth forests, wetlands, and wild places along the North Coast, and I'm here
• that would authorize 12 additional alcohol licenses for Santa Cruz County, six of which would be reserved

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on alcohol licensing, billboard maintenance, equity planning, and recognition of Eid as a state holiday. AB 2663 by Assembly Member Rogers would extend the sunset on the “Cocktails to Go” program for restaurants; supporters from the California Restaurant Association and the Distilled Spirits Council said it has been successful and should continue, while one member raised concerns about beach communities and open-container enforcement. The bill was amended to add an urgency clause so the sunset would not lapse on New Year’s Eve, and it passed the committee. AB 2099 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays, including replacement or reinforcement of structural components. Supporters said the bill would provide clarity and consistency for the industry and state agencies, while opponents from Humboldt County and environmental groups argued it could weaken local enforcement, make nonconforming billboards effectively permanent, and increase public-safety and environmental concerns. The measure passed to Appropriations. AB 2731 by Assembly Member Addis would authorize 12 additional alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County, split between Watsonville and southern county communities; local officials said the current cap is inequitable and forces businesses onto an expensive secondary market. The bill was amended to limit issuance to no more than five licenses per year and passed to Appropriations. AB 2017 by Assembly Member Haney would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays and provide excused absences for students observing them. Support came from Muslim community organizations, public employees, and advocates who said the bill would improve inclusion and help students and workers observe their faith without penalty. Several committee members spoke in favor and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed to the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. AB 1823 by Assembly Member Jackson would require state agencies to incorporate racial equity into strategic plans and conduct racial equity analyses before budgets or regulations are implemented. Supporters said it would make equity efforts more durable and accountable, while some members opposed it; the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills, and the meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m.