Transcript Highlights:

• With the population of 1,299 people with an 86% unemployment rate in retired rate.
• forward for all of our poorer, smaller communities that are mainly made up of struggling households and retired
• He's done a lot of research since he retired from Oklahoma State, and he terrified all of us a few weeks
• entertain and look at alternative methods and technologies, and have those be approved by DEQ to offset
• entertain and look at alternative methods and technologies, and have those been approved by DEQ to offset

Summary: The meeting focused on the use of biosolids on farm and ranch land, with testimony from Oklahoma State University experts, a conservation official, and an engineering representative about the benefits, risks, and regulatory implications. Dr. Lusk described OSU’s long history of soil fertility research and said biosolids can provide nutrients and organic matter, but also may carry contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and pathogens. He emphasized that many questions remain unanswered, especially about contaminant uptake into soil, crops, livestock, and humans, and said existing EPA and Oklahoma DEQ regulations address some treatment and application standards but may not fully cover PFAS. Dr. Arnell expanded on nutrient management, explaining that biosolids can function similarly to manure as a fertilizer source, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus, but should be tested, incorporated into soil, and applied under permit conditions to reduce runoff and other losses. He said PFAS testing methods are not yet standardized and that more research is needed to determine sampling protocols, movement in soil, and long-term effects. Committee members asked whether farmers and ranchers should be notified of risks, whether PFAS is currently tested, how many counties use biosolids, and what research would be needed for a dissertation-level study. The witnesses generally agreed that landowners should be informed of known risks and uncertainties, but said the science is still developing. Dr. Arnell said a unified testing method is needed before reliable PFAS monitoring can be done, and suggested that a multi-year study would be required to understand soil movement, crop uptake, and livestock impacts. Greg Scott of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission framed the issue as a waste-management problem, noting that human waste streams contain contaminants and that soil type affects how pollutants move; he said sandy soils pose greater movement risks than clay soils and that current best practice is incorporation, careful timing, and avoiding steep or sensitive sites. He also said PFAS are widespread and not naturally occurring in the way some other compounds are, and that liability and cleanup costs are major concerns. Mary Elizabeth Mock of Garver Engineering focused on the practical and financial consequences of a possible moratorium on land application, saying most of Oklahoma’s biosolids are currently land applied and would otherwise have to go to landfills. She warned that many landfills are nearing capacity, tipping fees could rise sharply, and cities such as Tulsa and Norman could face large increases in disposal costs, which would ultimately be borne by ratepayers and taxpayers. She also said septic system maintenance costs could rise if land application options shrink, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and system failures. Mock urged a tiered, data-driven approach to PFAS regulation and said advanced treatment technologies may help in the future, but they are still emerging and expensive. No votes were taken; the session consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• might limit that ability in terms of requiring a reduction of the rate, a portion of the rate to offset
• And then one of the questions I believe you asked through... ...portion of the rate to offset that amount
• Commission does have chief legal counsel, and I know at least two of the current hearing officers are retired
• One of them is a retired judge from the state.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, unfortunately, she's not with us today, but our legal staff attorney has retired, and we just
• want to wish her a wonderful retirement.
• There have been discussions based on the sunset of the offset that this is something that is starting

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, if we decide as a state to agree to do something to offset...
• We support expedited permit review fees to help offset the increased workload.
• Of brackish groundwater that can be utilized to offset freshwater extraction.
• Earlier, it was recommended that water rates be increased to offset the cost for infrastructure, but
• Now it's just a bunch of retired people, and the biggest employers are the healthcare industry.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is retired.
• She served the Georgia General retired.
• <04:58:25.600> So retirement age of 70 retirement. So retirement age of 70 retirement.
• retirement benefits therefore loom retirement benefits therefore loom fairly<04:58:27.920> large
• We're going to skip down to 234, top of page 53. help offset a portion of an increase in help offset

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I'm retired. I got all the time in the world, but the thing is, you know, and I read.
• I mean, I'm retired. I got all the time in the world, but the thing is, you know, and I read.
• I mean, I'm retired. I got all the time in the world, but the thing is, you know, and I read.
• I mean, I'm retired. I got all the time in the world, but the thing is, you know, and I read.
• Here, I mean, I got, I'm retired.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're seeing a number of farmers retire from farming.
• Not terribly relevant maybe to this meeting, but Senator Velis, my husband is a retired Army lieutenant
• My dad's a retired Air Force enlisted senior master sergeant.
• We have a potent weapon to help the economy and finally retire DCR's $1 billion deferred maintenance
• We continue to believe that DCR needs $250 million a year in capital spending to retire the backlog over

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on S.2542, the Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill aimed at climate resilience, water infrastructure, conservation, and related permitting reforms. Secretary Rebecca Tepper and administration officials described the bill’s major investments in flood control, coastal resilience, DCR roads/bridges/dams and parks, drinking water and wastewater upgrades, PFAS remediation, land conservation, food security infrastructure, and expanded Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness funding. They also explained proposed streamlining measures for environmental permitting, flood risk disclosures, a Connecticut River Resilient Commission, and a new Resilience Revolving Fund to provide low-cost financing for municipal resilience projects. Committee members asked about affordability, useful life of projects, how the revolving fund would be capitalized, and how the bill would help communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, and coastal towns; officials said the fund would initially use existing trust resources, not new fees, and could later support special obligation bonds once it has a track record. Several witnesses supported the bill but urged larger authorizations or additional provisions. Boston Harbor Now asked for more funding for MVP and the state’s resilient coast plan, and supported permitting reforms for nature-based and hybrid solutions. The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance urged inclusion of drought-management language from separate bills, plus a statewide flood buyout program and a water reuse commission. Green Roots called for dedicated funding for outdoor and indoor air quality monitoring and indoor air quality improvements, especially in environmental justice communities affected by traffic and airport pollution. Conservation and forestry advocates requested more funding for urban tree canopy, local nurseries, and workforce training, while also raising concerns about PFAS impacts and the need for clearer municipal reforestation language. Agriculture and water infrastructure groups focused on food security and drinking water needs. The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership and the Mass Food System Collaborative backed the food security infrastructure grant program and farmland protection funding, warning that the program needs continued support in fiscal 2027 and that farmland loss is accelerating. The Massachusetts Waterworks Association said the bill does not go far enough on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, citing large statewide capital needs and PFAS compliance costs, and asked for recurring funding and broader eligibility for climate resilience grants. A Product Stewardship Council representative also urged funding for a waste reduction needs assessment, citing growing landfill constraints and rising disposal costs. No votes were taken during the hearing."}{

Transcript Highlights:

• annuities at age 65 for Group I retirement system members, having considered the same report...
• before that budget went into effect would not get the extra bump up in retirement pay based upon the
• > Security<05:37:42.240> full<05:37:42.480> retirement<05:37:43.000> age
• the Social Security full retirement age the Social Security full retirement age and<05:37:43.760>
• system was unlined from retirement system was unlined from Social<05:38:14.600> Security<05:38

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Small businesses are the ones who, by and large, pay the BET because of the offset, as you mentioned,
• And so providing this tax relief, uh, to small businesses will help offset some of the cost of living
• Small businesses are the ones who, by and large, pay the BET because of the offset, as you mentioned,
• And so providing this tax relief, uh, to small businesses will help offset some of the cost of living
• I appreciate it. offset to a greater degree by the offset to a greater degree by the reduction<01:07:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But those funds barely cover 50% of the overall cost that the clubs have to offset with fundraisers and
• and offset with fundraisers and other<00:37:41.079> other<00:37:41.359> ways<00:37:41.599
• So, between that, my experience, and I was about to retire and needed something worthwhile to do, here
• <01:38:21.000> and<01:38:21.119> needed and I was about to retire and needed and I
• was about to retire and needed something<01:38:21.639> worthwhile<01:38:22.000> to<01:38

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund for Military and Veterans Exemptions, or MBE, was established to assist public institutions to offset
• special distribution from the PUF to the AUF authorized by the Board of Regents in fiscal year 24, offset
• three, the University of Texas System share, to delete language relating to refinancing and early retirement
• .** TSTCs and LSCs have their own instruction formulas and do not contribute statutory tuition to offset

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:

• their carbon use plant trees to offset their carbon use or<03:45:08.600> they<03:45:08.720>
• I'm a retired physician with a specialty in psychiatry.
• I'm a retired physician with a specialty in psychiatry.
• I’m a German citizen, retired in September 2023 from my professorship in Germany, and currently work
• I’m a German citizen, retired in September 2023 from my professorship in Germany, and currently work

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Former insurance commissioner, my predecessor, Jim Riddling, who at the time was a retired insurance
• Unlike market-rate housing, affordable housing providers cannot offset these rising costs through rent

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met to consider several bills focused on California’s insurance market, wildfire resilience, and consumer protections. AB 888, the California Safe Homes Act, was heard first. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Alabama Insurance Commissioner Mark Fowler testified in support, describing state grant programs that help homeowners harden roofs and create defensible space, with the goal of reducing losses and improving insurance affordability and availability. Supporters from the insurance industry, local government, and the Rebuild Paradise Foundation also backed the bill, and committee members emphasized the need for more incentives for mitigation. The bill passed the committee on a do pass motion and was sent to Appropriations. AB 290, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require the FAIR Plan to offer automatic payments and address non-renewal grace-period issues. The author described her own experience being forced onto the FAIR Plan and facing a large premium increase, while Consumer Federation of California called the bill common-sense consumer protection. The FAIR Plan opposed unless amended, saying it was already handling major wildfire claims and other operational demands and requested more time and changes to the non-renewal grace-period language. Members across the committee supported the bill as a needed modernization measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 1339, by Assemblymember Gonzalez, would direct the Department of Insurance to study insurance availability and pricing for affordable housing providers and report policy recommendations. Supporters from affordable housing organizations said rising premiums were forcing providers to cut services, defer maintenance, and use reserves, threatening housing stability for low-income residents. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 646, by Assemblymember Wallace, also passed to Appropriations; it concerns disclosure related to motor vehicle protection products and catalytic converter theft deterrence, with support from auto dealers and industry groups. The committee also approved AB 1531 on consent. Members later added on to the record in support of the bills, and the hearing concluded without recorded opposition votes on the measures that advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• would be some PBM licensure revenue coming in as well, but I don't know that it would be enough to offset
• another area that has a PBM, a very, very large one, and that's the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Industry and Business reconvened to work on House Bill 1584, which would create a new pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulatory structure within the Insurance Department. Insurance Commissioner John Godfrey and Deputy Commissioner John Arnold explained a revised set of amendments negotiated with Representative Casper and the North Dakota Pharmacists Association. They said the bill largely kept the House policy intact but added technical corrections, narrowed some references in Chapter 19-02, created a separate PBM licensing class, set a delayed effective date for licensing, and established emergency authority so the department could begin building the new division. They also described the proposal to fund the program through existing trust fund resources, PBM license fees, and a transfer of about $1.6 million from the prescription drug transparency program fund, while allowing the department flexibility to hire needed attorneys, pharmacists, and examiners. A major point of discussion was Section 10, which would have required the Attorney General to represent and bear costs for lawsuits related to the bill. Chief Deputy Attorney General Claire Ness said the language was too broad and would go beyond normal constitutional defense work, potentially obligating her office to cover all lawsuits against the commissioner or state under the section. Representative Casper said the intent was only to avoid the Insurance Department having to seek emergency funding for litigation, and both he and department officials said they were open to removing the section or narrowing it. After further discussion, the committee agreed to remove Section 10 from the amendments. The committee then voted 4-0 to adopt the amended amendment package, and then voted 4-0 to give House Bill 1584 a do pass recommendation as amended and refer it to Appropriations. Members noted the bill was still a work in progress, but said the revised version was intended to move the PBM regulation issue forward while continuing discussion in the appropriations process.

Transcript Highlights:

• areas that you will have probably more systemic decline because those areas that are growing are offset
• are offset and so that's<00:40:58.119> that's<00:40:58.240> what<00:40:58.400> I'm<
• title two funds to try to help offset title two funds to try to help offset some<00:49:36.559>
• the retirement system but um<05:50:34.718> the<05:50:35.040> governor<05:50:36.040>
• uh system so although in the retirement uh system so although the<05:50:52.638> salary<05:50:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Investment Office and North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System for the fiscal years ended
• I was going to start with North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office.
• Thanks for that one if you want to move on to the Public Employees Retirement System. Certainly.
• I'm a retired sergeant from the Bismarck Police Department.
• debt is determined to be uncollectable, the school districts have to use a non-federal source to offset

Summary: The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts. The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects. Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• but I just took a risk, which is not a typical thing for me to do, and I took some money out of retirement
• We are not talking about full coverage, but just something that helps to recognize or to help offset
• Populations of retired or disabled service members are growing, and this bill helps address this inequity
• I'm also a retired military officer here. I served honorably for our nation for over 22 years.
• I'm a retired Army officer from Harker Heights and a small business owner. ...and a former vice chair

Bills: HB511, HB972, HB 1035, HB2481, HB2723, HB2742, HB2894, HB2962, HB3077, HB3093, HB3307, HB3684, HJR67, HJR72

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• redirected to attempt to offset redirected to attempt to offset potential<02:00:56.320> cuts<
• In fact, the study found that additional labor costs were offset by improved revenues and stabilities
• People want to retire in dignity in their hometowns. They want to live where their families live.
• want to retire in dignity in their hometowns. hometowns. hometowns.
• retire in dignity<02:39:34.000> in<02:39:34.240> their<02:39:34.479> facilities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 14 by Senator Price: Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana; reemployment of retired teachers
• Referred to Retirement.
• Senate Bill 14 by Senator Price: Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana; reemployment of retired teachers
• Referred to Retirement.
• It will help offset the cost of all that financial assistance stuff that's going to find a way to be

Bills: HR115, HR116, HR117, HR118, HR112, HR113, HR114, HCR51, HCR52, SCR18, SCR20, SB14, SB76, SB118, SB142, SB156, SB170, SB197, SB234, SB258, SB287, SB288, SB313, SB315, SB393, SB396, SB426, SB427, HCR7, HB76, HB84, HB132, HB181, HB210, HB250, HB265, HB275, HB291, HB322, HB342, HB457, HB475, HB477, HB486, HB616, HB635, HB639, HB690, HB740, HB757, HB761, HB766, HB774, HB808, HB855, HB866, HB872, HB883, HB886, HB903, HB949, HB962, HB996, HB1003, HB1036, HB1054, HB1071, HB1076, HB1078, HB1113, HB1132, HB1146, HB1232, HB1233, HR15, HR20, HCR14, HCR6, HCR19, HCR10, HR74, HCR26, HCR35, HB98, HB108, HB131, HB151, HB161, HB288, HB294, HB305, HB310, HB320, HB336, HB380, HB392, HB403, HB420, HB459, HB476, HB540, HB615, HB631, HB637, HB648, HB665, HB682, HB789, HB813, HB815, HB835, HB870, HB905, HB915, HB933, HB938, HB987, HB1040, HB51, HB82, HB143, HB145, HB160, HB180, HB192, HB393, HB430, HB445, HB506, HB515, HB521, HB565, HB590, HB614, HB638, HB670, HB672, HB685, HB692, HB752, HB773, HB781, HB799, HB860, HB874, HB887, HB917, HB937, HB956, HB965, HB972, HB977, HB982, HB1006, HB1010, HB1044, HB1072, HB1088, HB1179, HB1200, HB81, HB400, HB154, HB410, HB463, HB827, HB868, HB952, HB953, HB140, HB750, HB911, HB52, HB961, HB399, HB401, HB901, HB9, HB58, HB193, HB284, HB570, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB733

Keywords: Kappa Alpha Psi, fraternity, Louisiana, commemoration, community engagement, recognition, state championship, basketball, sports achievement, school commendation, commendation, athletics, team sports, youth, community recognition, water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• My husband and I took out a second mortgage and use retirement savings to have our daughter who just
• savings to have our daughter retirement savings to have our daughter who<01:57:08.560> just<01
• <02:15:16.120> the<02:15:16.240> loss funding to counties to offset the loss funding
• to counties to offset the loss of<02:15:16.840> these<02:15:17.080> revenues.
• Our support is contingent on state funding that fully offsets the benefit redirection.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all