Transcript Highlights:

• > 84y<00:35:04.280> old<00:35:04.520> woman<00:35:05.359> in<00:35:05.960
• :10.000> all<00:35:10.240> she<00:35:10.720> she<00:35:11.000> just<00:35
• she<00:35:32.640> the<00:35:32.800> way<00:35:32.920> she<00:35:33.160>
• > office<00:35:35.920> is<00:35:36.119> just<00:35:36.280> a<00:35:36.520
• a godsent for her<00:35:37.640> she<00:35:37.920> has<00:35:38.119> been<00:35:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair lays out Senate Bill 35 by Representative Nichols who represent and recognized Representative
• Uh, we would urge the committee to consider the broader implications of SB 35 rather than imposing limits
• Uh, my name is, uh, I'm here in support of Senate Bill 35. Um, uh.
• As an equipment operator on interstate construction projects as a part-time student but still working
• Chair lays out Senate Chalas Senate Bill 35 and leaves it pending subject to call.

Bills: SB 35, SB 1113, SB 1365, SB 1394, SB 2243, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2199, SB 2200

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:35:17.839> which<00:35:18.079> is<00:35:18.720> far<00:35:19.359> western
• <00:35:21.440> And<00:35:22.000> I'm<00:35:22.480> They<00:35:22.720> say
• 00:35:24.000> thousand<00:35:24.400> words.
• So, I'm<00:35:25.359> going<00:35:25.599> to<00:35:27.040> um<00:35:28.079> show
• <00:35:28.320> you<00:35:28.560> just<00:35:28.800> a<00:35:29.040> few

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for listening and thank you for taking HB 35- HB 353 seriously.
• These include joining interstate compacts I mentioned, authorizing independent practice for all five
• Members, HB 695 is a public records exemption that corresponds to some of the interstate compacts that
• Just to have an amendment to add in the related requirements for the social worker interstate compact
• So this is the interstate Social Worker Interstate Compact public records exemption that is required

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:02.240> Hawaii<00:35:02.560> State<00:35:02.800> Energy<00:35:03.359>
• >> Morning<00:35:06.400> chair,<00:35:06.720> vice<00:35:06.960> chair,<00
• <00:35:08.160> Monique<00:35:08.560> Zampus<00:35:08.960> with<00:35:09.119>
• <00:35:16.079> Life<00:35:16.320> of<00:35:16.560> the<00:35:16.640> land
• > we'll<00:35:24.079> stand<00:35:24.240> on<00:35:24.400> our support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints. HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you try to route us off of the interstate, around the state highway, numerous miles, we're probably
• We have a hub in each location, fairly adjacent to the interstate, where we drive from one hub to the
• There about 30 to 35 percent we're able to move water all over the village now, so we can move it around
• So there's actually no interstates in District 2.
• One of the major challenges for District 2 is, although we don't have interstates, we do have the most

Transcript Highlights:

• :56.160> two<00:35:56.320> or<00:35:56.480> three<00:35:56.640> years<00:
• 35:57.440> um<00:35:57.520> that<00:35:57.760> we<00:35:57.920> can about
• <00:35:58.560> discussion<00:35:58.960> as<00:35:59.119> to<00:35:59.359>
• Signing<01:35:02.320> of<01:35:02.560> enrolled<01:35:03.280> acts.
• We're<01:35:05.760> at<01:35:05.920> that<01:35:06.159> order<01:35:06.400> of

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You got a five lane road, and it's turned into an interstate in Fairhope. ...turned into an interstate
• The school is 30 minutes or 35 minutes in the morning. I said when the lights are flashing.

Bills: HB575

Keywords: automated enforcement, speeding violations, civil fines, Baldwin County, municipal legislation, traffic safety, public awareness, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:35:34.960> We<00:35:35.119> have<00:35:35.680> government<00:35:36.079>
• insurance<00:35:38.240> and<00:35:38.560> private<00:35:38.880> employers<00:35
• 35:40.800> secondary<00:35:41.280> for<00:35:41.440> this<00:35:41.680> to
• <00:35:42.480> into<00:35:42.800> the<00:35:42.960> future<00:35:43.359>
• on the private<00:35:44.000> side<00:35:44.160> of<00:35:44.320> this<00:35:44.560

Keywords: This meeting was pulled from back ups and uploaded in it's entirety due to technical issues., 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” work from Kentucky Hospital Association and Kentucky Department of Agriculture leaders, including Jim Muser, Holly Harris, and Commissioner Jonathan Shell. The chair framed the discussion around personal wellness, injury prevention, and the broader goal of improving health through better sleep, nutrition, and activity, then asked the presenters to describe current initiatives and any policy changes needed. The witnesses described a partnership linking hospitals and Kentucky farmers to improve health outcomes while supporting rural agriculture. They said the effort has moved beyond the pilot stage and now includes more than 40 hospitals statewide, with programs such as healthier hospital cafeterias, grab-and-go options, farmers markets at hospital sites, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and medically tailored meals or groceries for patients with chronic conditions. ARH was highlighted as a leading model, with local food procurement, employee wellness efforts, and measurable outcome pilots, including a Russell County Hospital project focused on diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They also emphasized barriers to scaling the model, including fragmented short-term funding, lack of reimbursement for food-as-medicine programs, and burdensome procurement and testing requirements that can make it difficult for small farmers to participate. The presenters said hospitals are using their own funds or temporary grants to sustain programs and argued that policy changes are needed to simplify sourcing, expand reimbursement pathways, and support clinical measurement of outcomes. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• risk<00:35:05.040> for<00:35:05.280> that<00:35:05.680> given<00:35:06.079><
• She continued to see<00:35:21.359> me<00:35:21.520> for<00:35:21.680> her<00:35:
• c> of<00:35:24.000> Anna<00:35:25.200> and<00:35:25.680> the<00:35:25.920>
• <00:35:30.480> She<00:35:30.720> said,<00:35:30.800> "I<00:35:31.200> don't
• <00:35:41.280> should<00:35:41.520> be<00:35:41.680> able<00:35:41.920> to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.640> go<00:35:00.880> do<00:35:01.119> those<00:35:01.520> and<00:35:
• And<00:35:04.640> and<00:35:05.040> an<00:35:05.359> example<00:35:05.680> of
• <00:35:05.839> that<00:35:06.079> may<00:35:06.320> be<00:35:06.480> if
• <00:35:09.200> at<00:35:09.440> a<00:35:09.599> lake<00:35:09.920> needs<
• Now, does<00:35:20.800> that<00:35:21.040> come<00:35:21.200> out<00:35:21.359><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Energy and Environmental Protection met at 9:00 a.m., approved the June 3 minutes, and heard a presentation from the Department of Parks and the Finance Cabinet on Kentucky State Parks capital projects. Commissioner Mark Keelin and Scott Baker described the scope of the state parks system, the ongoing coordination with DECA/Finance Cabinet, and the status of projects funded through House Joint Resolution 76, House Bill 553, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. They said 36 of 44 state parks have received renovations or upgrades, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, and outlined work on campgrounds, utilities, wastewater systems, broadband, building systems, safety upgrades, ADA improvements, pools, golf courses, marinas, and lodge accommodations. The presenters highlighted several completed or active projects, including campground upgrades at Carter Caves, Ken Lake, and My Old Kentucky Home; utility and grid-resilience work at parks such as Kentucky Dam Village and Kincaid Lake; wastewater projects at parks including E.P. Tom Sawyer, Carter Caves, Dale Hollow, and Blue Licks Battlefield; and building and hospitality renovations at parks such as Lake Barkley, Baron River, and Cumberland Falls. They also noted completed playground upgrades, lock system replacements, beach refurbishment, and golf course improvements, and said the parks system is managing additional internal projects beyond those discussed. The department emphasized that parks often serve as sheltering locations during disasters and that infrastructure replacement is a high priority. Scott Baker then explained DECA’s role in managing the Commonwealth’s capital construction program, saying it oversees about 1,300 active projects across 28 cabinets and agencies, including 149 parks projects. He described DECA’s team-based approach, with dedicated project managers and field staff assigned to parks, and said monthly status meetings and more frequent check-ins are used to keep projects moving. In response to committee questions, Keelin and Baker said projects are assigned to DECA based mainly on the need for architectural or engineering services, while smaller or less complex work can be handled in-house by parks staff or the P11 construction crew. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• That increase is equivalent to 35 Mississippi rivers flowing through the air every second.
• I am Hannah Risely-White, Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.
• And I would also just add the funding that the Interstate Stream Commission has.
• It's owned by the Interstate Stream Commission and operated by the Interstate Stream Commission, and
• I want to highlight a very nice study that the Interstate Stream Commission did.

Transcript Highlights:

• > I'd<00:35:02.800> like<00:35:02.880> to<00:35:03.040> have<00:35:03.119
• <00:35:09.280> Um,<00:35:09.920> if<00:35:10.160> you<00:35:10.320> if
• <00:35:46.000> Do<00:35:46.240> you<00:35:46.400> have<00:35:46.480> that
• ><00:35:47.760> the<00:35:48.240> uh<00:35:49.119> RFPs<00:35:49.760> and
• that<00:35:50.880> on<00:35:51.200> the<00:35:51.359> on<00:35:51.599> the

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:44 Approval of Minutes 01:56 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 54:59 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy received an update from Kentucky State Parks and the Finance Cabinet on the status of major capital projects funded through recent legislative appropriations. Commissioner Mark Keelin, Deputy Commissioner Chris Perry, and Finance Cabinet/DECA representatives described progress on campground upgrades, utility and broadband improvements, building systems repairs, life-safety work, accommodations and hospitality renovations, pool and beach projects, playgrounds, golf course improvements, marina work, and wastewater upgrades across the state park system. They emphasized that Kentucky has 44 state parks and that the funding has supported completed work and projects still under construction or in design. The presentation highlighted funding tied to House Joint Resolution 76, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. Parks reported roughly $72 million invested to date, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, including campground renovations at sites such as My Old Kentucky Home, Kin Lake, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and others; broadband projects at several campgrounds; electrical grid resilience work at parks including Kentucky Dam Village and Kin Lake; and completed life-safety upgrades such as lock systems. Officials also noted pool and beach work, ADA improvements, lodge and guest room renovations, marina replacements, and wastewater plant upgrades. DECA said it currently manages 1,335 active capital projects statewide, including 149 for Parks, and credited additional project management capacity and regular coordination meetings for accelerating delivery. Committee members asked for a copy of the presentation and pressed the department for more detailed accounting of House Joint Resolution 56, including how much money remains, which projects are complete, and whether current appropriations are sufficient to finish the listed work. The department also requested a larger maintenance pool appropriation of $40 million for the next budget, arguing that routine and emergency maintenance needs across 44 parks exceed current resources and that preventative maintenance would reduce long-term costs. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:05.760> pilots<00:35:06.079> that<00:35:06.240> we're<00:35:06.400> doing
• <00:35:25.680> It<00:35:25.839> has<00:35:26.000> to<00:35:26.160> be
• I<00:35:31.520> mean<00:35:31.680> I<00:35:32.160> my<00:35:32.480> vision
• ><00:35:32.800> for<00:35:32.960> this<00:35:33.280> overall<00:35:33.920> is
• 35:44.240> have<00:35:44.320> the<00:35:44.560> secondary<00:35:45.040> for

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association. Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals. The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pine is located midway between the Twin Cities and Duluth along Interstate 35.
• Pine is located midway between the Twin Cities and Duluth along Interstate 35.
• :22.960> of<01:35:23.119> pages<01:35:23.360> in<01:35:23.480> this<01:35
• <01:35:29.960> Administration<01:35:30.960> a<01:35:31.080> few<01:35:31.239>
• c> for<01:35:37.239> individuals<01:35:37.719> under<01:35:38.360> 55<01:35:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But also, this is about interstate commerce in a lot of ways.
• But also, this is about interstate commerce in a lot of ways.
• But also, this is about interstate commerce in a lot of ways.
• But also, this is about interstate commerce in a lot of ways.
• But also, this is about interstate commerce in a lot of ways.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• um um Oh<01:35:22.240> my<01:35:22.360> gosh,<01:35:23.200> now<01:35:23.400>
• And And And as<01:35:37.600> I<01:35:37.640> was<01:35:37.800> sitting<01:35:38.000
• <01:35:41.960> really<01:35:42.200> affected<01:35:42.720> by<01:35:42.880> this
• Um Um Um other<01:35:46.080> than<01:35:46.520> a<01:35:46.640> reporting<01:35:
• the<01:35:53.640> other<01:35:53.840> ones<01:35:54.120> that<01:35:54.280><

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance. The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.

Transcript Highlights:

• this would just make a dedicated fund for cleaning up abandoned vehicles, commercial vehicles on interstates
• know, there's been times where you've saw equipment abandoned alongside our state highways and interstates
• Senate Bill 1475 will designate the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road to be known as the Ubby
• This is for the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road, which is on ODOT property.
• This is the interchange of I-35 and Indian Hills Road. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: SB1966, SB175, SB1475, SB1950, SB2049, SB2052

Keywords: memorial highways, bridge designations, Oklahoma Statutes, commemorative markers, transportation, uninsured vehicles, reimbursement fund, towing services, commercial vehicles, public safety, memorial, infrastructure, dedication, Toby Keith, aviation, aircraft, surveillance, regulations, fees, Oklahoma statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• you asked how we were coming on the environmental impact statement for Highway 85 south of the interstate
• It goes from the interstate right around the New Salem area north to Hanover, which is about 17 miles
• So we only could utilize about $35 million of the $55 million, so $20 million is lost to us at this point
• So we do not have funding to fund Highway 85 from the interstate to 200.
• The committee will move to our 11:35 a.m. presentation by Information Technology. Welcome, Greg.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you asked how we were coming on the environmental impact statement for Highway 85 south of the interstate
• It goes from the interstate right around the New Salem area north to Hanover, which is about 17 miles
• So we only could utilize about $35 million of the $55 million, so $20 million is lost to us at this point
• So we do not have funding to fund Highway 85 from the interstate to 200.
• The committee will move to our 11:35 a.m. presentation by Information Technology. Welcome, Greg.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.