Transcript Highlights:

• That morning I arrived and I walked through the door, and there waiting was Senator Coleman, President
• That morning I arrived and I walked That morning I arrived and I walked through<00:19:45.039>
• We were going to walk back in there and watch a movie just like the people who had tried to do, um, 13
• We were going to walk<00:20:51.679> back<00:20:52.000> in<00:20:52.320> there walk
• back in there walk back in there and<00:20:54.320> watch<00:20:54.559> a<00:20:54.799>

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, led the pledge of allegiance, and approved the January 15, 2026 journal as corrected. Senate Services was reported to have correctly printed Senate Bills 3 and 9 and correctly introduced and enrolled Senate Joint Resolutions 2 and 3; the president signed the two joint resolutions and Senate Resolution 2. During announcements, Senator Pelton promoted the upcoming morning prayer breakfast. Senator Sullivan then gave a lengthy personal privilege statement reflecting on the 704th Friday since his son Alex was killed in the Aurora theater shooting, describing his annual return to the theater, the support of President Coleman and others, and his view that returning is an act of defiance and remembrance for victims of gun violence. The majority leader announced that after recess and adjournment the House MLK joint resolution would be heard on the House floor, followed by a joint session at 10:30 a.m. for the State of the Tribes address. Members were reminded the Senate would be closed Monday for Martin Luther King Day and would reconvene Tuesday, January 20 at 10 a.m. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11:30 a.m. that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, oh, they walked through the amendment on Tuesday and now we have an A4 amendment to the DE.
• Um, I'm going to have nonpartisan staff walk through the A4 to the DE. Mr. Johnson.
• Um, oh, they walked<00:01:19.520> through<00:01:19.759> the<00:01:20.000> amendment<
• /c><00:01:20.400> on<00:01:21.159> Tuesday walked through the amendment on Tuesday walked
• through the A4 to the walk through the A4 to the DE.<00:01:44.320> Mr.

Bills: HF2300

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, it comes to us as a result And also, it comes to us as a result of the governor walking away
• While unfortunately the governor did walk away, Bipartisan budget.
• Just had the Speaker walk in. Would the Speaker like to make any opening comments?
• She walked away not once, not twice, three times she walked away from the budget.
• And then she walked away and said, deliver us a budget. I'm not done.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Firstly, we'll just walk through the expectations for decorum in our committee.
• all you do behind the scenes to come prepared, provide relevant updates to us, and advise us as we walk
• advise<00:01:59.160> us<00:01:59.840> as<00:02:00.080> we<00:02:00.240> walk
• <00:02:00.480> through us, and advise us as we walk through us, and advise us as we walk through
• walking through the screening machines. walking through the screening machines.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on April 20, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the January 13, 2026 minutes. The chair thanked the State Patrol, sergeants-at-arms, and capital security officers for their work during the session, and noted that the committee’s earlier recommendations were reflected in Governor’s Executive Order 2602, including weapon screening at the State Capitol. The chair also said the committee’s annual report included recommendations for bonding, policy, and budget changes, and expressed hope the legislature would act on them. Department of Public Safety and State Patrol officials reported that implementation of weapon screening had gone well overall and said they were continuing to gather feedback for improvements. Colonel Bogayevich said that since the start of session, 121,598 people had been screened at the Capitol’s entrances, 548 permits were verified, and 52 prohibited items were turned away. Examples of prohibited items included knives, a camping/marshmallow skewer, and a screwdriver; no firearms were found in the Capitol building. She also said the busiest day produced a wait of about 15 to 17 minutes, and that staffing was adjusted to handle larger groups such as school tours. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms reported that 49,277 people had come through Senate screening as of the previous Friday, including 196 concealed carry permits, and that 2,359 people had entered the West Gallery to observe Senate proceedings. He also said some Senate building access doors had been reduced to direct traffic and that an audit of key card access had begun. The House Deputy Chief Sergeant-at-Arms reported about 1,400 people had been screened for the House gallery, and noted that an NCSL visitor from Oregon would shadow House security staff to learn from Minnesota’s approach. Members from both bodies praised the professionalism of security staff and said the added trooper presence made members and the public feel safer. No members of the public signed up to testify, so the public comment period closed without testimony. The meeting adjourned after the chair reiterated that the goal of the security measures was to allow visitors, members, and public servants to participate safely.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, today I'll walk you through the capital budget process, the governor's infrastructure plan, and the
• Uh, today I'll walk you through the capital budget process, the governor's infrastructure plan, and the
• Next, I'll walk you through what Governor Walz is proposing.
• and biking paths and also in walking and biking paths and also in that<00:03:19.840> case<00:
• <00:03:45.599> what<00:03:46.000> uh Next, I'll walk you through what uh Next, I'll

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• She's Mory walk. I'm sorry. Senator Mory Walke both side is excused. Elephante, hi.
• She's Mory<00:05:53.280> walk.<00:05:53.759> I'm<00:05:53.919> sorry.
• <00:05:54.240> Senator<00:05:54.639> Mory Walke<00:05:58.880> both Walke both
• Walke both side<00:06:01.440> is<00:06:01.840> excused.
• I called Senator Murray walking on the vote. But on the vote. Yeah. And she corrected me.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees met on April 25 in Room 229 and handled several bills, often by rolling them over when finance or budget releases were still pending. HB 1007 HD2 SD2 on HCDA was simply continued to 1:00 p.m. in the same room. HB 1316 HD2 SD1 on DLNR rental vessels and registration was later taken up, with members noting a proposed CD1 based on the Senate draft; after quorum was confirmed, both chambers voted yes and the measure was approved. SB 465 HD1 on Kiki Aola small boat harbor was rolled to 4:00 p.m. in Room 441 because the required release had not yet been received. HB 86 on Makai Watch was also deferred for lack of quorum, and HB 800 HD1 SD2 on government real property and land transfer was eventually voted out after the missing House member arrived, with both House and Senate voting yes. SB 1221 SD2/HD3 on water safety and retention/detention ponds was described as requiring county ordinances and surveys of existing ponds; the conference draft added “Sharky’s Law,” set a January 1, 2027 start date for county ordinances, and was approved unanimously by both chambers. The committees also discussed SB 223 SD2/HD1 on wildfire prevention and forest reserve fire protection. The measure would create an independent DNR wildfire prevention program, authorize forestry and wildlife facilities for fire protection and related work, allow the State Fire Council to strengthen fire code requirements in hazardous fire areas, establish a community fuels reduction project, require legislative reporting, and provide funding. The conferees explained that section 3, which sought an additional appropriation for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, was removed because the money was already included in the budget. The bill’s effective dates were set for July 1, 2025, and it was rolled over to 4:00 p.m. in Room 411 rather than voted on at that time. Later, HB 1220 HD1 SD1 on invasive species in Kaneohe Bay was taken up and passed after quorum was confirmed, with both House and Senate members voting yes. HB 778 HD2 SD1 on the integrated land use office and land use study, SB 739 HD1 on land exchange, and HB 830 HD2 SD2 on historic preservation reviews were all agreed to in principle but rolled over to later meetings because finance or WAM releases were still outstanding. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted absences, excused members, and the need to reschedule items to later in the afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their thoughts will soar to the stars, but their feet will walk the earth.
• just in thunder and law, but in soft rains and quiet kindnesses, and through the lives of those who walk
• In the community, you would see her walking down. I moved to Hermantown in 2005.
• You would see her all the time walking down. Down the side of the road, visiting with people.
• We all walked away better for listening to her story.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there is some type of legal issues that their roommate is talking about, or if people are walking
• So walk me through how that's going to work. You are recognized. Thank you. Notice at the door.
• And in this case, you don't have to walk in. Representative Cassel for a follow-up. Thank you, Mr.
• If someone walked in with dementia, do you have them sign the paperwork or look for a caregiver to have
• But if you were providing notice that they're being audio recorded, then that by virtue of walking in

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 103, which would require hospitals and surgical centers to adopt policies using surgical smoke evacuation systems during procedures. Representative Woodson and several nurses and health care advocates testified that surgical smoke contains harmful chemicals and pathogens, poses respiratory risks to operating room staff and patients, and that the bill is needed to protect nurses and address workforce shortages. Members from both parties voiced support, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 223, as amended, which would allow residents of nursing home or assisted living rooms to use fixed cameras, with guardrails on consent, non-rotatable placement, and prohibitions on posting footage online. The sponsor said the measure is intended to help families monitor loved ones and deter abuse or neglect, while supporters from AARP and some caregivers described cameras as tools for accountability and peace of mind. Facility and industry representatives raised concerns about privacy, dignity, roommate consent, and the potential impact on personal care conversations and resident autonomy. After questions and debate, members discussed how consent would work, who could access recordings, and how the bill would handle roommate changes and misuse of footage. The sponsor said the bill would continue to be refined in later committees. HB 223 was reported favorably as amended by a 16-2 vote, with Representatives Campbell and Franklin voting no. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Brennan Carney, executive director from Walk Massachusetts.
• Walk Massachusetts just last night led a community walk in Danvers with Rep.
• You know, for crossing against a walk signal or jaywalking, it's a one-dollar fine.
• You could easily walk up and take it away.
• You could easily walk up and take it away.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want to walk away with any unanswered questions about social districts.
• It's a great place to spend an afternoon or evening walking around, shopping.
• <00:03:29.599> with carry it with you as you walk with carry it with you as you walk with
• When I walk up, it's like, hey, welcome, what can we do for you today?
• coming there and being able to walk coming there and being able to walk around<01:17:30.199>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:34.840> around family, the freedom to walk around family, the freedom to walk around
• They walked parades after parades.
• They<00:55:11.400> walked They walked They walked parades<00:55:13.600> after<00:55:13.880
• When we walk under that door and we look on that mural behind us, every day I walk up those stairs and
• <01:15:29.000> door When we walk under that door When we walk under that door and<01:15:30.160

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The meeting was a Senate retirement recognition session held after adjournment sine die, with the presiding officer relaxing decorum so members could speak, applaud, and interact more freely. The chair explained the order of speakers and noted that retiring members would be recognized from their desks, with a plaque presented by Senate leaders and photos taken afterward. The session was framed as a celebration of service for retiring senators and a tribute to staff, families, and colleagues. Senator Mann spoke first, thanking constituents, family, staff, colleagues, and advocates, and highlighting policy accomplishments such as banning non-compete clauses, wage transparency, breast cancer screening coverage, protections for students, expanded health coverage, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, physician workforce changes, the medication repository program, and paid leave. She also used her remarks to criticize racism, sexism, and broader threats to women’s and people of color’s freedoms, urging civic engagement and warning against erosion of democracy. Senator Tou Xiong followed with a personal farewell centered on his mother’s refugee experience, his family’s sacrifices, and gratitude to mentors and colleagues; he emphasized the value of public service, bipartisan cooperation, and the idea that Minnesota should be a model for the country. Senator Howe gave a faith-centered retirement speech reflecting on his path from humble beginnings, his family, military and public service, and the importance of humility, justice, mercy, and listening to constituents. Senator Klein looked back on a decade in the chamber, including the pandemic and the George Floyd unrest, and said the Senate’s decorum and relationships endured through difficult times; he cited a bill he helped pass for a child needing a prosthetic blade as an example of the legislature’s best work. Senator Draheim began his remarks by thanking his wife and children and joking about his discomfort with speeches, then described being recruited to run for office despite never seeing himself as a politician.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following the walk-throughs, we have a lot of testimony today.
• Following the walk-throughs, we have a lot of testimony today.
• Lewis for her moment of um in the limelight and walk us through the bill.
• Lewis for her moment of um in the limelight and walk us through the bill.
• Lewis for her moment of um in the limelight and walk us through the bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I did three and a half years in prison in that situation, and I remember walking out those gates after
• Recovery happens when they have a peer mentor who has walked the same path.
• And he said, 'I walked all the way here to come back to see you today.'
• Correct, even in our walk-in, yes. Even in your walk-in is in Rolla? Yeah. Okay.
• So that is why we like to have where they can walk in for that initial MAT appointment.

Summary: The meeting focused on Missouri’s substance use prevention and treatment system, with repeated emphasis on recovery support services, peer support, recovery housing, transportation, and harm reduction. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he urged greater investment in recovery housing, peer support, employment, and community-based supports that help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding sources, program capacity, referrals, treatment court, transportation, and how Into Action supports people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said the organization is funded through a mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private donations, and that housing and transportation remain major barriers, especially because support is often funded for too short a period compared with the longer time people need to stabilize. Matt Cushman of the Raytown Fire Protection District gave a strong endorsement of harm reduction, including naloxone distribution, syringe service programs, and broader decriminalization of harm reduction tools. He argued that stigma is a major barrier to care and that Missouri should expand access to clean needles, test strips, and other services, while also improving access to MAT in jails and communities. Committee members questioned the evidence base, the role of faith-based providers, and whether safe consumption sites should be pursued; Cushman said syringe exchange decriminalization should be the immediate priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term issue. He also described community paramedicine and mobile integrated health as valuable but funding-dependent, and said naloxone distribution is improving but still uneven, especially in rural and minority communities. Representatives from Central Ozarks Medical Center and Four Rivers Community Health Center highlighted the importance of peer support specialists, community health workers, care coordinators, and wraparound services in rural health centers. COMC’s Morgan McClure and Monet Lehman described a jail reentry program in Pulaski County, with Lehman sharing her trauma and recovery story and explaining how she helps incarcerated people prepare for release with housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and treatment connections. Four Rivers’ Devon Polarys and Cassandra Trout said their CEO would change Missouri policy to allow FQHCs to receive reimbursement for peer support and community health worker services similar to CCBHCs, arguing that these roles are essential for addressing barriers like transportation, housing, food insecurity, and insurance. Members discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, the differences between FQHCs and CCBHCs, and the need for better funding and clearer policy for peer and community health worker services. No votes were taken; the discussion ended with a suggestion to bring in a subject matter expert on community health workers for a future session.

Transcript Highlights:

• into the room that when a senator walked into the room you<00:02:43.280> had<00:02:43.440>
• <00:02:49.879> into<00:02:50.080> the<00:02:50.159> house the senator walked
• But, you know, I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time.
• But, you know, I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time.
• <00:44:06.720> and say here in Frankfurt we can walk and say here in Frankfurt we can walk

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:10 SB145 Discussion: 02:23 SB145 Vote: 05:13 SB183 Discussion: 06:13 SB183 Vote: 11:37 HB413 Discussion Only: 16:15, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 145, sponsored by Sen. David Givens. The bill would update retail installment contract statutes for automobile sales, allowing retailers with installment contracts shorter than 28 days to begin collections after three days instead of waiting for multiple missed payments, and it also harmonizes a related dollar amount in statute from $10 to $15. The committee asked no questions, and the bill received a favorable expression on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183 from Sen. Matt Nunn, with testimony from Chris Nolan of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. The bill would require proxy advisers acting for the State Retirement System to act solely in the financial interest of current and future retirees and to avoid political or social considerations in shareholder voting recommendations. Supporters argued it would keep politics out of public pensions and align proxy advice with fiduciary duties; members praised the bill and noted Kentucky could be among the first states to adopt such a model. The committee approved the bill with favorable expression after a roll-call vote. The committee also reviewed administrative regulation 808 KAR 9:10 from the Department of Financial Institutions, with no vote required. It then took up House Bill 413, a PBM rebate pass-through bill, with testimony from Sarah Wood of the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition. She said the bill would require 85% of negotiated drug rebates to be passed through to patients at the point of sale, lowering out-of-pocket costs, especially for high-rebate drugs such as insulin, while still allowing 15% to remain with plans. She cited examples from other states and argued the bill would benefit about 650,000 Kentuckians. Hope McClaflin of Anthem opposed the bill, saying it would reduce employers’ ability to use rebates to lower premiums, could disproportionately favor high-cost brand-name drug users, and could create significant costs for state and fully insured plans. Members asked questions about other states’ pass-through rates and the effect on premiums, but no final action on House Bill 413 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I walk in and I put down $2,800 cash to Western Union to Sob Sabad in Taiwan. >> It'd be 1.5%. >> Why
• <00:27:54.399> walk<00:27:55.039> just >> Let me let me just let me walk walk
• just >> Let me let me just let me walk walk just just<00:27:55.600> walk<00:27:55.840><
• down memory lane here with me just walk down memory lane here with me real<00:27:57.520> quick.
• I walk<00:28:25.679> in<00:28:25.919> and<00:28:26.080> I<00:28:26.320> put

Bills: HB585

Keywords: Washington County, circuit clerk, compensation, county government, local legislation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• conduct some review to look at whether our previous recommendations have been implemented, so just to walk
• have been implemented so just to walk have been implemented so just to walk through<00:04:44.960
• auditor or representative comes forward auditor or representative comes forward and<00:15:39.160> walks
• /c><00:15:39.560> through<00:15:40.199> the<00:15:40.600> recommendations and walks
• through the recommendations and walks through the recommendations that<00:15:41.720> have<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3, authored by Chair Nash, which would require the Office of the Legislative Auditor to produce an annual report for fiscal committees showing how well agencies have implemented prior audit recommendations, especially those related to financial practices, internal controls, and management. Nash said the bill is intended to give legislators a clearer, ongoing tool to evaluate agencies before making funding decisions and to help prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. He noted the bill would use existing audit information rather than create a new reporting burden, though he said it would deepen the review of implementation. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall testified that the Office of the Legislative Auditor already tracks implementation to some extent through annual information collected by Minnesota Management and Budget, but that current reporting is based largely on agency self-reporting and is not always independently verified. She said the bill would expand that work and provide the legislature with more useful accountability information. A representative from Americans for Prosperity also supported the bill, calling it a transparency and stewardship measure that would help taxpayers and legislators see whether agencies are following through on recommendations. Several members spoke in favor, describing the bill as a common-sense accountability measure and comparing it to audit practices in local government and private organizations. Nash and Randall also discussed Colorado’s similar process, where audit follow-up information is presented during budget hearings. Members raised concerns about fraud and inefficiency in state government, and Nash said the bill is meant to help lawmakers better protect taxpayer dollars. The committee voted to recommend House File 3 and re-refer it to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care for all is a milestone that we cannot walk back.
• Proposing to walk it back will have the opposite impact.
• There has not been a perfect Christian that I have ever walked and met.
• There has not been a perfect Christian that I have ever walked and met.
• There has never been a perfect pastor. ...walked and met.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and proceeded to floor business, with the main item being SB 101, the state budget bill. Before debate on the bill, Assembly Member Sanchez offered amendments to redirect funding toward Proposition 36 implementation, wildfire prevention, Medi-Cal provider reimbursement, developmental services, and other priorities; the majority moved to lay those amendments on the table, and the motion passed 43-18. The chamber then took up SB 101 as the budget bill for immediate effect. Debate on the budget was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters, including Assembly Member Gabriel and several committee chairs, described the budget as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, housing, wildfire prevention, and other safety-net programs while responding to a projected deficit and federal uncertainty. Opponents criticized the budget as fiscally unsound and argued it relied on accounting gimmicks, did not adequately fund Proposition 36 or wildfire prevention, and continued spending on high-speed rail and Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants. Several members also raised concerns about gas taxes, provider reimbursement, probation funding, and the impact on vulnerable Californians. After debate, the Assembly voted on SB 101 and passed it 57-19. The measure was sent immediately to the Senate. The body then announced upcoming session schedules, with no floor or check-in sessions on June 14 and 15, and a floor session set for June 16 at 1 p.m., before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to walk through enrollment into the program.
• I can walk you through how. So the...
• So when 22 children walk away, we lose a teacher. If 44 kids walk away, we lose two teachers.
• If a kid, if... the parent walks in and he has to pay the extra fees.
• Little by little they walked out on them.

Bills: HB 3

Keywords: emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management, public safety infrastructure, Project 25, P25, broadband emergency alerting, outdoor warning sirens, homeland security, disaster response

Transcript Highlights:

• coolers and walk-in freezers.
• coolers and walk-in for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers.<00:23:49.280> These<00:23:49.919
• <00:39:42.640> refrigeration Energy's rule on walk-on refrigeration Energy's rule on walk-on
• <00:44:28.560> refrigerators electric bills for walk-in refrigerators electric bills for walk-in
• upfront cost of walk-in coolers in 2028. upfront cost of walk-in coolers in 2028.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 27, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would be happy to walk through what any one of these are.
• You can see the total budget amount for the biennium in what we walked through for the appropriation.
• Excuse me, I'm going to hit community gardens, zero-hour and community-based walking programs.
• I mean, major projects with walking and healthy whole foods and social connection that have never been
• So more dollars would open up to expand walking programs across communities, community gardens, zero

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.