Transcript Highlights:

• a fixed number of housing units of FBH.
• Moving the units is tricky.
• Moving the units is tricky.
• It was delivered at $383,000 per unit.
• As a result, we currently have 160 units of modular housing under construction and another 480 units

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on housing construction innovation, focusing on factory-built and modular housing as a way to lower costs, speed delivery, and expand housing supply. The chair framed the effort as a search for practical innovation paired with land use, financing, and regulatory changes that could make housing more affordable for working families. Government witnesses from HCD, the Strategic Growth Council, and the tax credit and bond allocation agencies explained how factory-built housing is regulated, how California standards and third-party approvals work, and how state programs are trying to build regional demand and financing pipelines for modular production. Testimony from investors and developers emphasized both the promise and the risks of modular construction. JP Morgan Chase and the Housing Accelerator Fund described projects that achieved meaningful time and cost savings, but said lenders still see elevated risk because of manufacturer solvency, upfront deposits, transportation and installation issues, and the need for standardized designs and experienced teams. They urged more standardization, more local factories, better alignment between financing timelines and construction schedules, and state support such as backstops, top-loss capital, and scoring preferences in tax credit and bond programs. Several speakers noted that recent federal changes to the 4% tax credit program increased production capacity, but warned that without continued state investment the pipeline could face a future funding cliff. The workforce panel, including union contractors, factory supervisors, and labor representatives, said modular construction can support good jobs if it is paired with union labor, training, and fair standards. They described benefits for workers such as steadier schedules, less commuting, improved safety, and better work-life balance, while also stressing the need for wages, health coverage, retirement benefits, and apprenticeship opportunities. Union representatives supported a model that keeps both factory and on-site work unionized and said the industry could create more jobs overall if California builds more factories and develops a stable, long-term demand pipeline. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes 46,000 new units of affordable housing.
• </c> will add more than 2,000 housing units will add more than 2,000 housing units for<00:24:06.480><
• </c><00:44:35.000><c> of</c> built a total of 810 new units of built a total of 810 new units of permanent
• </c> on Maui we're finishing the 1044 units on Maui we're finishing the 1044 units that<00:44:40.079>
• </c><00:47:14.079><c> and</c> emerged stronger we've been United and emerged stronger we've been United

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> temporary units or they to be permanent? temporary units or they to be permanent?
• I again, if the unit is a window unit, the bill is agnostic as to who pays for it.
• </c> of the United States. of the United States.
• Constitution or the laws of the United States or the United States government, or both?
• </c> for Maryland United States citizens. for Maryland United States citizens.

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum present and then proceeded through committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and amendments without objection. Early measures included SB 530, which funds grants for multigenerational social connection programs for older adults; SB 731, clarifying the legal status of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council; SB 809, directing a feasibility study on a caregiver infrastructure program; SB 860, creating an Aging Resilience Fund with reporting and budget protections; SB 910, requiring insurance reimbursement for services provided by graduate-level clinical interns under supervision; and SB 972, making several Baltimore City alcoholic beverages licensing changes. Each of these bills was advanced to third reading after committee amendments were adopted. The Finance Committee also advanced SB 555, establishing a Dementia Services and Brain Health Program and a provider resource toolkit for dementia care; SB 757, creating a Maryland Local Sourcing Portal to connect businesses with local sources for tariff-impacted goods; SB 772, creating an employment training and opportunity database to help people qualify for or maintain Medicaid and SNAP; SB 792, requiring hospitals to adopt and train staff on immigration-enforcement policies consistent with Attorney General guidance; SB 869, establishing a workforce training pilot program through Commerce and community colleges; SB 905, creating an advanced manufacturing grant program through TEDCO; and SB 974, changing who may serve as inspector for the Caroline County Board of License Commissioners. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or narrowing amendments and then ordered printed for third reading. Budget and Taxation advanced SB 28, which would create binding arbitration for state employee collective bargaining impasses and include a proposed constitutional amendment requiring funding in the Governor’s budget; SB 466, expanding a physician preceptor tax credit and adjusting training-hour requirements; and later SB 704, concerning estate tax treatment for qualified agricultural property transferred to an LLC. SB 557, a gaming-related bill, was laid over until the end of the evening at the majority leader’s request. In the Education, Energy, and the Environment report, the committee advanced SB 35 on a state natural science museum designation, SB 166 on shellfish aquaculture permit sanctions, SB 189 on municipal drainage inlet safety requirements prompted by a child’s death, SB 242 on civil relief for service members and spouses, SB 266 on local regulation of invasive trees and tree-of-heaven, and SB 267 on a corporate rental-property registry and local housing application review process. SB 267 drew a brief question from the minority leader, who asked whether prior opposition remained and how the amended bill differed; the sponsor said the opposition had gone away and described the bill as now focused on a responsible-owner registry and an administrative review process.

Transcript Highlights:

• No court in the United States has ever said illegal immigrants who step foot in the United States and
• The three youngest we were born here in the United States.
• I still have the United States flag of when he took the oath and became a United States citizen.
• We see you, United States of America.
• units we so desperately need? Who will care for our children?

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:43:20.280><c> um</c> Yorktown was a I believe a 20 unit um Yorktown was a I believe a 20 unit
• How many units was that again? 250 units, elderly affordable.
• </c> this is this phase one how many units this is this phase one how many units was<05:28:17.400><c>
• Now, because 55 units are being put into a new program called the auxiliary dwelling units, in which
• </c><05:56:39.440><c> are</c><05:56:39.718><c> being</c> units now now because 55 units are being units

Transcript Highlights:

• Unit five is the bass pond. Unit two is the historic caddo.
• Unit five is the bass pond. Unit two is the historic caddo.
• Unit five is the bass pond. Unit two is the historic cado.
• Unit 1 can only be managed by draining it through Unit 2.
• Unit 1 can only be managed by draining it through Unit 2.

Summary: The board met at the State Capitol and approved the agenda and prior minutes after brief motions and no public comment. Executive Director Michael Hare then gave a CPRA implementation update, describing a large portfolio of active projects and highlighting several that are under construction, nearing bid, or recently awarded, including Port Fourchon shoreline protection, Caernarvon marsh creation, Schooner Bayou saltwater barrier rehabilitation, Cain Bayou marsh creation, West Shore river reintroduction work, Morganza to the Gulf, Raccoon Island restoration, Chenier-O-Tig ridge restoration, Bayou Pigeon and Dismal Swamp boat launches, Grand Bayou marsh creation, Highway 1 terracing, and several National Coastal Resilience Fund projects. He also noted the annual plan public meetings had concluded, with comments accepted through February 17, 2026, and answered board questions about the Rockefeller shoreline project, saying CPRA and the Corps were working through geotechnical and environmental issues and trying to move it forward. The board then received a joint presentation from CPRA and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the White Lake Conservation Area and Management Plan. Speakers described White Lake as a 72,000-acre property in Vermilion Parish with major freshwater marsh, wildlife habitat, hunting and fishing opportunities, and aging infrastructure that currently operates on limited self-generated revenue. The plan, finalized in October 2025, focuses on habitat protection, maintaining wildlife, supporting revenue generation, expanding controlled public access, and strengthening partnerships. Proposed priorities include GIWW shoreline protection, Unit 2/Caddo levee stabilization, and north shoreline protection, with about $30 million secured for engineering and design and total costs estimated around $120 million to $130 million. Officials also discussed a possible lodge revitalization funded only with private dollars, broader landscape-level habitat management, conservation incentives for private landowners, and potential land acquisition for additional public access. Board members and agency leaders emphasized the importance of White Lake to waterfowl habitat and public recreation, and one member urged similar management attention for Sabine, Lacassine, and Cameron Prairie refuges. The final major presentation covered CPRA’s marsh creation design guidelines. Staff explained that marsh creation remains a major share of the coastal master plan and current project pipeline, and reviewed how projects are built using dredged sediment, containment dikes, and pipeline systems. They said the 2017 design guidelines were intended to standardize minimum design and construction practices, but are now being updated to reflect lessons learned, current survey standards, geotechnical practices, construction methods, and issues such as oil and gas infrastructure and land rights coordination. Board members asked about reducing unnecessary geotechnical costs, improving land-rights timing, considering unconfined marsh creation where appropriate, and accounting for why marsh areas are failing in the first place. Staff said they would consider those suggestions as part of the guideline update and then moved into a follow-up presentation on safety, access, and logistics for marine construction in the coastal zone.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who were legally admitted to these United States, right?
• It got kicked up to the United States Supreme Court.
• We're waiting on a United States Supreme Court ruling.
• We're waiting on a United States Supreme Court ruling on what happened in Texas.
• Got to love meritocracy in these United States.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Parkland shooting victims, quorum call, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rules and Ethics Committee special order report for February 13, 2025 was adopted, setting the day’s special order calendar and debate times. The chamber then took up immigration-related special order items, beginning with Senate Memorial 6C, which urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. Members debated federal immigration policy and state cooperation with DHS, and the memorial passed 85-27. The House next considered Senate Bill 4C, an immigration bill creating new state offenses related to unlawful entry and reentry into Florida and requiring a mandatory death sentence for an unauthorized alien convicted of a capital felony. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, including Supremacy Clause, due process, and Eighth Amendment concerns, and several speakers argued it would create separate classes of people and invite litigation. Multiple amendments were offered to narrow or expand exemptions, including protections for Venezuelans on TPS, certain Haitian TPS and humanitarian parole recipients, undocumented people brought to Florida as children working in critical professions, and a proposal to delay action pending court rulings; all of those amendments were rejected. The bill passed 85-29. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 2C, which would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by the Governor and Cabinet, establish a local law enforcement immigration grant program and advisory council, repeal the undocumented-student fee waiver, and appropriate more than $300 million for immigration enforcement. The sponsor described it as supporting cooperation with federal immigration agencies and ending the in-state tuition incentive for undocumented students. Early questioning focused on the impact on “dreamers” and whether the bill would effectively raise their tuition costs; the sponsor said it removed the incentive of in-state tuition but did not bar attendance. The transcript cuts off during that exchange, before final action on SB 2C is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> respond to threats against the United respond to threats against the United States<02:36:37.680>
• ><c> America</c> United States of America United States of America of<02:45:56.319><c> what</c><02:45
• </c> Iran wants to attack the United States. Iran wants to attack the United States.
• </c><03:00:06.640><c> And</c> use to attack the United States. And use to attack the United States.
• </c> to attack the United States of America. to attack the United States of America.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's return to democratic accountability in the United States of America.
• Let's return to one system of justice in the United States of America.
• It’s an active leverage being used against the United States today.
• It’s an active leverage being used against the United States today.
• It’s an active leverage being used against the United States today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in the pledge to the United States of America.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
• Serving the United States of America.
• The United States Marine Corps Major Tobin Lewis of Austin.
• Berrios, United States Army. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has been President of the United States can only serve two terms.
• But apparently there's at least some people in the United States that are confused about that.
• I thought that this country was a united states of America.
• We are all united to obey the Constitution and act as such.
• citizen in the United States astounds me, just astounds me.

Committee: Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of energy from a fossil fuel unit of energy from a fossil fuel unit because<00:29:49.600><c> the
• </c><00:47:46.720><c> and</c> support of aerobic treatment units and support of aerobic treatment units
• of dwelling units or accessory units<01:13:26.760><c> whether</c><01:13:27.080><c> attached</c><01:13
• on</c><01:15:13.560><c> the</c> density we could do 13 units on the density we could do 13 units on
• c> as</c> of dwelling units or accessory units as of dwelling units or accessory units as defined<01:

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• , united in its faith and values.
• </c><00:02:07.680><c> States</c> you continue to bless the United States you continue to bless the United
• </c> liberty, united in its faith and values. liberty, united in its faith and values.
• United States of America and to the United States of America and to the republic<00:02:48.879><c> for
• </c> of the practitioners in the United of the practitioners in the United States<00:36:40.480><c> that

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called the legislative services unit in the House language and protective services unit in the Senate
• </c> services unit in the Senate language. services unit in the Senate language.
• </c><00:20:08.840><c> Um</c> is the Legislative Services Unit. Um is the Legislative Services Unit.
• </c> Unit between the two bills. Unit between the two bills.
• And then finally on 3.25, new unit.

Summary: The Safety and Security Conference Committee met on May 13, 2026, with a quorum present and no immediate vote taken. Chairs explained the committee was working ahead of a possible target so it could act quickly later if needed, then proceeded with member introductions and a reminder about committee decorum. Staff noted a microphone delay and said the meeting would include a side-by-side walk-through of the House and Senate policy language and a review of the fiscal spreadsheet. Fiscal staff summarized major differences in court, public safety, and legislative security funding. The House and Senate proposals differed on safety and security funding for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, as well as on courthouse grants, capital security enhancements, and a new legislative/protective services unit. Staff also reviewed Senate-only and House-only items, including a Senate proposal to require removal of insignia from public safety vehicles sold to the public, and House provisions for a security services task force and member security costs. Total general fund impacts were reviewed, with the House total corrected to include an open appropriation that had been omitted from the spreadsheet totals. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the policy differences. The Senate language focused on a Protective Services Unit and security for principal state officials, while the House language focused on a Legislative Services Unit and security for legislators. Both bills included provisions on Capitol Complex Security, reporting requirements, and reimbursement arrangements with local law enforcement, but differed on details such as whether elected officials must provide contact information to DPS and how requests for personal protective services are handled. The House-only amendment A8 was presented for discussion; it would revise emergency contact provisions, replace the House’s personal protective services request language with a more detailed threat assessment and mitigation framework, direct implementation of the new unit, and make related reimbursement and technical changes. Judge Richard Kyle, president of the Minnesota District Judges Association, testified in support of stronger judicial and court safety measures. He described rising threats against judges, citing survey results showing high rates of judges limiting personal information, receiving inappropriate communications, changing personal behavior, and experiencing threats to themselves and family members. He said the association supports legislative authorization and funding for home security and personal data protections for judicial officers, and emphasized that safety concerns for judges and court staff have become more serious in recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• incredible affordable affordable units incredible affordable<00:26:41.360><c> units</c><00:26:41.919
• Thank you very much. deliver a th000 affordable housing units deliver a th000 affordable housing units
• That's 86 total units at or below 30% of AMI. 104 units will be at three-bedroom sizes for large families
• That's 86 total units at or below 30% of AMI. 104 units will be at three-bedroom sizes for large families
• That's 86 total units at or below 30% of AMI. 104 units will be at three-bedroom sizes for large families

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• You have units that should be able to fly down, right?
• to nine, ten units, what should we do with it?
• No, I don't think this bill adds more units or density.
• So let's say we build two units. It's already two units.
• So it's kind of a sale as a whole parcel with two units or, like with an ADU, four units on it, right

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:

• per housing unit in the housing development project.
• Ultimately, $10 billion... ...the units.
• And it's not only the units, but it's the cost per unit.
• We've had a fluctuating... ...it's the cost per unit.
• , but it's the type of units that are being built.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 518 on low-impact camping areas. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for small rural camping operations on private land, expand outdoor access, and support rural economies, while opponents from campground associations and counties warned it could undermine existing regulation, create enforcement problems, and allow advertising of unpermitted sites. Members raised concerns about fire safety and local control, but the bill was ultimately passed as amended on an 8-0 vote. The committee then approved AB 635, which would require HCD to refer up to 25 of the most serious mobile home residency law complaints to the Attorney General. Supporters said mobile home residents need stronger enforcement against egregious park-owner violations, while opponents argued the existing program is underused, costly, and should remain subject to a sunset. After discussion of the program’s surplus and enforcement role, the bill passed 9-1. AB 893, which expands ministerial approval for mixed-income housing near college campuses and broadens eligibility for affordable units to students, faculty, and staff, also drew strong support from student advocates and housing groups and respectful opposition from the League of California Cities over local control and height limits; it passed 10-0. AB 925, the Mobile Home Emergency Safety Act, would require stronger emergency preparedness measures in mobile home parks, including accessible exits, working fire hydrants, and gas shutoff access, with a fee increase to fund enforcement. Supporters framed it as a life-safety measure in disaster-prone areas, while opponents argued the bill duplicates existing requirements and imposes an unnecessary fee increase. The committee voted 6-1 to send it to Appropriations, with the bill left on call. The consent calendar, including several other housing and local government bills, was approved 8-0. The committee also heard AB 712, which would increase penalties and attorney-fee protections for applicants enforcing state housing laws against public agencies; supporters said it would improve compliance, while special districts opposed the bill as overly broad and unclear. Members discussed indemnification and timing issues, and the bill was advanced with amendments to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the units, the development, can't absorb those costs, because then the units will not be affordable
• And the units, the development, can't absorb those costs, because then the units will not be affordable
• We have 16 million units and counting for 39 million people. We have 3.7 people per unit.
• We have 16 million units and counting for 39 million people. We have 3.7 people per unit.
• So it's X number of units per acre, that kind of thing.

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee opened its first Senate Housing hearing of 2026 by taking up several two-year bills and bond measures. SB 222 by Senator Wiener, the Heat Pump Access Act, would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, allow video/phone participation by contractors during inspections, and limit HOA barriers. Supporters said the bill would cut costs, speed replacements, reduce pollution, and help Californians lower energy bills; the League of California Cities opposed unless amended, citing concerns about a permit fee cap and virtual inspections. After questions about fees, inspection liability, HOA authority, and electrical panel upgrades, the bill passed 10-0 to Senate Local Government. The committee then considered SB 677, a follow-up to SB 79. The author announced the bill would be narrowed to two definition changes and that broader SB 79 cleanup would come in a new bill later in 2026. Testimony reflected both support and concern: some local governments and counties said more clarity was needed on implementation, transit-related definitions, and timing, while housing and transit advocates supported the cleanup and the removal of the ferry-stop provision. The committee approved the amended bill 10-1 to Local Government. SB 417, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, proposed a $10 billion general obligation bond for affordable rental housing, supportive housing, homeownership, and preservation. Supporters argued that state housing funds had been exhausted, that thousands of shovel-ready units were waiting for financing, and that the bond would leverage federal tax credits and create jobs. Opponents, including Habitat for Humanity, asked for a dedicated CalHome set-aside for homeownership. Members debated state debt levels, bond repayment, and whether the state should rely more on direct appropriations, but the bill passed 8-1 to Appropriations. The committee also began hearing SB 492, the Youth Housing and Youth Center bond, which the author said was intended to be folded into a larger housing bond package. The bill would authorize bonds for youth housing and youth centers for transition-age youth up to age 25, with the author arguing that early intervention could prevent future homelessness. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on SB 492.

Transcript Highlights:

• United Way of Broward, waiving in support.
• United Way of Broward, waiving in support.
• In the United States, In the United States, the Muslim Brotherhood chapter, which was led by Musa Abu
• There’s also a Florida chapter of the American Chinese United Association, another known United Front-linked
• entity operating across the United States.

Bills: S0002

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of bills, including several claims bills and policy measures. It heard and approved, mostly unanimously, bills on curators of estates (SB 326, as amended), remedies under the Florida Civil Rights Act (SB 1096), a claim for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland (SB 28), a DCF-related claim for L.E. (SB 6), trust administration reform (SB 786, as amended), a Broward County claim for the estate of a deceased minor (SB 18, as amended, 10-1), a DOT claim for the estate of Mark Legata (SB 26), veterans’ courts (CS/SB 50), extracurricular activities in public K-12 schools (CS/CS/SB 538, as amended), and pet sale protections for dogs and cats (SB 1004). The committee also considered the sovereign immunity claims bill (SB 1366), which was presented as a starting point for negotiations with the House and was reported favorably after testimony from local government, hospital, and school representatives who urged the Senate to hold to its current lower cap levels. The committee later approved a claims bill for the estate of Daniel Maudsley against DHSMV (SB 2). The meeting included repeated roll calls and favorable reports on each measure, with the only recorded no vote on SB 18 from Senator Osgood. Several bills drew testimony from supporters and, in some cases, objections. SB 50 on veterans’ courts received broad support from veterans’ groups, criminal justice organizations, and community advocates who said it would expand problem-solving court options for veterans dealing with service-related issues. SB 538 on extracurricular activities drew support and opposition, and was amended to address home education eligibility, a school activity fee issue, technical conforming changes, and compensation for extracurricular sponsors. SB 1004 was presented as consumer protection legislation aimed at retail pet dealers, requiring disclosure of animal health records and financing terms and creating a private right of action for violations. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 1178, which would create a foreign interference restriction and enforcement framework targeting foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations. Supporters described it as a national-security measure to limit foreign influence, protect critical infrastructure, and restrict gifts, contracts, and sister-city ties; the sponsor withdrew one amendment and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1632, dealing with ideologies inconsistent with American principles, prompted substantial questioning about due process, domestic terrorist organization designations, Sharia law references, student discipline, and notice procedures. The sponsor said the bill was intended to protect constitutional principles and target conduct rather than belief, but the transcript ends while public testimony on that bill is still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• or housing units available.
• Because that's basically a unit.
• units.
• You could have a one-mile unit and a two-mile unit, and then you can make it a three-mile unit.
• A two-mile unit, and then you can make it a three-mile unit.

Summary: The committee met as the Budget Section’s Regulatory Division and first reviewed base budget materials for the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Mineral Resources. Legislative Council explained the blue-sheet budget summaries and historical funding trends. The Housing Finance Agency then reported on its ongoing homeownership, housing incentive, and homelessness programs, noting that its new FTEs are being filled, loan servicing remains above benchmark, and the agency is operating largely on special and federal funds rather than general fund dollars. Housing Finance officials said the Housing Incentive Fund continues to be heavily oversubscribed, with requests far exceeding available dollars, and described how funds are being used for multifamily gap financing, rural single-family development, community land trusts, and homeless prevention/rapid rehousing. Members asked about performance measures, the number of people served, and the relationship between housing costs, wages, and homelessness. The agency said it uses scoring criteria tied to performance and outcomes, and requested that the Legislature maintain or increase funding for HIF, single-family housing, and homeless grants. Committee members also discussed the need to coordinate housing finance efforts with Commerce and broader site-preparation and workforce issues. The Department of Mineral Resources reported that it is on track with its budget, has filled most of its newly authorized reclamation positions, and is moving ahead on several initiatives, including IT modernization through Project North Star, organizational succession planning, and rulemaking for critical minerals and oil and gas programs. The director gave an extensive update on oil and gas activity, explaining that longer laterals and operational efficiencies are keeping production relatively flat even as rig counts decline, and that gas capture remains around 95 percent. Members asked about oil prices, hedging, spacing units, and the effects of geopolitical events on markets and state revenues. The committee also received an update on the enhanced oil recovery grant program and the Pipeline Authority. The EOR program’s $25 million appropriation was fully allocated to six projects, with additional oil and gas research funds also committed, and officials said the projects will require public status reports and final reports. The Pipeline Authority described major natural gas transmission projects, including the upcoming Bakken Express line and the proposed Bakken East project, which recently completed a binding open season after the Industrial Commission selected WBI Energy’s proposal to move forward.