Presiding Senator, chair of the Senate Appropriations — Government Operations Division, opened the division's organizational meeting and called for roll call before outlining the committee's approach, assignments and upcoming hearing schedule.

The chair said members should “come with an open mindset, open and objective mindset, and a willingness to go to work,” and listed the agencies and budgets assigned to the division, including the state auditor, state treasurer, tax department, public service commission, agriculture, insurance, securities, Office of Management and Budget, legislative branch, financial institutions, Department of Transportation, trust lands, Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension, indigent defense, adjutant general, Game and Fish and—new to the division—highway patrol and the adjutant general budget. The chair also noted the Department of Corrections moved out of the division's purview but said the division can still provide input to the full committee.

Nut graf: The meeting established how the division will operate during the session — assigning members to shepherd specific budgets, setting next week's hearing schedule and deciding how votes will be recorded — matters that shape how the division processes appropriations and hears public testimony.

Committee staff and members discussed how votes should be recorded. Carol, the committee clerk, and the chair raised the option of keeping the traditional voice roll call for this small panel, with the chair saying the simplest approach “would be to have Carol recorded. We'll just do a voice vote.” Senator Eberle spoke for using electronic voting provided the result can be displayed: “I'm totally fine with doing electronic. I got this as long as we can see it on the screen, so we know how everybody's voting.” Committee members also noted practical concerns about electronic voting when members forget devices; the chair said he could enter votes at the end of the day if necessary.

Staff confirmed logistical deadlines and the week-ahead schedule. Brady, legislative staff, said the committee will be provided a full list of assigned budgets for both halves of the session and that meeting schedules must be submitted on Thursday: “so we're required to submit them Thursday.” Brady also outlined the coming week's hearings: Monday — Department of Financial Institutions, Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigence, Department of Trust Lands; Tuesday — joint revenue forecast, highway patrol and Department of Transportation; Wednesday — joint meeting on the Armstrong budget recommendation in the morning and an afternoon Department of Commerce session; Thursday — agricultural research and extension; Friday — legislative branch (scheduled 8:30 to 10 a.m.). Brady said he would email the schedule to members.

The chair designated Senator Dwyer as his backup presiding officer should he be absent; staff clarified there is not a formal title change but that the chair should name someone to preside in his absence. Members also discussed allowing virtual testimony when necessary so witnesses who traveled long distances can be heard.

Members used the organizational meeting for brief introductions and to describe experience relevant to the division's work. Several senators and staff spoke about prior service on appropriations or related committees, and staff described how they support the division's workflow.

Ending: The chair closed the meeting after reiterating the schedule for the week and asking staff to distribute materials and binders. Staff said they will send the finalized schedule and related materials ahead of next week's hearings.