Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it's been a long day for you, Mr.
• Last I checked, months don't have more than 31 days, but 40 days of good time per month. So, Ms.
• So if you have two years, minus 60 days, you have 670 days remaining.
• So you get 0.25 times the 558 days. So you get 0.25 times the 558 days.
• I just lost 10 days. I'm here 10 days longer because I did this. We never had that before.

Committee: Joint Judiciary Committee

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• They live and breathe their business seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
• ><c> on</c><00:47:56.560><c> Labor</c> Year's Day, on President's Day, on Labor Year's Day, on President's
• Day, on Labor Day,<00:47:57.280><c> on</c><00:47:57.920><c> the</c><00:47:58.240><c> day</c><00:47:58.400
• ><c> after</c> Day, on the day after Day, on the day after Thanksgiving<00:48:01.280><c> because</c>
• </c> the day before, which is a Wednesday. the day before, which is a Wednesday.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Almighty God, before we begin the business of this day, we pause to thank you for this day that you have
• On May 18, 2023, the day my mother transitioned is the day my mom gave me to you.
• On May 18, 2023, the day my mother transition is the day my mom gave me to you.
• Representative Benarroch: From two days to 14 days.
• Representative Benarroch: From two days to 14 days. Representative Oliver: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, and several recognitions, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the Middle East conflict. The chamber adopted the special order report and then took up several bills on the special order calendar. Early action included passage of CS/CS/HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River and Ocklawaha River restoration after debate over environmental benefits versus concerns about impacts to Rodman Reservoir, rural communities, property values, and long-term uncertainty. The bill passed 107-3. Members then considered CS/HB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act. The bill would expand multifamily and mixed-use allowances, limit local setback/stepback restrictions, remove local opt-out authority, address accessory dwelling units, and waive sovereign immunity for certain land-use discrimination claims. Supporters argued it would increase housing supply amid a statewide shortage; opponents objected to further state preemption of local control and the ADU provisions. The bill passed 78-29. The House also passed CS/CS/HB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and prioritizing fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. The chamber next debated CS/HB 273 on special districts, which would allow certain agreements in rural areas of opportunity and impose new transparency and budget rules on larger downtown development districts. Questions focused on the meaning of “directly benefit,” the 10% administrative cap, budget approval authority, and the bill’s effect on downtown development authorities. An amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill passed 88-0. The House later returned to the temporarily postponed CS/HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers, which limits allocation of new vehicle lines to any one dealer group; it passed 109-1. Finally, the House took up CS/HB 1329 on local government spending transparency. The bill requires tentative budgets to be posted 14 days before hearings, final budgets to remain online for five years, and budget data to be searchable and downloadable, with waivers for smaller governments. Members debated whether the bill would impose costs despite the sponsor’s claim of zero fiscal impact. An amendment by Representative Cheney would have added hardship assistance for small governments and CFO support, but the transcript ends during debate on that amendment before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you've had a good day. I had a great day. Thank you all for your help. Appreciate you.
• Just as clear as day.
• Reconstruction began this past Monday and is expected to be completed within 60 days. 60 days.
• and night, 365 days a year. days a year across the state to respond to disasters and emergencies.
• These gentlemen every single day.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said, “Well, don't quit your day job.” Well, Jerry, I didn't quit my day job.
• He said, “Well, don't quit your day job.” Well, Jerry, I didn't quit my day job.
• He said, “Well, don't quit your day job.” Well, Jerry, I didn't quit my day job.
• He said, “Well, don't quit your day job.” Well, Jerry, I didn't quit my day job.
• He said, “Well, don't quit your day job.” Well, Jerry, I didn't quit my day job.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet one group has been left out: the very people who make the day-to-day work of this legislature possible
• in and day out.
• in and day out.
• to day with the issue of wage theft.
• However, the issue of wage theft does affect them on a day-to-day basis because they and their employers

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it. A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions. The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we're going down from 360 days.
• I know we're going down from 360 days to 240 days in this committee with the amendments, but that also
• You couldn't go over the 120 days, but I'm just a little perplexed at why you need the second 120 days
• Within days, two things began to occur.
• Within days, two things began to occur.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard SB 934 by Senator Wiener, which would extend the statute of limitations for malpractice claims arising from conversion therapy and clarify how expert testimony and scientific evidence may be used in those cases. Supporters, including a survivor, a licensed therapist, and LGBTQ advocacy groups, described conversion therapy as harmful and argued survivors often cannot come forward within current filing deadlines. Opponents, including civil justice and conservative legal groups, argued the bill was a workaround to recent Supreme Court rulings and raised concerns about free speech, evidentiary standards, and whether the bill could chill legitimate therapy. Committee members largely focused on whether the bill was limited to conversion therapy malpractice claims and not broader gender-affirming care; the bill was moved on a 7-2-1 vote to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. The consent calendar was also adopted on a 6-0 vote and placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1092 by Senator Allen, a housing bill aimed at manufactured home parks. The bill would give residents or their designated representatives a right to make a competitive bid when a park owner intends to sell, lease, or transfer a park, with notice and response periods intended to give residents time to organize financing. Supporters said the measure would preserve naturally occurring affordable housing, especially for older and lower-income residents, and help resident-owned cooperatives or nonprofits buy parks before investor buyers do. Opponents from park owner and realtor groups argued the bill would burden private property rights, devalue parks, and create unconstitutional takings and litigation risk. Committee questions centered on the bill’s timelines, whether residents would have 120 days to express interest and another 120 days to close, and whether the purchase agreement would be binding if accepted. The author and supporters said the second period was needed for due diligence and financing, while opponents said the structure could still delay sales and reduce market value. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but asked for further clarification or possible tightening of the timing and good-faith provisions; no final vote on SB 1092 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, y'all remember those days?
• And the performance that those individuals do day in and day out, it does not go unnoticed.
• And we fight every day.
• And we fight every day.
• in and day out.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• How does that shifting and changing policy impact the day-to-day lives of workers?
• The last major shutdown was 43 days. That's 43 days without paychecks.
• The last major shutdown was 43 days. That's 43 days without paychecks.
• every day to help us get through our days.
• Forty-three days. The last one before, 37 days. Forty-three days. The last one before, 37 days.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A state-issued ID, and they're good for 180 days. A state-issued ID, and they're good for 180 days.
• They want accurate results on Election Day.
• They want accurate results on Election Day.
• “...of being able to drop off through Election Day.
• before the election to 71 days before the first day that early ballots may be mailed for the election

Bills: SB1015 , SB1049 , SB1066 , SB1081 , SB1092 , SB1133 , SB1134 , SB1139 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1168 , SB1189 , SCR1001 , SCR1002 , SCR1005 , SCR1010

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: gender transition, detransition, healthcare liability, medical malpractice, youth protection, legal action, Arizona law, spousal maintenance, court guidelines, self-sufficiency, financial support, marriage dissolution, child safety, dependency cases, attorney regulation, foster care, legal representation, probation, dangerous crimes, children

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is: Are these 30 business days or 30 calendar days?
• Do we know, are these 30 business days? No, it's 30 calendar days. Calendar days.
• Do we know, are these 30 business days? No, it's 30 calendar days. Calendar days.
• days? days?
• </c> &gt;&gt; No, it's 30 calendar days. &gt;&gt; No, it's 30 calendar days.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:54 Roll Call 00:01:17 SB 192 Discussion 00:03:31 SB 192 Vote 00:05:41 SB 312 Discussion 00:07:17 SB 312 Vote 00:09:56 SB 27 Discussion 00:11:27 SB 27 Vote 00:15:51 SB 149 Discussion 00:16:55 SB 149 Vote 00:19:35 SB 133 Discussion 00:21:17 SB 133 Vote 00:23:41 SJR 62 Discussion 00:25:04 SJR 62 Vote 00:27:28 SJR 75 Discussion 00:28:31 SJR 75 Vote 00:31:56 Adjournment 00:34:30, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And just one last note, uh, Valentine's Day tomorrow, uh, and on Valentine's Day in Vermont, remember
• tomorrow, uh and and on Valentine's Day tomorrow, uh and and on Valentine's Day<00:03:54.239><c> in<
• Your time under the and every day.
• >> Seeing none, orders of the day.
• </c><00:27:45.600><c> The</c> 30 days before the transition. The 30 days before the transition.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, if an official decides to ignore this, $2,000 a day per flag, per day, and if they cease to, that
• We're incurring debt at a ratio of about 165 days; that's about a trillion dollars every 165 days, and
• And those are just the tough decisions that JFAC deals with on a day-to-day basis. Thank you.
• Representative Tanner, so you're king for a day in here, obviously.
• Representative Tanner, so you're king for a day in here, obviously.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Across the board on a very, very sad day.
• . day in and day out in the Hill Country, working with cooperating landowners to keep those systems intact
• On that day, we were hosting the Caddo Ultra’s Day with over 100 people on site.
• , called Every Day Camp.
• My days are running together, and do it.

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh we're going to finish number of days.
• </c> up the day. Um we're going to go home. up the day. Um we're going to go home.
• Is Memorial Day enough of a deadline to spur a deal by then?
• But you don't think it'll be a one-day special session?
• </c> days off in the beginning of session. days off in the beginning of session.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 19 who are reporting for their first day.
• Every day Congress waits to pass this bill is another day that another fraudster will get away with stealing
• And I see every day that the digital world kids face day that the digital world kids face today is unlike
• That is the targeted civilian population That is the targeted civilian population day in, day out by
• It is their day-to-day way of life.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 29, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we all know that our day session.
• Today is the last day, and I didn't know...
• Uh, we have a motion to officially name future bill title deadline days as the 'just ask for day.'
• Monica, at the end of the day, we clock...
• She started each day with the reminder that it is a good day in Colorado.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have not run the 45-day period by. I suspect it would take less time than 90 days.
• So on lines 8 and on line 14, where it says 45 calendar days, it’ll now be 90 calendar days, as I understand
• I know that we’re good with 90 days.
• It may be 30 days or 60 days, maybe more appropriate. Okay, I mean, that's just one of my concerns.
• , 60 days that it should be.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 267, which would change the membership rules for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors by adjusting appointment qualifications, term limits, and nomination procedures. Vice Chair Thomas explained the bill was meant to address the lack of nominations from existing entities and to allow the governor more flexibility, especially in smaller districts. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported HB 267 favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 478 on utility overcharge reimbursements. The bill, as amended, requires utilities to clearly label reimbursements on customer bills and sets a deadline for issuing refunds. After discussion with the Public Service Commission and utility representatives, the committee changed the reimbursement timeline from 45 days to 90 days and clarified that the bill would not interfere with larger settlement or regulatory credits. HB 478 was then reported favorably as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 924, a consumer protection measure aimed at contractors who solicit residential property owners after declared disasters. The author said the bill was intended to curb predatory storm-chasing and fraudulent insurance-related practices, while still allowing emergency mitigation work. The committee adopted technical amendments and then a conceptual amendment shortening the catastrophe response period from six months to 30 days. Testimony was split: the Insurance Commissioner and some roofing industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to deter fraud, while other contractors argued it would hurt small businesses, limit legitimate door-to-door work, and not solve enforcement problems. The bill remained under consideration after extensive testimony and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:19.040><c> terms,</c> I'd go to 120-day terms, I'd go to 120-day terms, which<00:10:20.720
• </c> be delayed potentially another 30 days be delayed potentially another 30 days because<00:10:48.560
• </c> payment within 60 days of the invoice. payment within 60 days of the invoice.
• ,</c><00:18:07.160><c> the</c> More than once, at around 70 days, the More than once, at around 70 days
• </c> public owner took approximately 45 days public owner took approximately 45 days from<00:18:52.480

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• day, but outside of prep for paperwork.
• to day in school districts.
• You know, our building principal is in charge of that, but we do all the day-to-day stuff.
• They're glued on them all day long.
• in and out and going back to Our colleagues on the committee who do this day in and day out, and going

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.