Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is the bill we heard previously that is the TDJ TDCJ sunset bill.
• Members, this is TDCJ sunset bill companion to House Bill 1515 we just passed.
• McLean and her staff for, um, welcoming us to have conversations with, with the agency as the sunset
• They're up for sunset next session, so we would urge the committee to learn more about the, about the
• to have the sunset commission, incredible.

Transcript Highlights:

• No other sunset findings are included in our recommendations.
• This cycle, DIR is under the Sunset Advisory Commission's review.
• This cycle, DIR is under the Sunset Advisory Commission's review.
• Sunset findings and recommendations.
• Turning to page four, the agency was subject to both sunset and strategic fiscal review this biennium

Bills: SB1, SB 1

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:

• House Bill 1197 by 2025 sunset report.
• <01:38:14.560> Report<01:38:14.719> by contained in the 2025 Sunset Report by contained
• in the 2025 Sunset Report by the<01:38:15.040> Department<01:38:15.280> of<01:38:15.440
• implementing the recommendation of the Department of Regulatory Agencies and the department's 2025 sunset
• 2025 sunset report. 2025 sunset report. >> Senator<01:48:36.239> Marsman.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several housekeeping notices, including corrected engrossments/enrollments and committee reports. The Committee on Education reported Senate Bill 23, and the Committee on Judiciary reported Senate Bill 149, both amended and referred to Appropriations with favorable recommendation. The chamber also recognized former Representative Lang Sias as a special guest and heard several moments of personal privilege, including introductions of guests connected to the Boulder Boulder race and the Leadership Program of the Rockies. The Senate then took up Senate Resolution 6, designating April 2026 as National Donate Life Month. Supporters highlighted Colorado’s high donor registration rate, the work of Donor Alliance, and personal stories about organ and tissue donation saving lives. The resolution was adopted 34-0, with the current roll call added as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 7, designating April 2026 as Second Chance Month. Proponents emphasized the impact of collateral consequences on people with criminal records, the importance of employment and reentry, and the value of redemption and public safety; the resolution passed 34-0 and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education for their contributions to financial literacy education in Colorado. The resolution cited House Bill 25-1192’s new financial literacy requirements and praised the organizations’ experiential learning model and statewide reach. Senators spoke about Bill Daniels’ legacy and the programs’ impact on students, including testimony that the institutions have served hundreds of thousands of Colorado youth. The resolution was read at length and discussed, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:48.520> So, creates a sunset for the the bill.
• So, creates a sunset for the the bill. So, it<00:31:49.560> uh Thank you.
• And the amendment also creates a sunset for the bill.
• So, it is in regard to the effective date, but it also creates a sunset of July 1st, 2033.
• We frankly like the sunset provision because we think it strikes a good balance between covering the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to propose that a sunset date of July 1st of 2030 give four years.
• Is there a second to that amendment for the sunset date?
• And when it's put on the ballot, does it say that it's going to sunset in the ballot?
• amendment for the sunset date? amendment for the sunset date?
• So adding a sunset date Chairman. Yeah.

Bills: SF0082

Keywords: registered agents, corporate governance, entity ownership, business regulations, transparency, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, at this point, that particular incentive is scheduled to sunset in 2027.
• I think there are going to be a couple of bills whether they address that sunset or not.
• So Well, in hearing that there is a bit of a sunset on the side act, I think we need to look at it as
• Is there a sunset? What does the benchmarking look like?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Education for those members of the Sun... any board that comes before the sunset.
• This bill, as amended, takes care of any board or commission coming before the sunset committee.
• This should eliminate some problems we've had in the Sunset committee with that.
• We've had in the Sunset committee. With that explanation, I move for adoption as amended.

Bills: SJR 2, SB 4, SJR 36, SJR 2, SB 4, SR 42, SR 74, SR 76, HCR 5, SB 710, SB 710

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's no sunset clause here from my reading. And so I personally don't feel that...
• So there's no sunset clause here from my reading.
• So in this instance, we don't have to have a sunset on this because we can change it right here.
• Luckily, so in this instance, we don't have to have a sunset on that or an end date.
• Luckily, so in this instance, we don't have to have a sunset on that or an end date.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school bond/levy questions from April to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor and several supporters argued that November elections would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, reduce the influence of a small April electorate, and potentially save money. Supporters also said the change could make campaigning more feasible and help voters identify candidates’ general viewpoints. Opponents, including school board members, parents, the Missouri NEA, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued that the bill unnecessarily singles out one county, would politicize school board races, and could bury local education issues on crowded November ballots. They also warned that moving levy and bond questions to November could reduce districts’ flexibility to address urgent needs, and that four-year terms could make recruitment harder and reduce accountability or institutional continuity. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and focused on governance, budgeting, and student needs rather than party labels. Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about why the bill applies only to St. Charles County, whether staggered terms would be lost, and whether partisan labels would help or harm voters. Some members expressed support for the concept as a pilot or model, while others objected to the county-specific approach and the addition of party affiliation. The transcript does not show a final committee vote or other action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislature has extended the sunset four times, which is a strong indication of support.
• AB 1809 removes the sunset and clarifies that the term of individual contracts is five years.
• The Legislature has extended the sunset four times, which is a strong indication of support.
• AB 1809 removes the sunset and clarifies that the term of individual contracts is five years.
• The community college statute was first enacted in 2018, and both versions sunset on January 1, 2027.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum at first and began as a subcommittee, with the chair outlining hearing procedures and several bills on consent. The committee heard and advanced AB 1581, which would improve collection of tribal affiliation data for California students so Native students are more accurately counted and better served; supporters said current systems undercount Native students and erase their needs. AB 1586 also passed, requiring school resource officers who volunteer to carry naloxone to receive opioid overdose response training every two years; supporters emphasized student safety and the need for rapid response to overdoses on campus, while one school employees’ group raised concerns about retaliation protections for non-volunteers. Both bills were moved do pass as amended to Appropriations, with roll calls held open for absent votes. The committee then approved AB 1943, which updates school notices about secure firearm storage by making the information clearer, more visible, and more likely to reach families at key moments such as counseling or discipline interventions. Supporters from gun violence prevention groups, educators, and parents argued that many school shooters obtain guns from home and that plain-language, digital, and timely notices could help prevent child deaths and suicides; the author shared a personal story about a child accessing a gun at home. AB 1792 also advanced, directing the Instructional Quality Commission to consider updating health education to address digital safety issues such as deepfakes, extortion, grooming, and AI-generated exploitation; supporters said students need instruction that reflects modern online risks, while an opponent objected to language referencing LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse students. AB 1653 passed as well, adding heat-illness guidance to the health framework after a young Girl Scout described students suffering during extreme heat and not recognizing symptoms. Later, the committee approved AB 1861, which would require the California Department of Education to create a public database of special education investigation reports with personal information redacted; supporters said families need better access to complaint outcomes and accountability, while an opposition witness warned of unintended consequences, misuse of incomplete information, and added burdens on districts. AB 1721 also moved forward, creating a stakeholder work group to review and streamline school safety plan requirements so plans remain practical and focused on emergency preparedness. AB 1631, which would make kindergarten mandatory, received mixed testimony: supporters argued it would help close achievement gaps and improve readiness, while opponents framed it as an intrusion on parental choice; the bill was held on call after a split vote. Finally, AB 1809, extending job order contracting authority for school and community college districts, was also held on call after opposition from contractors who argued project labor agreement requirements raise costs and reduce competition. The committee then began hearing AB 1659, aimed at improving transitions for court school students back to their home districts, with testimony describing re-enrollment barriers and the need for a designated district contact.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're removing the repeal and adding a 5-year sunset to the following: HRS 237-16.8 on page 56; HRS 237
• We're removing the repeal and adding a 5-year sunset to the following: HRS 237-16.8 on page 56; HRS 237
• We're removing the repeal and adding a 5-year sunset to the following: HRS 237-16.8 on page 56; HRS 237
• We're removing the repeal and adding a 5-year sunset to the following: HRS 237-16.8 on page 56; HRS 237
• And then at that point we can also always either change or extend the sunset or eliminate it.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony and then took up House Bill 1369, which would repeal several tax credits and exemptions, including the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed: Hawaii Gas, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and the Tax Foundation all raised concerns, with opponents arguing the renewable fuels credit has supported major local investment, cleaner fuel production, and energy resilience, while Hawaii Gas warned repeal would raise costs for customers. The Department of Taxation said it did not take a position but provided revenue estimates, saying the bill would increase revenues by about $33.8 million in FY 2026 and $121.7 million in FY 2027; DBEDT said it would follow up on broader economic impacts. The chair proposed a series of amendments that removed some repeals, added five-year sunsets to certain exemptions, narrowed or conditioned others, and tied the renewable fuels exemption to a dollar-for-dollar match for renewable fuel production certified by the state energy officer. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted with multiple members voting with reservations. The committee then moved through a series of other measures. HB 159, HB 244, HB 280, HB 316, HB 716, HB 1298, and HB 1295 were recommended for passage, with HB 1295 amended to change a date to 2050. HB 455 was amended to remove the Hawaii Startup Business Loan Program language and instead fund DBEDT contracting for startup financing and support, excluding businesses already eligible for the community-based economic development loan program. HB 504 was amended to add non-recurring appropriations for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, conditioned on formal commitments to purchase local products under the HRS 27-8 timeline; members discussed the cruise passenger tax and where the revenue would go, and the bill was passed with amendments. HB 606 was amended to recognize DHHL authority over mercantile projects licenses, remove some reporting requirements, and replace the appropriation with $25 million for mercantile projects and $25 million for repair and maintenance. HB 1378 was amended to allow the foundation to enter public-private partnerships, adjust appropriation language, and cap a proposed limit at $15 million, with the committee noting the changes addressed concerns raised in testimony from BNF and the attorney general. HB 974 was deferred indefinitely because the House had already passed SB 1501. Finally, HB 1007 was amended to rename the transit-oriented development infrastructure district program as the transit-oriented community improvement program, consolidate the boards into one, expand board membership, add conflict-of-interest provisions, and allow legislative designation of areas; after discussion about HCDA’s role and the stadium district, the measure was adopted with one reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act.
• Senate Bill 7026, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset
• Senate Bill 7026, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a review under the Open Government Sunset
• We work before sunrise and long after sunset because crops don't wait for business hours.
• This bill reenacts and extends the sunset date for the exemption to 2031.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0. The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals. The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates an automatic sunset on 13 tax credits.
• But to to sunset these now these things.
• So, I think this is a really uh sunset.
• Uh, this bill will put a blanket sunset date on a number of tax credits.
• <06:26:55.280> all action of automatically sunsetting all action of automatically sunsetting

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 7016 is a result of the Open Government Sunset Review and seeks to repeal the public records exemption
• CS for SB 7012 from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is an open government sunset
• CS for SB 7012 from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is an open government sunset
• The exemptions apply retroactively and will undergo sunset review in 2031.
• Senate Bill 7002 sets a new sunset date of October 2, 2031, for the current public records exemption

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early measures included CS/SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would allow qualified candidates or political parties to sue over violations of party-affiliation qualification requirements, and CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and impose a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. SB 156 drew strong support from the City of Daytona Beach and law enforcement groups, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers opposed parts of it, arguing the bill removed existing limits on force and erased sentencing distinctions. The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills, including CS/SB 7014, SB 7016, CS/SB 7012, SB 7000, SB 7002, SB 7004, SB 7006, and SB 7008, all of which extend or preserve public records or meeting exemptions for topics such as social media investigations, small business loan records, motor vehicle enforcement records, emergency shelter information, military affairs records, conviction integrity unit materials, Public Service Commission proceedings, and Gaming Control Commission records. The committee also approved SB 624, allowing batterers’ intervention programs to offer optional faith-based activities, with supporters saying faith-based counseling can help reduce domestic violence and opponents not appearing in the excerpt. HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably after supporters from the Florida Chamber and Associated Industries backed the bill, which limits strict liability claims involving natural geological substances on former phosphate mines but not phosphogypsum stacks. CS/SB 48 on housing, as amended, would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units, limit certain local barriers, and extend housing incentives; it drew broad support from housing, business, real estate, and advocacy groups. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, CS/SB 364 on CPA licensure modernization, SB 292 on public records protection for appellate court clerks, CS/SB 296 and CS/SB 298 on domestic and dating violence protections and related public records exemptions, and SB 386 on farm equipment warranty protections were also reported favorably, generally with supportive testimony from affected industries, advocacy groups, or public safety stakeholders. Later, the committee approved SB 168 expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increase penalties and enforcement tools. It also heard but temporarily postponed CS/CS/SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services after the chair allowed public testimony because many stakeholders had traveled to attend; one opponent, a longtime builder, argued the bill could criminalize contractors who withhold payment for deficient subcontractor work. The meeting concluded with members recording additional votes on selected bills and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Goodwin, has TDI been gone through the sunset review recently?
• And the reason I ask is that oftentimes the Sunset Commission will look at how things are being handled
• happened before I was born, but we did this way back then, I guess in 1957, and then we came back in and sunset
• And I think if there's a sunset review that happens soon, I think that'll help.
• , if this is something that interests the committee, let's look at it in the interim and, through sunset

Summary: The committee first took up several bills and voted them out favorably without amendment: SB 2857, relating to prescription drug purchasing proof for certain health benefit plan issuers and employers; SB 1307, relating to the biennial health coverage reference guide; and SB 527, relating to health benefit coverage for general anesthesia for certain pediatric dental services. Each of those motions passed on a 7-0 roll call. The main discussion centered on SB 1643, which would require prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance for property and casualty rate changes above 10% from a previously filed rate. The chair framed it as a response to rate volatility and rising homeowners and auto premiums, while several members questioned whether it would slow a market that is already stabilizing and could encourage insurers to file repeated increases just under the threshold. Witnesses from consumer groups supported tighter oversight and argued for a lower threshold, while insurance industry representatives opposed the bill, saying Texas’s file-and-use system and competitive market work better and that the proposal could increase costs or create uncertainty. After testimony, SB 1643 was left pending. The committee then heard SB 1642, which would replace the single Texas Department of Insurance commissioner with a three-commissioner structure and an executive director. Supporters said it could improve accountability and transparency, while opponents argued the current single-commissioner model is more efficient and avoids confusion and added cost. Witnesses also raised concerns about open meetings issues, administrative expense, and the lack of a clear model from other states. SB 1642 was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2530, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association omnibus bill. The bill would make a number of changes to TWIA’s governance and finances, including exempting TWIA from certain taxes, moving its headquarters to a coastal county, changing board composition and voting rules, and lowering the probable maximum loss standard from 1-in-100 to 1-in-50. Supporters said the bill would strengthen TWIA’s reserve funding and improve local relevance, while opponents warned it could increase assessments, reduce reinsurance protection, and create operational risks by relocating the headquarters to the coast. The bill was left pending, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the sunset amendment? All right.
• One's a sunset that we usually >> familiar?
• One's a sunset that we usually always<00:06:18.479> do.
• on the sunset amendment? on the sunset amendment? >> All<00:06:27.600> right.
• amendment is adopted regarding sunset. amendment is adopted regarding sunset.

Bills: HB245, SB16, SB59, SB62, SB79, SB88

Keywords: inhalants, controlled substances, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, health, public safety, SB16, four-point restraint, hog-tie, hog tie, prone restraint, law enforcement, police, sheriff, use of force, restraint techniques, positional asphyxia, arrest procedures, detention

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1432 proposes to remove references to pilot program in sunset language for a now successful
• Sunset language for a now successful alternative certification program offered to qualified providers
• things that have been happening in our state based on this program that we've been continuously sunsetting

Bills: SB1432, SB1338, SB1437, SB1812

Keywords: teacher certification, pilot program, education, state board, alternative pathways, education grants, competitive grants, revolving fund, State Department of Education, State Board of Education, Strong Readers Act, literacy instruction, reading intervention, dyslexia, science of reading, structured literacy, multisensory instruction, school districts, public education funding, education innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I want to begin by expressing my great thanks to the entire Sunset staff for their thorough
• critical to crafting this bill and to addressing the areas of improvement identified through the sunset
• And so what we're doing comprehensively, look, we heard all that kind of feedback through the sunset
• We've landed working through the sunset process, working with all the stakeholders.
• I want to thank all the people that came forward and testified in the sunset process.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Jim Harris of Tilden Baptist Church, followed by remarks from Senator Zaffirini recognizing his service and retirement as an agricultural teacher. The chamber also received a message from the governor on appointments to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors. Senators then adopted SR 434 honoring Goodwill Industries of San Antonio’s 80th anniversary, with Senators Gutierrez, Menendez, and Zaffirini praising its workforce training and second-chance employment mission; SR 435 recognizing Dr. Christine Ramos Camacho as Doctor of the Day; and a group of additional resolutions adopted by voice vote. Senator Zaffirini also introduced the McMullen County Day delegation, and Senator Gutierrez introduced the Doctor of the Day. The Senate then took up and passed several bills. SB 1951 addressed penalties for late property rendition filings and removed a financial incentive for appraisal districts; SB 1261 related to financing water supply projects in the state water plan; SB 1620 created a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program; SB 530 updated higher-education accreditation rules; SB 2183 standardized fireworks sales periods statewide; SB 2368 strengthened the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act and added foreign-affiliation safeguards for electricity market participants; SB 1398 limited children without placement (CWOP) practices and added community-based care transparency; and SB 1960 established digital replication rights for voice and visual likenesses. Each of these bills advanced through suspension of the regular order, passage to engrossment, suspension of the three-day rule, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few measures. The chamber also debated SB 825, which would require an annual study of the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration. Senators Middleton, Hinojosa, Gutierrez, and Eckhardt debated whether the study should include positive as well as negative impacts; an amendment to require that broader analysis failed, and the bill was left pending after passage to engrossment. Other measures passed included SB 2010, prohibiting political subdivisions from operating guaranteed income programs; SB 546, requiring reporting and continued implementation of school bus seat belts; SB 586, establishing the Historical Texas Cemetery designation program; SB 1150, requiring inactive oil and gas wells to be plugged or returned to production under a compliance plan; SB 1184, lowering the minimum age of wine eligible for sale by wine collection sellers; SB 2185, clarifying bilingual education allotment funding; SB 1923, making child support follow the child in certain temporary placements; SB 2252, expanding early literacy and numeracy supports and screening tools; SB 1870, barring local decriminalization of drugs; and SB 2405, the major TDCJ sunset bill, which included facility planning, parole and rehabilitation reforms, and an amendment protecting parole board discretion. Most of these bills were adopted after floor amendments and passed with recorded votes, often along party-line or near-party-line divisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what was stated in the 1965 Reauthorization Act.
• That's what was stated in the 1986 Reauthorization Act.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what was stated in the '65 Reauthorization Act.
• That's what was stated in the '86 Reauthorization Act.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met with a quorum and received updates from the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Commission, followed by presentations from Deloitte on two legislative studies required by House Bill 1020. Director Reese Haas reviewed major project and budget updates, including the Northwest Area Water Supply and Southwest Pipeline projects, Resources Trust Fund balances, carryover spending, project prioritization, bid conditions, regional water system coverage, and department process improvements. Members also discussed how the commission prioritizes projects, maintenance expectations, and the impact of limited municipal water supply funding. No formal committee action was taken during the DWR update; the commission’s municipal funding decisions were described as pending its April 8 meeting. Deloitte then presented the cost-share policy study, which found that under current policy and forecasted revenues, North Dakota faces an estimated $1.3 billion shortfall over 14 years, with a near-term gap of about $1.8 billion through 2031. The firm outlined seven recommended options, including tighter definitions and a 25% cost share for eligible replacement projects, caps and financing strategies for the Mouse River and Red River Valley projects, aligning cost share with commission priority guidance, delaying lower-priority projects, using available lines of credit, and adjusting reimbursement timing for revolving loan funds. Committee members questioned inflation assumptions, affordability, user fees, and the use of legacy fund earnings for bonding, but no decisions were made. In the governance and finance study, Deloitte said final recommendations are still being refined, with a final report due May 29. The study examined the Southwest Pipeline, NAWS, and Red River Valley systems using governance and finance criteria such as decision authority, transparency, affordability, risk, and access to funding. For Southwest, Deloitte outlined options ranging from improved state-authority coordination to transferring ownership to the Southwest Water Authority; for NAWS, options focused on strengthening the authority’s role and potentially transitioning operations and maintenance; and for Red River, options ranged from enhanced facilitation to formal state oversight or state ownership. Members asked follow-up questions about ownership transfer, capital repayment streams, and why NAWS was not considered for transfer, and Deloitte said NAWS’s limited organizational maturity made that option less viable in the near term.

Transcript Highlights:

• capital expenditures, providing limitations and requirements for certain capital outlay projects, reauthorizations
• Providing limitations and requirements for certain capital outlay projects, reauthorizations, and appropriations

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM25, HB9, SB2, SB19

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial