Video & Transcript Research : 'ball machine'
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AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Jun 4th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- We really have dropped the ball on a few things, but as a small city, as we just heard with Fargo, it
- The email that they sent us yesterday was very apologetic because they have dropped the ball and they
- The email that they sent us yesterday was very apologetic because they have dropped the ball and they've
- I should have went over and looked, but I dropped the ball on that.
- I should have went over and looked, but it was, I dropped the ball on that.
Summary:
The committee heard multiple audit and compliance reports involving Arkansas municipalities and a regional solid waste district. Several small towns were discussed for repeat findings involving delinquent water and sewer audits, municipal accounting noncompliance, and misuse of street funds, including Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove. In several cases, staff noted that turnback escrow was already being withheld because required water audits had not been filed, and some entities were reported to be current on payment plans only after staff updated the records through May 2026. The committee also reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which included findings on payroll approvals, contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, bidding, advertising costs, and the sale of trailers and other equipment. A separate report on municipal accounting noncompliance was presented for towns including Denning, Gum Springs, Fargo, Lead Hill, and Alma, with staff recommending some be removed from the 60-day list while others remained under review.
Several local officials appeared and explained the findings. Fargo’s mayor said the town was understaffed and had begun improving records, while Lead Hill’s mayor said the town had hired more office help and was working to complete overdue water audits. Alma’s officials said they were trying to catch up on audits and accounting issues. Jericho’s police chief defended the town’s traffic enforcement and said the town had adjusted speed limits and enforcement practices to avoid the speed-trap threshold, while staff clarified that the prosecutor decides whether to pursue penalties. Haynes officials said revenue losses and the loss of their police department had made it difficult to keep up with required street-fund payments, and Gilmore officials said they were working on IRS and other debts. The Pulaski County district director said the board had authorized many of the questioned practices and that some issues, such as advertising and vehicle use, were tied to public education and operational needs.
The committee took several actions. It approved minutes, accepted or filed some reports without objection, removed Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day list, and deferred action on several matters, including Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Haynes, and the Pulaski County solid waste district, generally until the September or August meeting. Motions to defer or file reports were adopted in multiple cases, and the committee also noted that some matters had been referred to the appropriate prosecuting attorney for further review. The meeting ended with recognition of visiting accounting students who were attending as part of summer internships.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (2-10-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- on House Bill 260 for school social workers and school psychologists, you may recall that Auditor Ball
- on House Bill 260 for school social workers and school psychologists, you may recall that Auditor Ball
- on House Bill 260 for school social workers and school psychologists, you may recall that Auditor Ball
- on House Bill 260 for school social workers and school psychologists, you may recall that Auditor Ball
- on House Bill 260 for school social workers and school psychologists, you may recall that Auditor Ball
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024.
The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students.
The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- Second question I'd weigh in on is enforcement, who calls the balls and strikes, realizing if you use
- Crafton said, that there's someone to call balls and strikes.
- Is, is, do you think the PUC is the right, um, umpire to call balls and strikes here?
- The calling of balls and strikes on this. Your thoughts, Patricia?
- Uh, and, and we have thus far in recent times, not been successful in moving the ball forward because
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- we're getting these set in late March and doing what we do in the Senate to move forward. move the ball
- I guess my answer, to follow up with Senator Middleton's very thorough answers is that the ball has moved
- the nominations process for. confirmation from the Senate with the expectation of knowing that the ball
- Chairman the ball has moved.
- as a ball. moved a bit over the last few years.
Keywords:
higher education, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council, ombudsman, faculty governance, decision-making, transparency, public meetings, department head, employment approval, public institutions, institutional oversight, education, funding, accountability, state budget, school performance, employment, Texas legislation
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Tourism and Gaming Working Group (TGWG) - Thu Jun 18, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The number of machines, the type of games that were allowed were there because they knew the risk of
- The number of machines, the type of machines, and frankly, the payout — like, you can control how much
- 47.040>
type <01:24:47.360>of number of machines, the type of number of machines, the type - <01:24:49.440>
Like, machines, and frankly, the payout. - Like, machines, and frankly, the payout.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 30th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I hope that these stress balls and stress squeezes will come in handy.
- Albuquerque Vista High School, so she's a middle schooler, but is playing ball at the high school.
- those contractors have invested millions—millions in equipment, asphalt plants, trucks, lay-down machines
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
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 51 (3-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- roll call machine. Those opposed, nay. roll call machine. Those opposed, nay.
- roll call machine. Those opposed, nay. roll call machine. Those opposed, nay.
- roll call machine. Those opposed, nay. roll call machine. Those opposed, nay.
- call machine is open for your voting.
- And a roll machine. Those opposed, nay.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Open the machine. Madam Clerk, >> Close the machine. Madam Clerk, there's a quorum present.
- >> close<00:01:56.560>
the <00:01:56.720>machine. - <00:01:57.040>
Madam <00:01:57.280>clerk, >> close the machine. - Madam clerk, >> close the machine.
Summary:
The Mississippi House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum and dispensed with the reading of the journal. There were no select committee reports, and the chamber moved through routine introductions, including a guest introduction from the lady from DeSoto welcoming her husband, Dr. Gaya Remac. No bills were debated on the floor during this portion of the meeting.
Members used the announcements period to share several committee and event notices, including upcoming meetings for Energy, Judiciary A and B, Appropriations A, Public Health, Insurance, Gaming, Youth and Family, Rules, State Affairs, and AET. The clerk also announced that tomorrow was the committee deadline day for Senate bills, with the House expected to come in at 2 p.m. and then work Senate general bills on Wednesday and Thursday. One member noted a ticketed Mississippi Tourism Association/Mississippi Gaming Hospitality event, and another reminded members of the Capital Prayer Group meeting.
The House also paused for a moment of silence at the request of a member who referenced three military members lost over the weekend and others seriously injured overseas, and another member asked for prayers for Representative Earl Banks after the death of his mother, Miss Evelyn Banks. A separate adjournment-in-memory request was made for Miss Mary Everett, described as a longtime community leader. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 2 p.m. the next day.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- > it<01:27:09.280>
uh <01:27:09.400>on <01:27:09.560>the <01:27:09.680>ball - <01:27:09.920>
part <01:27:10.320>of uh pretty much it uh on the ball part of uh pretty - much it uh on the ball part of uh<01:27:11.480>
the <01:27:11.840>Article <01:27:12.320 - <01:50:05.600>
that <01:50:05.800>one, they try to create machines that one, they try - to create machines that one, the<01:50:06.080>
public <01:50:06.440>wants, <01:50:07.320
Summary:
The Senate convened under a call, established a quorum, received the House message on Senate File 4807 concerning benefits for veterans of the secret war in Laos, and voted not to concur in the House amendments, appointing a three-member conference committee. The chamber also received a batch of House files, laid several of them on the table, and adopted committee reports and other routine motions. Senate Resolution 84 was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration, and Senator Murphy designated special orders for immediate consideration.
The main floor debate centered on Senate File 4059, the supplemental finance omnibus bill. Senators described the bill as a slim, supplemental budget focused on urgent affordability needs, including $52 million for state grants in higher education, $15 million for LIHEAP, school district compensatory revenue adjustments, support for public television stations facing federal cuts, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and consumer restitution for scam victims. The Jobs article was presented first, with roughly $4.9 million in Workforce Development Fund appropriations for workforce and job-training programs, including support for rural oncologist training, homelessness-related employment programs, youth training, local news talent development, transportation-related employment assistance, and manufacturing support.
Several amendments were offered and debated. Senator Farnsworth offered the A14 amendment to extend unemployment benefits for laid-off Iron Range miners, but withdrew it after being told it would unbalance the bill and after receiving a commitment to continue working on the issue in conference committee. Senator Draheim offered the A18 amendment to redirect Cookie Cart funding to rural hospital maternity training grants; after debate, the Senate rejected the amendment by a roll call vote of 32 ayes and 34 nays. The discussion emphasized competing priorities between youth workforce programs and rural health care needs.
The Senate then moved into Article 1 on K-12 education, where Senator Kunesh outlined provisions including anti-grooming language, a district health insurance reporting requirement, extension of a gender-neutral bathroom grant, compensatory hold-harmless aid, operating capital flexibility, literacy aid hold harmless language, and several cost-neutral district fund transfers. Senator Nelson offered the A29 amendment to require school sports teams and participants be designated by biological sex at birth; debate on that amendment began near the end of the transcript, but no final vote was shown before the excerpt ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Members Propose New Legislation Addressing Fraud - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and if we can get these... of our AG really picking up the ball and of our AG really picking up the
- ball and that's<00:46:43.520>
really <00:46:43.760>where <00:46:43.920>a <00:46: - Unfortunately, he's behind the eight-ball on this one, and you know, he's trying to build the office
- Unfortunately, he's<00:57:00.799>
behind <00:57:01.040>the <00:57:01.200>eight-ball< - on this one he's behind the eight-ball on this one and<00:57:03.040>
you <00:57:03.200>know
Summary:
Senate Republican leaders held a press event to roll out a package of anti-fraud proposals focused on state welfare and human services programs. Mark Johnson opened by citing recent fraud scandals, including a shuttered housing program and reports of vulnerable adults being left without care while providers billed for full services, and said Republicans want top-down reform, stronger accountability, new technology, and tighter oversight of taxpayer dollars. Michael Kreun said Republicans support an independent Office of Inspector General and argued the Senate-passed bill should not be weakened in the House; he also said the Senate should restore its role in confirming agency commissioners, especially at DHS, which he described as central to the fraud problem.
Jordan Rasmusson outlined a plan to stop “blank checks” for DHS and DCYF services by requiring legislative audit review when a program exceeds budget by 5 percent and legislative approval for additional spending at 10 percent over budget. He also said DHS should adopt basic integrity tools such as electronic visit verification and client sign-off. Steve Drazkowski described two bills: a statewide “do-not-pay” list to block payments to ineligible people or entities, and an “I’m Not a Robot” proposal for Medicaid managed care that would require enrollee verification forms, with a 2 percent payment withhold used to encourage compliance and potentially fund county system upgrades. Mark Krueger said the state should improve technology and data use for eligibility determinations, citing other states’ rapid fraud-fighting systems, and proposed penalties for false reporting to the Legislative Auditor after a DHS audit found falsified site-visit records.
Steve Gruenhagen said his bill would require DHS and DCYF to resume annual fraud-prevention and oversight reports to the legislature, which he said had stopped after 2017 despite rising fraud cases. Michael Holmstrom proposed unannounced site visits for all DHS and DCYF providers before enrollment, reenrollment, and revalidation, funded through provider service fees, and cited a recent case involving a woman with autism who was billed for far more care than she received. In the Q&A, Kreun said House Democrats’ delete-everything amendment to the inspector general bill removed the law enforcement division and stripped the bill of its “teeth,” and he suggested the governor’s office may have been involved in efforts to replace the bill with a weaker coordination council model. No votes were taken in the press conference.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 10, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I like to call them machines because I’m a Gen X guy, so I’m way before digital phones, etc.
- So this AI, machine learning, large language models, et cetera, kind of befuddles me.
- I like to call them machines because I'm GenX guy, so I'm way before digital phones, etc.
- So this AI, machine learning, large. X guy, so I'm way before digital phones, et cetera.
- So this AI, machine learning, large language models, et cetera, kind of befuddles me.
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote.
The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 05:02 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
IN
Transcript Highlights:
- Please indicate your presence when the machine is open. Thank you. All the members, roll.
- When the machine is open, all those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote no.
- When the machine is open, all those in favor will vote aye; those opposed will vote no.
- Roll call has been requested, and when the machine is open on the committee report...
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (4-28-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- , proxy Alex McGara on behalf of Auditor Ball, John Hicks here, Victor Maddox here, Sharon Hicks here
- ,<00:02:06.000>
Proxy <00:02:06.560>Alex Typton here, Auditor Ball, Proxy Alex Typton - here, Auditor Ball, Proxy Alex McGara<00:02:07.280>
on <00:02:07.360>behalf <00:02:07.520 - >
of <00:02:07.680>Auditor <00:02:08.080>Ball, <00:02:09.200>John McGara - on behalf of Auditor Ball, John McGara on behalf of Auditor Ball, John Hicks<00:02:10.319>
here,
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:01
Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:26
Approval of Minutes: 00:02:27
Investment, Cash Flow, and Legislative Update:
Bo Cracraft – Judicial Form Retirement System: 00:03:12
Ryan Barrow – Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:21:52
Beau Barnes – Teachers’ Retirement System: 00:34:31
Adjournment: 01:07:25, 958, all
Summary:
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum and approval of the prior minutes. A special guest, Dave Eager, was welcomed before the committee moved to presentations from retirement system officials.
Bo Craycraft, executive director of the Judicial Form Retirement System, gave a quarterly update on investment performance, asset allocation, and cash flow. He said the plans had held up well amid market volatility, with fiscal year-to-date returns above benchmark and long-term returns remaining strong. He explained that the plans are targeted to a 70% equity/30% fixed-income allocation, that some cash is being held for cash-flow management, and that negative cash flow is expected because of funding and contribution levels. He also said Senate Bill 183, dealing with proxy voting and economic analysis for certain votes, was not expected to materially affect the plans because of their small number of holdings and Bear Trust’s long-term investment approach.
Ryan Barrow and Erin Surrod then presented for the Kentucky Pension Authority. They reported positive quarterly performance across the retirement and insurance funds, though results varied by period and remained tied to broader market conditions. They said recent asset-allocation changes had been completed and the funds were now within target ranges. On cash flow, they noted some plans remained negative or near zero, with one plan benefiting from a large appropriation. In the legislative update, they described House Bill 30 as codifying an exclusion from pension-spiking calculations for across-the-board raises, and Senate Bill 10 as increasing retiree health insurance subsidies and changing employee health insurance contribution rules for certain CERS members beginning in 2026. They also said Senate Bill 183 would likely have limited impact, though the agency would review voting policies and incorporate any required economic-analysis procedures.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 39 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:41 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Roll call having been ordered, voting machines are now open, or remain open, for four minutes.
- Roll call having been ordered, voting machines are now open and will be open for four minutes.
- Voting machines are now open. They will be open for four minutes.
- Voting machines are now open and will be open for two minutes.
- Roll call having been required, voting machines are now open. They will be open for four minutes.
Summary:
The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday.
The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin.
The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It involves designing machining fixtures, developing machining programs, and designing inspection processes
- time includes designing and machining time includes designing and machining casting<00:11:16.279
- Parts it involves designing Machining Parts it involves designing Machining fixtures<00:11:20.360
- >
and <00:11:20.560>developing <00:11:20.959>Machining fixtures and developing Machining - We treat online poker as table games only, not slot machines and not historic horse racing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair race last spring against county-wide voting, against the machines.
- Because we're not going to get rid of the machines, right?
- If we get away from countywide, we've got machines to do something with.
- Because you couldn't vote with those same sets of machines and those same...
- There are many... machines out there that can handle. I'm sorry. They're vendors with machines.
Bills:
SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16
Keywords:
voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 3/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It was an opportunity to advance the ball with one vote.
- to<00:08:10.960>
advance <00:08:11.360>the <00:08:11.680>the <00:08:11.840>ball - <00:08:12.240>
with <00:08:12.760>um <00:08:13.160>one to advance the the ball - with um one to advance the the ball with um one vote.<00:08:14.480>
As <00:08:14.960>you
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Kentucky Housing Task Force 2025 (11-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we've got to figure out uh how are we going to play in that ball game.
- to<00:22:15.280>
play <00:22:15.440>in <00:22:15.679>that <00:22:15.840>ball - <00:22:16.320>
We <00:22:16.559>want going to play in that ball game. - We want going to play in that ball game.
Keywords:
Roll Call 00:00:08
Approval of minutes 00:00:08
Discussion of Final Report 00:00:58
Adjournment 00:23:57, 958, all
Summary:
The Housing Task Force met to approve its September and October minutes and then consider its final report, which was described as an overview of the second year of the task force’s work and included 14 recommendations for future legislative action. Members thanked the co-chairs and staff for compiling the report and noted that it had been posted publicly. Several members emphasized that housing problems affect both urban and rural areas across Kentucky and that the report should help guide next steps in the General Assembly.
Members offered a range of comments on the recommendations. One representative urged stronger language on the state’s role and cautioned against moratoriums on building-code reforms that could discourage sustainable practices or raise long-term utility costs, while also suggesting more down payment assistance. Others highlighted the need for local flexibility in housing policy, support for rehabilitation tax credits, and continued use or expansion of affordable housing credits and direct support for construction, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, and low-income housing tax credits. Another member suggested adding clearer “right to rebuild” language so homeowners could rebuild after a fire if the home meets current code.
The co-chairs summarized the task force’s main takeaways as two broad issues: regulatory delays and the need for more financial incentives. Members also discussed zoning, permitting delays, and the importance of moving permits more quickly so development can proceed without unnecessary holdups. After a motion and second, the committee approved the report as amended by the added “right to rebuild” language, and agreed to submit it to LRC, the Senate President, and the Speaker for approval before adjournment.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee Jul 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, we stand on that e-tabs are Class III gaming machines.
- And again, we stand on that e-tabs are Class III gaming machines.
- It's top to bottom, you know, whereas with the e-tabs machine, it's a spinning reel left to right.
- It's top to bottom, you know, whereas with the e-tabs machine, it's a spinning reel left to right.
- But so would you say that you consider an e-tab machine a Class II or Class III machine?
Summary:
The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock with tribal council members, state legislators, and agency representatives to discuss state-tribal coordination and local priorities. Early discussion focused on process concerns, including the short agenda time and the need for better communication, more advance notice, and more relevant state department staff at future meetings. Tribal leaders asked for lists of state tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes, and state members said they would follow up, share grant and deadline information, and plan another meeting in Bismarck with program experts and agency staff.
A major portion of the meeting centered on health, child welfare, law enforcement, housing, infrastructure, and sovereignty issues. Tribal speakers said rural health transformation funding and other state programs often do not fit direct-service tribes or IHS-funded systems, and they raised concerns about Medicaid, ICWA, foster care delays, human service zones, housing shortages, and the placement of Native children off-reservation. They also discussed missing and murdered Indigenous people, search-and-rescue cooperation, cross-deputization, extradition and banishment ordinances, and the need for stronger law enforcement partnerships that respect tribal sovereignty. Other concerns included poor roads, water and sewer needs in Sioux County communities, census accuracy, and the impact of data centers and other development on water and health.
Economic development and regulatory issues were also discussed. Standing Rock representatives raised concerns about charitable gaming and e-pull tabs, saying the machines function like Class III gaming and have harmed tribal revenue while spreading into local businesses. They also described problems with county-issued fireworks permits and state/county liquor licensing rules that they said undermine tribal authority within reservation boundaries. In response, legislators said the committee would continue to look at these issues, and one member suggested possible legislation such as limiting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also heard from Joseph McNeil of Sage Development Authority about a 235-megawatt wind project on tribal, allotted, and fee land; he said federal permitting delays have stalled the project and asked for state support to help move it forward.
The meeting concluded with a presentation from Dave Archambo of Wojou, a nonprofit focused on land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, cultural programming, and youth wellness. He described the organization’s work on buffalo processing, gardening, fishing, hunting, language, and arts programs, and framed it as a response to historical trauma and community healing. The committee then broke for lunch and planned to resume with the Wojou presentation after the recess.