Transcript Highlights:

• It's hard to really make these claims about causality, and so I want to make sure that the bill covers
• Moore already covered one of the issues I was going to discuss, and far better than I could: the need
• You talked about trying to strengthen the spelling out that it's not a sentient entity.
• Several entities provide aviation support to the state, including the Washington Air National Guard,
• Several entities provide aviation support to the state, including the Washington Air National Guard,

Bills: SB6046

Keywords: SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets

Transcript Highlights:

• This is defining which entities can get this tax credit as an advertiser.
• </c><04:23:22.800><c> every</c> I think that I think that covers every I think that I think that covers
• But it covers the nonprofits &gt;&gt; Yeah. Yeah.
• So, are we covering the right people and are we not covering the wrong people?
• That's does it cover them? Does it, or does it cover them?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oregon and New York learned from California's experience and created tax credits to help employers cover
• Bar 20 Dairy because we need to help approve this law because with 40 hours, it is not necessary to cover
• CAJPA represents the risk pools throughout California that many public entities use, including school
• However, SB 131 created an exemption for advanced manufacturing that is so broad that it covers strip
• They are barely able, as I mentioned, to cover basic necessities.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they covered two years of funding in one year in FY24.
• And this is the state's portion to offset foundation funds that are not covered by the URT.
• Portions of that $41 go to two other mechanisms or entities here.
• costs that are above what is covered in foundation funding.
• But we'll cover that a little bit more tomorrow as well for that. Okay. Thank you.

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• We take a portion of that and provide funding to those entities that have a median household income of
• One is to allow for rural electric co-ops to be eligible entities so they can now apply for the fund.
• We have already made loans to entities that were not on the PPRF authorization bill.
• Where we take a subordinate pledge is when the other lender is a governmental entity.
• It was clarifying language because it was financial assistance to disadvantaged entities, qualified entities

Transcript Highlights:

• Also exempt are transactions where any public entity is acquiring real property for transportation purposes
• Now this bill expands that public entity exemption.
• Under this bill, any public entity may solicit and engage in transactions for real property for any public
• I know that there was a Senate bill covering this issue, but maybe it's not a direct companion.
• It helps us make sure that we have cover and that consumers understand kind of what the state policy

Bills: HB1269, HB2624

Keywords: pawnbroker, fees, interest rates, consumer protection, financial regulation, real estate transactions, nonprofit, land conservancies, unsolicited offers, property rights, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also exempt are transactions where any public entity is acquiring real property for transportation purposes
• Now this bill expands that public entity exemption.
• Under this bill, any public entity may solicit and engage in transactions for real property for any public
• I know that there was a Senate bill covering this issue, but maybe it's not a direct companion.
• It helps us make sure that we have cover and that consumers understand kind of what the state policy

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee heard public testimony on several House bills. HB 2624 would expand an existing exemption in the solicited real estate transaction law to allow public entities to solicit and buy real property for any public purpose, and also for Indian tribes and nonprofit nature conservancy organizations; the sponsor said the bill is meant to fix an omission from last year’s law, while a forest landowners group opposed it as creating a loophole for low-ball offers to vulnerable owners, and Trust for Public Land supported it as a different kind of transaction with existing appraisal and public-process protections. HB 2334 would create a cash-transaction rounding system to address the end of penny minting; staff said rounding would apply after tax and be permissive for sellers, with immunity and preemption provisions, and retailers and grocery groups supported it as a practical solution to penny scarcity, while members asked about signage and mixed-tender transactions. The committee also heard HB 1269, which would shorten pawn loan terms from 90 to 60 days, raise interest and fee caps, increase storage fees, and allow online payments for extensions. Pawn industry witnesses and the sponsor said the changes are modest, overdue, and needed to reflect inflation and operating costs while serving unbanked customers; some senators questioned whether the combined changes would more than double costs for borrowers, and industry witnesses said they were willing to work on the numbers. HB 2428 would require insurers to send advance lapse notices for individual life insurance policies to policyholders and a designated third party, with proof of delivery, to prevent unintended lapses; the sponsor, the Insurance Commissioner’s office, life insurers, AARP, and a business group all supported the consumer protection goal, though insurers noted added compliance costs and the bill’s delayed effective date for new policies. Finally, the committee heard HB 1078 on pet insurance, which would bar cancellation or nonrenewal based on a pet’s age or conditions that develop during the policy term and would restrict certain affiliate-policy transfers; the Insurance Commissioner’s office strongly supported it as a consumer protection measure, and staff noted a fiscal impact estimate and a new fiscal note request. The committee also took testimony on HB 2624 from both supporters and opponents, and on HB 2334 and HB 1269 from industry and public witnesses, but no votes were taken in the meeting. The chair closed public testimony and adjourned the committee after hearing all scheduled bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when we have, let's just say some of the tribal entities are very quick about this.
• So they're asking for more evidence of readiness and also asking entities that if they're not ready to
• , to cover a number of things from distribution and other pieces.
• , to cover a number of things from distribution and other pieces.
• I think the strong sense is that this will be revenue positive for local entities and allow projects

Bills: HB248, HB309, HB332, SB48

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• However, due to the prohibition, these entities can no longer access those funds.
• If you meet... so the definition of a prohibited entity pursuant to H.R. 1 is that you made, you received
• So can you describe why this existing money is insufficient to cover these clinics until July?
• So can you describe why this existing money is insufficient to cover these clinics until July?
• Federal government does not cover abortion care.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 Medicaid funding prohibition. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants by the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which runs through July 4, 2026. The Legislative Analyst’s Office had no additional comments. Members also discussed related budget context, including the broader estimated loss to California providers, the use of grant funding rather than loans, and provisions exempting some contract and records information from public disclosure. Committee debate focused on whether the funding was an appropriate priority amid other budget pressures. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers, emphasizing that the clinics provide broader primary care services such as cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception, and prenatal care, and that the funding is not for abortion services because federal Medicaid dollars cannot be used for abortion. Opponents questioned the size of the appropriation, the use of General Fund dollars, the transparency exemptions, and why similar aid was not being directed to rural hospitals, disability services, Proposition 36, or other budget needs. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from reproductive health, medical, and health equity organizations, with some unrelated comments urging funding for dental care, disability services, housing, and county health systems. After public comment, the committee voted on AB 106 and passed it on a 12-4 vote. The bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill covers the Office of Insurance Regulation.
• And going forward, what does that mean for new entities?
• And going forward, what does that mean for new entities?
• Does your substitute amendment cover everything within the previous amendment?
• Does your substitute amendment cover what was in your previous amendment?

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1656, a major Office of Insurance Regulation bill covering reciprocal insurers, rate transparency, data calls, cybersecurity notification, and stronger oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The sponsor and OIR described the bill as aimed at transparency and preventing insolvencies, especially after recent CCRC failures. CCRC residents and industry representatives testified both in support and in opposition, with supporters emphasizing resident protection and opponents warning about liens, reserve requirements, management-company regulation, and higher costs. After debate and assurances that problematic provisions would be refined, the committee adopted a delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1658, which creates a public records framework for the uniform mitigation verification of inspection form database while protecting policyholders’ personal information; a clarifying amendment was adopted before the bill was reported favorably. SB 1612 on financial institutions was approved after a substitute amendment restored current limits on credit union investments and kept only reimbursement, not salary, authority for certain board members and officers. SB 1740, an insurance bill intended to reduce premiums and insurer insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit claim denials based solely on AI, then reported favorably. Two public-safety bills also moved forward. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety would update OSHA-related protections, address toxic exposure in gear, encourage safer replacement equipment, and support best practices and mental health resources; an amendment refined terminology and added related provisions, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing consumer protections and disclosure rules for excess and surplus lines and to clarify Citizens-related appointment requirements before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted ongoing stakeholder negotiations and intent to refine several bills further in later committee stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are a non-governmental entity, but it's very unique, because even though we're... not governmental
• We might question. that doesn't mean we wouldn't try to cover them but if they were doing their job in
• a normal workspace environment and whatever, then yes, that would still be covered, yes.
• Those agencies and then those delivery entities for the agencies such as community colleges. and the
• But I won't repeat what she said, because I thought she covered it quite well.

Bills: HB406

Keywords: local economic development, notification, workforce development, municipal agreements, county contracts, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Requires the Dawa County RMA to cover all costs to construct and maintain West Duppin Road and any other
• Under existing Texas law, licensed automotive parts recyclers are the only entities in Texas permitted
• Under existing Texas law, licensed automotive parts recyclers are the only entities in Texas permitted
• required, but if they want to, they can, then they can put up a sign recognizing that person or entities
• required, but if they want to, they can, then they can put up a sign recognizing that person or entities

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of mostly local transportation and memorial designation bills. Several measures would rename highway segments in honor of fallen service members or public servants, including HB 2026 (Gary C. Johnston memorial highways in Archer County), HB 4429 (McIlroy Family Memorial Highway in Blanco and Burnet counties), SB 3062 (Hamby-Webb Memorial Highway in Panola County), HB 3510 (Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway in Brazos County), and HB 3986 (Corporal Speedy Espiriueta Memorial Highway in Mission). The committee also heard HB 2560, which would create an optional county-road “adopt-a-road” style program allowing donations for county road repair and maintenance. Two bills drew more substantive policy discussion. HB 2427 and HB 2455 concerned oversized/overweight freight corridors and permit authority in Hidalgo County tied to cross-border trade near the FARR International Bridge. Supporters, including the bridge director, said the measures would correct prior road descriptions, put existing TxDOT actions into statute, improve truck routing, and support trade and bridge expansion. The committee substitute for HB 2427 also removed Roma permit language, barred certain hazardous-material permits, raised permit fees, required local cost responsibility for road maintenance, and made the bill contingent on SB 2949. HB 5436 would allow licensed automotive recyclers to buy certain older, long-unregistered vehicles for dismantling or scrap without a title, with reporting, lienholder notice, and anti-theft safeguards; recyclers and dealers supported it as a way to curb illegal untitled-vehicle sales and VIN cloning. HB 3966, authored by Sen. Alvarado, was the most contested bill. It would require commercial passenger bus companies to mail advance notice to residents within one mile before opening a new stop or terminal. Alvarado said the bill responded to the relocation of a Greyhound terminal into a Houston neighborhood without notice and to resulting crime and nuisance concerns. Greyhound opposed the bill, arguing the notice requirement would be burdensome and could delay emergency relocations during hurricanes, flooding, or lease changes. After testimony, the committee voted to report most bills favorably, with HB 3966 passing on a 5-2 vote; the other reported bills passed unanimously. Several bills were also placed on the local and uncontested calendar, and the committee recessed to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was matched at 33%, which covered a third of our engineering costs, basically.
• That was matched at 33%, which covered a third of our engineering costs, basically.
• Got virtually, if you cover it up, it'll virtually last forever.
• We are a surface water delivery entity.
• We are a surface water delivery entity.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the January 29, 2026 minutes and then heard a lengthy informational presentation on Idaho water projects and water management. Laura Hurway of the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators framed the discussion around statewide water challenges and the need for public-private investment. Presenters from the Boise River Basin, eastern Idaho, and the Twin Falls area described infrastructure modernization, canal lining, telemetry, recharge, and data collection efforts intended to improve efficiency, protect water supplies, and avoid future curtailment. Committee members asked about water savings, groundwater impacts, project timelines, and the role of incidental recharge, and witnesses emphasized that many projects take multiple years and combine state, federal, and private funding. Lori Gray described the $21 million modernization of the Ridenbaugh Headworks Canal, including automated gates, fish screens, and improved safety and efficiency, with funding from state grants, the Idaho Water Resources Board, and federal Reclamation/WaterSMART money. Daniel Hoke outlined the Treasure Valley Water Supply Project, which uses telemetry and modeling to track declining drain return flows and ungaged returns, with a proposed 15 Mile Creek regulation project to stabilize flows. Jay Barlogia detailed the Twin Falls Canal Company’s large canal-lining and pipeline project, including a $26.3 million grant and work to reduce seepage while balancing groundwater recharge concerns. Alan Jackson and Aaron Dowling discussed eastern Idaho groundwater and surface-water projects, including monitoring wells, telemetry, canal automation, and pipeline conversions, with testimony focusing on better aquifer understanding, reduced pumping, and local economic benefits. The committee then introduced and advanced several measures. It voted to introduce RS 331-09C1, a proposal giving the Idaho State Department of Agriculture continuous spending authority for the Range Land Improvement Fund, and RS 331-35, a concurrent resolution supporting wildlife crossings when backed by local communities. The committee also sent House Bill 502, which codifies Forest Products Commission rules and updates statutory language, to the House with a due pass recommendation after testimony that it supports forest education and active management. Finally, it sent Senate Joint Memorial 107 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; the memorial supports the Integra Delamar gold mining project and urges federal agencies to move the NEPA/permitting process forward. Witnesses said the project has been in BLM review since 2020, has recently been placed on the Fast-41 transparency dashboard, and is expected to bring jobs and tax revenue, while committee members noted the need for timely state DEQ processing as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> entity is the Wyoming business council. entity is the Wyoming business council.
• </c> entity is uh it's thick, isn't it? entity is uh it's thick, isn't it?
• And so I think that's covered.
• </c><01:19:06.080><c> rated</c> covered by the business rated covered by the business rated communities
• Um let me let me take a a quick covered.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So then you have entities.
• So then wouldn't it already be covered in our law?
• It's not covered here, and I'm the rooftop guy. I'm the every-solar guy.
• We will be covered on two sides.
• I think it's been covered already sufficiently.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I currently refer 20 to 30 patients every month for procedures covered in this bill.
• Those two schools are actually covered by the same accrediting board.
• Entities, not-for-profits dealing with children.
• We have a severe problem of cover-ups of some neglect, some abuse, sexual misconduct.
• But regardless, if we're putting the state's children into an entity, it must be licensed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee continued a public hearing on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ scope of practice. Supporters, including Dr. Kelly Deering, said optometrists are trained to perform the listed office-based procedures, that rural Missouri lacks access to ophthalmologists, and that the bill would reduce wait times, travel burdens, and costs while helping retain students and practitioners in the state. Opponents, including representatives of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, argued the bill does not guarantee rural access and said the procedures should remain within the medical/surgical training of physicians. Members also questioned training on live human eyes and how suspicious lesions would be handled. No vote was taken, and the hearing on HB 2897 was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2353, which would create a licensing and sign-and-seal framework for interior designers and move oversight to the board that includes architects, engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects. Sponsor Rep. Sherri Gallick and supporters said the bill modernizes regulation, recognizes accredited education and NCIDQ testing, and would let licensed interior designers take responsibility for non-structural interior design work without hiring an architect to stamp plans. Opponents from the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers and others said they were still negotiating but remained concerned about scope-of-practice language, especially phrases like “all interior design of buildings” and “publicly occupied buildings,” which they said could create overlap with architecture and engineering or unintended obligations for public entities. Testimony also focused on whether unlicensed interior designers would still be allowed to work under carve-outs. No final action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2241, which would create a separate framework for certain faith-based residential child care facilities to operate without a state license while registering with the state and meeting background-check, reporting, and oversight requirements. Sponsor Rep. Jamie Gregg and MACA representatives said the bill is intended to expand foster placement capacity for children in need while preserving the religious mission of Christian homes, and they cited federal and state initiatives encouraging partnerships with faith-based providers. Opponents argued the bill would create a two-tier system, weaken state licensing protections, and risk placing vulnerable children in facilities without the same direct oversight, inspections, and reunification safeguards as licensed foster homes. Members raised concerns about abuse history at some faith-based homes, the role of the proposed board, and whether religious practices or other mission-based rules would conflict with child welfare standards. The hearing continued with additional testimony; no vote was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• State groups and entities that are neither in support nor in opposition will be allowed to give testimony
• If a measure has more than two entities in the tweener category, only two would be allowed to speak for
• it to cover more and more of these more standardized situations.
• If a campus loses its accreditation, it loses its accreditation; that's not covered by this bill.
• If a student, if a campus loses its accreditation, it loses its accreditation; that's not covered by

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• My skeleton is covered in lesions from the top of my head to my femurs. I didn't feel sick.
• Because, to be clear, insurance does not cover the long-term care that we need.
• It will cover all of the unfunded gap in our infrastructure all across the country.
• Massachusetts under this bill could qualify for up to $106 billion over 10 years to cover all of that
• To cover all of its infrastructure needs today, tomorrow, and forever.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on a proposed Massachusetts baby bonds program, including H. 3429, S. 2146, and the Treasurer’s related bill H. 48. Treasurer Goldberg and a broad coalition of advocates, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experience said the program would create trust accounts for children born into low-income families or in DCF custody, with funds available at age 18 for education, homeownership, business startup, or other long-term asset-building uses. Supporters argued the program would help close the racial wealth gap, improve economic mobility, and not affect eligibility for financial aid or public benefits. Committee members asked about administration, investment returns, eligibility, and withdrawal rules; the Treasurer said the accounts would be held in trust and managed by her office with an advisory board, with funds accessible at 18 and usable through age 35 if the beneficiary remains a Massachusetts resident. No vote was taken during the testimony shown. The committee also heard testimony on legislation establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, including S. 2666 and H. 4625. Senator Ross, Representative Badger, physicians, survivors, and advocates described invasive lobular carcinoma as difficult to detect because it often grows in lines rather than forming a lump, can be missed on mammography, and is underfunded and underrepresented in research and clinical trials. Witnesses said the bill would codify an annual October 15 proclamation to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and encourage more targeted research and treatment. Committee members asked why the disease is so hard to detect, and medical witnesses explained the imaging challenges and the lack of lobular-specific protocols. The witnesses urged favorable reports. The committee then took testimony on H. 4648, a bill concerning the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge by the Stockbridge-Munsee community. Representative Davis, the Stockbridge Land Trust president, and the tribal president testified that the bill would remove a conservation restriction tied to a state MVP grant so the tribe could manage the land without a restriction that they said would conflict with tribal sovereignty and Indigenous stewardship practices. They said the parcel is a sacred site connected to Monument Mountain and that the restriction is unnecessary because the land is already surrounded by conserved property. The witnesses asked for favorable action on the bill. Finally, the committee heard testimony on H. 3416, a resolution urging Congress to create a national infrastructure bank. Representative Senna and several advocates argued that an off-budget infrastructure bank could finance major repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, rail, water systems, broadband, and housing without adding to the state budget, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Witnesses cited historical precedents for national infrastructure banks and said Massachusetts could benefit substantially from such a program. The transcript shown does not include a committee vote or final action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• businesses struggling under the weight of that mandate with the cost and trying to find employees to cover
• And we've proposed requiring the state to cover the cost of new health care mandates like Democrats have
• Democrats will point to the universe of people that it covers, saying it's, you know, I think on tips
• </c> to the universe of people that it covers to the universe of people that it covers saying<00:10:41.360
• And we saw, for example, today a pass-through entity tax, an extension of that pass-through entity tax

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Speaker Lisa Damoth and Leader Harry Niska held a press availability focused on “affordability” in Minnesota, arguing that families are being squeezed by rising costs for groceries, child care, housing, insurance, energy, and property taxes. They blamed recent DFL control for spending down an $18 billion surplus, raising taxes, and adding mandates and fees, and said House Republicans are prioritizing lower taxes and reduced mandates to help families keep more of what they earn. They outlined a package of Republican proposals, including making the state’s reinsurance program permanent, expanding direct primary care, requiring the state to pay for new health care mandates, allowing schools and local governments to opt out of some unfunded mandates, creating a property tax commission, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, repealing the retail delivery fee, ending the Social Security tax, lowering car tab and boat fees, and returning future surpluses to taxpayers. They also criticized DFL proposals such as additional health care mandates, a climate super fund, and higher car tab fees, and said they oppose any new tax increases. In response to questions, the leaders said some affordability measures could be affected by federal policy, but emphasized that many cost drivers are within state control. They said they are open to broader property tax relief, including caps, and to investments in DHS and county systems modernization to reduce fraud and improve efficiency. They also said they do not expect a large omnibus bill at the end of session, arguing that bills should move individually through committee and onto the House floor, and they accused House Democrats of delaying bills for bargaining leverage. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• those topics in the future as we get ready to kick those projects off, in my presentation I'm going to cover
• of all major state areas of government, so we want to try to make sure that that coverage kind of covers
• The legislature gave OSPI some additional monitoring and regulatory oversight of those entities and then
• We try to make sure we have topics that cover that wide array of government services.
• We'll cover the following tables.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.