Transcript Highlights:

• We've been doing battle against the enterprises.
• in support of H. 3566, which is to give an exemption from municipal broadband having to pay surety bonds
• We're required to pay about $7,500 each year to purchase surety bonds to protect the utility companies
• third-party cable TV companies who want to add their cable systems to utility poles to purchase surety bonds
• Those town licenses for poles do not mention, and the utilities did not require surety bonds for attaching

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy opened its hearing with testimony on several broadband, towing, and rideshare-related bills. The first major issue was H. 3470/S. 2259, which would add data privacy and integrity protections for transportation network driver information. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would delay implementation of Question 3, which Massachusetts voters approved to give rideshare drivers a path to unionize. Drivers described low pay, deactivations, harassment, safety risks, and the need for a union to negotiate fairer working conditions. Legal and labor experts testified that the bill was largely duplicative of existing law and regulations and would unnecessarily postpone drivers’ organizing rights. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard extensive testimony on broadband affordability and access bills, including S. 2318/H. 3527 and related measures. Supporters, including legislators, digital equity advocates, senior advocates, and service providers, said low-income households need a permanent affordable broadband option after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended. They argued that internet access is now essential for jobs, school, health care, housing, and daily life, and supported a flat-rate low-income plan around $15 per month with protections such as no installation fees or termination fees. Opponents from cable and wireless industry groups argued the bills would impose artificial price mandates, discourage investment, and reduce consumer choice, noting that providers already offer discounted programs. The committee also heard support for broadband deployment and pole-attachment streamlining bills, with providers and municipal broadband advocates saying permitting delays and pole access bottlenecks slow expansion and raise costs. Additional testimony covered H. 3566, which would exempt municipal broadband projects from surety bond requirements, and towing-related bills including S. 2235, H. 3507, H. 3516, and H. 3482. Insurance and anti-fraud witnesses supported stronger towing protections, saying some towers charge excessive fees and hold vehicles hostage, while one witness urged broader consumer safeguards. The hearing ended after the chairs shortened testimony to fit the room schedule, asked for final comments on remaining bills, and then adjourned by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on the bond election notice change, bond election results can be put in jeopardy if a newspaper forgets
• It will help the schools with their bonding information.
• So I'll say this: We denied four bonds.
• So that's what happened on some of the bond deals that we denied.
• In our case, bond certification was allowed to proceed.

Committees: House Elections , House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, the Legacy Fund, the Human Service Finance Fund, various funds that are out there, the bonding
• It is acknowledged and understood that there is probably a larger, I call it an enterprise management
• But it was more of a local zoning and planning issue that was the precipice for NDSU.
• That was a zoning thing. Okay. Stephanie, Mr.
• t have any knowledge of that particular situation, but there have been issues with regards to our zoning

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

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:

• you know, the Legacy Fund, the Human Service Finance Fund, various funds that are out there, the bonding
• It is acknowledged and understood that there is probably a larger, I call it an enterprise management
• But it was more of a local zoning and planning issue that was the precipice for NDSU.
• That was a zoning thing. Okay. Stephanie. Mr.
• But we have agreed with OMB that our zoning requirements, that would include like our parking requirements

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> easily eat up the $700 million bonding easily eat up the $700 million bonding maximum<00:04:58.320
• </c> off of our bonding ability. off of our bonding ability.
• Those are kind of standard bonds that are included in this bill.
• Work zone safety grants did not make it into the bill.
• </c><02:06:04.639><c> Uh</c> railroad quiet zones. Still Water. Uh railroad quiet zones.

Transcript Highlights:

• are available in other states are already available to local jurisdictions in Washington, such as bonds
• And then finally, you have a smaller share that's going to the Department of Enterprise Services, Department
• We're going to choose to use it over in the school zones where we do see a need for it because we can

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. zoning laws which partially explains the zoning laws which partially explains the inflated
• zoning.
• R1A zoning.
• </c><01:32:30.960><c> and</c> another and maintain strong bonds and another and maintain strong bonds
• </c> not through unpredictable zoning not through unpredictable zoning preeemption. preeemption. preeemption

Bills: HF4319 , HF3295 , HF3589 , HF3587 , HF3588 , HF4295 , HF3571 , HF3895

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• Post Falls City Government, we've had tremendous support from Post Falls Planning and Zoning Commission
• Post Falls City Government, we've had tremendous support from Post Falls Planning and Zoning Commission
• have not seen this type of model anywhere in the U.S. that higher-ed institutions are gathering and bonding
• have not seen this type of model anywhere in the U.S. that higher-ed institutions are gathering and bonding
• together to actually improve and higher ed institutions are gathering and bonding together to actually

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Committee on Ways and Means HB 2672 by Trula to the proposition to approve the issuance of bonds
• of frack tanks refer to the Committee on Transportation HB 2687 by Gehan relating to the municipal zoning
• HB 2697 by NHA relating to the certain procedures in connection with the bond forfeiture refer to the
• Committee on Public Health, HB 2736 by Kane relating to the election of authorizing the issuance of bonds
• 2749 by or relating to the authority of certain counties to restrict sex offenders from child safety zones

Transcript Highlights:

• FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF HISTORICAL BOND WITH SAN AUGUSTINE PARK WHILE THE UNIVERSITY WAS FORCED
• THE BOND WAS NEVER BROKEN. IT'S A LEGACY AND PERSEVERANCE THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE.
• THIS DOES NOT PRECLUDE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CHECKING OTHER BUILDING PERMIT SUCH AS ZONING AND OTHER CONDITIONS
• CLARIFIES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CAN REVIEW PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS ZONING
• ONLY PARAMETER THAT WOULD THEN BE HERE WOULD IT BE IF YOU GO DOWN FURTHER IN THE BILL IT TALKS ABOUT BONDING

Transcript Highlights:

• but uh I can tell you that a 90% bonds but uh I can tell you that a 90% silver<00:36:42.000><c> dime
• That's not the case with stocks, bonds, mutual funds.
• Kids Zone was originally located in St.
• </c><01:04:15.160><c> Kid</c><01:04:15.359><c> Zone</c> Centers in Hopkins Kids Zone Kid Zone Centers
• in Hopkins Kids Zone Kid Zone was<01:04:15.720><c> originally</c><01:04:16.119><c> located</c><01:04

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• We are essentially buying zoning.
• There is inclusionary zoning that is subsidized and supported, and then there is inclusionary zoning
• There is inclusionary zoning that is subsidized and supported, and then there is inclusionary zoning
• :54.360><c> is</c><01:35:54.480><c> a</c> zoning in this state zoning really is a zoning in this state
• </c> communities to uh identify the zoning communities to uh identify the zoning and<01:37:42.560><c>

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• This is zone 60 streaming requirements. This is zone 60 and<00:53:05.359><c> 61.
• The first one would be those that occur in a school zone or a work zone, and then those that do not.
• or work zone, would go from $100 to $200, or if it is in a school zone or work zone, it would go from
• zone or work zone, occurs in the school zone or work zone, we<04:08:45.680><c> would</c><04:08:45.920
• it</c> not in a work zone or school zone, it not in a work zone or school zone, it would<04:08:54.640

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one bond program, four loan programs, and four grant programs.
• But in recent weeks, we have been extremely busy with tax-exempt bond financing.
• We've passed three different children's bonds over the years.
• I can go into more detail on the bond financing program and the agenda.
• You have the data from 2023 of all the bond transactions that were done under CHAFA.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has major bonding and capital authority, like I mentioned, without a voter election.
• Setting [clears throat] policy, issuing bonds, acquiring tax dollars, appropriating tax dollars, and
• , bonds, bonds, uh uh uh acquiring<00:49:36.359><c> tax</c><00:49:36.680><c> dollars,</c><00:49:37.200
• . zone. zone.
• us on bonding tours across the state.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not about safety or infrastructure; it's a zoning tactic in disguise.
• In my district, it has the powers of bond, it has the powers of road and water infrastructure.
• sign one of these agreements or be annexed into the city limits, where they would face unrealistic zoning
• Members, this bill allows one to receive electronic notice of a public hearing regarding a proposed zoning

Bills: SB840 , HB2025 , HB2512 , HB3139 , HB3798 , HB3892 , HB4373 , HB4398 , HB4582 , HB4689 , HB5187 , HB5658 , HB5666

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: HB 2025, Texas Property Code, plat filing, replat, amended plat, condominium plat, subdivision, county clerk, tax certificate, ad valorem taxes, delinquent taxes, property records, real property, land use, local government, property development, subdivision recording, condominium recording, tax receipt, eminent domain

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for indulging me in my schedule to present James Burleson to the Council on Bond Oversight.
• I appreciate what you're doing here, and if I'm reading this right, I think this is a free enterprise

Bills: HB1590 , HB3075 , HB3548 , HB3661 , HB3986 , HB4273 , HB4346

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee met and first laid over House Bill 15.9 to the next meeting. The committee then unanimously advanced an executive nomination, James Burleson to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, after brief testimony from Sen. Pugh and Burleson’s comments about his private-sector, nonprofit, and community experience and desire to serve the state. Members then considered several tax-related bills. House Bill 3986, expanding eligibility for the 24-month gross production tax exemption for wells completed using recycled water, passed 10-1 after questions about whether the change was retroactive. House Bill 3548, which would exempt small child-run businesses from certain taxes and permits up to a $1,000 gross-revenue threshold, passed 11-0 after questions focused on enforcement and adult involvement. House Bill 3661, removing the sunset on the forestry equipment sales tax exemption, passed 8-3 despite concerns about the lack of hard data supporting the incentive’s continuation. The committee also passed House Bill 4346, creating reciprocity for agricultural sales tax exemptions for neighboring states, after discussion about verification methods, fraud prevention, and whether the Oklahoma Tax Commission could track out-of-state buyers; the bill passed 8-3. House Bill 3075, the “Oklahoma Common Sense Act” dealing with a post-penny environment and giving agencies and political subdivisions more time to update point-of-sale systems, was amended to set an effective date of November 1, 2026, and then passed 11-0. Finally, House Bill 4273, clarifying that certain R1 university aerospace research employees qualify for an aerospace tax credit, passed 6-5 after debate over whether the credit could create a broader domino effect for other professors and fields. The chair announced the committee would likely meet again the following Monday for its last meeting of the year, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2009, Senator Jennings put me up in the presiding officer's chair, and we had a bill on RITA and bonding
• And we've always just kept that strong bond here in Albuquerque.
• restrictions on building height and number of stories, allowing residential apartments in commercial zones
• imposing additional regulations that do not also apply to other private residences within the same zoning
• project. ...municipality or county in connection with an industrial revenue bond project.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida Memorial University shares an undeniable historical bond with St. Augustine.
• That bond was never broken. It is a legacy of perseverance that continues to inspire.
• This does not preclude local governments from checking other building permits such as zoning and other
• with building code, we can take all that work off local governments and then they can just check zoning
• be here would be if there's, because if you go down further in the bill, it talks about if there's bonding

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met and took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with SB 262 on trust law technical changes. Senator Berman explained four clarifications involving trust decanting, successor trustee actions, ademption by satisfaction, and homestead/community trust definitions; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SJR 174 and SB 176, which together would prevent certain homestead tax assessment increases when owners elevate flood-prone homes, and SB 180, a hurricane preparedness and response bill that included a strike-all amendment addressing FEMA reimbursement, mutual aid, hazard mitigation, and post-disaster rebuilding issues. Supporters from emergency management, beaches, counties, and local business groups testified in favor of SB 180, and it was reported favorably. Members then approved SB 608, which renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in Florida statutes, despite questions about cost and an appearance in opposition. SB 1002, dealing with utility service restrictions and local government limits on energy-related policies, drew opposition from Earthjustice and Florida for All over possible unintended consequences and fossil-fuel favoritism, but was still reported favorably. SB 466 on the Florida Museum of Black History generated extensive testimony, with strong support from St. Augustine, Florida Memorial University, pastors, local officials, and the museum foundation for locating the museum in St. Johns County; one witness argued for Eatonville instead, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1128 on building permits for single-family dwellings after an amendment clarified local zoning review and added insurance and liability protections for design professionals. SB 582, increasing penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures, was reported favorably with support from preservation advocates. SB 1202, extending family health insurance premium benefits to firefighters permanently disabled during training exercises, also passed without opposition. Finally, SB 1242 on community redevelopment agencies prompted the most debate: supporters argued CRAs can be valuable tools for affordable housing and redevelopment, while opponents warned the bill would effectively end all CRAs by 2045 and block new projects; after extensive discussion, the bill was reported favorably. At the end, senators recorded additional votes on several tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida Memorial University shares an undeniable historical bond with St. Augustine.
• That bond was never broken. It is a legacy of perseverance that continues to inspire.
• This does not preclude local governments from checking other building permits such as zoning and other
• with building code, we can take all that work off of local governments and then they can just check zoning
• be here would be if there's, because if you go down further in the bill, it talks about if there's bonding

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met and considered a series of bills on trust law, homestead property assessments, emergency preparedness, utility service restrictions, Black history museum planning, historic preservation, firefighter benefits, and community redevelopment agencies. Several measures were presented as technical or policy updates, including CS/SB 262 on trust code clarifications, SJR 174 and SB 176 on limiting homestead assessment increases for flood-mitigation elevations, SB 608 renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in Florida statutes, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 582 increasing penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, SB 1202 extending health insurance premium benefits to firefighters permanently disabled during training, and SB 1242 phasing out CRAs and restricting new projects. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response also advanced after a strike-all amendment that added FEMA reimbursement streamlining, mutual aid coordination, and other disaster-response provisions. SB 1128 on building permits for single-family dwellings was amended to clarify local review authority and professional liability protections before passage. The committee heard substantial testimony on SB 466, which implements the Black History Task Force’s recommendation to locate the Florida Museum of Black History in St. Johns County/St. Augustine. Supporters emphasized the area’s civil rights and Black history significance, the task force process, and the backing of Florida Memorial University and local leaders; one witness opposed the bill and urged a feasibility study and consideration of other sites. SB 1242 drew the most sustained debate, with supporters arguing many CRAs have outlived their purpose and opponents warning the bill would eliminate a valuable local economic development tool, harm affordable housing projects, and create uncertainty for phased developments and existing projects. SB 1002 also drew opposition testimony from advocates who warned of broad unintended consequences for municipal utilities and local energy choices, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to resolve a specific legal misunderstanding. Votes were taken on each measure, and all of the bills considered were reported favorably by the committee. The committee adopted the amendment to CS/SB 262, the strike-all amendment to SB 180, and the amendment to SB 1128 before final passage. Several senators requested to be recorded on specific tabs after the meeting, and the committee then adjourned.