Transcript Highlights:

• , Over the last few legislative sessions, Over the last few legislative sessions, 15<00:40:34.840
• I hope to have the coming sessions.
• Um it's bill um from last session.
• We're now not even in a budget session, which makes it even more challenging.
• We're now not even in a budget session, which makes it even more challenging.

Bills: HF3771, HF3658, HF3453, HF3358, HF1775

Keywords: disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery

Transcript Highlights:

• have a deadline till next month. have a deadline till next month.
• ><00:28:04.240> days<00:28:04.399> after<00:28:04.640> the<00:28:04.799> deadline
• meeting is 2 days after the deadline. meeting is 2 days after the deadline. >> Okay.
• the rules now implement a 5-day deadline the rules now implement a 5-day deadline for<00:29:29.279
• department is going to an online application system, but it doesn't mention the five-day payment deadline

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then adopted the consent calendar without objection. On the regular calendar, it took up a Health and Human Services Medicaid rule on laboratory services. Committee members questioned why an expired rule was still needed and whether any fees, fines, or appeals had occurred during the lapse. DHHS staff said there were no fees or fines, the service remains in the state Medicaid plan, providers continued to be reimbursed under the billing manual, and there had been no known appeals. The committee then approved the rule. The next item was a Natural Resources rule package covering wood processing mills, wood concentration yards, forestry health, forest fire, and administrative fines. Representative Leon pulled the item from consent and objected to the rule’s repeated 5-inch diameter limit for burnable material, arguing that the statute authorizes permits for camp or cooking fires but does not clearly authorize a diameter limit, and that larger wood can be responsibly burned or otherwise managed in forested properties. DNCR’s forest protection chief responded that the 5-inch limit is intended to reduce smoldering and wildfire risk, align with DEES air rules defining brush as 5 inches or less, and keep backyard burning consistent with air-quality regulations. He said larger material can be handled through other permitting processes and that the rule is meant to educate the public and prevent unsafe burning. Members continued to debate whether the rule exceeded statutory authority and whether it was practical for landowners managing larger wooded parcels. One member suggested narrowing the 5-inch restriction in the category 4 permit language, while another noted the statute appears to speak in terms of small or large amounts of material rather than a specific diameter. The discussion ended without a final resolution in the excerpt, with the committee still considering possible amendments to the Natural Resources rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we authorized during this session, I guess?
• due to be funded in the '27 biennium, '27 session.
• . conferences, visual training, and tactical training sessions.
• So we have a regular session report that we prepared after the regular session.
• So that is one item to note for the upcoming session.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bless this session with healthy debate, open hearts and minds focused on what is best for the people
• I move that the Senate now adjourn from the early session, that the business of the late session be in
• The ayes have it; the early session is adjourned. We are now in the late session.
• The Senate is in late session. Are there any announcements? Senator Watters: Unanimous consent.
• Senator Watters said he wanted to take a moment as the session starts.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, I think I believe the deadline was 2 o'clock.
• <00:07:52.319> Could the deadline was 2 o'clock. out.
• Could the deadline was 2 o'clock. out.
• So maybe January when we come back into session, you can come back in.
• So maybe January when we come back into session, you can come back in. Yeah.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered multiple gubernatorial nominations, beginning with several appointments to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund board. Testimony on the Hurricane Relief Fund nominees was overwhelmingly in support from the DCCA Insurance Division, Hawaii Insurance Council, Hawaii Insurers Council, the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, and various individuals and industry representatives. Nominees Michael Naka, Marie White, Raina Miamoto, Leslie Door, Edward Hike, and Gwen McDonald were discussed, with Miamoto and Hike offering brief remarks about the need to address hurricane insurance affordability, condo coverage, and the importance of attracting reinsurers. The committee spent substantial time questioning Hike about the fund’s strategy, including whether to keep eligibility broad in the first phase to move quickly into the reinsurance market, how much capital would be available, and whether later policy refinements such as owner-occupancy requirements could be added after an initial rollout. Hike said the fund intended to start with broad parameters to secure reinsurance and then consider more targeted changes later, and he indicated further responses to prior committee questions would be submitted later that day. No votes were taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then moved to other nominations. Terresa Hernandez was considered for the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic, with support from the board, and she said chiropractic had been a passion for her for seven years. Terrence Aratani was considered for the Board of Nursing, with support from the Board of Nursing, Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others. During questioning, a senator raised concerns from constituents about a 2019 grant-related controversy involving a proposed resiliency hub project; Aratani responded that his organization had partnered on a grant-in-aid proposal, later withdrew when the project scope changed substantially, and said no money was transferred to the other group. Cheryl Schultz Hansen was also considered for the Board of Nursing and described her long nursing and teaching background, while a senator asked about alleged pressure on nurses to participate in employee give-back campaigns at Hawaii Pacific Health and the University of Hawaii; Hansen said the campaigns were voluntary and she was unaware of harassment, though she acknowledged managers may feel pressure to encourage participation. The excerpt ends before any final committee actions or votes on these nominations are announced.

Transcript Highlights:

• The language was good enough last session for the Democrats, and it should be good enough this session
• The language was good enough last session for the Democrats, and it should be good enough this session
• Roll call will be made. session the language was good enough session the language was good enough last
• <00:51:53.520> and<00:51:53.760> it last session for the Democrats and it last session
• hope we can get this past this session hope we can get this past this session thank<00:52:11.040

Bills: HF23, HF1355

Keywords: whistleblower, whistleblower protections, public employees, state employees, retaliation, reporting fraud, misuse of authority, personal gain, state government, state services, state programs, legislative auditor, constitutional officer, public corruption, fraud reporting, government accountability, employee rights, labor law, Minnesota Statutes 181.931, Minnesota Statutes 181.932

Transcript Highlights:

• , their deadlines, their deadlines, and<00:16:40.200> that<00:16:40.440> sort<00:16
• , So, during the 2025 legislative session, So, during the 2025 legislative session, MnDOT<00:31:19.560
• <00:54:52.480> around introduced last session around introduced last session around transportation
• next session, so. next session, so.
• dialed in next session, so. dialed in next session, so.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, you know, last session we had that 36% of Minnesotans can't are struggling to pay their electric
• we had that 36% you know, last session we had that 36% of<00:19:44.880> motans<00:19:45.600><
• <00:25:57.600> for<00:25:57.760> this<00:25:58.000> first statutory deadline
• for this first statutory deadline for this first project<00:25:58.960> that's<00:25:59.279>
• We had testimony last session that they aren’t going to be able to do it. So, what’s the solution?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AND THEY SAW THAT THE DEADLINES WERE TIGHT THEY KNEW THEY HAD TO GET A LOT OF WORK DONE IN THEY JUST
• A LOT OF TIMES WE DO A PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND IT IS BEYOND SESSION.
• TO LOOK AT THE TIGHT DEADLINES YOU WENT AFTER BEFORE THIS WAS EVEN SIGNED INTO LAW TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE

Transcript Highlights:

• We have talked with them about the October deadline that’s in this bill.
• provisions within the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act, which was passed unanimously during a special session
• To give you a sense of the process and how it's broken, the deadline for companies and advocates and
• On their manual, Access explicitly states that they are not subject to executive session law.
• You have an open meeting that you can just jump into executive session whenever you want.

Bills: HB2048, HB2189, HB2248, HB2403, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2906, HCR2058

Keywords: orders of protection, domestic violence, court procedures, legal guardian, enforcement, healthcare, licensed health aides, scope of practice, ventilator care, training standards, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, public health, government regulation, elderly, physical disabilities, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, home and community based services, funding increase

Transcript Highlights:

• I was wondering why, or do you think you'll get as good a report if you have the deadline?
• again just an option so that we can get a lot of data and actuarial information together before the session
• And if they don't make that deadline, Madam Chair, what will?
• Then I think the data, we'll just have the data probably right before session or during session before
• Prior to coming in the session, okay? Just a reminder to folks: memorials are merely a suggestion.

Bills: SB101, SB21, HM52, HB132, SB14, SB20

Keywords: SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• of the special session, $240,000, and $1,000,000 for the courts to expand AOPA.
• Today's session ended with a final balance of $167.2 million.
• I think it could be tightened up maybe in a 30-day session.
• We'll have to look during this regular session. Thank you, Mr. Chair. That response.
• But currently, or prior, I don't remember what the date of the deadline is.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, it is okay, because they are FNs, and the deadline is the sixth, so in order to get the bill to
• 00:29:02.480> the Is there anything else we need to discuss today while we're in executive session
• Motion to go into executive session. Second. Okay, motion to adjourn.
• ><00:30:16.600> to<00:30:17.000> of<00:30:17.159> executive<00:30:17.600> session
• session motion to of executive session session motion to of executive session second<00:30:20.760

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a public work session.
• Our deadline uh to for relatively soon.
• And year of a session which we are in.
• Thank you. deadlines. deadlines.
• through HB2 and 2023 session. through HB2 and 2023 session.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bless them now, keep them safe, and give them a successful and fruitful session.
• Secretary will now read the proclamation calling the special session.
• And whereas on January 7, 2026, I called a special session scheduled to commence at 12 p.m. on Monday
• And whereas the purpose of this special session is to consider legislation relating to the drawing of
• I voted against this bill on the floor when we heard it during the regular session.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, who was welcomed by the chamber. The Secretary read the governor’s amended special session proclamation, which expanded the call to include legislation on artificial intelligence protections, an AI Bill of Rights, related public records exemptions, and medical freedom, in addition to congressional redistricting and related litigation funding. The chamber then read the bills filed within the call: SB 2D (Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights), SB 4D (public records), SB 60 (medical freedom), and SB 8D (congressional districts). The Rules Chair moved SB 2D and SB 4D forward, and the Senate took up SB 2D first. On SB 2D, the sponsor said the bill was intended to protect parents and children from deceptive AI practices, safeguard personal information and image rights, and ensure technology serves rather than deceives Floridians. Senator Grall opposed the bill, arguing it weakened protections and gave parents a false sense of security, while Senator Busillo supported it as a necessary but imperfect first step that should be implemented carefully. After debate, the Senate passed SB 2D by a vote of 37 yeas and 1 nay. The Senate then passed SB 4D, the companion public records exemption bill, after brief discussion about which investigative files would be exempt during enforcement proceedings; the vote was 33 yeas and 4 nays. The Rules Chair announced committee scheduling, noted SB 60 (medical freedom) would be temporarily postponed in Rules, and the Senate also set SB 8D for special order on Wednesday, April 29. The chamber adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE WILL DO AN UPDATE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF HOUSE BILL 1255 FROM LAST SESSION ON THE MILITARY COMPACT BUT
• THAT YOU ALREADY MENTIONED BUT YOU NEED TO KNOW AGAIN I GUESS THE HEAD HOUSE BILL 1255 PASSED LAST SESSION
• I KNOW THERE ARE SPECIFIC DEADLINES OF APPLICATIONS AND IF THEY ARE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE WHILE THEY ARE
• IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA ARE THOSE APPLICATION DEADLINES RECONSIDERED FOR THEM?
• THIS IS MY 21st LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was last session.
• That was going to be an extra payment like we did last session.
• So in the past, a couple of sessions, maybe last session, a session before, I'd asked about, I think
• We're going to be talking about this next session.
• Two sessions already. Now a third one. He funded this program.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote. A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11. The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0. Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• will make sure the rest of the session will make sure we<01:29:00.520> have<01:29:00.720>
• That after that first deadline, that Monday night, or go to an evening? Yeah, I'm good.
• Before the deadline. Did I say after? Yeah, I mean before. Thank you. Not the break week.
• >> Before<01:34:57.440> the<01:34:57.520> deadline.
• >> Before the deadline. >> Before the deadline.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one just requires a return of the local improvement projects in Senate Bill 2948, the 2021 regular session
• c><00:03:41.840> the<00:03:42.080> 21<00:03:42.480> regular<00:03:42.879> session
• <00:03:43.440> if<00:03:43.760> a Bill 2948, the 21 regular session if a Bill 2948,
• the 21 regular session if a memo<00:03:44.720> if<00:03:44.879> a<00:03:45.200> memo
• the Department of Finance and Administration may grant one six-month extension to the three-year deadline

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a bill concerning tax increment financing (TIFs). The sponsor explained that the measure would not change the existing financing structure, but would add an optional arrangement cities could negotiate with developers: a revenue bond guaranteed by taxes generated from the development. The goal was to let developers guarantee the bond and access funds sooner on the front end of a project rather than waiting to see whether tax revenues meet projections. After no questions, the committee adopted a motion that the title was sufficient and reported the bill out do pass as a committee substitute. The next bill, Senate Bill 2873, came from the Department of Revenue and dealt with enforcement of the state’s vape registry law. The sponsor said the bill fills a gap left by prior legislation by creating a statutory forfeiture process for seized products valued at $20,000 or less, including notice, a right to contest, and rules for disposition of forfeited property. The committee then moved the bill title sufficient and do pass, and it was reported out. Senate Bill 2894 addressed local improvement projects funded in 2021 through 2024 that had not been executed or had unspent money remaining. The bill would require return of certain funds after a memorandum of understanding was not signed or after three years with unspent balances, require remittance of unspent interest, allow withholding of some city diversion or state aid road funds for noncompliance, and require periodic status reports to the Legislative Budget Office. The sponsor also offered an amendment giving entities 60 days from the bill’s effective date to request a one-time six-month extension; the amendment and the bill both received favorable votes and were reported out. Senate Bill 2910 would require employers in the PERS system to settle the books if a unit of government or other employer terminates participation. Senate Bill 2911 proposed a new return-to-work option for PERS retirees, shortening the separation period from 90 days to 30 days and allowing certain retirees to return to public employment at up to 80% of the stated salary, with employer-paid retirement contributions and possible health insurance support. The sponsor said the bill would exclude elected officials, K-12 superintendents, and IHL/community college administrators, and he discussed the bill’s expected effect on PERS funding with questions from members about actuarial impact and whether the proposal would affect existing retirement rules. Both bills were discussed but the transcript excerpt does not show final committee action on Senate Bill 2911.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we're going to have a pretty full agenda from now till deadline because we've got quite a few
• an offender on this front, where you're carrying a bill and then suddenly toward the end, toward deadlines
• <00:02:12.080> because agenda from now till deadline because agenda from now till deadline
• you're like oh the end toward deadlines you're like oh my<00:02:24.360> gosh<00:02:24.599>
• This was amended in this committee last session based on mutual agreement with Chair Scott.

Bills: HF1662, HF1224, HF1836, HF1367, HF1168, HF1999, HF1792, HF102, HF2127, HF104

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, foreclosure