Transcript Highlights:

• ALSO SAMPLE PASSING TESTS BECAUSE IT IS POSSIBLE IF SOMETHING WAS DEVELOPED WITHIN AN APPROPRIATE METHOD
• FOR THE LABS WE ARE WORKING ON MAKING SURE THEY USE APPROPRIATE METHODS AND WHEN WE CHECKED THEIR DATA
• IT MATCHES THE METHOD AND IN FACT SUPPORTS THE NUMBERS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I, we need to be heavily involved in how we decide what the procurement methods are moving forward
• are moving forward and probably methods are moving forward and probably something's<01:09:45.640>
• I think we should dictate it be a method I think we should dictate it because<01:09:57.480> it'll
• <01:09:57.600> be<01:09:57.680> a<01:09:57.760> method because it'll be a method
• because it'll be a method which<01:09:59.200> can<01:09:59.320> extract<01:10:00.160><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:24.080> management alternative vegetation management alternative vegetation management methods
• methods along the Hana Highway. methods along the Hana Highway.
• <00:26:58.040> some<00:26:58.280> type<00:26:58.520> of<00:26:58.640> method
• c><00:26:59.760> cuz<00:27:00.000> are<00:27:00.160> we do have some type of method
• cuz are we do have some type of method cuz are we setting<00:27:01.360> ourselves<00:27:01.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 31 and heard a series of resolutions focused on roadway safety, transportation access, and infrastructure coordination. Early measures included HCR 104/HR 96 on advancing coastal trails on O‘ahu’s North Shore and HCR 63/HR 57 on clarifying responsibility for Honouliuli Bridge and addressing safety, wildfire, and emergency access concerns. The Department of Transportation supported both, and a resident testified that the Honouliuli bridge is a single-lane emergency replacement on state land that has limited access for fire protection, heavy vehicles, permits, and repairs. DOT said it was working with DLNR and that jurisdiction may ultimately lie with the County of Maui, with research ongoing. The committee also heard HCR 62/HR 56 on alternative vegetation management along Hana Highway, HCR 43/HR 39 on raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary, and HCR 52/HR 48 on integrating the safe system approach into county road design; these drew support testimony and no opposition. The committee then considered HCR 120/HR 112 on regulating transportation network companies under motor carrier law. DOT and the Public Utilities Commission offered comments, while Lyft opposed, arguing the legislature already created a TNC-specific framework in 2022 and that motor carrier law is not a good fit for app-based ride platforms. In questioning, PUC explained that TNCs would fall under both PUC motor carrier jurisdiction and DOT permitting, and DOT said it would follow up on enforcement questions. Members also discussed HCR 119/HR 111 on an indirect traffic disruption grant program, with the chair asking DOT to clarify how it enforces penalties when contractors or others fail to follow road closure requirements. Other measures discussed included HCR 96/HR 88 on moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system, which DOT supported; HCR 128/HR 120 on coordinating capital improvement planning for Hawaiian Home Lands developments, which DOT and DHHL supported; HCR 127/HR 119 on a state highway police force, which DOT supported; and HCR 125/HR 117 on a statewide plan for derelict utility poles and lines, which drew support from DOT, Hawaiian Electric, and Hawaiian Telcom, with DOT acknowledging it lacks current statutory authority to force immediate removal. The committee also heard HCR 58/HR 54 on school crosswalk safety for Mililani Elementary, HCR 55/HR 51 on using artificial intelligence to mitigate traffic and improve road safety, and HCR 54/HR 146 on expanding the Hele-On Shared Ride program on Hawai‘i Island. Supporters of the Hele-On measure said expanded service would help rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities reach medical appointments and daily activities, while noting cost and technology-access concerns; they said missed or delayed appointments are a real issue in remote areas. The final item discussed in the excerpt was HCR 64/HR 58 on minimizing rumble strip dimensions on Kūhiō Highway on Moloka‘i, with DOT saying it had already removed some strips where large emergency vehicles were affected on narrow curves.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and with respect to those alternative methods, are those ones that would shift the cost to the rider
• Um, and with respect to those >> Um, and with respect to those alternative<00:53:09.040> methods
• ,<00:53:10.000> are<00:53:10.240> those<00:53:10.480> in alternative methods
• , are those in alternative methods, are those in methods<00:53:11.359> ones<00:53:11.599> that
• ones that would shift the cost methods ones that would shift the cost to<00:53:12.559> the<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a Met Council report from Charles Carlson on high-subsidy transit route analysis required by the transportation bill. Carlson explained that the study uses per-passenger operating subsidy, compares routes by type and service day, and is intended to help providers improve cost-effectiveness while recognizing transit’s importance for access, affordability, safety, and the region’s economy. He noted that routes more than 60% above peer averages are considered the highest-subsidy tier, and that the report also estimates the cost of Metro Mobility associated with those routes. Members asked several questions about why contracted service can cost less than directly operated service, whether contracting affects wages, union membership, or service quality, and why the Met Council targets about 20% of regular route service for contracting. Carlson said contracted service can be cheaper because of lower overhead and other market factors, that the council sets minimum wage and service-quality requirements in contracts, and that customers should not notice a quality difference. He also said the 20% target is meant to balance cost-effective service, geography, and a mix of providers, and that some routes may become more cost-effective with more frequent service depending on local demand. Carlson reported that in 2024, 206 of 264 routes met guidelines, 16 were in the lowest intervention tier, 14 in the middle tier, and 28 were in the highest-subsidy tier. He said the regional share of high-subsidy service was about 4.1%, but the share varied widely by provider, with some at 0% and others much higher. He estimated that discontinuing the highest-subsidy routes would save about $23 million annually and up to $72 million in capital costs. For Metro Mobility, he said the cost associated with trips tied to high-subsidy routes rose from about $368,000 in 2023 to about $6.1 million in 2024, largely because the mix of routes triggering federally mandated paratransit service changed, especially in the Shakopee area.

Transcript Highlights:

• removes the existing sunset for the Los Angeles Unified School District's best value procurement method
• The best value procurement method allows schools to consider factors such as experience, quality, and
• That method has proven to be a success and it's imperative that school districts across California have
• Composting livestock carcasses is a method already allowed in 42 other states, and more are moving in
• Their regulatory methods are punitive, and it's really scary for pharmacists that engage in compound

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PFAS compounds, but this particular method looked at 36 of them. So that's the sum of the 36.
• Um, but they are the only effective method I have of dealing with bears and birds of prey.
• Um, but they are the only effective method I have of dealing with bears and birds of prey."
• of protecting our livestock from methods of protecting our livestock from attack<05:00:39.680> or
• <05:00:50.878> of less humane and ecological methods of less humane and ecological methods

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• able to find somebody who is, whether that's through status, intimidation, whatever else, or just methods
• and tactics managed... ...or just methods and tactics managed to avoid, you know, any sort of repercussion

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also going to require landlords to offer digital payment of rent, to provide alternative methods
• of payment if they can't afford or if they can't figure out how to use the digital methods.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4171, a housing bill addressing sub-metered utility services and final billing for vacant tenants. Representative Igo explained that the bill allows shared-metered residential buildings to bill the last billing period before a tenant vacates based on estimates, requires landlords to offer digital rent payment with alternative payment methods for tenants who cannot use or afford digital options, and bars extra fees beyond administrative and late fees. Members described the measure as a cleanup bill developed with multiple landlord-tenant stakeholders. Two amendments were adopted. Amendment A2 expanded expedited eviction language to cover threats or harm directed not only at other residents but also at landlords, employees, contractors, and others present at the property, while keeping safeguards such as sworn affidavits, judicial review, service timelines, and penalties for misuse. Amendment A1 protected minor children from appearing in eviction cases and from having eviction records attached to them later, with penalties for noncompliance. Supporters said both amendments were friendly, part of the broader agreement on the landlord-tenant package, and intended to improve safety and protect children. After third reading and brief closing remarks from Representatives Howard and Igo, who thanked committee members, advocates, and stakeholders for bipartisan work, the House took a roll call vote. The bill passed as amended by a vote of 134 yeas and 0 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, we have to consider and contemplate innovative financing methods.
• And conventionally, using conventional methods, to Senator D's question, it's going to take decades to

Summary: The committee received a report from Director Wiley of the Arkansas Department of Transportation on a series of routine and quarterly items, including the closeout of the department’s efficiency review. Wiley said all five remaining recommendations from that review had been implemented, highlighted a new public maintenance dashboard on the agency website, and reported four surplus properties sold since the last meeting. He also noted that ARDOT had obligated $3.14 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding to date and reviewed the annual expenditure report tied to 2019 revenue changes, which funded $98.7 million in maintenance projects last year. Members asked about the balance between maintenance and new construction, with Wiley saying about 75% of construction dollars go to maintaining the existing system and that ARDOT’s overall spending is overwhelmingly focused on upkeep because of the size of the state highway network. He also discussed major projects and corridor priorities, including Interstate 57 and Highway 5 work in Lonoke County, Interstate 49 public meetings, passing-lane improvements on Highway 412/62 in north central Arkansas, Highway 82 widening in south Arkansas, and long-range plans to widen Interstate 40, possibly including a toll study. On the Toad Suck Bridge flood mitigation project, he said the design had been revised to reduce public impacts and would not require a long-term bridge closure. The committee also discussed safety and enforcement tools in work zones. Wiley said new work-zone cameras and cell phone detection tools were being used on projects such as I-30, I-57, and I-49, mainly to improve safety rather than issue citations. In addition, he said ARDOT spends about $8 million annually on litter control and is expanding anti-litter efforts, including a spring cleanup day involving more than 2,500 operations employees and some office staff. He also announced agency initiatives on human trafficking awareness training for field and office staff and the Street Smart education program for middle school students, with plans to expand it to high school content next year. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the director’s presentation and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Revenue Subcommittee met on Tuesday and reviewed methods of finance, one alternate delivery construction
• The Revenue Subcommittee met on Tuesday and reviewed methods of finance, one alternate delivery construction

Summary: The committee met and opened with a prayer, then approved the prior meeting minutes and received the monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the staff noting changes driven by casino gaming transfers, income tax growth, and a lottery-related collection. No action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including the executive committee, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. Topics included a Jackson County School District cooperative purchasing waiver, rulemaking updates from several agencies, federal immigration and wildlife issues, SNAP and Medicaid waiver reimbursement rates, occupational authorization reviews, temporary appropriations and transfer requests, a tire removal contract held for later review, EBD pharmacy and medical drug recommendations, and personnel items. The PEER report also included questions to the State Broadband Director about a provider with delinquent property taxes; he said the provider would not be brought forward until the issue is resolved and that broadband grant payments are tied to performance milestones. The most extended discussion came during review of a State Insurance Department report on pharmacy benefit manager oversight. Commissioners and members questioned Navitus Health Solutions’ refusal to provide certain claims data for self-funded plans in an affiliate pricing examination. The department said the matter is being briefed and set for an administrative hearing, likely in April, and that the dispute centers on ERISA preemption and state authority to request the data. Members also asked about the status of the other PBMs under review and whether they had raised similar objections. After all reports were adopted or filed as reviewed, the meeting adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY PROPOSE A CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE A NEW METHOD TO WITH FUNDS TO PROVIDE NONRECURRING FUNDING FOR
• TO ME, THERE ARE TWO METHODS. ONE IS IF THERE IS A REVENUE SHORTFALL WHICH COULD HAPPEN ANY YEAR.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Password a string of characters or other secure method used to enable, or other secure method used to
• Any methods implemented third party. C. Any methods implemented third party. C.
• A, commercially available methods that are commercially available methods that are commercially available
• One, verify through the app store data sharing methods. I the app store data sharing methods.
• A, age verification following methods. A, age verification following methods.

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we implemented the valuebased since we implemented the valuebased reimbursement<00:47:45.040> method
• <00:47:45.520> for<00:47:46.079> um<00:47:46.240> nursing reimbursement method
• for um nursing reimbursement method for um nursing facilities.<00:47:47.359> Prior<00:47:47.680
• This provision is saying we need to study these and see if we could come up with a standardized method
• for setting rates so standardized method for setting rates so that<01:21:26.719> we're<01:21:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2016 or 2017 or so when a new funding policy was adopted and we moved to a different amortization method
• 44.320> a<00:08:44.560> different<00:08:44.720> amortization<00:08:45.440> method
• moved to a different amortization method moved to a different amortization method referring<00:08
• is a long term and if matter what method is a long term and if you<00:57:03.359> think<00:57:
• Has the board looked at any method of having some sort of payment when someone privatizes something or

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills. Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability. Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• The specific methods laid out in the rest of the Constitution are secondary to that first principle.
• So, it prescribes two methods by which somebody could be, uh, receive essentially asylum under state
• One method would be the governor; the other method would be a majority vote of the House, and that would
• That's all it would take. it prescribes two methods by which it prescribes two methods by which somebody
• would be the governor the one method would be the governor the other<02:11:18.079> method<02:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires state leadership and flexibility, and methods to share risk and mitigations.
• things that are happening across the states, how states have supported advanced nuclear with other methods
• if we're doing a project, a research project, you know, we make sure to outline exactly what our methods
• It allows for sort of calmer conversations at a more methodical pace, but it's a choice.
• These methods remain unproven over the hundreds or thousands of years.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires state leadership and flexibility and methods to share risk and mitigations.
• things that are happening across the states, how states have supported advanced nuclear with other methods
• if we're doing a project, a research project, you know, we make sure to outline exactly what our methods
• interests and acceptance of potential energy projects requires a combination of using multiple tools, methods
• It allows for sort of calmer conversations at a more methodical pace, but it's a choice.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires state leadership and flexibility and methods to share risk and mitigations.
• things that are happening across the states, how states have supported advanced nuclear with other methods
• for example, if we're doing a project, a research project, we make sure to outline exactly what our methods
• interests and acceptance of potential energy projects requires a combination of using multiple tools, methods
• It allows for sort of calmer conversations at a more methodical pace, but it's a choice.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that a political subdivision should solely use that contracting method for a project, but
• And so I certainly think that there's room for improvement in the procurement method and how they're
• Improvement in the procurement method and how they're scored.
• But in my opinion, it is a helpful construction procurement method, especially on a larger, more complex
• This is a required scoring attribute throughout the project, but there is no qualitative method for scoring

Summary: The task force reviewed survey results from state agencies on potential statutory revisions, with Levi reporting 70 proposals from 20 agencies and noting that about 33 might become agency pre-file bills. Members discussed the need to share the survey more broadly within higher education and to better coordinate issues involving IT and other cross-agency functions. The task force then heard from the Office of Management and Budget on three topics: concessions, architect/engineering pre-qualification, and legal notices. OMB said the concessions law is outdated and inconsistent with current practice, and suggested a collaborative rewrite to allow best-value evaluation, raise the threshold, and standardize solicitation templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB proposed expanding authority beyond current state-agency limits and creating uniform templates. On legal notices, OMB proposed modernizing publication requirements, exploring online and abbreviated notices, and working with newspapers and other stakeholders on technology and accessibility improvements. Members asked about where concession revenues go, whether political subdivisions must follow the same rules, and how to move from discussion to action. The task force agreed to have OMB work with Legislative Council and affected stakeholders to develop bill drafts, and the motion passed unanimously. The University of North Dakota then presented a series of proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND asked to rework the definition of construction so routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements over $250,000 would not automatically trigger public-improvement requirements, suggested raising the threshold to $500,000, and asked for more flexibility based on project complexity and risk. UND also proposed changes to public bid advertisements to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement rules, an increase in the direct-hire design threshold, and a higher legislative-consent threshold for privately funded projects. The task force supported having UND work with counsel and OMB to develop bill drafts, and that motion also passed. The Department of Public Instruction concluded with proposed cleanup to credentialing and education statutes. DPI recommended reviewing its credential categories for relevance, possibly transferring credentialing authority to the Education Standards and Practices Board, removing outdated school safety patrol language, clarifying waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so the statute reflects current practice. Members focused mainly on whether the dyslexia reporting requirement should remain, and DPI said the screening itself would continue even if reporting language were revised. No votes were taken on DPI’s suggestions, and the task force recessed after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• and alert potential violators. allowing them to evade enforcement, expose confidential sources or methods
• They will still be protected if they use either method, right? Say that again, ma'am.
• They will still be protected if they're using either method? Well, based upon...
• , if that's not enough, each code includes. ...up front in the code under the alternate means and methods
• They're opposed to foam and methodics, because anything that is good for our industry is bad for their

Bills: HB45, HB755, HB 1232, HB1555, HB2460, HB2702, HB2973, HB3120, HB3225, HB3314, HB3356, HB3371, HB3634, HB3638, HB4247, HB4283, HB4290, HB4302, HB4503, HB4511, HB4565, HB4581, HB4627, HB4632, HB4660, HB4668, HB4960, HB5042, HB45

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation