Video & Transcript : 'online pricing' :
Page 91 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Ways & Means Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then online we have Eric Murray, so Eric can close us out. Awesome.
- And then online, we have Eric Murray, so Eric can close us out. Awesome. Go ahead, Arlen.
- Oh, he's online. Okay, we'll move to Jay then after Isaac. We'll get the in-person done.
- It has since been replaced with a tiered rate structure based on the selling price, with rates ranging
- It has since been replaced with a tiered rate structure based on the selling price, with rates ranging
Summary:
The committee first heard a briefing on the proposed Senate capital budget, Substitute Senate Bill 6003, which would spend about $723 million total using debt-limit bonds, Climate Commitment Act funds, and other cash resources. Staff described major investments in housing and homelessness, human services, local infrastructure, flood response, water conservation and clean energy, K-12 school modernization and seismic work, and higher education projects. Members then took public testimony from a wide range of advocates and project sponsors, most of whom urged the Senate to preserve or increase funding for specific projects in the final budget, including affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, child care facilities, food banks, behavioral health and substance use treatment centers, tribal courthouse relocation, school modernization, community colleges, university projects, floodplain restoration, community forests, and local civic or cultural facilities. Several witnesses also asked the Senate to match or approach House funding levels on items such as the Housing Trust Fund, permanent supportive housing, the Community Forest Program, Floodplains by Design, and CCA-supported clean energy and water projects. The chair noted that amendments to the capital budget were due the next day at noon.
The committee then received a briefing on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251, which would restructure Climate Commitment Act accounts by repealing three existing accounts and replacing them with two new accounts: a CCA operating account and a CCA capital account. Staff explained that the bill would preserve most existing uses while changing revenue distribution formulas, capping Ecology administrative costs, expanding allowable uses for EV-related costs, housing, and carbon capture/sequestration, and changing reporting and tribal consultation provisions. The bill also shifts some reporting from annual to biannual and modifies the thresholds for tribal-supported and overburdened-community investments. The fiscal note was described as relatively small, with the main impact being the revised revenue allocation structure.
Public testimony on the CCA bill was mixed. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, said the restructuring better aligns spending with the intent of the CCA and could improve investments for tribes and overburdened communities. Critics, including the Washington Policy Center, argued the bill still lacks strong requirements to ensure CCA spending is effective and objected to reducing the frequency of the state’s climate-spending report. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll call those names out because you are a benefactor... ...of this and their service and their pricing
- I had someone just tell me, well, you know, everything is online now, and that's true.
- But many of those persons don't have online privileges; they don't even own a... online privileges; they
- We haven't seen those prices gone down.
- First, I just want to go over the price of eggs.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (02/05/2025)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you tell us when we can expect the OHRV registrations to be transitioned to online?
- Representative Harvey, why didn't you raise the price of it? It's a cheap card.
- They just go online and do it, and that was the whole goal of it.
- They just go online and do it, and that was the whole goal of it.
- Well, the price is not in statute. Any other discussion? Yes, sir.
Committee:
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee - (3-11-25) - Upon Adjournment
Transcript Highlights:
- And how do we know if the contract price is a reasonable price? CMS evaluates the price.
- <00:45:22.760><c> is</c><00:45:22.880><c> a</c><00:45:23.000><c> reasonable</c><00:45:23.920><c> price
- </c><00:45:24.920><c> CMS</c> price is a reasonable price CMS price is a reasonable price CMS evaluates
- <00:45:26.400><c> the</c><00:45:26.599><c> price</c> evaluates the price evaluates the price okay<00:
- we we went ahead and the wasn't online we we went ahead and the contracts<01:14:05.159><c> have</c><
Summary:
Chairman Hart called the meeting to order, confirmed a quorum, welcomed Representative Rachel Roarx, and the committee approved the February 11 minutes. The committee then moved through its agenda of PSC and related contract items, including a motion to consider the reviewed contracts without objection. One Department of Highways item was deferred when the virtual representatives were not yet available.
The committee first took up Kentucky Housing Corporation contracts. Members questioned outside legal services for foreclosures and bankruptcies, why the work was not handled entirely in-house, and how much of the workload and cost it represented. Witnesses said the agency’s need was largely geographic rather than a lack of expertise, that less than 1% of the loan portfolio is referred out for foreclosures, and that many fees are reimbursable through FHA. Both Kentucky Housing Corporation items were approved.
The committee then considered a Department for Community Based Services contract tied to a protest and a temporary renewal with PCG. Witnesses said the contract increase was needed to bridge the gap while the protest and RFP process were unresolved, and that the initial vendor received no funds. The committee approved the item, with Senator Douglas explaining his vote as a preference for straightforward answers.
The committee also heard a Northern Kentucky University contract for a Workday ERP replacement, including implementation consulting and separate license fees. University officials explained the move from SAP to Workday, the complexity of the systems, and the need for a consulting partner; they said the total effort would span 10 years and that the contract was priced below comparable institutions. After extensive questioning about cost, budget, and value, the vote ended 4-4 and the chair noted the contract would move forward through the Finance Committee if no disapproval motion was made. Finally, the Office of Inspector General presented a contract for culture change training in nursing facilities funded by civil monetary penalties; witnesses said the goal was to improve staff satisfaction, communication, and resident outcomes, and that the CMP fund balance was about $38 million. Discussion also covered survey backlogs and CMS restrictions on the funds, with the item still under review as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Jun 25th, 2025
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- at this bill, and, you know, this seems like a clear example of why Californians pay the highest prices
- ultimately,” “And even then, you know, ultimately, I mean, I would like to see data that costs, the prices
- And that ultimately affects, I think, the considerations of consumer pricing that you would have to do
- number is 10 or it's 15, the idea is that this is something that if you have just a... ...consumer pricing
- And then there was discussion last year about the rise of online retail and to what extent legislation
Committee:
House Labor and Employment
Summary:
The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard and advanced a series of labor, workplace, and pay equity bills. SB 703 on port trucking misclassification would require ports to collect and report data to help identify misclassified independent contractors; supporters said the bill would improve enforcement and protect workers, while trucking and retail groups said recent amendments addressed many concerns. The bill passed 5-0 and was re-referred to Transportation. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 275, SB 648, SB 355, and SB 693.
Members then heard SB 294, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, which would require the Labor Commissioner to create a template for employers to annually notify workers of labor and civil rights protections, with supporters arguing workers need clearer information amid federal uncertainty and opponents from the restaurant industry raising concerns. SB 7, dealing with automated decision-making systems in employment discipline and termination, would require notice and human review; labor groups supported it as a safeguard against biased or opaque algorithmic management, while employer groups objected to broad definitions and burdens on businesses. Both bills passed and were re-referred to Judiciary and Privacy and Consumer Protection, respectively.
The committee also approved SB 238 on workplace AI/surveillance transparency, SB 442 on self-checkout staffing standards, and SB 464 on expanding public-sector pay data reporting tied to reparations and pay equity goals. Supporters of SB 238 emphasized transparency and privacy, while business and public-sector groups warned about security and administrative burdens; SB 442 drew support from labor and retail workers who said self-checkout reduces hours and increases safety risks, while grocers argued it would raise costs and reduce flexibility; SB 464 was backed as a way to better measure representation and pay gaps, though counties and local government groups said the bill needed narrowing to avoid covering county workers. Finally, SB 642 on equal pay reforms and a longer recovery period for wage claims passed 5-0 after labor advocates said it would help workers recover lost pay, while business groups opposed the 10-year lookback as too burdensome.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 20, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- our industry, we have to space them out so that we'll have plenty of competition and get good bid prices
- efficiencies, and ideas to the project, and then based on the effort of collaboration and the final bid price
- Also, new modes—advanced air mobility is a... ...new mode that's coming online.
- Good competition with our industry and with our bidders helps keep prices reasonable.
- That's one of the ways that we're able to predict and maintain price controls on projects.
Summary:
The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee heard an overview from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the state’s transportation work program, with emphasis on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, major roadway projects, workforce needs, seaports, airports, spaceport infrastructure, and the role of MPOs/TPOs in planning. He said the $4 billion general revenue investment in Moving Florida Forward has been leveraged into a roughly $7 billion-plus program, with 20 projects underway and about 70% of the initiative expected to be under construction by year’s end. He highlighted I-4 as the centerpiece, describing a new procurement approach, phased delivery, and added lanes intended to provide congestion relief during construction. He also discussed a projected 38% growth in transportation workforce needs and proposed a Florida Transportation Academy and a research institute to support training and innovation.
Tiffany King of the Florida Airports Council said Florida’s 128 public-use airports have about $5.7 billion in unfunded projects through 2029, and stressed that airport priorities include not only terminals and passenger capacity but also safety, security, gates, and environmental work. Michael Rubin of the Florida Ports Council said Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports now have a $195.9 billion economic impact, support about 1.2 million jobs, and generate $7.4 billion in state and local taxes; he noted that ports still have about $4 billion in project needs, including dredging and intermodal connections. Jeff Sheffield of the North Florida TPO described the value of regional, community-based planning and said his four-county TPO has helped align local priorities with FDOT funding.
Members asked about whether the state is planning for advanced air mobility and “flying cars,” whether Moving Florida Forward bypassed MPOs, how long major projects take, cost escalation, regionalization of MPOs, port governance, airport governance, and the contractor qualification system. FDOT and the witnesses said the state is working on policy and planning for advanced air mobility, that Moving Florida Forward did not bypass MPOs because the projects were already locally prioritized, and that the main delay is funding rather than the planning process. They said long-range plans are updated regularly and can be amended when priorities change, and that regional MPO structures can improve coordination. The committee took no formal vote; the meeting concluded after questions and comments, including discussion of workforce training opportunities for incarcerated individuals and a motion to adjourn by the ranking member.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/18/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- 40.199><c> of</c><00:06:40.280><c> your</c> There was no one else that showed up, but there was an online
- Would that be included in this price per resident, the average tax impact of blank per resident?
- per resident the average tax price per resident the average tax impact<00:18:18.000><c> of</c><00:18
- Uh, there was one additional person who signed in, um, opposes and did not wish to speak online.
- </c><01:43:38.960><c> 23</c> um would you be open to online 23 um would you be open to online 23 replacing
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Price. Senator Wheat. Representative Boriak. Representative Fontaineau, here and present.
- Moved by Senator Price, without objection.
- Price? Yeah, thank you. Mr. Chairman. Rep. Murray, I just want you to know... Mr. Chairman, Rep.
- Thank you, Senator Price. Mr.
- Okay, we have a motion by Senator Price to approve the statewide flood control program without objection
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works met on March 9, 2026, established a quorum, and approved the March 3 minutes. The chair introduced new members and then moved through four priority-program items: the statewide flood control program, the airport construction and development priority program, the port construction and development priority program, and the state highway priority program. DOTD staff said there were no changes to the flood control, airport, or port projects from the prior week, and the highway priority packet reflected about $1.2 billion in total investment, including about $913 million slated for construction in the upcoming fiscal year. Members also discussed the written justifications for projects raised during the road show but not included in the highway priority list, with the department explaining that those comments would continue to be tracked and addressed in future priority programs. Each of the four programs was approved without objection.
The committee then received a presentation from Amtrak’s Todd Stennis on Louisiana service and the new Mardi Gras route between New Orleans and Mobile, which began in August 2025. He described the route as a state-supported service funded by Louisiana, Mississippi, the city of Mobile, and their transportation agencies, and said ridership had exceeded projections, with more than 80,000 riders in about six months against a first-year estimate of 76,000. He also outlined strong on-time and customer-service performance, station usage patterns, fares, and planned capital improvements funded through federal CRISI grants and state matches that are intended to improve rail fluidity and shorten travel times over the next several years.
A substantial portion of the Amtrak discussion focused on railroad crossing safety after members raised concerns about recent accidents and fatalities. Stennis emphasized the blue emergency placards at crossings, the 800-number system for reporting incidents, and ongoing coordination with Operation Lifesaver and the host railroads to improve public messaging. Members also asked about an app used to identify crossings when signs are unreadable, and Stennis said he would follow up. The meeting concluded with a motion by Vice Chair Carter to adjourn, which carried without objection.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 19th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- As we've worked to bring that station online over the last year, we've worked closely with the Department
- We're seeing prices on those clean energy... wind, solar.
- We're seeing prices on those clean energy systems declining every single year.
- We're seeing deployment of battery electric storage systems, and seeing prices on those systems declining
- , prices coming down every single year.
Bills:
SB6013
Committee:
House Environment & Energy
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As we've worked to bring that station online over the last year, we've worked closely with the Department
- We're seeing prices on those clean energy... wind, solar.
- We're seeing prices on those clean energy systems declining every single year.
- We're seeing deployment of battery electric storage systems, and seeing prices on those systems declining
- , prices coming down every single year.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on SSB 6269, which updates the Motor Fuel Quality Act by removing the separate definition of alternative fuel and broadening the definition of motor fuel to include gaseous products and fuels used for transportation purposes. The Washington State Department of Agriculture testified that the change would let weights and measures staff test a wider range of fuels, including hydrogen and other clean fuels, and Douglas County PUD supported the bill as necessary to help regulate the state’s first hydrogen fueling station and future hydrogen infrastructure. A question clarified that the bill concerns the purity of the final hydrogen fuel product, not certification of the production process.
The committee then received a briefing on three amendments to SB 5982, which expands Clean Energy Transformation Act coverage to additional entities. Amendment 170 would remove a requirement tied to affected market customers consuming the same or greater share of non-emitting and renewable electricity for the same end uses; Amendment 171 would exempt electricity used solely for emergency backup purposes; and Amendment 173 would similarly exempt backup generation using de minimis fossil fuels and related load from CETA compliance. Members discussed whether the amendments were needed to protect cogeneration facilities and emergency backup systems, while others argued they could weaken CETA’s clean-energy goals.
In executive session, SB 6013 was reported out of committee with a do pass recommendation by a 21-0 voice vote. On SB 5982, Amendment 170 failed, Amendment 171 failed, and Amendment 173 passed. The committee then adopted the amendments into a striking amendment and voted 12-8 to report Substitute Senate Bill 5982 out of committee with a do pass as amended recommendation. Members supporting the bill said it levels the playing field and preserves exemptions for backup power and existing cogeneration, while opponents argued it could undermine CETA and allow continued fossil-fuel use or create loopholes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- How many students' time do online versus physical being there? question, Chair Franson.
- versus physical being uh do online versus physical being there?
- So in terms of the online, we do have an online audience, but it's largely military.
- You can see our project prices.
- To our online RepresentativeWam.
Bills:
HF2418 , HF1666 , HF232 , HF344 , HF402 , HF431 , HF468 , HF547 , HF583 , HF1476 , HF1711 , HF2787 , HF2788 , HF3207
Committee:
House Capital Investment
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, Hawaii's is almost four times more than Texas is on an average retail price per kilowatt hour.
- so that was a good bit of good news I wanted to share with the public regarding the average retail price
- They are online, and they act as the digital control interface between solar plants and the grid.
- The price of everything's going up, and we don't need the price of their power to go up because someone's
- It could be available to come online.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- accurate, there's only so low that the price can go.
- There's only so low that the price can go.
- </c><00:19:43.360><c> can</c> there's only so low that the price can there's only so low that the price
- Um justifying that with the price tag.
- </c><01:18:59.600><c> relief</c> the most significant pricing relief the most significant pricing relief
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Econ. Dev., Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- $3.5 billion, with $3.39 billion online and $125 million retail.
- </c> the uh for the Inception of online the uh for the Inception of online Sports<00:02:29.599><c> w<
- 125 million retail fiscal billion online 125 million retail fiscal year<00:03:58.239><c> 25</c><00:03
- </c><00:09:48.200><c> Sports</c> both the inperson and the online Sports both the inperson and the online
- </c> available and you can access that online available and you can access that online at<00:21:15.679
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an update from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation on sports wagering revenue allocations and problem gaming funding. KHRGC reported that in fiscal year 2024, about $34.4 million was deposited to the pension fund and about $931,000 to the problem gaming assistance fund; fiscal year 2025 to date, the totals were about $18.5 million and $556,000, respectively, bringing all-time problem gaming funding to about $1.48 million. Members also discussed wagering volume, with KHRGC stating Kentucky had about $3.5 billion in wagers from September 2023 through December 2024 and about $1.4 billion in fiscal year 2025 to date. KHRGC explained that it tracks the funds sent to CHFS and the self-exclusion list, but does not track the number of people seeking help or the outcomes of those calls.
The Division of Mental Health then described how the problem gambling assistance account is used. Patty Clark and Sarah Cooper said the fund supports education, counseling, public awareness, counselor certification, and treatment-related costs, with $50,000 reserved for administrative expenses. They said the department has spent the last 18 months establishing criteria, funding standards, performance measures, monitoring, and application procedures, and that it issued notices of funding opportunity in October. They reported about 1.49 million in the fund through the end of January, with awards including support for the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling conference, a public awareness campaign by Project Ricochet, and a youth-focused campaign by Shaunie Transformation Youth Coalition.
Testimony also focused on the scope of problem gambling in Kentucky and how the helpline works. The department said fewer than 10 clinicians in Kentucky are specifically certified in problem gambling, though all addiction clinicians can provide services, and estimated about 165,000 adults show problem gambling behaviors, with 47,000 to 64,000 potentially meeting criteria for a gambling disorder. They said helpline calls rose to about 3,240 in 2024, but only about 25% were from people seeking help, with most callers seeking information about online wagering. Members asked about anonymity, follow-up, co-occurring alcohol or drug issues, and whether the fund should reimburse Medicaid or directly cover treatment costs. The presenters said calls are anonymous, outcomes are not tracked unless callers follow up, and the program is currently focused on building provider capacity and targeted outreach rather than direct reimbursement or a statewide campaign.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Task Force on Homeowners and Commercial Property Insurance 10/22/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> insurance payment on a median priced insurance payment on a median priced home<00:14:11.920><c>
- So, the rising cost of purchase price.
- So, um we do have two people online and then we'll come back to Mr.
- Um, just uh prices are still going up.
- </c> coverage, even if it's not the price coverage, even if it's not the price that<01:41:02.159><c>
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The provision requiring online listing platforms to include an estimate of property taxes for residential
- That every season into their pricing, and more importantly, their customers are used to looking for it
- But at a gas station, the price fluctuates by the hour, even under normal market conditions.
- There's no way for a consumer to look at the price at the pump and know whether or not that price reflects
- Public's groceries are going up because of gas prices. Like, give me a break, y'all.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill.
On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11.
The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The provision requiring online listing platforms to include an estimate of property taxes for residential
- But at a gas station, the price fluctuates by the hour, even under normal market conditions.
- There's no way for a consumer to look at the price at the pump and know whether or not that price reflects
- Publix groceries are going up because of gas prices. Like, give me a break, y'all.
- Publix groceries are going up because of gas prices. Like, give me a break, y'all.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- the Legislature passed two years ago to better protect the personal information of public servants online
- But on the testimony from the AG, they talked about this bill, which would be called initial pricing
- I think they missed 89D, which says that it excludes initial pricing as a subject of negotiation.
- as subject to chapter 89A pricing as subject to chapter 89A as<01:05:52.400><c> a</c><01:05:52.440><
- as a subject it excludes initial pricing as a subject of<01:06:01.560><c> negotiation.
Committee:
House Labor
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Price.
- Manwaring, Mitchell, Price, Bruce, Harris, Green, Senator Groh, Woodward, Cook, Jerky, Hart, Carlson,
- Representative Price. Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair. Representative Price. Thank you, Mr.
- The price of a license is set in statute, and for hunters and anglers that are price-locked, a deer tag
- Chair, Representative Price, is accurate.
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations and questions for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Office of Species Conservation, and the Office of the Attorney General. Fish and Game’s budget was described as largely dedicated and federal funding with no general fund support, with discussion of ongoing and one-time enhancements for fisheries inflation, habitat projects, Good Neighbor Authority work, depredation claims, chronic wasting disease testing, and communications. Director Jim Fredericks also reviewed the new nonresident tag draw system, access challenges on private lands, and the department’s role in habitat work and species management. Members raised concerns about depredation claim shortfalls, survey and advisory committee processes, predator management, and the overlap between Fish and Game and the Office of Species Conservation on habitat and endangered species work.
The Office of Species Conservation presentation focused on its role coordinating state actions for threatened, endangered, and candidate species, mostly through federal and miscellaneous revenue funds. Administrator Mike Edmondson explained that the office often serves as the policy and administrative lead while Fish and Game carries out much of the field work, and he described metrics for sage grouse, salmon and steelhead, and grizzly bear-related efforts. He also said the office has been working with the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources on a possible merger, with some staff reductions under consideration, and answered questions about grizzly bear delisting, wolf litigation, and tribal consultation.
Attorney General Raul Labrador then argued that his office has produced significant results without asking for new money, but said the committee’s proposed reductions would force furloughs or position cuts and asked for $980,000 to be restored. He highlighted the ICAC unit’s elimination of a cyber-tip backlog, increased arrests, consumer protection recoveries, and expanded appellate and civil litigation work defending state laws. Members asked about the source of recovered funds, the office’s flexibility to absorb cuts, and whether the state could work on a framework to transfer incarcerated undocumented offenders to federal custody for deportation. The committee ended by noting upcoming budget-setting work and adjourned until the next morning.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- In my last presentation, we also looked at the online system.
- NDNA has improved its online notice system to be 100% ADA compliant.
- NDNA has improved its online notice system to be 100% ADA compliant.
- There's probably a good mix of an online presence and a physical newspaper.
- It's click-through, online, that's all you've got.
Summary:
The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion.
OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated.
The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.