Transcript Highlights:

• We also raise hay, vegetables, cut flowers, and Highland cattle.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then handled several procedural matters before moving to the daily file. Members approved a motion to withdraw Assembly Bills 100 through 219 to the second reading file by a roll call vote of 42-15, and unanimously approved re-referrals of AB 440 and AB 1265 to different committees. The chamber also welcomed international visitors, student and community guests, and later heard a series of guest introductions tied to agriculture, immigration, and Irish heritage. The main floor action centered on two resolutions. H.R. 19, recognizing California Agriculture Day, drew strong support from members representing agricultural districts, who highlighted the state’s farm production, exports, and the role of farmworkers and ranchers; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. ACR 51, honoring Irish American Heritage Month, was also adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added, with members speaking about Irish immigration, labor history, California-Ireland ties, and St. Patrick’s Day. The Assembly also held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for the Honorable Leon Lawson Williams, a pioneering Black civic leader in San Diego who served on the City Council and County Board of Supervisors and helped expand public transit and advance civil rights. Members from San Diego and others described his barriers-breaking career and lasting influence on local government and community leadership. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee hearings and adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just thinking especially about rural routes where, I mean, I'm probably not wanting to promote cattle

Transcript Highlights:

• And when they branded, I branded, we moved cattle, we were the game and fish guys were very much a part
• And when they branded, I branded, we<00:21:56.320><c> moved</c><00:21:56.640><c> cattle,</c><00:21:58.080
• <c> were</c><00:21:58.640><c> the</c><00:21:58.880><c> game</c><00:21:59.120><c> and</c> we moved cattle
• , we were the game and we moved cattle, we were the game and fish<00:21:59.600><c> guys</c><00:21:59.840

Committee: Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• This is comparable to the same health and safety standards as cattle, turkey, and chicken.
• :48:27.920><c> safety</c><00:48:28.240><c> standards</c><00:48:28.640><c> as</c><00:48:28.960><c> cattle
• ,</c> health and safety standards as cattle, health and safety standards as cattle, turkey,<00:48:30.559

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I would think, for cattle, you know, is there a loafing shed and is there fencing, and are they, you
• know, really engaged in that in addition to selling that beef cattle into the local market?
• For cattle, you know, is there a loafing shed and is there fencing, and are they, you know, really engaged
• in that in addition to selling that beef cattle into the local market?

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• authors who were affected by the attempted merger of Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster, or cattle
• Simon and Penguin Random House and Simon and Schustster<00:13:59.120><c> or</c><00:13:59.440><c> cattle
• c><00:13:59.839><c> ranchers</c><00:14:00.320><c> in</c><00:14:00.560><c> South</c> Schustster or cattle
• ranchers in South Schustster or cattle ranchers in South Dakota<00:14:02.000><c> or</c><00:14:02.399

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• There's lights in the parking lots, the buildings are lit up, but walking past the trails, the big mall
• I walked through our Arboretum Trail with an arborist, and they started pointing out all the...
• Arboretum Trail with an arborist, and they started pointing out all the issues with that path.
• I think at some point we have to refresh the Arboretum Trail and the grove of trees on the west side.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I have put in around 27,000 miles in the last seven years on foot, putting up trail cameras—around 30
• trail cameras across the state. ...last seven years on foot, putting up trail cameras—around 30 trail

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5838, which would add a federally recognized tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources commissioner and tribal leaders said the change would bring Indigenous knowledge and a voting voice to decisions on trust lands, while preserving existing tribal consultation. Some county and economic interests said they were not opposed to tribal participation but stressed the board’s fiduciary duty to trust beneficiaries and asked for more review of the board’s purpose; one witness questioned whether the beneficiaries had been consulted. The prime sponsor, Senator Claudia Kaufman, said the bill is about inclusion and equity and indicated openness to an amendment adding both eastside and westside tribal representation. The hearing closed with 142 written comments reported: 33 pro, 107 con, and 2 other. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5960, which would require Fish and Wildlife to designate at-risk ungulate populations and take predator mitigation actions when populations fall below specified benchmarks. Senator Shelley Short said the bill responds to declining deer and elk numbers and a lack of management, especially in northeast Washington. Supporters argued the bill would codify existing agency plans and restore balance in wildlife management, while opponents—including conservation groups, the Sierra Club, and several scientists and advocates—said the state’s predator-prey study found wolves were not the main driver of ungulate declines, pointing instead to habitat, forage, weather, disease, and vehicle collisions. Ranching and farm groups supported the overall goal but objected to the bill’s in-state wolf translocation provisions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said it recognized the bill’s intent but opposed it because some directives were impractical, costly, or would require legislative approval. The hearing closed with 1,197 written comments reported: 843 pro, 352 con, and 2 other. The committee then held a work session on Lake Washington salmon predation. Larry Phillips and Muckleshoot Fisheries Director Jason Schaffler described a coalition effort to reduce predation on juvenile salmon in the Lake Washington system, saying invasive and predatory fish such as walleye, rock bass, American shad, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are harming sockeye and Chinook recovery. They said sockeye returns have fallen from hundreds of thousands to about 18,000 in recent years, ending tribal and sport fisheries, and argued that targeted predator removal, supported by prior state and county funding, could help restore runs. Senators asked about the methods and funding, and the presenters said fishing and netting are being used to suppress larger predatory fish and that more sustained investment is needed. Finally, the committee began public hearing on Senate Bill 1697, which would make federally recognized tribes eligible recipients for county conservation futures funds. Testifiers from the Washington Farmland Trust and the Tulalip Tribe said the bill would expand voluntary conservation partnerships, help tribes steward farmland and habitat, and make it easier to leverage county funds with other grants. They described past projects where tribal participation improved conservation outcomes but said tribes could not directly access conservation futures dollars under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I walked the trails that remind me. so longer than I've been alive.
• And I walked the trails that remind me of how small we are in the best way.
• SB 80 tells developers, you don't build over our springs, our trails, our history, without a fight, and
• SBAT tells developers, you don't build over our springs, our trails, our history, without a fight, and

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee first took up SB 80, the Parks Preservation Act, which would define state park purposes around conservation-based recreation and public access, prohibit uses such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and hotels, require more public notice and advisory input on land management changes, and mandate reporting on park spending and maintenance backlogs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with conservation groups, youth advocates, and other members of the public backing stronger protections for state parks. The bill was reported favorably. Members then approved SB 200, directing DEP to develop a statewide waste reduction and recycling plan, and CS for SB 496, which clarifies that timeshare facilities are governed by Chapter 721 and only need annual board meetings. CS for CS for SB 1404, dealing with illegal gambling, was amended to add reporting requirements, tighten penalties, preempt local gambling legalization, and create a process for vetting certain machines and veteran-service-organization gaming questions; the bill drew significant concern from veterans groups and others over vague machine definitions and the need for clearer standards, but it was still reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 622 to allow pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities across horse-racing classes. The committee next approved CS for CS for SB 712 after adopting a strike-all and amendment that covered synthetic turf rules, change-order timelines, public works scoring, elevator and alarm contractor issues, mass timber code updates, pool and spa contractor scope changes, spaceport building-code exemptions, and solar/energy-storage inspection provisions. Support came from timber, construction, and industry groups, while pool contractors objected to parts of the scope changes. The committee also reported favorably CS for CS for SB 1742, a major condominium reform bill that pauses reserve funding after milestone inspections, expands financial flexibility, adds disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, and increases data collection and oversight; members from both parties praised the sponsor’s work on condo issues. Finally, the committee approved SB 1574 on renewable natural gas infrastructure and SB 1580 authorizing DEP coastal resiliency public-private partnerships. It also passed CS for SB 1760, which requires certain public officials and agency leaders to meet Florida residency or proximity requirements. The last bill, SB 820, would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office; while supporters said it would permanently support faith-based and community organizations and improve coordination, several senators raised concerns about church-state separation, the office’s ties to Hope Florida, and whether codifying it could make the program more political. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the General Fund, 5.45% went to the Legacy Fund, Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, and Parks and Trails
• instead of 100% going in there, 5.4, 5% when legacy find outdoor heritage in clean water and parks and trails
• And then the Parks and Trails Fund is $130.1 million.
• And then the parks and trails 100 a 130.1 million.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• trail system.
• This stunning trail system was named Pennsylvania's 2024 Trail of the Year, and for good reason.
• Trails like Jake's Rocks are more than just pathways.
• Jail trails like Jake's Rocks are more than<00:10:52.000><c> just</c><00:10:52.240><c> pathways.
• </c><00:11:04.720><c> Speaker,</c> trail possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, trail possible.

Bills: HB2966

Keywords: citizenship, small business, loan eligibility, immigration status, entrepreneurship

Transcript Highlights:

• 52.000><c> don't</c> Road, bridge, water, sewer, storm water, sidewalks, streetscapes, parks, walking trails
• sidewalks, streetscapes,<00:10:15.120><c> parks,</c><00:10:16.000><c> walking</c><00:10:16.480><c> trails
• ,</c> streetscapes, parks, walking trails, streetscapes, parks, walking trails, things<00:10:17.120><
• They want to use it to put in more stuff, more walking trails, more parks, more landscaping, water features

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Transcript Highlights:

• with the trail.
• </c><04:09:16.600><c> maintenance</c> it's partially the trail maintenance it's partially the trail maintenance
• <04:09:23.800><c> yes</c><04:09:24.239><c> right</c> trail yes right trail yes right yes<04:09:26.439
• Well, the people who actually groom the trails... excuse me. No, oh no, where does that $4 go?
• I thought you said $4 went to the trail.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Others require privately maintained trails or amenities that in most communities would be part of a public
• trail or park system.
• Others require privately maintained trails or amenities that in most communities would be part of a public
• trail or park system.
• trail or park system.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4230 by Metcalf, relating to the establishment of a hike and bike trail known as the...
• Bicentennial Trail, referred to the Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, here recently we are uh moving to expand our involvement in the Safe Trails task force.
• </c> that were executed by our safe trails that were executed by our safe trails task<02:19:06.880><c
• And with that being said, I worked with this Safe Trails task force.
• And with that being said, I worked with this Safe Trails task force.
• Fourstar for the past, I would say, two and a half, three years. trails task force. trails task force

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is being used to help replace a deficient bridge over the popular Browns Creek Trail in Washington
• </c><00:14:30.880><c> in</c><00:14:31.040><c> Washington</c> popular Browns Creek Trail in Washington
• popular Browns Creek Trail in Washington County<00:14:31.680><c> this</c><00:14:32.199><c> year.
• Uh, I missed what you said about the Browns Creek Trail.
• That's this County State Highway 5 Stonebridge Trail bridge. I like that bridge.

Bills: HF220 , HF230 , HF240 , HF241 , HF295 , HF429 , HF490 , HF505 , HF574 , HF576 , HF581 , HF865 , HF918 , HF1085 , HF1449 , HF1452 , HF1454 , HF602

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: HF220, Minnesota transportation, highway user tax distribution fund, trunk highway fund, Minnesota Department of Transportation, MnDOT, transportation finance, dedicated funds, funding restrictions, arts in transportation, cultural strategies, transportation project planning, project design, project construction, placemaking, public art, infrastructure spending, state statutes 161.045, HF230, Wyoming

Transcript Highlights:

• On page three, I'd like to briefly point out item L, the Texas Heritage Trails Program.
• For the courthouse program, Heritage Trails Program, the National Museum of the Pacific War, Brazil.
• House Bill 1, Courthouse Program, Heritage Trails, National Museum.
• Heritage Trails. Heritage Trails Program.
• With this funding, we look forward to working with all the trails organizations across the state.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• As they were walking down the trail, the lion came down. They backed away.
• As they were walking down the trail, the lion came down. They backed away.
• So, you know, it'll tell you, okay, don't go off trails because this affects the resource damage and
• So, you know, it'll tell you, okay, don't go off trails because this affects the resource damage and
• But in any event, I share the concerns, whether it's on roads, whether it's on trails.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, and land-use bills. AB 2218 by Assembly Member Calóra would establish a state policy directing agencies to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting tribes; tribal supporters said it is a needed step toward restoring a voice at the table, while water agencies and local government groups opposed it as vague and potentially harmful to water supply reliability. The bill was amended in committee and moved forward on a vote, though it was left on call. AB 2032 by Assembly Member Ransom, the Golden Mussel Response Act, would speed agency response to the invasive golden mussel by streamlining permits and research; it drew broad support and no opposition, and passed the committee unanimously to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 1712 by Assembly Member Pacheco would let Santa Fe Springs sell its small, contaminated water system through a protest process instead of a municipal election; supporters said it would avoid major rate hikes and improve reliability, and it was moved to Appropriations, though the vote was left on call. The committee also considered AB 1722 by Assembly Member Hadwick, which would create a clearer self-defense exception under the California Endangered Species Act for people facing dangerous predators. The author and a sheriff described a fatal mountain lion attack and argued rural residents need certainty; Defenders of Wildlife withdrew opposition after committee amendments, and the bill advanced to Judiciary on a vote that was left on call. AB 1613 by Assembly Member Wilson would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship certification course before operating OHVs on public lands starting in 2029. Supporters said it would reduce accidents and educate new riders, while Vice Chair Gonzalez raised concerns about fees, penalties, tourism, and impacts on low-income residents in his district; the bill passed on a split vote and was left on call. Later, AB 1808 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand local permitting authority for Western Joshua tree projects and reduce or waive some fees for homeowners and public works. Supporters framed it as a way to balance conservation with housing and infrastructure needs, while environmental groups opposed changes they said would weaken avoidance and mitigation protections; the bill passed to Natural Resources and was left on call. AB 1894 by Assembly Member Rubio would address imported water deliveries and groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel restrictions, with supporters arguing for a statewide, science-based approach that preserves water reliability; it advanced to Appropriations with no opposition. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance competing interests, especially around water reliability, tribal equity, public safety, and environmental protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1411 establishes the True Grit Trail based on the Charles Portis novel that chronicles the
• All of the money that's required for the signage, etc. of the term be used on a True Grit Trail is coming
• somewhere between 250,000 and 400,000 dollars per mile based on statistics that have happened in other trails

Bills: SR31 , SB2060 , SB2184 , HB1371 , HB1411 , HB1933 , HB2361 , HB2398 , HB2893 , HB3006 , HB3044 , HB3127 , HB3322 , HB3147 , HB1276 , HB3472 , HB3522 , HB3704 , HB4303 , HB4319

Keywords: military, children, resilience, Purple Up!, military families, master development district, improvement district, public improvements, infrastructure financing, special assessments, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, oil and gas, mineral rights, proceeds, royalties, escrow account