Video & Transcript Research : 'concurrence'
Page 99 of 149
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Concurrent Resolution 91 with amendments.
- Assembly concurrent resolution 73 by Assembly Member Stephanie relative to Italian, America.
- Assembly Concurrent Resolution 73 by Assembly Member Stephanie, relative to Italian American Heritage
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, established a quorum after a roll call, and proceeded through a long House of Origin floor session with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine parliamentary actions. Early in the day, a motion by Assembly Member Gallagher to suspend the rules and take up AB 12 immediately failed on a 18-39 vote. The chamber then moved through the daily file, with many measures passing by wide margins, often with bipartisan support and little or no opposition.
Among the notable bills discussed were measures on law enforcement oversight and records access (AB 847), CalFresh data-sharing exemptions (AB 593), campus-area housing for students and staff (AB 893), insurance and wildfire hardening updates (AB 1), missing middle housing code changes (AB 6), tribal peace officer status in a pilot program (AB 31), utility bill analysis before new mandates (AB 61), fairgrounds funding (AB 258), Diwali as a state holiday (AB 268), labor and worker organizing rights (AB 288), algorithmic price-fixing and antitrust enforcement (AB 325), elections and jail voter information (AB 331), protections for judges and court personnel (AB 343 and AB 352), school construction procurement (AB 361), school-zone speed limits (AB 382), transit worker protections (AB 394), blue carbon coastal mitigation (AB 399), K-9 standards for law enforcement (AB 400), livestock carcass composting (AB 411), translation of housing materials (AB 413), immigrant educational rights notices (AB 419), gun violence restraining order implementation (AB 451), special education and child care measures (AB 560 and AB 563), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), and disability access protections for businesses (AB 649). Several bills addressed housing, energy, public health, and public safety, and many authors emphasized affordability, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
The session also included several ceremonial or recognition items, including ACR 73 declaring Italian American Heritage Month, which was adopted by voice vote after 65 coauthors were added. Most measures were approved overwhelmingly, though a few drew some dissent, including AB 421? no—AB 399 passed 42-30, AB 450 passed 49-6, AB 461 passed 49-8, and AB 621 passed 58-0. The transcript ends partway through AB 772, which was introduced as an educational equity bill addressing cyberbullying after school hours, but the remainder of that item is not included in the provided text.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, May 21, 2026 - AM
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- faith or unreasonable requests, have some process with, of course, third-party verification or concurrence
- faith or unreasonable requests, have some process with, of course, third-party verification or concurrence
- faith or unreasonable requests, have some process with, of course, third-party verification or concurrence
- faith or unreasonable requests, have some process with, of course, third-party verification or concurrence
- faith or unreasonable requests, have some process with, of course, third-party verification or concurrence
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Apr 14, 2026, 9:00AM HST - Day 44
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- HMSA states the state auditor's report, as required by House Bill 820 and House Concurrent Resolution
- ><02:52:02.320>
820 <02:52:03.480>and <02:52:03.720>House <02:52:04.160>Concurrent - by House Bill 820 and House Concurrent by House Bill 820 and House Concurrent Resolution<02:52:05.560
- was passed, or excuse me, let me point out, in 2016, when this body, when this House, passed a concurrent
- resolution urging Congress a concurrent resolution urging Congress to<04:45:03.000>
make <04:45
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- resolution be considered as read and that the previous question be considered as ordered on the concurrent
- /c><00:09:37.279>
resolution <00:09:37.839>be <00:09:38.000>considered the concurrent - resolution be considered the concurrent resolution be considered as<00:09:38.560>
read <00:09: - on<00:09:41.680>
the be considered as ordered on the be considered as ordered on the concurrent - to adoption concurrent resolution to adoption without<00:09:43.760>
intervening <00:09:44.320>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/16/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Uh, many of you may remember last year I introduced a House Concurrent Resolution, HCR 8, which
- <04:32:01.520>
resolution introduced a house concurrent resolution introduced a house concurrent - This resolution, like I said, mirrors the concurrent resolution of last year, HCR 8, which mirrored Senator
- :24.799>
of <04:36:25.359>uh <04:36:25.520>last <04:36:25.760>year, concurrent - resolution of uh last year, concurrent resolution of uh last year, HCR8,<04:36:26.959>
which <
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Capital Improvement Committee Meeting Jun 23rd, 2026
Capital Improvement
Transcript Highlights:
- Port Corporation to amend the concession agreement or enter into a new concession agreement with concurrence
Summary:
The committee met for a fiscal year 2027 capital budget writing session with all 12 members present. It first reviewed and approved the DNREC Resource Conservation and Development drainage project list, which would add projects across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties and bring the total eligible projects to 1,561. Members offered personal remarks thanking retiring conservation district staff, especially Kevin Donnelly, for years of work on drainage and water issues. The committee then reviewed DelDOT Rule 12 changes, including annual date updates and a reduction in the inflation markup applied to older estimates, and approved the rule as amended.
The committee next adopted DelDOT Appendix A and the FY27 paving and rehabilitation list, including the subdivision street management fund and various road resurfacing projects. DelDOT explained that paving projects are for state-of-good-repair work and that major changes from corridor studies would be handled separately. The committee also approved DelDOT epilogue changes, including updates to authorization amounts, a $25 million increase for toll infrastructure work, changes to subdivision street paving language, and an increase in the subdivision street paving management fund to $30 million. Several sections were placed on hold for later updates.
The committee then moved through boilerplate epilogue sections in the bond bill, approving a wide range of provisions affecting conservation districts, housing, economic development, corrections, DNREC, public safety, transportation, agriculture, fire prevention, education, and other agencies. Many sections were adopted in groups, while some were held for later revisions or deleted as no longer needed. The session included updates to school capital rules, transportation restrictions and reporting requirements, DNREC conservation and land-use provisions, and funding and administrative authorities across multiple agencies. The committee broke for lunch after approving the education-related sections through 147, with additional sections still pending.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- sentence of two and a half years, which would be tacked on to the current sentence or could also be concurrent
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed.
The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities.
A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I do want to clarify in the ways to address any gaps: if you look in the middle paragraph about concurrent
Summary:
The Special Commission on the Public Health Effects of Xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Keenan’s absence due to National Guard deployment, approved the prior meeting minutes, and explained the process for incorporating final edits and late votes into appendices. Commissioners then voted to allow staff to make agreed-upon language changes after the meeting, and later voted on the final report itself.
Staff walked commissioners through the report’s redlines and substantive updates. Changes included clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than simply a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or revising references to “hotspots” in favor of more accurate language about local trends, and refining language on wound care to refer to medical consequences and financial costs. The report also added or strengthened discussion of harm reduction measures such as drug checking, mobile health services, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation and airway support during overdose response, and the importance of naloxone remaining available while recognizing its limits for xylazine exposure. Commissioners also discussed data collection, legal protections for drug checking, and the role of the Attorney General in guidance and coordination on emerging drug threats.
The commission then took a final vote, with the members present voting to approve the report. A letter from Senator Velis, who was also absent due to active duty orders, was read into the record expressing support for the report and its recommendations. In closing comments, commissioners and staff thanked one another for the collaborative work and described the report as a useful public health resource. Chair Domb adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m., noting that the final report would be submitted and posted online for public access.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Promoting the implementation of the statewide ecological extinction task force created by Senate Concurrent
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee.
The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development.
Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- implementation of recommendations of the statewide ecological extinction task force created by Senate Concurrent
Bills:
SB9
Keywords:
wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action.
The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee.
At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Concurrent Memorials 1002, 1006, and 1007 are transmitted to the Secretary of State.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, welcomed former Senator Limpancrazi, and recognized page Owen Washburn and his family. The chamber then moved through messages and second-reading listings, and the Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2398, dealing with watercraft operation and peer-to-peer watercraft sharing insurance, received a floor amendment clarifying the types of insurers that may provide primary commercial boat liability coverage and was reported do pass as amended. HB 2477, relating to the Arizona Education Savings Plan, was amended to add investment guardrails, conflict-of-interest protections, an advisory team, limits on land investments, and statutory treatment of the local government investment pool, then reported do pass as amended.
The Committee of the Whole also considered HB 2251 on midwifery, which was amended to transfer oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, add a licensed midwife to the board, separate midwife and naturopathic funds, apply investigative and disciplinary procedures, and make conforming changes; it was reported do pass as amended. HB 2991, concerning minors’ access to technology content and social media, drew extensive debate. A floor amendment revised age-signal and parental-consent procedures, changed default settings language, removed a private right of action, and made other technical changes. Senators Tise, Epstein, and others argued the bill still raised serious First Amendment and censorship concerns, while Senator Bullock defended it as a child-safety measure that did not require uploading ID. The bill was ultimately reported do pass as amended.
In third reading, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report, retained HB 2397 on the calendar, and voted on several bills. HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2763, HB 2786, HB 2771, HB 2782, and HB 4117 passed; HB 2457, HB 2494, and HB 2696 failed. HB 2457 and HB 2494 drew opposition over local control and land-use concerns, while HB 2696, aimed at fuel and gas prices, drew criticism that the Commerce Authority was not the right vehicle and that the issue was driven by federal policy. HB 4117, relating to offenses against public order and religious services, passed after sharp debate over whether it would protect worship or chill protest and free speech, with opponents warning of vague language and potential political prosecutions. The Senate also voted to reconsider its prior action on HB 2311 and HB 2601, requested the House return HB 2995 for reconsideration, and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 12th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The first item on our agenda today is House Concurrent Resolution 77 by Representative Butler.
Keywords:
crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2B program, H-2A program, labor shortage, temporary workers, Louisiana economy, HCR77, crawfish industry, H-2B visa, seasonal labor, agriculture, immigration, arborist, property disputes, tree trimming, neighborhood, landowner rights, Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District, board of commissioners
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, prior to calling the natural disaster, usually the legislature comes in and gives, pass a concurrent
Summary:
The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines.
Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice.
Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- delegate from Prince William will report, communicate the actions of the Senate, and request its concurrence
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 14 January, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Gentleman wishes to call up those first three items, all House Concurrent Resolutions, HCR 8, 9,
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, during which the guest minister, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Gladney, offered a prayer focused on justice, health care, public education, accessible elections, and economic progress across Mississippi. Members then introduced several guests, including a doctor of the day, local officials, former legislators, and visitors in the galleries.
On the calendar, the House adopted several blocks of House Concurrent Resolutions and House Resolutions, with the recorded vote on one block showing 120 yeas and 0 nays. The chamber then took up House Bill 325, which removes the sunset repealer from the lottery-funded transportation program so the first $80 million continues to go to transportation and the remainder to the education enhancement fund. The sponsor said the bill does not change the program’s substance and is intended to allow MDOT to keep planning beyond 2028; a question was raised about whether education enhancement funds could later be redirected to PERS, and the sponsor said that could be considered later. The bill passed 121 yeas, 0 nays.
Later, members made announcements, including notice of committee meetings and a Mississippi State Medical Association Alliance screening event. The House also observed the death of former Representative Jerry Wilburn and agreed to adjourn in his memory, with the full membership added as co-authors unless they opt out. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 5 (1-12-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and referred the following bills and resolutions to Health Services: Senate Bill 38 and Senate Concurrent
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, then completed the roll call and declared a quorum of 34 members. The chamber excused absent senators and approved the journal from Friday, January 9, 2026, without objection. No bills or resolutions were introduced at the first opportunity, and there were no orders of the day before the body recessed for a Rules Committee and Committee on Committees meeting.
After reconvening, the Committee on Committees reported referrals: Senate Bill 38 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 to Health Services; Senate Bills 29 and 49 to Natural Resources and Energy; Senate Bills 10, 27, 40, and 51 to State and Local Government; Senate Bills 28 and 30 to Transportation; and Senate Resolutions 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 32 to the Senate floor. During announcements, one senator spoke at length in support of laws restricting transgender girls and women from competing in women’s sports, urging courts to uphold those laws in pending cases. Other members announced committee schedule changes and made several co-sponsorship requests, all accepted without objection.
The clerk then reported new bills and resolutions, including measures on evictions during extreme weather, student journalist freedom, network authority, motor vehicle operation, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, pension oversight, financial training for local boards of education, health care workforce recruitment and retention, and tallow-based cosmetic products, along with two resolutions honoring Robert E. Bob Pernell, Sr. and former Governor Martha Lane Collins. The Senate then adjourned until 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- President and members, and on to Chairman Buckley for, I hope, concurrence.
Bills:
SB 3, SB 16, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB17, SB 54, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB8, HB25, HB26, HB192, HB8, HB25, HB26, HB48, HB149, HB192, HB254, HB17, SB54, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB3, SB16, SB2, SB5, SB10
Keywords:
flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 7, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- be distributed gradually over a 10-year period to allow for balanced growth and infrastructure concurrency
Summary:
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met and first took up CS/HB 973, a broad special districts bill focused heavily on soil and water conservation districts. The bill would dissolve 35 soil and water districts effective December 31, 2025, based on an OPAGA review that found widespread problems such as lack of revenue, inactive boards, poor notice practices, public records issues, and late financial reporting. It also would let special districts use state contracts, authorize FDLE background checks for district employees, preserve fire district taxing/service authority after annexation, extend liability protections for outdoor recreation on certain district lands, tighten eligibility for soil and water supervisors, and shift complaint review to the Commission on Ethics. Supporters argued the districts are often inactive, duplicative, and costly to review, while opponents said many districts provide local conservation, water quality, outreach, and volunteer services and should be given more time to remediate.
Public testimony on HB 973 was mixed. Several soil and water district chairs and related advocates opposed the bill, saying their districts provide local conservation, flood, invasive species, education, and coordination services at little or no taxpayer cost, and that abolishing them would remove local representation and collaboration. The bill’s proponent, the Florida Association of Special Districts, supported the measure as a limited-government and accountability reform, arguing that districts with no revenue or contracts should not continue. Members debated whether the bill was relying on the OPAGA report while also eliminating future performance reviews, whether the Department of Agriculture could absorb the added responsibilities, and whether the districts should have been given more time to correct deficiencies. The committee ultimately voted the bill favorably, with one no vote from Representative Hinson.
The committee then considered CS/HB 995, which applies to Monroe County and the Florida Keys. The bill would exempt Habitat for Humanity in the Keys from construction performance bond requirements for affordable housing, extend the Florida Keys land acquisition/set-aside authority in Florida Forever for 10 more years, and extend the hurricane evacuation time frame from 24 hours to 24.5 hours to allow up to 825 additional residential permit allocations, phased in over 10 years and directed largely toward vacant buildable lots and workforce housing. An amendment was adopted to codify the 825-unit allocation and the distribution framework. With no opposition offered on the bill, the committee reported HB 995 favorably by unanimous vote.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 3rd, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Two years ago, the legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 3026 to study how we can further improve
Summary:
The committee met to review fiscal aspects of House Bills 1417 and 1425, both part of a broader criminal justice reentry package. HB 1417 would eliminate the $35 public defender application fee and end court-ordered reimbursement of indigent defense costs, while also removing the $55 monthly community supervision fee. Testimony from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the Department of Corrections said the bill would replace lost revenue with general fund appropriations of about $310,000 for indigent defense and $1.5 million for supervision fees, and that the fees are rarely collected and can hinder reentry. Representative Clemene said the bill is intended to reduce barriers to successful community reintegration and improve data and supervision practices.
HB 1425 would create and fund front-end diversion, deflection, and pretrial services programs. Supporters described it as allowing prosecutors and local jurisdictions to divert appropriate low-level offenders from prosecution, establish deflection programs for people with behavioral health needs, and expand pretrial services. The bill includes a pilot program in three counties, a $1 million appropriation to DOCR for one FTE and contracts with local providers, $750,000 to DHS for treatment services, and $55,000 for a study of pretrial services cost savings. Committee members asked several questions about how the pilot counties would be chosen, how the consultant study would be procured, and what services the DHS funds would cover.
The committee also heard House Bill 1603, which would provide a $500,000 matching grant for Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance, with $100,000 available to each of North Dakota’s five tribes if matched. Sponsor testimony said the funds would support a Historical Society NAGPRA compliance committee and help catalog and repatriate human remains and cultural items in coordination with tribes. After questions about the federal mandate and the difficulty of identifying artifacts, the committee voted 4-0 to give HB 1603 a do-pass recommendation, with Senator Meyer assigned to carry it forward.