Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony will be limited to three minutes per individual.
• both English- and limited-English-speaking families.
• So the program aims to rich low income and food insecure residents, including both English and limited
• English-speaking and English and limited English-speaking families.
• It establishes a fund for just three years, so it's time-limited.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held its second hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including food security, cottage food entrepreneurship, hemp regulation, lobster industry support, pesticide restrictions, pollinator protections, pet cemeteries, and municipal land rights. Committee chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted that 19 bills were on the docket, and took testimony both in person and remotely, with several legislators testifying out of turn because of scheduling conflicts. Several speakers supported food access and local economic opportunity bills. Representative Howard and Senator Oliveira backed the Food Justice Frontline Program and a cottage food/food entrepreneur bill, arguing they would fund nonprofit food security organizations, create jobs, improve SNAP/HIP outreach, and reduce barriers for home-based food businesses. Eastie Farm representatives and a student testified in favor of the food justice bill, describing food insecurity in East Boston and the need for grants, youth involvement, and multilingual outreach. Sidney Travis of the Institute for Justice also supported cottage food reforms, saying current municipal permitting rules create unequal access and that cottage foods are generally safe. The committee also heard sharply divided testimony on hemp legislation. Senator Comerford supported S. 54 as a public health measure to ban synthetic THC products, restrict intoxicating hemp sales to licensed dispensaries, and fund local enforcement, while Laura Beiner, John Nathan, and Elizabeth Wendorf opposed the bill or parts of it, warning it would harm compliant hemp businesses and small farmers. Representative Arena-DeRosa testified in support of a related pollinator bill, and Adam Karachi opposed pesticide restrictions for schools while Deborah Smith supported them, arguing existing protections should be expanded to other child-centered locations. The committee also heard support for a bill to aid lobstermen affected by right whale protections, a bill to preserve private pet cemeteries, and a municipal right-of-first-refusal bill for agricultural and recreational land. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• resources we have and they will be more limited as we move forward, given what it looks like the economy
• But we're going to be able we have to limited. We want we want to get through all our questions.
• We are forced to use other sources of allowable income to supplement to keep up with the market.
• When a student graduates from FAMU, his or her income will exceed, he's will family income, therefore
• And it does limit financial stability.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:10.400><c> it</c><00:45:10.559><c> is</c> income it is income it is the<00:45:12.480><c> uh</c
• </c><00:45:44.040><c> there</c> that would be the agency income there that would be the agency income
• </c> position so shows up as agency income position so shows up as agency income because<00:51:48.599
• limited role with the overall um limited limited role with the overall Dam<01:14:18.320><c> maintenance
• And I believe if we had the $5,000 limit versus the $1,000 limit, it would really eliminate a lot of

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Installation rates increase with income, and the state offers financial assistance, but its reach is
• limited.
• We found that installation rates increase with driver income.
• Because it could be that, especially with the lower-income folks, they just start taking the bus.
• Only about half of the overall costs are provided to low-income folks right now.

Summary: At the April 8, 2026 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 7 minutes and recognized Marilyn Richter for more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that JLARC staff presented to five committees during session, six bills or budget provisos implementing prior recommendations were enacted, and seven new study assignments were received. Members approved the updated 2025–2027 biennial work plan, including the new studies and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard a presentation on a new post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures. Members then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that many drivers required to install ignition interlock devices do not do so, with installation rates rising with income, and identified problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and coordination with the State Patrol. Both agencies said they concurred with JLARC’s recommendations to clarify responsibilities, formalize coordination, and develop a plan to increase installation rates. The committee approved the final report. Next, JLARC reviewed the final report on drug takeback fee setting and expenditures. Staff concluded that the Department of Health’s fee design limits full cost recovery and that the agency should publicly report oversight costs and activities; the legislature should revise the fee structure to better align with best practices. Members discussed whether the program should remain at DOH or be housed elsewhere, and adopted committee comments emphasizing transparency and future sunset review work before approving the final report. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focusing on state-owned Tier 1 buildings and K-12 facilities in the first compliance cohort, with questions centered on compliance costs, energy savings, funding sources, fines, and possible workforce or budget impacts. The meeting ended with administrative announcements about upcoming meetings and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• with all relevant state agencies, such as WOTEC and other agencies, instead of including but not limited
• It restores language that members of the forum may be reimbursed for travel expenses and limits the stipends
• with all relevant state agencies, such as WOTEC and other agencies, instead of including but not limited
• income constrained employed, low income, and we were able to close some of the racial wealth gap. 95
• For the community we serve, individuals returning from incarceration, immigrant families, and low-income

Bills: HB2157 , HB2351 , HB2365 , HB2357 , HB2446 , HB2523 , HB2606

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection, civil rights, discrimination, facial recognition, automated decision-making, deployers, developers, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, employment, housing

Transcript Highlights:

• As a reminder, testimony from each individual will be limited to a specified time.
• Each witness will be limited to two minutes, and we will save questions for the end of each panel.
• For example, you can verify the applicant's income with the Texas Workforce Commission.
• They're not going to have a big change in their income.
• These were in very rural areas and very low-income inner-city areas.

Bills: HB1531 , HB2667 , HB2809 , HB2865 , HB3589 , HB3151 , HB3748 , HB3750 , HB4419 , HB4643 , HB3597 , HB4129 , HB4130 , HB4131

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, I particularly love the focus on low-income entities or houses.
• </c> utilities service providers low-income utilities service providers low-income advocacy<01:18:11.920
• </c> significant burden on our low-income significant burden on our low-income households<01:21:03.719
• But yes, the funding is more limited than it has been in the past. So, Mr.
• Those are cost shifts that go on to lower-income people.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• For low-income parents, that penalty can be self-defeating.
• suspensions for parents at or below 70% of the county median income.
• AB 2195 eliminates a counterproductive policy which limits the earnings capacity of low-income parents
• This bill only applies to those who make less than 70% of the area median income.
• Over the last decade, I have been on a fixed income.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:44.080><c> collections</c> 2.7% and investment income collections 2.7% and investment income
• , because we're not utilizing the upset limit of every contract.
• And the upset limit and don't expect to.
• </c><00:32:21.760><c> of</c> we're not utilizing the upset limit of we're not utilizing the upset limit
• </c><00:54:30.640><c> at</c> not meeting the authorization limits at not meeting the authorization limits

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee for Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the July 15 minutes by voice vote after quorum was reached. The committee heard an update from the Transportation Cabinet on the road fund for FY 2024-25. Cabinet staff reported road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, with motor vehicle usage tax receipts setting an all-time high for the fifth straight year. Motor fuels tax revenue was below estimate and down from the prior year, while overall road fund collections totaled $1.86 billion, essentially flat year over year. Staff said the road fund ended FY25 with a $61.6 million surplus, which under the budget bill must be appropriated to state construction. Members discussed the gas tax formula, with Senator Higdon arguing it no longer works well because revenues fall when fuel prices fall, and the chair noting the committee may need to revisit the formula. The committee then received an update on High Growth County projects in the 2024 highway plan. KYTC said $16 million in HGC authorizations had been made, nine projects already had construction funds authorized or were otherwise underway, 12 more were scheduled to be let by the end of 2025 with estimated construction costs above $250 million, and one additional project was expected to be awarded through alternative delivery. The cabinet said it anticipated authorizing the full $450 million appropriated by the General Assembly. Members praised the effort and emphasized the need to get projects to market before the next budget cycle. Jason Sala of KYTC also explained why transportation projects take time, citing planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation as major steps that can delay delivery. He said these processes are complex and require coordination with property owners, utilities, consultants, contractors, and local governments. Eric Pelfrey then briefed the committee on professional and personal service contracts, saying they are used to expand cabinet capacity for design, inspections, right-of-way appraisal, safety, and related work. He reported that authorizations and payments for these contracts have trended upward over the past decade, and that the number of contracts has also increased. In response to questions, Pelfrey said design-build can speed some projects by overlapping steps, but it does not eliminate right-of-way or utility work when those are required; he said KYTC has been using alternative delivery more often, but project complexity still limits how quickly work can move.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:06.320><c> the</c><00:12:06.440><c> amount</c><00:12:06.800><c> so</c> and limit the amount
• so and limit the amount so medical<00:12:08.000><c> companies</c><00:12:08.560><c> pharmaceutical</c
• </c> consumers to understand the limitations consumers to understand the limitations of<00:13:54.320>
• It keeps eligibility tied to income and targets relief to middle- to low-income Minnesotans who are feeling
• targets relief to middle to income and targets relief to middle to low-income<00:15:47.320><c> Minnesotans

Transcript Highlights:

• Users are going to pay sort of different amounts, irrespective of income.
• It's not tied to any income sensitivity or ability to pay.
• And taking out rural and taking out low-income, how is this fair to people who are not low-income, not
• The average income in my district is $45,000.
• increasing the economic burden on low-income communities.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we need income state income tax.
• </c> speed limit? I have several in my area. speed limit? I have several in my area.
• </c><03:40:34.360><c> Uh</c> speed limits are important. Uh speed limits are important.
• . limits. limits.
• </c> or to limit this. or to limit this.

Transcript Highlights:

• We as a city are one of the low-income households throughout the state.
• I don't know how we're going to fund those back, but we truly need those incomes.
• That shouldn't just be limited to a city like Springfield.
• “There are no subsidies available, like income-eligible subsidies available.
• Nearly 45% are English language learners, and 85% are low income.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, it reported nationally 7.1 million units short
• for extremely low-income renters.
• We really do have some outdated zoning barriers which limit our housing supply.
• You just made it within the limit. That was good time.
• By reducing local discretion and oversight, SB 131 limits municipalities' ability to balance housing

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 211, which would appropriate $5 million for the Las Vegas Rodriguez Park. Senator Campos said the money would help continue upgrades to baseball, softball, and little league fields and address fencing, flooding, and other park improvements as part of a larger regional park plan. There was no public opposition, and the bill received a unanimous do pass recommendation, 7-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 131, a broad housing and zoning reform measure sponsored by Senator Maestas. The bill would allow more housing types by right, including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes, apartments in commercial zones, small-scale commercial uses in neighborhoods, and would eliminate minimum parking mandates; an amendment to remove height restrictions was adopted unanimously. Supporters, including Pew, housing advocates, chambers of commerce, builders, and some local officials, argued the bill would increase supply, lower costs, and modernize outdated zoning. Opponents, including the Realtors, Municipal League, neighborhood representatives, and several senators, argued it would preempt local control, ignore community differences, and could create infrastructure and neighborhood impacts. After extended debate, the committee tabled SB 131 by a recorded vote. Senate Bill 183 was next, proposing a feasibility study for a regional urgent care or emergency facility in Torrance County. The sponsor and local officials described long ambulance transports, heavy use of I-40, and the need for quicker access to care for rural residents and travelers. The bill drew support from a former hospital administrator and no opposition, and it passed 9-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 222, which would appropriate $20 million for physician residency programs outside the federal system to help retain doctors in New Mexico. The sponsor and supporters said the state loses many medical graduates because of limited residency slots, while one witness urged accountability for large hospital systems. Some senators questioned the premise and feasibility, but the bill advanced on a 6-4 do pass vote to Finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The low-income home energy assistance program.
• programs, including low-income energy efficiency programs.
• </c><00:57:16.960><c> that</c> is purported to maybe have income that is purported to maybe have income
• It would be time-limited.
• It would be time-limited.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• , banks... ...the lowest amount of income.
• But it's very limited. It's very segmented where you have to do it.
• And we can solve the income tax elimination. We can solve a lot.
• There's a limited liability company.
• We actually have a version of this in Missouri, but it's very limited.

Summary: The House recognized its drafters and research staff, then moved through committee reports and several conference committee reports and final passage motions. Senate Joint Resolution 87 was adopted and finally passed after debate over a provision affecting the City of St. Louis sheriff; supporters said the final version restored the original format with a minor wording change, while opponents argued it removed local voter control. The resolution passed 95-46 on both the conference report and final passage votes. Members then adopted and finally passed Senate Bill 973, a measure combining a wholesaler provision and a land bank/real estate transparency provision, with supporters describing it as consumer protection and cleanup language. Senate Bill 1421, a public safety package, was also advanced after a motion to exceed the conference differences; debate focused on clean slate provisions, masked intimidation penalties, prosecuting attorney salaries, fentanyl language, good time credit, Brianna’s Law, and a St. Louis liability provision. The conference report passed 116-18, final passage 110-25, and the emergency clause for the drone-related portion passed 136-5. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate Bills 835 and 1111, a broad package including insurance claim assignment protections, court automation updates, treatment court administration, a circuit judgeship codification, a St. Louis civil case surcharge, and anti-SLAPP protections. Senate Bill 1408, which authorizes MoDOT and the Highway Commission to consider raising rural interstate speed limits from 70 to 75 mph, was receded to the Senate version and finally passed 93-46. Senate Bill 913, extending multiple agricultural tax credits through 2033 and adding a short-line railroad credit, drew extensive debate over tax credits, budget priorities, and return on investment before the previous question was ordered and the bill passed 107-30. Finally, Senate Bill 1553 was passed, creating incentives and a grant program tied to critical minerals and pharmaceuticals to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers; supporters framed it as a jobs and national security measure, while one member raised concerns about local revenue impacts before clarifying the bill’s scope. The House then received Senate messages indicating the Senate had passed a House bill, and the session continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> there</c><00:01:58.840><c> are</c><00:01:59.520><c> um</c><00:01:59.640><c> any</c> would be limited
• If there are um any would be limited.
• it's and even now I still struggle to make ends meet, and it's tough uh being a single mom on one income
• it's tough uh being a single mom on and it's tough uh being a single mom on one<00:05:15.480><c> income
• Um and so, I've one income with a kid.

Transcript Highlights:

• Limiting hours of service of drivers of motor carriers of railroad employees.
• House Bill 43, introduced by Representative Cates, is an act relating to housing, requiring owners to limit
• income screening calculations to the remaining ratio of income to rent payment after income from federal
• House Bill 51 creates the Energy Storage System Corporate Income Tax Credit.
• funding formula, increasing the basic program unit for 6th through 12th grades, and defining the family income

Transcript Highlights:

• PROVIDERS ARE TO BE REIMBURSED UP TO THEIR RESPECTIVE UPPER PAYMENT LIMIT GAP FOR INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT
• PAYMENTS TO CERTAIN QUALIFIED HOSPITALS THE LAW ESTABLISHES AN ANNUAL ALLOTMENT FOR EACH DATE THAT LIMITS
• SMITH YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO EXPLAIN THE AMENDMENT. >> THIS IS THE LOW INCOME POOL PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL
• AMENDMENT. >> FLORIDA KID CARE IS THE STATES CHILDREN HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR UNINSURED LOW INCOME
• CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 19 WITH FAMILY INCOMES UP TO 200 PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL.

Transcript Highlights:

• tax, or corporate income tax.
• It was financed through a low-income housing tax credit in addition to Arizona Department of Housing
• and the incomes are more limited as well.
• We found it frees up discretionary income for our residents, quite frankly. Yeah, Mr. Go ahead.
• To that point, to the builder of a low-income facility, correct? It’s a tax cut, yes.

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public monies from being used for genetic sequencing procedures involving devices made by companies owned or substantially controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was no public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2804, which creates a rural development and housing tax credit capped at $2 million per year and tied to federal low-income housing tax credit projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Flagstaff mayor, and housing investors/developers, argued it would leverage private capital to address rural affordable housing shortages, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents. Opponents, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, hard to oversee, and can add complexity and higher per-unit costs. The bill passed 13-4 with one not voting. HB 2388, as amended, appropriates $100,000 for the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study would help Arizona plan for energy demand and data center growth, while opponents argued the agency should use existing funds instead of a new appropriation. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 10-7 with one not voting. The committee also received a presentation from the Auditor General on county treasurer procedural reviews, including the response to the Santa Cruz County treasurer embezzlement case and the office’s ramp-up plan for reviews and staffing. Later, the committee approved HB 2352, which appropriates $2,385,900 in FY2029 to make the Auditor General’s county treasurer review funding ongoing. Members supporting the bill said the office needs certainty to plan audits and retain staff, while opponents objected to funding it so far in advance during budget uncertainty. The bill passed 11-7. The committee also approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five county sheriff task forces in Cochise, Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties; supporters said it codifies the long-standing distribution practice, and it passed 17-1. Finally, the committee heard HB 2499, which would provide $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration; supporters argued the program’s rapid growth requires more staff for enrollment, reviews, and accountability, while members questioned the lack of standardized testing data and how to measure student outcomes. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on HB 2499.