Video & Transcript Research : 'Senator Tim Scott'
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VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judicial Retention - 2026-03-25 - 10:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Bihowsky of Chittenden Central as chief teller. Senator Watson of Washington District.
- >> [clears throat] >> Seeing none, the chair now recognizes the Senator from Addison District, Senator
- from Addison District, the Senator from Addison District, Senator<00:18:14.280>
Hardy, <00:18: - Scott in December 2023. Scott in December 2023.
- She was offered a Governor Scott.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Bracey Davis. Senator Burgess. Senator Collaudiud. Senator Davis. Senator Leak.
- I also want to thank Vice Chair Bradley and Senator Leak, who are the senators for St.
- Thank you, Senator Burgess. Yes. Thank you, Senator Burgess. Yes.
- Senator Bracey Davis: Yes. Senator Burgess: Yes. Senator Caladioid? Senator Davis: Yes.
- Senator Bracey Davis. Yes. Senator Burgess. Yes. Senator Caladioid. Senator Davis? Yes.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives.
The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers.
After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 2/27/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott is the chief author so I move the Scott is the chief author so I move the adoption<00:01:04.439
- Jordan I Believe uh representative Scott Jordan I Believe uh representative Scott did<00:02:02.759
- elaborate on that representative Scott elaborate on that representative Scott go<00:02:07.000>
- Jordan thank you representative Scott Jordan thank you representative Scott and<00:02:26.080>
thank - <00:06:16.199>
hi ey representative Scott hi ey representative Scott hi representative<00: - Jordan thank you representative Scott Jordan thank you representative Scott and<00:02:26.080>
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Passidomo, Vice Chair Jones, Senator Avila, Senator Berman, Senator Boyd, Senator Bradley, Senator
- Brodeur, Senator Burgess, Senator Burton, Senator Davis, Senator DiCeglie, Senator Gaetz, Senator Garcia
- , Senator Gruters, Senator Harrell, Senator Hooper, Senator Martin, Senator Osgood, Senator Pizzo, Senator
- Rodriguez, Senator Rouson, Senator Simon, Senator Trumbull, Senator Wright.
- Senator Avila, Senator Berman, Senator Boyd, Senator Bradley, Senator Brodeur, Senator Burgess, Senator
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and heard extensive debate on SB 734, which would repeal Florida’s wrongful-death medical malpractice exception that bars certain adult children and parents from recovering noneconomic damages. Senator Yarborough presented the bill as a fairness and accountability measure, while many family members testified in support, describing deaths they believed were caused by medical negligence and arguing the current law denies equal justice. Opponents, including physician and insurer representatives, warned the bill could increase malpractice exposure, premiums, defensive medicine, and physician shortages. The committee also considered two late-filed amendments: Senator Burton’s amendment would make Department of Health investigative findings admissible in court, and Senator Martin’s amendment to that amendment would broaden admissibility/discoverability to additional disciplinary and prior-adverse-incident records and insurance coverage facts. After debate, the Martin amendment was adopted, but the Burton amendment as amended failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported SB 734 favorably without the amendment.
The committee next unanimously reported CS for SB 86 favorably. That bill, by Senator Burgess, expands peer support protections for first responders to include support personnel; there was little debate and several law-enforcement-related organizations indicated support. The committee also took up SB 316 on series limited liability companies. Senator Berman explained that the bill creates rules for series LLCs in Florida, and a late-filed amendment, requested by the Secretary of State, delayed implementation by one year. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered CS for CS for SB 384, which requires municipalities seeking to annex state-owned land to notify the relevant county legislative delegation when the first public hearing is advertised. Senator Burton presented the bill briefly, there was no opposition or debate, and the committee proceeded to vote on the measure.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Carroll? Aye. Senator Gallo? Aye. Senator Hocker? Aye. Senator Schamp? Senator Sunderisham?
- Senator Carroll? Aye. Senator Dunn? Aye. Senator Allen? Senator McAuliffe? Aye. Senator Shamp?
- Senator Carroll? Aye. Senator Gobelman? No. Senator Gallin? Senator Gaffrey? No. Senator Shamp?
- I won't repeat what Senator Gowan discussed and Tim and staff.
- And Senator Hatathlie, Tim mentioned it, but I just wanted to thank you because we are including language
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use
Summary:
The committee took up several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with SB 1488, which would provide $600,000 for a workforce development study on coal-impacted communities in northern Arizona, including areas affected by the closure of the Navajo Generating Station. The sponsor and supporters said the study is intended to help communities transition economically, diversify, and support new jobs; the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1523, appropriating $340,000 to the Navajo Nation for the Ganado waterline pipeline project, was also advanced after testimony that the project would bring clean drinking water to about 235 homes and that the remaining funding gap had been reduced to the requested amount; it passed 7-0 with one member not voting.
The committee then approved SB 1041, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund. Supporters described the Arizona Trail as a statewide recreational and cultural asset that needs maintenance and continued support, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1445, which would allow smaller cities and towns to use approved on-site bacteriological testing equipment and limit how often ADEQ may require sampling, drew concern from one member about whether the language could be read as restricting sampling during discharge events, but supporters said it would save small towns money; it passed 5-3.
Members also advanced SB 1580, a $2.545 million appropriation for fire incident management software and hardware for fire and law enforcement agencies. Fire officials said the platform would improve accountability, information sharing, drone integration, and interoperability during incidents; the bill passed 5-3. SB 1363, which would create additional rural dispensary licensing opportunities for underserved areas, drew support from rural advocates and opposition from the dispensary industry over the number of licenses and transferability language; it passed 8-0. SB 1418, which would streamline siting for small modular nuclear reactors in certain counties, was supported by proponents who argued it would help Arizona meet future energy demand and opposed by counties and environmental groups concerned about local zoning, public review, and waste; it passed 5-3. Finally, SB 1419, a rooftop solar consumer-protection bill requiring added disclosures and inspections, was supported by county officials and some consumer advocates but opposed by solar industry representatives and environmental groups who said it could discourage rooftop solar and restrict speech; it passed 6-2. The committee then began hearing SB 1447, which would extend the groundwater withdrawal fee moratorium and related fund deadlines for Pinal County water projects, with supporters saying the extension is needed to continue well rehabilitation and infrastructure work after Colorado River and CAP-related cuts.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 4/2/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Representative Scott. Uh Thank you, Representative Scott.
- Chair Scott: All right.
- Okay, Chair Scott, you can go again after. Representative Scott: Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Okay,<00:36:00.960>
your <00:36:01.119>Scott. Okay, your Scott. Okay, your Scott. - Cheer Scott. discussion. Cheer Scott.
Keywords:
medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Social media platform requirements related to minors 3/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- gonna chair Scott wants to incorporate gonna chair Scott wants to incorporate that<00:01:38.000>
change - .<00:33:28.240>
So, Scott. - So, Scott.
- Chair Scott. Chair Scott.
- to Commerce, Finance, and Policy. or is engaging in chair Scott you're or is engaging in chair Scott
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4138, a bill aimed at limiting harmful social media practices for minors by requiring verifiable parental consent for accounts and restricting addictive features and targeted advertising for youth users. Chair Scott offered an A2 amendment, with an oral clarification striking specific language and two commas; the committee adopted the amended A2, and the bill was then discussed as amended. The bill author described social media as addictive by design and said the measure would use age-estimation technology to identify users 15 and under, require parental consent, and provide a different, less addictive experience for youth.
Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Catholic Conference, parents Jerry and Giana Cox, and a Minnesota high school student, all arguing that social media harms youth mental health, encourages excessive use, and exposes children to manipulation, cyberbullying, and addictive design features like infinite scroll and autoplay. They said the bill would help parents, protect children, and reduce exploitation of minors’ data. Several committee members also spoke in favor, saying the bill addresses corporate negligence, youth mental health, and the need to act even if the proposal needs more work.
Opposition testimony came from industry groups including the Computer and Communications Industry Association, the Information Technology Industry Council, and NetChoice. They argued the bill is vague and narrow in scope, could create uneven coverage, and may push platforms toward intrusive age-verification or digital-ID-like systems that raise privacy and data-breach concerns. They also said restrictions on personalized or algorithmic features could weaken safety tools and make it harder to protect young users. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the excerpt, but the amended A2 was adopted and the bill remained under discussion.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty One - Thursday, April 30
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- On House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills
- Substitute, Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1066 and 1088 and grant the Senate a conference
- , for Senate substitute, for Senate committee substitute, for Senate bills 1066 and 1088.
- Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1066 and 1088 and grant the Senate a conference
- Tim Taylor. It wasn't close at all: Mr. Tim Taylor.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 120-0 roll call, and a successful motion to suspend House Rule 98 so members could wear hats on the floor. The chamber then spent time on introductions of special guests, including the Eugene High School Class 2 basketball champions, family members of members, and other visitors. One member also used a personal privilege speech to respond to the U.S. Supreme Court’s voting-rights ruling, arguing it weakens protections for Black voters and other communities of color and calling for expanded access to the ballot.
The House received committee reports recommending passage of House Substitute for House Bill 2426 and Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bills 863 and 866. It then agreed to a motion to go to conference on the property-tax omnibus, Senate Bills 1066 and 1088. On third reading, House Bill 3329 passed 142-0 to repeal expired tax credits, and House Bill 3405 passed 138-0 to clean up SALT deduction language and improve tax-credit accounting. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2426, a parental-rights bill, failed on a 70-60 vote after opponents argued it would burden schools and could endanger vulnerable students, while supporters said it affirmed parents’ fundamental rights.
The House also took up House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1233, a professional licensure bill dealing with CPA licensing and other occupational-licensure provisions. Members adopted an amendment removing compact language, an amendment allowing APRNs and physician assistants to perform nursing-home physicals was offered but then withdrawn after the sponsor objected, and the bill ultimately passed 129-6. Finally, the chamber debated House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1408, a transportation package centered on allowing MoDOT to raise rural interstate speed limits up to 75 mph, with multiple amendments added or removed. The bill drew sharp debate over speed limits, vehicle inspections, DOR language, and road safety, and members also began considering an amendment to add specialty license plates for women’s professional sports teams such as the Kansas City Current and a future WNBA franchise.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine housing roadblocks, focusing on paving a new way to address affordability. Mar 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Rounds. Senator Smith. Thank you, Mr.
- Thank you, Senator.
- Senator Britton.
- Thank you, Senator.
- Thank you, Senator. Thanks, Senator Banks. Appreciate that. Senator Warnock.
Keywords:
affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think within the guidelines of Senate Bill 37.
- Similarly, the current structure for UH's Senate, with its 134 senators spread out to different size
- Faculty Senate Representative: one in the Senate, it already reached out, and as we are recruiting faculty
- My name is Tim Ruble, and I'm representing myself, and I'm also against all versions of Senate Bill 37
- My name is Tim Rubble.
Bills:
SB 37
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Regulating AI in psychotherapy 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Scott, you have an A3 amendment. Chair Scott, you have an A3 amendment.
- >
committee <00:02:01.440>about Scott, please tell the committee about Scott, please tell - thank you Representative Scott for that. thank you Representative Scott for that.
- Thank you, Chair<00:14:04.920>
Scott. <00:14:05.600>Um Chair Scott. Um Chair Scott. - c> renews<00:23:01.640>
the discussion, Chair Scott renews the discussion, Chair Scott renews
Summary:
House File 3893, which would regulate the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy and counseling, was heard with an A3 amendment adopted by voice vote at the start of the meeting. The amendment was described as the product of stakeholder discussions and was intended to clarify the roles of licensing boards, the attorney general, and other stakeholders, including language about large corporations versus individual practitioners.
The bill author argued that AI chatbots should not be allowed to provide psychotherapy or counseling, citing concerns about suicide risk, the need for licensed human professionals, and examples of harmful chatbot interactions. Supportive testimony came from Eric Meshy of SAVE, who said AI cannot assess risk or intervene in crises, and from Dr. Steven Gerardo of the Minnesota Psychological Association, who said AI is designed to keep users engaged and monetize conversations rather than provide treatment. A virtual testifier from TechNet supported the bill’s overall goal but urged clearer definitions so the measure would not unintentionally restrict supervised, administrative, or wellness uses of technology, and asked for clearer limits around emotional distress and AI’s role in treatment decisions.
Members raised several concerns and questions, including why religious counseling was exempted, whether the bill could conflict with interstate licensure compacts, privacy issues around AI used for scheduling or administrative support, and whether chatbot screening language would itself require analyzing sensitive mental health disclosures. The author said the bill was still being refined and that the attorney general language was intended to apply to AI companies, while boards would handle individual licensed professionals. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to re-refer House File 3893 as amended to the Committee on Commerce, Finance, and Policy, and the motion prevailed by voice vote.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Save Our Service Members Task Force - Room 216, January 12, 2026; 2:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Thank you, Senator, again.
- Scott Edwards—located in Starkville, Mississippi. >> Okay. >> Uh, Nathan Hughes is located in Senatobia
- Scott Edwards what's Edwards first name?
- to pull up something that says sergeants to pull up something that says Chaplain<00:15:42.240>
Scott - Edwards is on call for Chaplain Scott Edwards is on call for this<00:15:43.760>
month.
Summary:
The meeting focused on veteran suicide and mental health challenges affecting Mississippi National Guard soldiers, with Colonel Chris Cookie describing recent losses in the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team. He said that in roughly 50 days, from late September to mid-December 2025, three soldiers died by suicide, and that the unit had seen 50 to 60 suicidal ideations over the past year. He emphasized that suicide is a threat he cannot “defeat” through military training alone, and that warning signs are often hard to detect compared with battlefield threats.
Cookie identified the biggest gap as the period between drill weekends and annual training, when soldiers are back home and less connected to leadership. He said the unit does well when soldiers are together at drill or Camp Shelby, where behavioral health support is available, but struggles to reach them in between. He urged the state to create preventive and responsive support that leaders in traditional status could activate quickly, and he strongly supported expanded chaplain access because chaplains are trained in behavioral and mental health issues and may be easier for soldiers to approach without stigma.
Committee members discussed possible solutions, including a statewide chaplain rotation or on-call system, community-based support networks, and a 24/7 hotline staffed by Mississippi veterans. They also discussed legislation to have the state cover TRICARE costs for Guardsmen and to use TANF funds for related support services. Members said a draft bill was being prepared for public review, with committee reporting deadlines approaching on February 3, and that they would circulate the bill once it received a number and was posted online. The meeting ended with a motion to rise and report.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 24, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 33
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Item number four, Senate communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate communications?
- And then a number of former elected officials to the State House and State Senate and County offices,
- Leighton Oshima, the spouse and partner of Senator Mazie Hirono.
- um the spouse and partner of Senator um the spouse and partner of Senator Mazie<00:21:33.960>
- Madam Speaker, I move that Senate Bill 3123, SD1, as listed on page 20, pass third reading.
Bills:
HR207, SB2595, SB3199, SB3132, SB2591, SB2089, SB2108, SB2970, SB2530, SB2442, SB3076, SB2532, SB2721, SB2055, SB2312, SB2152, SB2438, SB2982, SB2528, SB2919, SB2446, SB2315, SB2544, SB2060, SB2069, SB3011, SB2342, SB2075, SB2578, SB2580, SB2835, SB3084, SB3322, SB3053, SB888, SB709
Keywords:
Dr. David Lassner, higher education, community engagement, university leadership, innovation, Hawaii education system, agribusiness, leasing, agriculture, Hawaii, food innovation, Department of Education, mental health, emerging therapies, psychedelic treatment, task force, clinical trials, trauma recovery, MDMA, psilocybin
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Session Daily Update: Review of November 2025 Budget and Economic Forecast Dec 11th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott, Governor. Sincerely, Philip B. Scott, Governor.
- We also have two joint Senate resolutions to take up at this time.
- It was offered by Senator Baruth and was read and adopted on the part of the Senate.
- adopted on the part of the Senate. adopted on the part of the Senate.
- It was offered by Senator Baruth and was read and adopted on the part of the Senate.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tony Miklas, who used the Aesop fable about “belling the cat” to emphasize practical wisdom and the need to consider how legislation will actually be implemented by agencies, towns, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and courts. The chamber then welcomed Representative Valerie Taylor of Mendon, who had been appointed to represent Rutland 11 and took the oath of office; she was escorted to her seat and appointed to the House Health Care Committee. Representative Feltus of Lyndon was also appointed to the Joint Fiscal Committee.
Members suspended the rules to introduce 19 House bills by number only, with several referrals announced, including multiple bills sent to Judiciary, Health Care, Government Operations and Military Affairs, Human Services, Energy and Digital Infrastructure, and Environment. The House also referred a petition concerning school security to the Education Committee. In addition, the chamber adopted two joint Senate resolutions in concurrence: JRS 29, setting the weekend adjournment schedule for January 9, 2026, and JRS 31, setting the town meeting adjournment schedule for late February and early March 2026. The House also concurred in moving H.541, relating to interference with voters and election officials, from Government Operations and Military Affairs to Judiciary.
The main action item was House Resolution 10, which amended House rules on bill draft request and approval deadlines in the second year of the biennium. The Rules Committee explained that the resolution would move the bill drafting request deadline to December 5, the draft-change deadline to January 15, and the bill approval deadline for introduction to January 31, citing the need for more time for legal review, better coordination between members and Legislative Council, and reduced staff burnout during the holiday and early-session period. The House adopted the resolution. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming Appropriations budget workshops, a new Creative Sector Caucus, and a Climate Solutions Caucus meeting, followed by adjournment until January 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we'll go to Representative Peggy Scott.
- Good to see you, Representative Scott. We'll just move your DE1 to get us going here.
- Please proceed with your bill, Representative Scott.
- Members, any questions for Representative Scott or her testifier?
- Senator McDonald. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Quickly, I'm sure, because we're running out of time.
Keywords:
child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Sanchez, Senator Scott, Senator Cedillo Lopez, Senator Share, Senator Schindo, Senator Souls,
- Senators, any further debate? We have Senator Scott. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Thank you, Senator Scott. Mr.
- Senator Scott. And, Mr.
- Senator Scott, do you wish to debate? Seeing no further debate. Senator Muñoz closing the bill. Mr.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House passes omnibus transportation bill, HF14, during 2025 special session 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to thank our partners over in the Senate.
- Sometimes we're not supposed to talk about them over here, but I want to thank Senator Dibble, Senator
- Representative<00:18:14.799>
Scott. - Thank you, Madam Representative Scott.
- Representative Scott. Um, thank you, Madam Speaker.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Jun 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Cleary and then Senator Mathern has a question. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
- So I will, Senator Dever.
- So I will, Senator Devere.
- Senator Matherin has a question. Senator Tim. Thank you, Pat. Thank you, Pat.
- Senator Cleary? Mr.
Summary:
The committee was called to order, the roll was taken, and the March 18 minutes were approved. Members then received several project and program updates, beginning with CHI St. Alexius’s behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks. St. Alexius reported that the Bismarck project remains on track for June 2027 completion, with demolition underway and final design work nearing completion. Williston reported construction is progressing, staffing recruitment is underway for psychiatrists and other staff, and an air handler replacement is creating a roughly $750,000 unbudgeted barrier that will slightly delay the timeline. Grand Forks reported its expansion is about 30% complete, with no major barriers beyond weather, and leaders said the project should be substantially complete in the first quarter of 2027.
The Department of Health and Human Services then presented a series of budget and program updates. Donna Ockland explained several recent line-item transfers as technical corrections that net to zero and do not require new spending, then reviewed salaries, wages, and FTE counts, noting the department remains within its authorized staffing levels. Pat Rainer followed with an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying 12 opportunities have been posted, 422 applications received, and $8.4 million obligated so far, with a goal of obligating the full $199 million by September. He described grants for workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community gardens, school wellness, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, equipment, technology, EMS, and other initiatives, emphasizing that the program is intended to be transformational and tied to metrics.
Members asked extensive questions about how rural eligibility is defined, how grants will support both rural facilities and hub hospitals, and how future years of funding will build on current awards. The committee also heard an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller, who said North Dakota has been accepted as a demonstration state, implementation is underway in Williston, North Central/Minot, Fargo, and Dickinson, and care coordination and service counts are increasing. Rebecca Askins then reviewed SNAP payment error rates, saying the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89%, with the state aiming to get below 6% through policy updates, training, data tools, and a quality assurance team. Members pressed her on the causes of the error rate, the role of the SPACES software system, and the need for accountability and improvements. Finally, Dirk Wilkie reported the state laboratory project reached substantial completion on June 12 and is on budget at about $69.95 million, though a service elevator had to be redesigned because it was too small for equipment.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Cleary and then Senator Mathern has a question. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.
- So I will, Senator Devere.
- So I will, Senator Devere.
- Senator Mathern has a question. Senator Tim. Thank you, Pat. Thank you, Pat.
- Senator Cleary? Mr.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston.
The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance.
The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.