Transcript Highlights:

• including the low-carbon transportation operating program, LC-TOP, the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital
• They see an opportunity to capitalize on the infrastructure they already have, including transit, and
• They see an opportunity to capitalize on the infrastructure they already have, including transit, and
• The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, which we have applied to, can unlock critical matching
• The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program is a major source of funding for us.

Summary: The Select Committee on Downtown Recovery held an informational hearing on the future of public transit and its role in downtown recovery. Chair Haney framed the discussion around how downtowns have changed since the pandemic and how transit, walkability, housing, and street design can support more 24/7 activity. The hearing included three panels: transit agency representatives, street design and curb management experts, and housing/transit development advocates. Transit agency witnesses from BART, LA Metro, and Sacramento Regional Transit described post-pandemic ridership shifts, with more weekend, evening, and event-based travel and less reliance on traditional weekday commute patterns. BART highlighted downtown San Francisco’s dependence on transit, its event service, safety investments, and transit-oriented development pipeline, while asking the state to protect transit funding and honor SB 125 and greenhouse gas reduction fund commitments. LA Metro emphasized special event service, especially around the World Cup and Union Station activations, as a way to make transit a destination and improve customer experience. Sacramento Regional Transit reported bus ridership recovery above pre-pandemic levels, light rail lagging behind, new vehicles and stations, stronger security measures, and concerns about future funding cuts affecting student fares, capital projects, and service levels. The second panel focused on making downtown streets more walkable and transit-friendly. Jeff Speck argued that walkability depends on places being useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting, and urged cities to restripe streets, reduce lane widths, add bike protection, improve crossings, and redesign one-way streets. Mark Vuksevich of Streets for All said downtowns are statewide economic assets and called for frequent transit, bus priority, modern curb management, parking pricing tied to availability, and parking benefits districts that reinvest revenue locally. He also said the state should provide model enabling legislation and more flexibility for local experimentation. The final panel focused on housing near transit. California YIMBY’s Aaron Eckhouse supported AB 2074, which would encourage large-scale housing in transit-rich downtowns, and argued for more financing tools, condo reform, and building code changes to reduce costs. Transbay Joint Powers Authority Executive Director Adam Van Water described the Transbay Transit Center and surrounding district as a case study in transit-oriented downtown growth, with millions of square feet of development, thousands of residents, and a major portal project still awaiting funding and pre-construction work. Members discussed office-to-housing conversions, the need to repurpose underused office stock, and the importance of state funding and policy support for transit, housing, and downtown revitalization.

Transcript Highlights:

• an influx programs and we could need uh an influx of<00:03:20.400><c> state</c><00:03:20.800><c> capital
• c> a</c><00:03:21.840><c> a</c><00:03:22.159><c> medical</c><00:03:22.560><c> system</c> of state capital
• for a a medical system of state capital for a a medical system like<00:03:23.040><c> HCMC.
• and we are literally their biggest asset and we are literally taxing<00:09:20.000><c> people</c><00:
• </c> payments for specific capital payments for specific capital improvement<00:15:22.079><c> projects

Transcript Highlights:

• And we will have to go after specific businesses based on our assets.
• I do think our work, our career tax system, is a huge asset for us.
• Do we have a strategic asset map by chance?
• We also rely on our local partners to supply us information on those assets.
• I think we do have the basic asset map.

Committee: House Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee (LEAD)

Transcript Highlights:

• In fee for service, sorry, current fee for service rates are lower than those paid by capitated plans
• In fee for service, sorry, current fee for service rates are lower than those paid by capitated plans
• We're first requesting, through the governor's budget, equipment and capital improvements.
• It includes a total of $29.2 million, and that is for asset, income, and identity verifications.
• It includes a total of $29.2 million, and that is for asset, income, and identity verifications.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard presentations on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the health and human services agencies. Kendall Kelly outlined the overall HHS budget at $48.5 billion, with AHCA accounting for the largest share, and agency heads then highlighted major proposals for Medicaid behavioral health redesign, APD waiver enrollment and facility needs, DCF child welfare, opioid, and mental health investments, DOEA funding for Alzheimer’s, home care, and community services, DOH funding for cancer research, public health initiatives, and lab capacity, and VA funding for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management. Several members praised specific proposals, including increased reimbursement for private duty nursing, Alzheimer’s supports, and the Florida FIRST blood-in-ambulance initiative. Senators also questioned the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), with the Surgeon General explaining that the department expects a reduction in covered patients from about 30,000 to about 20,000 because of funding pressures tied to rebates, federal changes, and premium tax credit issues. Public testimony strongly criticized the ADAP changes, citing lack of transparency and warning that many patients could lose access to medications. Other questions focused on the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, DCF’s substance abuse and mental health data dashboard, Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, APD bed and facility planning, and the FX Medicaid technology project. DCF said about $7 million is set aside for the dashboard system, and AHCA said the governor’s budget includes $124.4 million for FX maintenance and continued module development, with $13.5 million to begin claims processing work. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the budget presentations and adjourned after questions and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from the reliable portion of the assets from the reliable portion of the assets that<00:48:03.960
• shuo</c><00:53:15.000><c> or</c> a depreciated assets say like shuo or a depreciated assets say like
• </c> regardless of whether the asset regardless of whether the asset contributes<01:03:32.839><c> to<
• </c> utilities to build reliable assets utilities to build reliable assets ensuring<01:04:49.400><c>
• not but could you close uh an asset like not but could you close uh an asset like that<01:14:47.840><

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• risks and modeling, to make sure that we have ample liquidity and ample capital.
• risks and modeling, to make sure that we have ample liquidity and ample capital.
• risks and modeling, to make sure that we have ample liquidity and ample capital.
• how does asset liability management work?
• </c> more complicated and you know asset more complicated and you know asset liability<00:25:10.559><

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow New Hampshire state-chartered credit unions to choose, by member vote, to compensate their board members. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, does not require compensation, and is intended to align New Hampshire with other states that already permit this. He argued that credit union board service now requires more time and expertise, and that compensation could help attract stronger candidates and improve governance. Representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank testified in support. They said the change would not create salaries, but could cover modest compensation or reimbursements such as daycare, education, cybersecurity, or accounting training. They emphasized that credit unions remain nonprofit and member-driven, that board members must be credit union members and elected by members, and that any compensation decision would be made by the membership at an annual meeting or through the credit union’s voting process. Witnesses also said the bill would help with recruitment and retention, especially as credit union operations have become more complex and digital, and noted that similar authority exists in 16 other states, including Rhode Island. Committee members asked about the historical reason credit unions were excluded, the amount and structure of compensation, whether there would be a cap, and how voting would work. Witnesses said the bill does not set a statutory maximum, but in practice the amount would be disclosed to members and set through the vote; they also described St. Mary’s Bank’s ballot process and said proxy or ballot procedures depend on each credit union’s bylaws. One witness noted that federally chartered credit unions are subject to different limits. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25 and then moved on to Senate Bill 26.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I do believe that I will be an asset to the board because of my unique experiences.
• And I can vouch for former Senator Frockt's involvement in the capital budget world.
• And, you know, that was a priority when we had those discussions on capital budget.
• I'm the Director of Capital Planning and Projects.
• Now, the North Academic Commons is more than just a capital project for an academic facility.

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first waived the five-day notice rule and held a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 2525, which would establish a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University. Staff explained the bill was narrowed from the original version and would require WSU to maintain a registry of heritage orchards and a list of rare and lost apple varieties, with a null and void clause and fiscal note available. Representative Gloria Mendoza testified in support, describing Washington’s apple history and the effort to identify and preserve old apple trees still found on farms and trails around the state. Members asked questions about how the program would locate trees and preserve historic varieties, but no vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard several gubernatorial appointments to higher education boards. Representative Deborah Inteman was nominated to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Bryce W. McKibben to the Pierce College Board of Trustees, former Senator David Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and former Senator Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees. Each appointee described their background in higher education, public service, and community college or university advocacy, and members asked about attendance, board service, and how they would help bridge legislative and institutional priorities. The committee also held a work session on Central Washington University’s geothermal and decarbonization efforts, with staff explaining the university’s open-loop geothermal system, planned geo-eco plants, and climate action goals tied to state clean building and decarbonization mandates. CWU officials said the project is intended to reduce emissions, support campus heating and cooling, and serve as a living laboratory for students. In executive session, the committee moved to report a panel of gubernatorial appointments, including the higher education appointments heard that day, with a recommendation that they be confirmed. The motion passed by voice vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then on page 14 on your chart, it talks about asset limits. So, would that include a home?
• What's included in assets? I mean, because that's really low.
• If they don't have someone disabled or under or over 60, the asset limit is 3,000 dollars.
• And so, if you could just talk a little bit about what's included in the assets.
• Starting that, do you have an LCS number for capital outlay?

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think at the end of the day, I think stabilization attracts capital. I think, To result.
• And I think at the end of the day, I think stabilization attracts capital.
• I think capital attracts competition, and competition will drive down rates.
• This bill will close a regulatory gap and ensure that investment advisers managing assets less than $100
• allow credit union members to meet electronically and would eliminate the arbitrary limit on fixed asset

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on health care sharing ministries and insurance agents. Senator Yarbrough presented the bill to repeal a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing consumer protections; opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could increase confusion or misuse of agents and brokers. The committee adopted a title amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate, with Senator Pizzo raising concerns about consumer reliance and lack of guaranteed coverage. The committee then approved SB 642 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, and SB 266 on public adjuster contracts. SB 266 would let vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts at any time without penalty; it drew support from consumer and industry groups, with some discussion about estimates and claim work product. The committee also passed SB 832 on residential property insurance transparency, which requires rate transparency reports and a consumer resource center at OIR, and adds a provision excluding land value from homeowners coverage calculations in most cases. Testimony on SB 832 was generally supportive of the transparency goal, though insurers said some of the required cost breakdowns may be difficult to produce as written. The committee next considered SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which would create a commercial lines clearinghouse to move eligible policyholders into the private market and reduce Citizens’ commercial exposure. Supporters said it would lower taxpayer risk and improve competition; a speaker suggested additional changes to deductibles, water-damage caps, and repair practices. The bill was reported favorably after a delete-all amendment and supportive debate from Senator Boyd. Finally, the committee passed SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which adds cybersecurity requirements for certain licensees, updates oversight of investment advisers and money service businesses, adjusts some charter and meeting rules for financial institutions and credit unions, and includes amendments clarifying repossession/deficiency claims, family office exemptions, and virtual credit union meetings. The meeting ended with all of the considered bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think at the end of the day, I think stabilization attracts capital. I think... ...to result.
• And I think at the end of the day, I think stabilization attracts capital.
• I think capital attracts competition, and competition will drive down rates.
• This bill will close a regulatory gap and ensure that investment advisers managing assets less than $100
• allow credit union members to meet electronically and would eliminate the arbitrary limit on fixed asset

Bills: S0266 , S0394 , S0540 , S0632 , S0642 , S0832 , S0834 , S1028

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on insurance requirements for nonprofit religious organizations and health care sharing ministries. The bill repeals a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing fraud and disclosure protections; opponents said allowing agents and brokers could create consumer confusion and has been associated with bad actors. A title amendment was adopted, and after debate the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and passed SB 642, which extends reporting and duty requirements to foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and SB 394, a technical bill updating reinsurance intermediary manager law to match current DFS practice. SB 266, which lets vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, was reported favorably after testimony from supporters in the insurance and elder law communities and a public adjuster who said the intent was good but the bill may need refinement. SB 832, a residential property insurance transparency bill requiring rate breakdown reports and a consumer resource center, also passed after discussion about consumer clarity and whether the required cost categories can be compiled as written. Later, the committee approved SB 540, which creates cybersecurity requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, closes a regulatory gap for certain investment advisers, adjusts OFR examination-payment deadlines, changes de novo charter requirements, allows virtual credit union meetings, and makes other financial regulation updates. Several amendments were adopted, including a substitute amendment removing fintech sandbox provisions. Finally, SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was reported favorably after debate over a commercial lines clearinghouse intended to reduce Citizens’ exposure and shift more business to the private market; members discussed taxpayer risk, market competition, and consumer protections. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah. retention, and can be used for capital, retention, and can be used for capital, debt,<00:24:21.880
• </c><00:48:10.600><c> project,</c> the definition of a capital project, the definition of a capital project
• away from the capital.
• away from the capital.
• away from the capital.

Bills: HF4119 , HF3959 , HF3792 , HF3913 , HF3752

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: property tax, renter credits, co-pay, housing affordability, tax relief, homestead, tax refund, Minnesota, tax increase, financial relief, homeowners, AmeriCorps, taxation, individual income tax, living allowances, stipends, national service, tax compliance, revenue, analytics

Transcript Highlights:

• This investment will attract significantly greater private capital, generating returns statewide and
• Energy burdens are regressive and very hard to manage if we don't have the capital to make upfront energy
• That means that the State of Minnesota is making the best possible use it can of its existing assets,
• local subscribers, constructed, and now maintains a highly productive operating portfolio of solar assets
• ENGIE is leasing 282 acres of land to house our operational solar assets.

Bills: HF2103 , HF2793

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• With $731,000 in capital contingency funding, With $731,000 in capital contingency funding awarded to
• He is a tremendous asset for our team.
• lease, which increases 3% per year, negotiated by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
• One is around the new asset limit.
• The asset limit for both of those programs is $2,000. And so in 2021, the asset limit was low.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those break down to financial capital for companies.
• So I hope we can do this in the future because capital is a real need.
• So, it'll kind of be venture capital education tomorrow, just so you know.
• They have... ...have capital out.
• And so that piece would not necessarily be a capital outlay.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And want to start this fast because we have Chair Pappas here chairing the Capital Investment Committee
• having problems with their roof, um, which leaks, so we really need to preserve this amazing historic asset
• </c><00:48:38.079><c> and</c> agricultural resources and assets and agricultural resources and assets
• It's also a recreational asset and also is great habitat.
• </c> it's also a recreational Abit uh asset it's also a recreational Abit uh asset uh<01:29:49.600><c

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Consolidated sold their assets. They did a merger with Starlight.
• Consolidated sold their assets. They did a merger with Starlight.
• </c> while also facilitating a capital while also facilitating a capital structure<05:00:48.840><c> that
• This is private capital for private projects. He explained that C-PACE is a voluntary program.
• So this is private capital for private projects. This is a voluntary program.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• We still have to buy equipment and replace capital.
• Capital. The survey that was asked by you folks is capital replacement.
• Capital infrastructure, as you heard Chris mentioned, is expensive.
• It has capital depreciation. It has provision for bad debts.
• It has capital depreciation. It has provision for bad debts.

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• authority, the proceeds from any sale of property that is forfeited pursuant to the State's civil asset
• So I have concerns with the retroactivity. ...replaced some very old assets at the time.
• Human Capital and the state of New Jersey. I vote yes. Senator Ruiz is a yes. Senator Cruz Perez.
• could potentially implicate and threaten the Paulsboro refinery and PVF Energy's other operating assets
• could potentially implicate and threaten the Paulsboro Refinery and PVF Energy's other operating assets

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a prolific, profitable asset for the state of Missouri.
• In terms of the capital stack for these projects, the Missouri Historic Credit provides 20% or less.
• It's about 19% of the capital cost, maybe 20%, and 80% of the capital cost is imported into the state
• I'm going to do apartments in a community service facility and put the gym to use as a community asset

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee first took up House Bill 1845 in executive session and voted it do pass unanimously. The committee then moved into a public hearing on House Bill 3080, sponsored by Representative Riggs, which was presented as a technical/emergency fix to restore Missouri’s historic preservation tax credit provisions after a court ruling invalidated prior legislation because of unrelated “chicken coop” language. Riggs said the bill was needed to protect more than $300 million in projects already underway and noted companion legislation was moving in the Senate. Committee members expressed support and emphasized the importance of historic redevelopment, especially in St. Louis and other communities. Supporters testified that the bill would stabilize financing for projects already in progress and preserve a key tool for redeveloping vacant historic buildings, schools, theaters, and other properties statewide. Witnesses described specific projects including Delmar Devine in St. Louis, a vacant school in Hermann, the Englewood Theater in Independence, Cooper House, and Elliott School, explaining that tax credits were essential to making the projects financially feasible and to leveraging private investment, grants, and other financing. Several speakers said the credits help address housing shortages, neighborhood blight, and community revitalization, and that uncertainty after the court ruling was threatening construction and financing commitments. One witness, Arnie C., testified in opposition, calling the measure a corporate giveaway and arguing the state could not afford the program. Committee members responded that the bill was a corrective measure, not an expansion of credits, and that it was necessary because projects had already been approved and were in various stages of completion. After hearing testimony from supporters, one opponent, and no additional witnesses, the chair closed the hearing on House Bill 3080 and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to put your investment in your wells on your best assets.
• You're going to put your investment in your wells on your best assets.
• Of major capital projects and use of certain funds. Colonel Solberg, welcome.
• That was capital building improvements. That's a $3 million appropriation.
• They've presented them to the Capital Grounds Planning Commission.

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