Transcript Highlights:

• designation that is statutory route designation that is being<00:40:10.800> revised.
• with a turnback of changing route with a turnback of changing route jurisdiction<00:40:15.920>
• <01:10:54.640> Section riders on metrorransit routes.
• Section riders on metrorransit routes.
• Um this would on regular route transit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's the route in North Dakota. Here's the route in North Dakota.
• How do you pick a route that's not going to attract the opposition that other routes attract?
• How do you pick a route that's not going to attract the opposition that other routes attract?
• of times that would kill a route.
• the route that we pursue.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.

Transcript Highlights:

• NIKKI SURE OUR ROUTES ARE OPTIMIZED AND SERVING OUR STUDENTS AND PARENTS AND MAKING SURE WE HAVE FULL
• OUR ROUTERS OUR DISPATCHERS WE FOLLOW-UP TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE ROUTES ARE EFFICIENT.
• 30 ROUTES RIGHT OFF THE TOP.
• AND THEN YOU COME IN AND YOU REALLY LOOK AT THE ROUTES.
• BEGINNING THIS YEAR WE WERE AT 308 ROUTES CURRENTLY AT 295 ROUTES AND WE RUN THAT PROCESS QUARTERLY.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or is there a threshold for a size of a city that has to have a fixed bus route?
• There is not a requirement that you have to be in urban to have a fixed route.
• We would expect somewhere between 50 and 70 in that initial wave.
• We would expect somewhere between 50 and 70 in that initial wave.
• We have over 70 different fees.

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of any others that route.
• I mean, 70 now, not from the start date.
• But we're still running behind and we got 70 pieces of property, 70 towers to build.
• we're still running behind and we got 70 we're still running behind and we got 70 pieces<01:43:09.840
• pieces of property, 70 towers to build. pieces of property, 70 towers to build.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03 Summary of Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:01:00 Staff Update on Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel 00:16:00 Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel Representatives Available for Questions-00:39:34 Kentucky State Police & Finance Cabinet Status Update on Kentucky Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System-00:52:35 Adjournment-01:46:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from December 19 and June 12, then received a staff report on the Kentucky Fire Commission’s minimum training standards and administrative spending. Staff explained that the commission’s current minimum training hours are 115 for volunteer firefighters and 300 for paid firefighters, down from 150 and 400 before January 1, 2023, after the commission removed elective classes not directly tied to NFPA standards. The report found the commission’s certification testing aligns fully with NFPA standards, but recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours. On finances, staff said the commission complied with the first statutory cap on administrative reimbursements to KCTCS, but could not verify compliance with a second, more specific cap because the finance system does not break out program-level costs and the statute is vague. Staff recommended the commission work with KCTCS to fix that issue and suggested the General Assembly may wish to clarify the statute. After questions about reimbursement levels and investment income, the committee voted to accept the report. The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel. Staff reported that the panel has implemented two of three prior recommendations: it revised its agency notification letter to clearly state the 90-day response deadline and added response prompts and checkboxes to improve completeness. The third recommendation, to adopt formal written procedures, remains in progress; staff said the panel plans to develop those procedures alongside its new case management system. The panel is meeting its statutory membership and meeting requirements, but agency responses to its recommendations have been inconsistent: 48% were timely and appropriate in 2022, 36% in 2023, and 82% in 2024, though only three of nine timely 2024 responses were fully complete. Staff also described the new case management system project, funded with $200,000 in one-time money, and recommended the panel consult budget staff about use of those funds beyond fiscal year 2025. They reissued the recommendation that the panel develop written procedures for case review, findings, recommendations, and annual reports. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of penalties for noncompliance, the volume and length of panel meetings, and technology barriers to reviewing cases, and one member said the panel’s findings should inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• altogether uh adding more miles routes altogether uh adding more miles on<00:04:06.840> the<00
• Our 55 bus routes cover two-tiered system and, as a total, drive over 5,500 miles each day.
• We've reduced eight bus routes in just the last two years, resulting in longer bus rides for students
• the afternoon route.
• this past school about seven uh routes this past school year<00:13:29.639> as<00:13:29.760>

Bills: HF6, HF52, HF53

Keywords: education, literacy, science of reading, school performance, funding flexibility, innovation zones, equity and inclusion, HF52, New Germany, wastewater treatment, wastewater facility, sewer infrastructure, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, municipal infrastructure, water quality, sanitation, sewage treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• I saw one this morning doing 45 miles an hour going up Route Three. He must have been cold.
• <03:22:22.640> But Route Three. He must have been cold. But Route Three.
• >> One of those unicycles is a guy on Route >> One of those unicycles is a guy on Route
• ,<04:09:31.199> one the same bike, but one can go 70, one the same bike, but one can go 70
• run my route 93 at 65. run my route 93 at 65.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• actually have an immediate effect and force anybody to do anything, you would want to go the measure route
• actually have an immediate effect and force anybody to do anything, you would want to go the measure route
• STR 70 and SR 54 requesting the DCCA to establish and convene a pharmacy reimbursement working group
• STR 70<00:49:29.920> and 70 and 70 and SR54<00:49:31.680> requesting<00:49:32.240> the
• The next set are STR 70 and SR 54 relating to the pharmacy reimbursement working group.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote. At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues. The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not going to ...the same routes with less congestion.
• was not part of any light rail routes presented to voters on past ballots.
• was not part of any light rail routes presented to voters on past ballots.
• We heard the legislature, and we're looking at alternative routes.
• Nine-year-olds, not 30-year-olds, not 70-year-olds. These are nine-year-old.

Bills: SB1088, SB1156, SB1157, SB1169, SB1245, SB1273, SB1330, SB1332, SB1391, SB1498, SB1531, SB1550, SB1598, SB1677, SB1707, SB1811, SB1818

Keywords: cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, medical education, physician shortage, healthcare funding, Arizona health care

Transcript Highlights:

• For example a couple of years ago, we started maintaining a route between El Paso, Las Cruces, Silver
• Part of this is because we operate this distribution route between Las Cruces and Albuquerque as well
• And on that route itself, when we offer these distribution services. These are not.
• Potentially routes that exist that might be potential backhauling routes and different partnerships to
• In 2020, I was paying 70 cents a pound to process my beef. Today, I'm paying $1.40 a pound.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then after that, they can claim up to 70% of their liability. But that 30% will represent...
• And then in 2030, the proposal has limits it to 70%. They can claim up to 70% of their liability.
• Limits it to 70%. They can claim up to 70% of their liability.
• I would prefer that route.
• I don't think that's the ideal route we should have landed on.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this they have a route people. And this they have a route deviation<01:15:36.400> service.
• And then there's the large route.
• people with that traditional fixed route people with that traditional fixed route uh<01:15:58.440
• It started the year at 70 million.
• It started the year at 70 million.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They must be no longer than 70 feet.
• The restoration work is time sensitive and we risk losing $70 million, most of it tied to restoration
• The entire State Route 37 corridor long-term solution is expected to exceed $10 billion.
• In the meantime, the State Route 37 interim project, or as we like to call it, the preferred project,
• Second, we have concerns about the purpose and need of the interim State Route 37 project.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of water, parks, transportation, species protection, and fisheries bills. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to publish an economic and environmental impact study when emergency water regulations are extended over multiple years; the author and supporters from agricultural and water groups said it would add transparency without limiting emergency authority. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption to let county park agencies open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters emphasizing access to nature and opponents warning about impacts to sensitive habitat, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fines; supporters said it would protect vulnerable communities and wetlands, while farm and water coalition opponents argued it would undermine basin-wide groundwater management and shift burdens to other users. AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, drew broad support and passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 514, which would encourage local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought and service interruptions; it passed with broad support, though one member cautioned against using scientific research as a loophole. AB 550 would let developers seek incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; environmental groups supported the goal but asked for clearer standards, limits on using research as mitigation, and a fee provision, and the bill passed as amended. AB 697 would authorize an incidental take permit for the State Route 37 interim project in Solano and Marin counties, balancing congestion relief and habitat restoration; supporters stressed long commutes and urgent restoration deadlines, while opponents raised climate, sea-level-rise, and tribal concerns. The bill passed, with some members noting they would continue to work on the measure. Other measures discussed included AB 975, which would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts; county officials described repeated flood damage and long permitting delays, and the bill passed as amended. AB 1056 would phase out transferability of set gillnet permits after 2027, allowing only a final family transfer; supporters framed it as a gradual response to bycatch concerns, while fishing industry opponents said it would unfairly target an existing fishery and set a bad precedent. The committee also took up AB 1146, described by the author as a response to politically motivated water releases; supporters from conservation and water organizations backed the bill. Several bills were voted out to Appropriations, some were left open for later action or add-ons, and the committee repeatedly noted it was working through the agenda without a quorum early in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I knew that in order to do that, I would have to take an educational route, and college was one of
• the routes on my path.
• the routes on my path.
• that and college was one of the routes that and college was one of the routes on<00:21:17.200>
• 70 70% believing that education uh with 70 70% believing that earning<00:25:34.600> a<00:25:34.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard informational testimony from student and advocacy groups focused on higher education affordability and support programs. Representatives of the Minnesota Association of Private College Students urged full funding for the Minnesota State Grant, describing it as essential for low- and moderate-income students and noting prior successes such as increased support for hunger-free campuses. Two student witnesses, including one first-generation college student and one refugee student, said the grant made college possible for them and warned that underfunding or cuts would limit students’ ability to choose the right school, especially at private colleges not covered by North Star Promise. Members asked questions about the students’ schools, majors, and why they chose their institutions. The witnesses emphasized scholarship opportunities, campus community, faith-based support, and the importance of financial aid in making college accessible. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the hearing. The committee then heard from Vivian Dudley of Foster Advocates, who testified in support of the Foster Independence Grant. She described how the grant allowed her to begin college, stabilize housing and basic needs, and continue toward a social work degree, while warning that aging out of eligibility leaves foster youth facing renewed financial barriers. Members responded with supportive comments and asked about her educational path and work with youth; she said she wants to use her education to help others and to educate campuses on better supporting foster students. Finally, Shay Hornik of the University of Minnesota student government testified in support of North Star Promise, arguing that the program reduces financial burdens and signals that higher education should be accessible regardless of family income. Hornik cited student financial stress, rising living costs, and public opinion favoring greater investment in higher education, and urged expansion of North Star Promise to help middle-class families. No committee action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the first bill for our consideration this morning is Senate File 70.
• Senate File 70 is an omnibus water bill construction.
• Mark, you want to call the roll on Senate File 70? We're voting on Senate File 70 engrossed.
• We're voting on Senate File 70 We're voting on Senate File 70 engrossed.<00:20:24.480> Representative
• Um, landscape on the Medicinebo route.

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe a 65-year-old or a 70-year-old. I mean, it just is what it is.
• The first one is I-25, between US 70 and Loman Avenue.
• And very much appreciated, very much needed all along that route.
• I know we just resurfaced quite a bit of it, but the fact that there's no relief— it is the relief route
• They— we don't— we're not allowed to go that route, so we use my district to get around and then back

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll go on to the next item: 10:30, fixed route city transportation network study.
• Or is there a threshold for a size of a city that has to have a fixed bus route?
• There is not a requirement that you have to be in urban to have a fixed route.
• We would expect somewhere between 50 and 70 in that initial wave.
• We have over 70 different fees.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :20.240> and<00:53:20.880> performance bus routes contractors and performance bus routes
• This is with regards to safe school routes.
• <01:04:52.319> school a member of the safe routes school a member of the safe routes school
• This is relating to safe routes to school.
• So, just wanted to routes to school.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1783, which would expand public-private partnership options for charter school facilities. The Department of Education offered comments, the Charter School Commission and SFA supported the bill, and Hawaii Technology Academy, Hawaii Kids, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, HGA, Aloha Project, and several individuals testified in support, while UPW opposed it. Supporters said charter schools need faster and more flexible ways to address severe facility shortages and high costs, and SFA described the bill as a pilot model that could leverage developer partnerships and state contributions, citing Maryland as an example. Members asked whether the bill was limited to charter schools; DOE said the language could be read to include other public school facilities, but if focused only on charter schools, DOE was less concerned. The Charter School Commission also described an existing public-private preschool model through Parkway Village Preschool and PACTED. The committee then took up HB 1778, which would establish a CIP database for school facilities. SFA supported the bill, saying it would create a more disciplined, transparent basis for funding decisions by documenting facility condition, needed repairs, classification, and timing. DOE initially said it rested on its comments, then responded to questions by saying it already maintains deferred maintenance lists, uses systems such as Maximo, CPT, GIS, and finance software, and sends legislators project-status letters twice a year. DOE said it is working on improving its outward-facing dashboard and integrating its systems, but questioned whether the bill would add value beyond existing tools. Members emphasized the need for a publicly accessible, real-time transparency tool, while DOE said it was still evaluating its current systems and was not yet seeking funding for a new IT program. For HB 2344, creating an Independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission, DOE said it wants to remain part of any consolidation process to keep students and education central, while SFA said the bill is timely and framed it as a restructuring response to changing conditions and possible federal funding cuts. SFA compared the proposal to the federal BRAC process for military base closures and said Hawaii has the same enrollment as in 1961 but many more schools, arguing that the state needs a more deliberate approach to school closures and land reuse. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about several sections, including unclear references to administrative support, a governor-approval sequence, a possible conflict with existing statutes governing closed-school disposition, and a missing section number. Testimony on HB 2345, which would establish a geographic CIP district, began with DOE in opposition; DOE said the bill would duplicate existing work, add confusion by creating two agencies doing the same thing, and spend money inefficiently because district project coordinators and project lists already exist.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're getting about 70 million dollars a year. Even with that notion of...
• We use that route whenever there's an incident on I-10 and then we have to close it.
• And counties, municipalities, our co-op, MAP, CAP, and safe routes to school. Page 11, we.
• That's a secondary route. If I can, Mr.
• And so the route will not only serve as that quick route to attend for that truck traffic, but it'll

Transcript Highlights:

• Allotment that we let's say the first month the the dealership did very very well and they Spended 70%
• About. 30 from the opposite side, so we're talking about 70 yards or 30 yards? 30 yards. 30 by 30?
• We implemented. over 70 different fraud mechanisms to stop what was happening in our system.
• Mexico already, but we're certainly supportive of their relief route there. And I'll say this.
• route, saves more time for truckers than anything else.

Keywords: 1184, house, all