Transcript Highlights:

• And that becomes the issue of who's not going to get funded if we fund this? Mr.
• So today it's a one-time funding request. So today it's a one-time funding request.
• That is the appropriation for the funds that we are receiving from the federal government for the Rural
• The only thing that my amendment is doing is putting the rural hospitals, the rural clinics, the rural
• This is the funding that would be available, gap funding.

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action. The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session. Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.

Transcript Highlights:

• matching funds.
• matching funds.
• Funding toward initiatives similar to the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund Initiative cannot exceed the lesser
• Funding toward initiatives similar to the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund Initiative cannot exceed the lesser
• Grant funds.

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date. Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability. Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if I am correct, this is the resurrection of the Rob Williams rural residency rotation funding from
• That is really rural. I think Albuquerque deserves rural.
• And so just say, well, it's rural. Rural me, no paved roads, population.
• It is rural New Mexico's culture. It is rural New Mexico's food.
• We combined other state funds. We combined capital funds. And we combined capital funds. Bonds.

Bills: SB5, SB6, SB8

Keywords: physician residency, healthcare, rural communities, medical education, appropriation, education, medical school, New Mexico, construction, behavioral health, funding, mental health services, general fund transfer, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as a rural resource.
• as a rural resource.
• the general fund.
• If this is not a revolving loan fund and we're taking money out of the general fund and putting it into
• If this is not a revolving loan fund and we're taking money out of the general fund and putting it into

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several rural health-related bills. Senate Bill 2401, as amended, required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and also added language allowing criminal history background checks for the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Supporters emphasized the role of nutrition in reducing chronic disease, and the bill passed 92-0. The House then considered Senate Bill 2402, which expanded pharmacists’ limited prescriptive and therapeutic substitution authority for certain low-acuity conditions and clarified related lab-test and communication requirements. Members discussed examples such as motion sickness, cold sores, lice, hypoglycemia, COVID and flu testing, emergency access to medications and supplies, and limits excluding certain drug classes; the bill passed 91-1. Senate Bill 2403 created a temporary medical facility emergency operating loan option through the Bank of North Dakota for qualifying rural hospitals facing severe financial distress, with extensive debate over the targeted nature of the aid, anti-gifting concerns, repayment terms, and the hospital’s turnaround plan; it passed 80-12. Senate Bill 2404 appropriated funds for NDIT to address federal digital accessibility requirements and for the Public Service Commission’s litigation efforts related to transmission costs, with a backup loan authorization available if needed; it passed 92-0. At the close of the session, leaders thanked members and staff for their work on the rural health transformation package, a committee notified the Governor and the Senate that the House had completed its business, absent members were excused, and the House adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• The special session of the Legislative Assembly is convened to act on funding related to the Rural Health
• Act on funding related to the Rural Health Transformation Program.
• This action is necessary to ensure North Dakota can swiftly accept and appropriate the federal funding

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of communications from the Secretary of State and Governor Kelly Armstrong certifying the special session call. The governor’s executive order said the session was called to act on funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program so the state could accept and appropriate federal funds and avoid interruptions to government services. Three new members, Representatives McNally, Scraw, and Timmons, were sworn in, and the roll showed 91 members present, establishing a quorum. The main business was a Rules Committee report outlining temporary special-session rules. The changes were designed to speed up floor action, including allowing second reading the same day a bill is reported from committee, final passage one day after first reading, and immediate transmission to the other chamber unless reconsideration is noticed. The report also replaced the regular standing committee structure with two joint committees: Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy, allowed remote testimony and remote member participation with approval, and limited bill introduction to Legislative Management-approved bills or bills approved by a two-thirds vote. Several deadline changes for resolutions and bill filing were also described, with some provisions delayed until the special session ends. The House adopted the Rules Committee report after a motion by Representative Bosch and no opposition. During announcements, the clerk listed the membership of the Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy committees, and the Highway Patrol announced safety sessions for legislators in the Rough Rider Room at 11 a.m. that day and the next day. The House then recessed until the joint session scheduled for 10 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Charles, how much is in the rural health care fund? I need to check.
• There was additional money on line 67 for that fund, for the Rural Libraries Fund.
• For that fund, for the Rural Libraries Fund.
• I'm just wondering, when are we going to address the $224 million for the rural health fund?
• How are we going to address the $224 million for the rural health fund?

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Transcript Highlights:

• universal service fund is maintained for our rural members.
• universal service fund is maintained for our rural members, which is to continue to receive support
• A committee substitute for Senate Bill 152 will use a state rural universal service fund to also support
• Chairman and Senator, the affordability component would provide funding to a lot of rural companies and
• Lines 44 and 45 remove the rural residency components from being funded using federal dollars.

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Bills: HB 1550, HB 1592, HB 1964, HB 2002, HB 2063, HB 2118, HB 2128, HB 2669, HB 2765

Keywords: veterinary, regulation, licensing, practices, board, administration, facilities, pest control, wildlife management, agriculture, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, nonprofit, food banks, agricultural products, grant eligibility, poverty alleviation, transportation, disaster relief

Bills: HB 1550, HB 1592, HB 1964, HB 2002, HB 2063, HB 2118, HB 2128, HB 2669, HB 2765

Keywords: veterinary, regulation, licensing, practices, board, administration, facilities, pest control, wildlife management, agriculture, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, nonprofit, food banks, agricultural products, grant eligibility, poverty alleviation, transportation, disaster relief

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, I thank you very much. fund by $1 for every $1 of federal funds fund by $1 for every $1
• little bit about the the funding plan? little bit about the the funding plan?
• private funds uh for those projects. private funds uh for those projects.
• that all the funds that will be needed? that all the funds that will be needed?
• perpetually funded uh payments. perpetually funded uh payments.

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 3, from page line 10 to 13, you're going to find that this appropriation of $200,000 is a general fund

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:15:19.440> permit in Teton County, they do not permit in Teton County, they do not permit rural
• 15:21.679> And<02:15:21.920> so<02:15:22.239> that<02:15:22.560> leaves rural
• And so that leaves rural subdivisions.
• There's not enough general funds, and so then up to $5 million of the LISRA is the backstop.
• There's not enough general funds, and so then up to $5 million of the LISRA is the backstop.

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:56.080> a difference in our schools by funding a difference in our schools by funding
• <00:09:32.959> resources state, and federal tax funded resources state, and federal tax funded
• neighboring states how they're funding neighboring states how they're funding their<00:29:51.120
• <00:30:10.720> mechanisms see are there other funding mechanisms see are there other funding
• and half will be federal fund.

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of state funds.
• the fund every biennium?
• We have a rainy day fund, and it's inevitable that at some point we will need to use that fund.
• fund already without it.
• Again, without some of these funds, some of these hospitals, especially in our rural environment, are

Bills: HB 104, HB2054, HB3459, HB3745, HB4486, HB4488, HB4601, HB104

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, HB 2054, Texas volunteer fire department assistance fund, Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, volunteer fire departments, wildfire mitigation, wildland fire, rural fire protection, insurer assessment, insurance premium tax, state appropriations, firefighting grants, emergency services, high-risk wildfire areas, Texas Comptroller, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to ask the ranking member for a voice sort of a voice amendment to increase the funding for
• So what was prepared in Senate Finance was Senate Bill 273, which basically provided them with funding
• It included funding for RAISE within DOT.
• The Otero money stays the same, and that has to do with the mechanism of the funding.
• What happens to the funds that are not used? I see that we're doing this for 27, Mr. Chair. So, Mr.

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a couple of components of this fund: $18 million of it will remain for rural services in New
• We coordinated with them in drafting this bill, and it's using the existing funds at the State Rural
• Universal Service Fund is maintained for our rural members, which is to continue to receive support
• Additionally, the fund also provides much-needed maintenance for rural New Mexico companies to continue
• It also restructures the Rural Universal Service Fund with clear budget caps and reporting requirements

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• services for veterans living in rural services for veterans living in rural Minnesota.
• families, especially in rural families, especially in rural communities,<00:02:55.599> that
• funding to LSS.
• But us rural water. I'm not sure.
• funding for this? funding for this? >> Representative<00:25:22.320> Myers.

Bills: HF4588, HF3685, HF4577, HF4932

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, mental health, behavioral health, rural health, rural areas, access to care, task force, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, general fund appropriation, veteran suicide prevention, PTSD, service members, military families, telehealth, rural psychiatry, high school diploma, armed forces, education policy, military service

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had some funds through the AZ SMART Fund.
• to the State Match Advantage for Rural Transportation Fund.
• The fund was created to assist rural communities to pursue and use federal transportation competitive
• You know, the SMART Fund was created to assist rural communities to pursue and use federal transportation
• grant funding.

Bills: HB2067, HB2068, HB2127, HB2164, HB2200, HB2201, HB2242, HB2283, HB2284, HB2285, HB2286, HB2287, HB2304, HB2306, HB2399, HB2601, HB2609, HB2760, HB2761, HB2859, HB2887, HB2892, HB2893, HB2894, HB2978, HB4027, HCM2012, HCM2016

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, infrastructure, Apache Junction, funding, Show Low, road extension, special license plates, nonprofits, charitable contributions, Reay Lane, Graham County, HB 2200, State Route 89, SR 89, Chino Valley, Arizona Department of Transportation, ADOT, road widening, highway expansion

Bills: SB 410, SB 795, SB 2510, SB 728, SB 2689, HB 143

Keywords: Gulf Coast Protection District, navigation safety, special districts, state governance, Texas legislation, Gulf Coast, flood protection, storm risk management, coastal restoration, natural resources, prescribed burns, self-insurance, fire management, liability protection, rural land management, recycling, environment, sustainability, economic development, Texas Recycling Fund

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also set to receive $652 million in BEAD funding from the federal government, and with these dollars
• we can fund critical infrastructure projects from Mankato to Minneapolis, from Mahnomen to Moorhead.
• high-speed, reliable broadband connections to over 1.5 million residents in the metro suburbs and rural
• <00:35:06.320> is that available Federal funding is that available Federal funding is deployed
• <01:36:36.000> from without um the additional funding from without um the additional funding

Bills: HF47, HF335

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF335, Greater Minnesota, economic development, public infrastructure, grant program, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, business development, infrastructure grants, local government aid, general fund appropriation, rural development, site development, utilities, roads