Transcript Highlights:

• If we just make this a product of budget discussions and we pass a budget at the same time we pass it
• A couple of things regarding the budget: we will do a budget this year.
• It will be a balanced budget.
• Budgeting in the Arizona legislature should budget for services for Arizona.
• to balance the budget, and I am willing to commit that... ...million dollars a year in this budget to

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The joint House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees met to hear identical conformity bills, HB 2153 and SB 1106, which would align Arizona tax law with the federal Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2026, including some retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bills would exclude three federal provisions: the higher federal SALT deduction, the new senior deduction as written in H.R. 1, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. They would instead include a $6,000 retirement-income deduction for taxpayers age 60 and older, a $6,000 Roth IRA contribution deduction, a higher dependent tax credit, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC estimated the package would reduce general fund income tax revenue by about $441.3 million in FY 2026. Members also discussed that the Department of Revenue’s forms had been issued assuming full conformity, and staff and supporters argued the bills were needed quickly to avoid confusion and amended returns during filing season. Committee members and sponsors largely framed the bills as tax relief and a way to provide certainty for taxpayers and preparers. Supporters said the package would help families, seniors, and workers, and noted that the Arizona version was negotiated to keep the overall tax relief roughly comparable to full conformity while shifting benefits away from the SALT deduction and toward child credits, retirement income, and child care. The sponsors also criticized the governor’s executive action and urged prompt passage so taxpayers would know how to file. Opponents argued the bills would reduce state revenue, worsen the budget outlook, and disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations. Several witnesses and members also raised concerns about the child care deduction, the retirement-income deduction, and the business expensing provisions, while supporters responded that the bill was designed to help working families and encourage saving and investment. Public testimony was mixed. The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club supported the bills, emphasizing early conformity, filing certainty, and reduced confusion for taxpayers and software providers. Opponents included Save Our Schools Arizona, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Opportunity Arizona, and several individuals, who argued the package would deepen budget problems and favor the wealthy. One witness objected to a federal school-choice-related provision she said was being tied to the bill, though committee members said the measure before them was a tax conformity bill and not a school finance bill. The hearing included extended debate over the fiscal impact, the governor’s prior requests for some of the same tax changes, and whether taxpayers would need to file amended returns if the legislature later changed course. The transcript ends during testimony from NFIB, with no final committee vote or action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a $6.3 billion budget, and I don't think it is a hard ask to find that within the budget.
• The reason that budget is $6.2 million is because there are a lot of entitled services in that budget
• This is a fairly significant budget.
• up in the IT budget as well.
• So what we did now in this budget, we removed that $2 million and used it someplace else within the budget

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2. The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The consent request is objection.
• I request unanimous consent that the clerk cease reading of the bill. Yes, it is requested.
• We have a negative 9.8% in this budget. We've worked this budget hard.
• You guys have heard this budget before, and it's still a good budget.
• With that, we've reduced this budget. We hope to see your green light and go home. Budget.

Summary: The House first approved the journal and then received several Senate messages, including enrolled bills and resolutions sent onward for gubernatorial action. It also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 516 after a lengthy debate over process and committee referral; members argued both that the bill had been handled through the rules and that it had been routed around the Education Committee and public input. The concurrence passed 41-23-6, and a later motion to send HB 516 to the Education Committee failed 20-45-5. The chamber then suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 1254, which would allow chiropractors with a clinical nutrition certification to acquire certain vitamins, minerals, fluids, epinephrine, and oxygen for office use. Supporters described it as a narrow deregulation to reduce barriers and costs, while opponents said it expanded scope and raised patient-safety concerns. The bill passed the House 43-22-5 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House next debated Senate Bill 1247, a 287(g) immigration-enforcement bill requiring local law enforcement agencies to apply for participation or explain why they could not. Supporters said it would strengthen immigration enforcement, bring federal reimbursement, and align with constituent concerns; opponents said it would impose an unfunded mandate, undermine local control, and force agencies into federal arrangements they did not want. After extensive debate, the House passed the bill 47-13-4. The House then moved to House Bill 621, a firearms/preemption measure affecting county buildings and courthouses, with supporters arguing it protected constitutional carry rights and opponents warning of major local costs and safety risks; debate was interrupted by a recess and continued when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like to request a roll call. All right. A roll call being requested.
• Despite being the only council to request an increase to its base budget during the January 28th hearing
• </c><02:16:03.280><c> request</c><02:16:03.599><c> for</c><02:16:03.760><c> the</c> work and to its budget
• request for the work and to its budget request for the coming<02:16:04.520><c> bienium.
• </c> request an increase to its base budget request an increase to its base budget during<02:16:44.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that our budget conferees should fight to ensure these amendments make it into the final budget
• And if you're really digging the budget, there's a lot of things in the budget that are great, right?
• We all looked at the budget. Some voted yes, some voted no.
• They spent a lot of time putting that budget together.
• Oh, sorry, a record vote has been requested.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledges, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Wilson County Day, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day, and Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, along with acknowledgments of visiting groups and a birthday greeting. The chamber also announced committee meetings and then moved into floor business, including conference committee action on Senate Bill 1, the state budget. A series of motions to instruct House conferees on SB 1 were debated and voted on. One motion sought to restore salary for Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment-related suspension; it passed 88-56. Another, from Rep. Olcott, directed conferees to support amendments requiring data collection on the costs of undocumented immigrants in hospitals and prisons; after extended debate and a failed amendment from Rep. Martinez Fischer to also study immigrants’ economic contributions, the motion passed 86-61. The House also adopted instructions to eliminate Texas Lottery Commission funding, to support amendments restricting public education institutions from affirming gender identities inconsistent with biological sex, and to seek an additional $4 billion in property tax relief, with each motion passing on recorded votes. The House then took up a supplemental calendar and passed several bills, including HB 39 on veteran death data, HB 102 on priority registration for certain students entering military service, HB 126 on student-athlete compensation and representation, HB 290 on tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, HB 300 on Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program updates, and HB 2143 naming a highway in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lins. The chamber also postponed consideration of HJR 2 and HJR 6. Later, the House considered HB 120 on career and technology education pathways and HB 20 on applied science pathway programs for high school students. HB 120 received a perfecting amendment and was advanced after discussion about workforce preparation. HB 20 prompted extensive questioning about transportation, costs, and how students would access partner campuses such as community colleges and TSTC sites; debate continued as the transcript ended, with members examining how the program would operate and whether approval authority would rest with TEA.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to request a roll call. Roll call. Request a roll call granted.
• The budget does conform to all of the budget rules.
• Roll call requested. you, Mr. President. Roll call requested.
• Roll call requested. Roll call correct? Roll call requested.
• He requests a roll call, and a roll call is requested.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair requests that people seat themselves and refrain from conversation.
• The Chair requests that people seat themselves and refrain from conversation. Mr.
• This budget is massive.
• Budget billing estimates the total of 12 consecutive months...
• Budget billing estimates the total of 12 consecutive months Budget billing estimates the total of 12

Summary: The House opened with routine formalities and then adopted a resolution recognizing the work of Ukraine Forward after suspending the rules. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to proceed, including proposals related to a poverty-reduction grant program, an unemployment insurance study commission, and a local police-exam age waiver. The House then took up a major energy bill, House No. 4744/5151, reported by Ways and Means and scheduled by Steering, Policy and Scheduling, and advanced it through second reading and to third reading after adopting the committee amendment. The main floor debate centered on the energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness bill. Supporters argued it would lower rates through reforms to Mass Save, changes to procurement and interconnection, returning a share of alternative compliance payments to ratepayers, and other consumer protections, while preserving long-term clean energy goals. Opponents said the bill’s relief was too delayed and that it added costs and bureaucracy without immediate help for households facing high bills. Several amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to suspend public benefit charges for a year, change utility rate-filing disclosure rules, and alter propane delivery protections; one amendment on solar siting in forested areas was also defeated. The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the energy bill by a roll call vote of 127-27, and earlier adopted the Ways and Means substitute version of the bill. The chamber also passed several other bills to be engrossed or enacted, including measures on unemployment insurance for fluctuating schedules, the Medical Society mission statement, a youth training wage, bridge and intersection designations, handicapped parking fines, public way safety, excavation restoration, and a Newton police age requirement. The House observed multiple moments of silence honoring deceased veterans, public servants, and community figures, including Navy Petty Officer Joden Booker, coach Thomas Skip Karam, former Police Chief Carlton Abbott, and former legislator William Q. Biff McLean, Jr.

Transcript Highlights:

• On summary BT, we align FY27 budget with FY26 actuals. Budget with FY26 actuals.
• A representative said this was in the FY26 budget, or it has been in the budget for—I think it's been
• I would also add, it's a poor timing model, the way our state budget works with school year budgets.
• s budget. Yeah, perhaps.
• Canby's Market was a department request as well as a governor's request.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a construction funding request. The state match being requested is 5,469,979.
• This is a construction funding request. The state match being requested is 5,469,979.
• Nicole Soto, we are going to be moving forward with our budget adjustment request for PSFA's operating
• budget.
• The website redesign that we had money from last year from a budget adjustment request has been completed

Transcript Highlights:

• So my request consists of the Middle Class Scholarship.
• Thank you. ...this budget.
• And I really think that that's what this budget does.
• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education is adjourned.
• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education is adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education held its close-out hearing for the 2026 budget plan, with the chair describing the Senate proposal as fully funding Proposition 98 and emphasizing investments in universal school meals, career education, immigrant and LGBTQ+ student supports, higher education compacts, community colleges, and other student services. Public commenters largely supported those priorities, including funding for CalNEW and Dream Resource Centers, educator workforce and English learner supports, community schools, special education, paid pregnancy leave, and the Middle Class Scholarship, while some raised concerns about proposed cuts, borrowing, and the inclusion of non-LEA preschool programs in Prop. 98.\n\nDuring member comments, one senator said many items were supportable but raised concerns about placeholder language, accountability, borrowing for the Middle Class Scholarship, and the structure of paid pregnancy leave and apprenticeship funding, indicating some no votes and abstentions. The chair responded that the budget reflects major investments in K-12 and higher education, including full Prop. 98 funding, elimination of the settle-up amount, expanded student aid, and continued support for immigrant students and resource centers.\n\nThe committee then moved through the vote-only calendar and adopted most staff recommendations by roll call. Several items passed unanimously or with one abstention/no vote, while some higher education and K-12 items drew opposition from one member, including the item on the Middle Class Scholarship borrowing structure and certain proposals related to pregnancy leave, Calbright/common cloud platform, apprenticeship backfill, and other specified issues. The hearing concluded after the chair thanked participants and adjourned the subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chair, Vice Chair, Department of Budget and Finance.
• Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's request for $30 million for additional jail planning
• as well as the additional $62 million requested for incarceration-related projects.
• We strongly support budget Justice.
• </c><00:26:06.159><c> for</c> the additional 62 million requested for the additional 62 million requested

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. and opened with instructions about live streaming, one-minute testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening on March 31 if technical problems interrupted the hearing. The committee then took up HB 300, which drew extensive testimony from state agencies, commissions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Many agencies, including Budget and Finance, Education, Health, Housing, and others, said they stood on their written testimony and supported the measure. One witness from the Kohala Island Reserve Commission supported the bill and asked for funding for a CIP project at its Kihei site to consolidate offices and generate revenue for Maui. Several groups, including the Hawaii Oral Health Coalition and the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis, supported funding for mandated oral health services and higher ABA provider rates for children with autism. In contrast, the Re-imagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition and Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice opposed $30 million for jail planning and additional incarceration-related spending, urging more investment in housing, mental health, youth programs, education, and restorative justice. The chair noted the testimony totals for HB 300: 186 in support, 91 opposed, and 52 comments. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 794 and HB 795. The Department of Budget and Finance supported HB 794, and the Tax Foundation was listed for HB 795 but was not present. No additional testimony was offered on either bill. After the testimony phase, the committee deferred all three measures—HB 300, HB 794, and HB 795—for decision making to March 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.

Transcript Highlights:

• I really have questions about the budget, and the bill is about the budget.
• I really have questions about the budget, and the bill is about the budget.
• Well, I mean, we are here to discuss the budget, I assume, because we have a budget bill in front of
• Well, I mean, we are here to discuss the budget, I assume, because we have a budget bill in front of
• </c> because we have a budget bill in front because we have a budget bill in front of<00:09:52.320><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• An electronic roll call vote has been requested.
• It's interesting, the budget, Mr.
• A roll call vote has been requested. A roll call vote has been requested.
• Same thing with our budget.
• Budget policy. Budget policy and how we manage it makes a big difference.

Summary: The House debated a series of amendments to a major income tax bill, with repeated arguments over tax fairness, affordability, administrative feasibility, and the role of the Department of Revenue. Early motions to reconsider a failed child care amendment were rejected, and Amendment 2561, which would have restricted data sharing with the IRS, was also defeated after debate over privacy, federal relationships, and whether the proposal was administrable. Amendment 2579, which would have required annual reporting on the tax’s effects on filers, businesses, and charitable donations, likewise failed, with supporters emphasizing transparency and opponents arguing DOR was not the right agency and the report was too speculative. Amendment 2598, proposing to use half of new revenue for a broad sales tax cut, was rejected despite arguments that it would reduce regressivity and provide immediate relief; Amendment 2556, expanding sales tax exemptions for diapers and other child-care essentials to include adult diapers and earlier implementation, also failed after debate over scope and timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• percent to 90% for the coming budget cycle.
• We requested a tour. I tried to friend request everybody on social media.
• We requested a tour. I tried a friend request everybody on social media.
• You know, if it was directed that per parent request, say in Texas, if a parent requests a camera to
• Do you think if you requested it that they could?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing focused primarily on special education-related bills, with testimony centered on two major themes: transition planning for students aging out of school-based services at age 22, and the fiscal strain special education costs place on districts. Committee members explained hearing procedures, noted the House was in formal session, and periodically stepped out for votes while staff recorded testimony. A separate bill on special education due process was also taken up briefly, along with a bill on special education finance and another on equitable access/data reporting. On House Bill 752 and Senate Bill 313, witnesses from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, self-advocates, and Senator Comerford described the “Turning 22” transition as a crisis point that often leaves families without adult placements, services, or clear communication. Testimony emphasized earlier planning, more accountability, better data collection, and a commission to improve coordination and residential placement. Several parents and advocates shared personal accounts of traumatic transitions, delayed placements, and the need for plans to begin at least a year before age 22. The committee later closed testimony on these bills after hearing from all signed-up speakers. House Bill 4217, on special education due process, drew support from Representative Sullivan-Almeida, parents, and advocates who argued that the burden of proof should shift from families to school districts. Testimony described costly legal battles, delays, and parents having to become experts in reading instruction or hire advocates and attorneys to secure services. Brody Dwyer, a 10-year-old student with dyslexia, and his mother described how evidence-based instruction helped him after years of struggle. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 546/Senate Bill 317, which would require DESE to publish cross-tabulated data on race, disability, gender, income, and other factors; advocates said this would better expose disparities and help address the school-to-prison pipeline. Finally, on House Bill 691/Senate Bill 430, school leaders, educators, and union representatives testified that special education costs are outpacing district budgets and that increasing circuit breaker reimbursement and creating a commission to study long-term sustainability would help prevent staffing cuts and service reductions. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee repeatedly closed testimony on individual bills as speakers finished and moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me see what page we're on for the State University System legislative budget request, and that is
• Today I'll walk you through the State University System legislative budget request, which was approved
• The board approved five items on the legislative budget request totaling $634.5 million.
• Questions on the budget requests?
• Anybody like to comment on either presentation, on budget requests, or on the strategic plan for our

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation on the State University System’s new strategic plan, SUS 30, and its legislative budget request. University officials described the plan’s five priorities: One SUS collaboration, elevating student success, operational excellence, world-class talent, and innovative research and economic development. They highlighted Florida’s continued status as the top higher education system in the nation, low tuition, strong graduation outcomes, rising median wages for graduates, and expanded use of the My Florida Future website to help students and families compare degree outcomes and earnings. Members asked for follow-up information on programs of strategic emphasis, mental health and social work workforce needs, wage data over time, and how the system supports innovation moving toward commercialization. The committee also discussed campus safety, prompted in part by recent events at FSU. System officials said universities and the Florida College System recently held a safety summit to share best practices on building security, threat assessment, and coordination with law enforcement, and they agreed to provide a report back to the committee after the Board of Governors reviews recommendations in November. Senators also raised questions about Pell student support, first-generation student success, and whether liberal arts graduates’ earnings catch up over time. Officials said Pell students are tracked through performance-based funding metrics and that the system’s accountability plans will continue to emphasize access and completion. A separate update covered line funding for nursing and health care partnerships. Officials said the $6 million appropriation was fully subscribed through 24 proposals from all 10 nursing programs, supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, internships, simulation, and licensure preparation. They reported over 1,900 new nursing graduates, more than 200 new student slots, over 300 scholarships, and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. Senators asked about expanding eligibility for the program, and staff said that issue would be revisited this year. The Board of Governors’ legislative budget request totaled $634.5 million and included $295 million for performance-based funding institutional investment, a request to restore and increase the state investment portion to $400 million, $125 million for preeminence funding, $100 million for faculty recruitment and retention, $6.4 million for UF/IFAS extension workload, and $3.1 million for State Fire Marshal inspections. The chair noted that resources are limited and that difficult budget decisions lie ahead. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the budget request is broken up into two different buckets.
• I am here in strong support of the $26 million budget request to protect access to transgender health
• Please approve this $26 million budget request so that California's protections remain meaningful.
• Hello, I'm a parent and a teacher, and I'm here to say that I support the $26 million budget request,
• I strongly, strongly support access to gender-affirming health care and this $26 million budget request

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• current banial<01:09:13.799><c> budget</c> banial budget banial budget 27.9<01:09:16.159><c> um</c><
• time, that budget was adopted, the budget we're in right now and about to finish up.
• This is the first year we come into a budget season with the money in the budget for 2025.
• in the governor's budget.
• into the governor's budget.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requests.
• budget perspective.
• In the 2026-27 proposed budget, the department is requesting $1.2 billion, an increase of $22 million
• The second increase in the requested budget is $17.6 million, including $6 million General Fund, for
• We respectfully request your support for a $30 million budget ask to offset the escalating liability

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, community care licensing, child support, and related budget issues. CDSS described the Governor’s proposed child and family services budget, emphasized a family-centered and kin-first approach, and reported that foster care entries and congregate care placements have declined over the past decade. Witnesses also highlighted the importance of extended foster care to age 21, while noting persistent racial disparities for Native American and Black children and the need for stronger prevention, family finding, and community-based supports. A major focus was the proposed tiered rate structure (TRS), which CDSS said would shift funding from placement-based rates to child-centered supports, including care and supervision, strength-building dollars, and immediate needs funding paired with high-fidelity wraparound services. CDSS and county representatives said implementation is on track, with foundational policy guidance expected by the end of the year, CANS/CFT timeliness targeted by year-end, and the CWS CARES system nearing go-live in October 2026. Counties and providers raised concerns about whether the rate model and wraparound capacity will be sufficient, especially for higher-acuity youth, and asked for more data, clearer guidance, and continued collaboration. County Welfare Directors Association representatives also requested continued emergency response funding and an extension of flexible family supports, arguing both are needed to stabilize front-end child welfare work and bridge to TRS. Providers from FFAs and STRTPs warned that insurance costs, provider closures, and the transition to TRS could threaten service capacity unless the state addresses long-term insurance and reimbursement issues. LAO noted the Governor’s budget contains no new child welfare augmentations and said the main General Fund change reflects the expiration of one-time funding. No votes were taken; members instead asked for follow-up data, technical assistance, and possible future legislative or trailer bill solutions, including on insurance and implementation timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• A COLA would go into effect for Plan 1 retirees unless, in the budget, the budget explicitly said a COLA
• which was kind of the explicit request that was made.
• So when the budget comes forward from the governor or when the maintenance level budget is calculated
• And that becomes also an issue for our budget.
• And that becomes also an issue for our budget writers as well.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to welcome everyone to the Budget Committee.
• So, our budget is PCB BUC 2601.
• Our total budget is a 2% increase over the current year budget.
• the budget for their operating costs.
• , 6th, and 14th circuits as requested.