Transcript Highlights:

• while</c><00:11:02.560><c> sharing</c><00:11:02.880><c> her</c><00:11:03.040><c> own</c><00:11:03.360
• &gt;&gt; Mr.<00:11:33.279><c> Speaker,</c><00:11:33.920><c> I</c><00:11:34.399><c> ask</c><00:11:34.720
• extend<00:11:37.920><c> and</c><00:11:38.079><c> revise</c><00:11:38.399><c> my</c><00:11:38.560><c>
• </c><00:11:50.720><c> as</c><00:11:50.880><c> the</c><00:11:51.120><c> king</c><00:11:51.279><c> of</
• Elected<00:11:53.360><c> to</c><00:11:53.519><c> the</c><00:11:53.600><c> state</c><00:11:53.760><c>

Bills: HB3944 , HB3486

Keywords: appropriations, military construction, veterans affairs, VA funding, USDA, agriculture appropriations, legislative branch appropriations, fiscal year 2026, omnibus, spending bill, rural development, rural housing, broadband, SNAP, WIC, school lunch, food safety, FDA user fees, veterans health care, toxic exposure

Transcript Highlights:

• September meeting? So move. September meeting? So move.
• We have to we address<00:11:43.440><c> the</c><00:11:43.680><c> need</c><00:11:43.920><c> of</c><00:11
• </c><00:11:46.320><c> me</c><00:11:46.480><c> that</c><00:11:46.640><c> we</c><00:11:46.800><c> may</
• :47.040><c> to</c><00:11:47.200><c> take</c><00:11:47.279><c> a</c><00:11:47.440><c> look</c><00:11:47.519
• </c><00:11:57.040><c> Well,</c><00:11:57.360><c> thank</c><00:11:57.519><c> you</c><00:11:57.680><c>

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cynthia expiring September 1st, 2026.
• For terms expiring September appointed. For terms expiring September 1st,<00:31:01.800><c> 2029.
• I request to be a no vote on Senate Bill 11.
• </c> excused, and one vacant, Senate bill 11 excused, and one vacant, Senate bill 11 is<00:34:15.679>
• President. uh 11:00 a.m. Um uh 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Um,<00:11:22.399><c> I</c><00:11:22.640><c> understand</c><00:11:23.120><c> the</c><00:11:23.440
• :11:27.920><c> a</c><00:11:28.160><c> tax</c><00:11:28.480><c> credit.
• Uh I I would<00:11:30.320><c> comment</c><00:11:30.640><c> that</c><00:11:31.760><c> uh</c><00:11:32.079
• The very first<00:11:52.399><c> Labor</c><00:11:52.800><c> Day</c><00:11:53.279><c> was</c><00:11:53.519
• ><c> in</c><00:11:53.680><c> the</c><00:11:54.000><c> 1880s</c><00:11:55.360><c> as</c><00:11:55.680>

Bills: HB2118 , HB1764 , HB1815 , HB2117 , HB2436 , HB2438 , HB2532 , HB2566 , HB2573 , HB1736 , HB2425 , HB1590 , HB1913 , HB1573 , HB1542 , HB1804 , HB1976 , HB1704 , HB1996 , HB1541 , HB1926 , HB1703 , HB1866 , HB1710

Transcript Highlights:

• It is 11:05, and we're scheduled for a break at 11:05, so we'll take that break.
• It is 11:05, and we're scheduled for a break at 11:05, so we'll take that break, and then we will queue
• have to change line 11 on page one from $1,680 to $1,600?
• I'm the senator from District 11 in Fargo.
• Our special session began September 2nd. Our special session begins September 2nd.

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from prior meetings and then filled a vacancy on Legislative Management by appointing Senator Braunberger after a caucus recommendation. Members then took up an unusual appeal from the North Dakota Gaming Commission after the Administrative Rules Committee voided a rule that would have raised the poker tournament entry fee from $300 to $1,500. Legislative Council explained the administrative rules process and the grounds for voiding a rule, while Gaming Commission representatives argued the commission had statutory authority and that the issue should be left to the full Legislature. Several members raised concerns about legislative intent, precedent, and whether the matter should wait for the regular session. On a motion to disapprove the Administrative Rules Committee’s finding and restore the rule, the committee voted no, so the voiding of the rule remained in place. The committee then reviewed the fiscal impact statement for Constitutional Measure No. 1 on congressional age limits. Staff reported no current fiscal impact because no litigation had been filed, though members noted the possibility of future legal challenges if the measure were enforced. After that, the committee began hearing proposed bills for the upcoming special session, starting with several kratom-related measures. Representative Wolff withdrew her bill, saying it was redundant, while Representative Heinert presented a bill to legalize and regulate natural kratom for adults 21 and over under the Attorney General, with licensing, labeling, penalties, and a public health campaign. Senator Axtman presented a companion bill targeting synthetic kratom derivatives, placing them on the controlled substances list with penalties similar to marijuana. Legislative Council later outlined Representative Johnston’s separate kratom bill, which would regulate kratom under the Department of Agriculture with product registration, licensing, and enforcement provisions. The committee also heard Senator Hogue’s bill to address funding for the State Historical Society’s military museum project. He argued the state was in breach of contract and that delaying action would increase costs, so his bill would authorize a $35 million line of credit to keep construction moving while fundraising continued. Members questioned the relationship between the proposed line of credit, existing SIF funding, and the private fundraising requirement, but no vote was taken before the meeting moved on. Finally, Representative Sue Ann Olson began presenting a bill requiring the Class D driver’s license test to be administered in English, arguing it was a safety measure because road signs are in English and law enforcement encounters can be complicated by language barriers. The transcript cuts off before her testimony concluded or any action was taken on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Okay,<00:11:02.000><c> we</c><00:11:02.160><c> have</c><00:11:02.240><c> a</c><00:11:02.399>
• Do<00:11:03.279><c> we</c><00:11:03.360><c> have</c><00:11:03.440><c> a</c><00:11:03.519><c> second?
• </c> &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:11:36.399><c> Next,</c><00:11:36.560><c> we</c><00:11:36.800><c> have</c><00:11
• Need<00:11:50.079><c> to</c><00:11:50.160><c> look</c><00:11:50.320><c> at</c><00:11:50.399><c> this.
• </c><00:11:50.640><c> I</c><00:11:50.880><c> need</c><00:11:50.959><c> to</c><00:11:51.120><c> look</

Bills: SB8 , SB22 , SB137 , HB295 , HB2 , HB343 , HB220 , HB303 , HB81 , SB8 , SB22 , SB137 , HB295 , HB2 , HB343 , HB220 , HB303 , HB81

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: emergency management, public funds, educational materials, state legislation, disaster response, uniformity, state laws, legislative commission, appointments, government structure, resilience, natural disasters, risk management, Alabama Resilience Council, Chief Resilience Officer, state planning, environmental protection, community preparedness, Alabama Office of Civic Engagement, Alabama Office of Minority Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill designating September as PCOS Awareness Month, House No. 3392.
• The House bill designating September as PCOS Awareness Month, House No. 3392.
• The House bill, designating September as PCOS Awareness Month, House number 3392.
• read the order: that when the House adjourns today, it adjourns to meet Thursday next at half past 11
• The House stands adjourned to meet Thursday next at 11:30 a.m. in an informal session. 11:30 a.m. in

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Rules Committee reports and scheduling orders. Members adopted a resolution commending the PKD Foundation for recognizing September 2025 as Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month. The House also adopted multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines, including for the Labor and Workforce Development, Public Health, State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy committees. The chamber concurred in Senate petitions referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12, including proposals related to insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment of port wine stains and scalp cooling systems. The House then suspended Joint Rule 12 for several House petitions, including measures on charter school funding, Port Authority Parks governance, a senior fishing license, and a sick leave bank for a Department of Developmental Services employee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee also reported several bills for consideration, including student mental health, a disability pension for Michael Rodericks, PCOS Awareness Month, roadway safety, and Hopkinton local bills. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave second readings and ordered several bills to a third reading, including the student mental health bill, the Michael Rodericks disability pension bill, the PCOS Awareness Month bill, the roadway safety bill, and Hopkinton charter and economic development measures. The House adopted an emergency preamble for House No. 4323, establishing a sick leave bank for Alexander Schwartz of the State Police, then passed that bill to be enacted. The House also passed to be engrossed House No. 2250, dissolving the Watley Water District, and adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11:04.240><c> statutes</c><00:11:04.720><c> annotated</c><00:11:05.279><c> the</c><00:11:05.440><c> bill
• </c><00:11:10.320><c> recommends</c><00:11:10.720><c> that</c><00:11:10.959><c> the</c><00:11:11.120>
• Um,<00:11:40.320><c> it</c><00:11:40.399><c> took</c><00:11:40.720><c> me</c><00:11:40.959><c> 16</c>
• <00:11:41.360><c> years</c><00:11:41.680><c> to</c><00:11:41.920><c> be</c><00:11:42.000><c> able</c>
• bill</c><00:11:43.440><c> of</c><00:11:43.600><c> the</c><00:11:43.760><c> session,</c><00:11:44.079

Transcript Highlights:

• And my amendment will, as you know from the discussion at Santa Fe, up through September 1.
• September 1st is better than those other two options.
• That's right, through September 1st. Thank you for answering my question. Thank you.
• September 1st. So let's say we had one that started on August 31st.
• We allow those that are filing for office to raise money, and through September 1, I would.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 10 , SB 16 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB 19 , SB 54 , HB23 , HB17 , HB16 , SB19 , SB53 , SB54 , HB16 , HB17 , HB23 , HB27 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB2 , SB3 , SB10 , SB16 , SB5

Transcript Highlights:

• Reading on Thursday, September 25, 2025, for immediate consideration.
• Many of our hospitals have a September 30th end of fiscal year.
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts this current fiscal year is rising to the tune of 11 percent.
• President, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
• The return date is Monday at 11 o'clock a.m., and the clerk is directed to dispense with the printing

Summary: The Senate took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with unanimous adoption of resolutions congratulating two Eagle Scouts. It then advanced several local and special acts, including measures on Machado-Joseph disease awareness day, the Ipswich senior tax referral program, Swampscott conservation commission appointments, protections for individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs, continued employment in Brookfield, Marblehead parking fines, Natick’s home rule charter, and Boston affordable housing/branch library space. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees. The Senate enacted House bills authorizing additional wine and malt beverage licenses in Lexington and a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Melrose. It also passed Senate Bill 2603 on affordable car rentals after adopting an amendment; supporters said the bill would reduce rental costs by changing Massachusetts’ rental car insurance rules to align with most other states. Senate Bill 1057 on fentanyl test strips was also passed to be engrossed after Senator Creem argued the bill would expand access to a low-cost overdose prevention tool and save lives. Senator Moore then spoke in support of expanding Nikki’s Law to cover MassHealth day habilitation programs, describing the bill as a needed protection for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. A major portion of the meeting focused on House 4530, a FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing $234 million for hospitals and community health centers. Senators discussed the Health Safety Net shortfall, rising health care costs, underinsurance, and federal reimbursement; Ways and Means explained that about $93 million was expected back in federal financial participation, making the net state cost about $140 million. The Senate also took up House 4531 on the 2026 state primary election date, rejecting an amendment before passing the bill to engrossment. The chamber later adopted emergency preambles for House 4530 and House 4531, and all three final bills—Machado-Joseph Disease Awareness Day, the supplemental budget, and the primary election date bill—were enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate adjourned in memory of Ricardo Barbosa after a memorial statement by Senator Miranda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pass routine on file items 11 and 12. File item 13 is a notice.
• It's an honor to present ACR 232, which recognizes September 13...
• To present ACR 232, which recognizes September 13th to September 19th of this year as Direct Support
• Not just in September, but year-round, we will continue to remember the lives lost.
• Session schedules are as follows: Tuesday, August 11, check-in session.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely ceremonial and floor-action-heavy session. Early business included unanimous consent motions, removal of several Senate bills from the consent calendar, and recognition of the 2025-26 Assembly Fellows and California Council on Science and Technology Policy Fellows. The chamber also welcomed several student and community guests, including National Science Bowl champions from Mission San Jose High School and a group of fifth graders touring the Capitol. One concurrence item, AB 2106, was adopted 65-0 after the author explained Senate amendments expanding enhanced vote-vetting requirements to geologists and geophysicists. The floor then took up several resolutions and one appropriations bill. ACR 199 recognizing India’s Independence Day was adopted by voice vote after remarks highlighting Indian American contributions and the role of the Sikh community in India’s independence movement. HR 119 recognizing International Referees Day was adopted, with 59 coauthors added, and the chamber honored referee Marcia Barclay. HR 125 declaring August as Chicano Heritage Month was adopted with 61 coauthors, with members speaking about Chicano history, civil rights, military service, and economic contributions. ACR 221 on sudden cardiac arrest awareness among student athletes was adopted by voice vote, and AB 2597, an urgency appropriation bill paying specified claims against the state, passed 60-0 on both the urgency clause and the measure. The Assembly also adopted ACR 231 designating Coastal Stewardship Day, with members discussing coastal protection, wetlands, climate change, and marine ecology, and ACR 234 declaring California Wine Month, which passed after remarks on the wine industry’s economic importance and challenges. HR 126 proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month drew extensive, emotional testimony from the author and several members about suicide loss, youth mental health, LGBTQ+ youth, Native communities, and prevention resources; it was adopted with 63 coauthors. HR 127 recognizing Transgender History Month was also adopted after debate focused on transgender history in California, current attacks on transgender people, and the importance of dignity and safety; 47 coauthors were added. Finally, HR 129 recognizing Sarcoma Awareness Month passed with 60 coauthors after members discussed pediatric sarcoma, rare cancer awareness, and a cluster of Ewing sarcoma cases in South Orange County. The consent calendar, including ACR 233 on Sepsis Awareness Month, was adopted 63-0, and the chamber then moved toward adjournments in memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• all the way back to from September all the way back to September<00:25:03.679><c> if</c><00:25:03.919
• </c><01:10:59.760><c> Um,</c><01:11:00.239><c> with</c><01:11:00.480><c> that</c><01:11:01.120><c> um
• Um, with that um, next week<01:11:02.400><c> we</c><01:11:02.640><c> are</c><01:11:02.880><c> planning
• </c><01:11:04.159><c> on</c><01:11:04.480><c> Wednesday</c><01:11:04.880><c> to</c> week we are planning
• ><c> from</c><01:11:06.320><c> on</c><01:11:06.640><c> February</c> Hear presentation from MMB.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:11:54.240><c> if</c><00:11:54.480><c> there</c><00:11:54.640><c> was</c><00:11:54.720><c> an</c
• ><00:11:54.880><c> action</c><00:11:55.120><c> taken</c><00:11:56.000><c> that</c><00:11:56.399><c> was
• ><c> not</c><00:11:57.760><c> authorized</c><00:11:58.160><c> by</c><00:11:58.399><c> the</c><00:11:58.560
• and certainly<00:11:59.279><c> if</c><00:11:59.440><c> it's</c><00:12:00.079><c> contrary</c><00:12:
• And uh expired in September 1st of 2025.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its May 21 and June 10 meetings, then heard testimony from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General on the effect of HB 314 on the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) board. The Attorney General’s representative said HB 314 changed KCNA’s structure and staffing, but did not alter the statutory duties of the board, which still include developing and implementing strategic plans, providing policy direction, monitoring results, and approving fiscal planning. He argued the board is not merely advisory, has operational and budget authority, and that actions taken outside board approval could be ultra vires and without effect. He also noted the board historically approved settlements and contracts, including matters involving Open Fiber, and said the removal of the executive director position reduced direct personnel control but did not eliminate the board’s broader oversight. The committee then heard from representatives of Kentucky Managed Technical Services/LTS, who described a dispute over the Kentucky Wired network refresh and service-provider transition. They said the project agreement required a market test and acceptance of a proposal for both the network refresh and service-provider role, but that their proposals were rejected and the refresh work was later treated by the parties as a change order issue. They said some equipment worth about $3 million had been delivered, transferred, and paid for, while roughly $7 million in additional equipment was canceled by LTS but reportedly shipped to a KCNA warehouse and not paid for. They also said no refresh installation work has been performed, that they continue providing network maintenance to avoid service disruption, but believe the contract has expired and that there is no current agreement for ongoing service-provider work. Committee members asked whether actions taken without board approval would be invalid, whether the board could alter or terminate contractor arrangements, whether the bond disclosures suggesting a successful contract extension were accurate, and what equipment had been purchased or remained in storage. LTS representatives said they would follow up with the committee on the financial delta between the contracted rate and the month-to-month billing they say has been in effect since the contract expired, and on an inventory of in-service equipment and end-of-life dates. They said they want a commercial resolution, but if no resolution is reached soon they may pursue the formal contractual dispute process, and identified September 1 as their stated target date for resolving the matter and completing the refresh.

Transcript Highlights:

• DCYF operates 11 ...your change in young people.
• We'll be back in September with the proposed final report.
• We will obviously follow up in September.
• So then the next JLARC meeting is Wednesday, September 16th.
• So then the next JLARC meeting is Wednesday, September 16th.

Summary: The committee met on July 15, 2026, but began without a quorum, so it could not adopt the previous minutes. Chair Jerry Pollett welcomed new member Senator Victoria Hunt and introduced new JLARC staff. The committee then heard a preliminary JLARC performance audit of DCYF’s Juvenile Rehabilitation programs. Auditors said overcrowding, staffing shortages, weak training, unreliable risk assessments, and uneven program access combine to create unsafe conditions and limit rehabilitation. They reported that about 74% of youth are in two large secure facilities, incidents rise as population rises, 47% of frontline staff leave within a year, current assessments are not valid for the population, and program offerings are tied more to facility location than individual need. JLARC made eight recommendations, including one to the legislature to address crowding and seven to DCYF on retention, training, incident procedures, validated assessments, program alignment, individualized programming, and better data. DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter agreed overcrowding is a major problem, said the agency would respond in detail later, and noted the department needs legislative help on staffing, pay, education, and program funding. Senators and representatives asked about JR-25, training adequacy, assessment validation, contraband, education access, and possible retaliation concerns, and JLARC staff and DCYF answered that the issues are interrelated and that a fuller agency response would come later. The committee next heard JLARC’s preliminary audit of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker labor laws. JLARC concluded that L&I generally meets timelines for health and safety inspections but not for wage-and-hour or retaliation complaints, largely because complaint volume exceeds staff capacity and delays occur before assignment to investigators. Auditors said recent agency changes and 2026 legislation may help, including added staff, screening processes, workload reorganization, the ability to prioritize complaints, a later start date for the 60-day wage complaint clock, and authority to expand some investigations to similarly affected workers. JLARC recommended that L&I report back in December 2026 and December 2027 on backlog reduction and implementation of the new law. L&I’s deputy policy director said the agency appreciates the report, is hiring additional investigators, and expects the new laws to substantially change how wage complaints are handled. Members asked for clarification on what counts as a wage complaint, the share of farm worker complaints, and how the new authority will work. JLARC then provided an update on the Department of Health’s strategic management plan for hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff summarized prior recommendations and noted that House Bill 2577 clarified hospital inspection timing. DOH officials described a detailed plan with measurable milestones for improving inspection compliance, verifying accreditation standards, expanding complaint forms into more languages, addressing language-access barriers, and seeking long-term funding for adverse event reporting and financial data reporting. DOH said acute care inspection compliance had risen from 28% to 61% and projected further increases through 2028, while also working on staffing, a new licensing system, and public reporting tools. Committee members praised the specificity of the plan but raised concerns about the long timeline for language access and whether hospitals should do more outreach as part of their community health assessments. After lunch, the committee began the 2026 tax preference performance reviews preliminary report. JLARC staff introduced the first three reviews, starting with the Main Street tax credit and program. Auditors said the preference appears to have met the legislature’s broad goal of increasing Main Street communities and businesses overall, though results vary by community. They reported that Main Street communities grew from 9 in 2005 to 40 in 2025, business counts in those communities rose overall, and donations and tax credits have remained high, with many local businesses donating to support their own downtowns. The committee then moved into the rest of the tax preference review presentation, with additional reports to follow later in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Russell has a hard stop at 11:30. Is that correct? Okay, cool.
• It's 11 units that were approved in June.
• It's really not just 11 units; it's more than that.
• I think it's four buildings with 11 total units.
• September 1st, going from August 31st to September 1st to August to October 15th, with funds distributed

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• It is 11:05, and we're scheduled for a break at 11:05, so we'll take that break.
• It is 11:05, and we're scheduled for a break at 11:05, so we'll take that break, and then we will queue
• I'm the senator from District 11 in Fargo.
• And that is September 1st here at the Capitol from 9 to 4.
• Our special session began September 2nd. Our special session begins September 2nd.

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Transcript Highlights:

• :17.839><c> And</c><00:11:18.000><c> so</c><00:11:18.480><c> with</c><00:11:18.800><c> this,</c><00:11
• <00:11:22.800><c> the</c><00:11:23.040><c> interoperous</c><00:11:23.760><c> transfers</c> be making
• </c><00:11:25.279><c> So</c><00:11:25.519><c> in</c><00:11:25.680><c> fact,</c><00:11:26.560><c> you<
• So in fact, you be<00:11:27.120><c> using</c><00:11:27.360><c> federal</c><00:11:27.680><c> money</c>
• </c><00:11:30.240><c> So,</c><00:11:31.040><c> under</c><00:11:31.360><c> this</c> your lease.

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee approved the April 14, 2025 minutes and then considered several capital items, mostly Department of Transportation property dispositions and one Department of Business and Economic Affairs lease amendment. BEA requested approval to amend its Granite Center LLC lease to absorb space used by Gopher, explaining that the arrangement would keep both agencies in the same building, allow flexible space allocation, and produce a modest net savings while using federal funds reimbursed through an interagency arrangement. The committee asked about Gopher’s role, the floor layout, and whether federal money was indirectly subsidizing the lease; the item was approved. DOT items approved included sale of a former maintenance parcel in Raymond, vacant land in Dover, a permanent utility easement in Conway for the Conway Water Precinct, and a direct sale of limited access right-of-way in Seabrook to C&J Seabrook LLC for parking expansion. Members asked about environmental liability on the Raymond parcel, the size and location of the Conway easement, and whether C&J would charge for parking; C&J said the expansion would support a successful facility and that parking revenues help fund improvements such as paving, lighting, and security cameras. The committee also approved a small Salem parcel sale to Brooks Property LLC. The Department of Environmental Services received approval to transfer 37 acres near a New Ipswich flood control site to the town as part of a long-running settlement involving cemetery encroachment onto state land. DES said the agreement, reached with the town in 2023, reflects prior legislation and includes payment to the state; members asked whether there was any current dam damage, and DES said there was none. In miscellaneous business, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission said the governor had directed cancellation of the planned RFP sale and that the matter would instead proceed as a ground lease through a new RFP process. The committee also noted informational items on Council on Resources and Development minutes and surplus land reviews, set the next meeting for September 29 at 9:30, and adjourned by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• September. I’m sorry, I’m skipping my August, September, October, and December.
• So you said September or August, we're going to defer it to September? September.
• We deferred until September. All right, so would you have a motion to defer until September?
• Since then, we have received responses from 11 of these.
• I mean, September—that was the date we had, September, correct?

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

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• </c> Senate<01:11:31.200><c> Bill</c><01:11:31.360><c> 21</c><01:11:31.760><c> by</c><01:11:31.880><c

Transcript Highlights:

• To September, that did put it into it, and they would get their money.
• Because if they run clear, in my county, we always had a cutoff date of September...
• In my county, we always had a cutoff date of September 1st.
• 11% is the number?
• 11% is the number?

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform