Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to receiving general fund, they also receive some funding from other sources, such as the
• Other sources, such as the tobacco settlement, etc.
• The state teen court has lost its other revenue source, so the only revenue source they have right now
• Again, I respect that difference of opinion, but those are the two primary sources for the executive
• Again, you have the fund balance that could be utilized, and then I think the fourth source for you,

Transcript Highlights:

• do see, for instance, in the Capital Area that they have been able to tap into some other funding sources
• It would have prohibited the sale of inhumanely sourced dogs and cats.
• Some of these pet store chains are selling non-ethically sourced animals, even... their customers to
• We don't want to be forced into buying a dog or a cat sourced from a government animal control agency
• Families deserve access to healthy pets from vetted sources where they know its medical history, where

Bills: HB74, HB175, HB460, HB576, HB2271, HB2294, HB2874, HB3016, HB3133, HB3191, HB3458, HB3929, HB4063, HB4115, HB4394, HB74, HB175

Keywords: Puerto Verde, Port Authority, eminent domain, bonds, tax assessments, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, public welfare, child care, certifications, Texas Rising Star Program, grant program, disability inclusion, family income, affordability, economic impact, state study, cost analysis, government support

Transcript Highlights:

• beverages consisting of high-quality beverages consisting of high-quality local<00:08:07.200> source
• <00:08:07.600> locally<00:08:07.960> sourced local source locally sourced local source
• locally sourced ingredients. ingredients. ingredients.
• outstanding outstanding locally sourced outstanding outstanding locally sourced spirits,<00:09:23.400
• <00:29:38.320> of<00:29:38.440> supporting it adds the same sources of supporting it

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Rabbi Toby Weisman, who spoke about Passover, the obligation to remember liberation from slavery, and the Torah’s repeated command to love the stranger. He connected that theme to immigrants and the need for community, courage, and small acts of kindness. After the devotional, the chamber took up three Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 179 on the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act to Judiciary, S. 212 on potable water supply and wastewater system connections to Environment, and S. 227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools to Education. The House also referred H. 558, relating to the Medicaid School-Based Services Program, to Appropriations, and H. 937, reported favorably by Ways and Means, was also sent to Appropriations under House Rule 35a. The House adopted JRS 45, a joint resolution on weekend adjournment for March 20, 2026, by voice vote. It also read and adopted several concurrent resolutions, including HCR 187 congratulating Village Garage Distillery of Bennington for a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, HCR 213 recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont, and HCR 224 congratulating Vermont athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games and designating March 18, 2026, as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. Members made remarks in support of the resolutions, including praise for the distillery, social workers, and senior athletes, and guests in the gallery were recognized. The House then took up H. 887, which would amend the Fair Employment Practices Act to align documentation rules for crime victims with the protections already available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the safe leave law. The committee and sponsor described it as a modest but important fix to ensure survivors can access both leave and anti-discrimination protections without conflicting paperwork requirements. The House agreed to the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. Next, the chamber began H. 917, an omnibus military affairs bill combining several measures: correcting the Adjutant General title, defining Gold Star family member, creating a hiring preference for military spouses in state government, and providing free parking for disabled veterans. The sponsor outlined the bill’s purpose and sections, and discussion began on the title correction and related provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last... with nucleon that groundwater probably isn't a good source for nuclear.
• NDSU and the Center for Social Research, I believe, provide a trusted and credible source of research
• And they speculated this is a source of uranium.
• Hosting a nuclear energy source effectively becomes a site for indefinite on-site storage.
• Unfortunately, many of those mines are still abandoned and sources of contamination.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and discussion reviewing revenue sources and discussion reviewing revenue sources for<00:37:22.880
• <00:37:32.320> the looking at various revenue sources the looking at various revenue sources
• on revenue sources including property taxes<00:37:45.280> but<00:37:45.520> also<00:37
• <00:37:51.040> So<00:37:51.359> hopefully<00:37:52.079> um different sources
• So hopefully um different sources.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met to consider eight bills, beginning with HB 443 on the terms of appointment for members of the Higher Education Commission. Department of Education Director Steve Applebee explained that the commission supported a language change to address a holdover issue, but members raised concerns that the bill did not solve the problem of inactive members and might not address the broader question of whether the commission should continue to exist. The committee agreed to retain HB 443 for further work and voted 18-0 to do so. The committee then voted on HB 137, which would allocate excess statewide education property tax funds for local school and municipal purposes. Supporters of ITL argued that using the statewide property tax to reduce the state’s school funding obligation could create a slippery slope and shift more burden to property taxpayers. The committee voted 15-3 to ITL the bill, with a minority report to be written. HB 237, which would prohibit the use of special education and differentiated aid funds on students not receiving special education services, was also ITL’d after members said federal law already governs how IDEA-related funds may be used and that the bill was unnecessary. That motion passed 16-0, with some members not voting because they were out for medical reasons. The committee next advanced HB 354, creating alternative certification pathways for career and technical education instructors. Members said the bill could help recruit qualified tradespeople and retirees to teach in CTE programs, and it was approved 18-0 and placed on the consent calendar. HB 491, establishing a committee to study alternative public education funding methods and reduce reliance on local property taxes, was retained for further study after members said the committee or a subcommittee could continue the work over the year; it passed 18-0. HB 656, concerning local school districts’ authority to accept federal grants, was also retained after discussion focused on transparency, grant conditions, and the need to avoid delays in services; it passed 18-0. The committee then moved on to HB 729, an appropriation for an attorney to recodify education laws, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• In funding from state sources.
• X sources, state fees, whatever sources go into the general revenue fund that are transferred into the
• And you say, state sources, what's the difference?
• In terms of what the state puts in from state revenue sources.
• because they don't have local tax sources.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• So, historically, this has been a good source for us. Oh, sorry. Oh, you know why that happens?
• We really just need to figure out how to maintain a reasonable source of funding.
• been a good source for us. Oh, sorry. been a good source for us. Oh, sorry.
• maintain a reasonable source of funding. maintain a reasonable source of funding.
• <00:47:32.640> of um may become the primary source of um may become the primary source of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:44.920> for Wild rice has been a food source for Wild rice has been a food source for
• It is our identity, our livelihood, and our traditional food source.
• for our for our rice. as a back source for our for our rice.
• You know, that's our life source. We need to protect this manoomin.
• know, that's our life source, you know. know, that's our life source, you know.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their sole source of money is property taxes, and it will be very difficult to replace that source.
• Their sole source of money is property taxes, and it will be very difficult to replace that source.
• Their sole source of money is property taxes, and it will be very difficult to replace that source.
• Now, granted, it's a different revenue source, but listen to the similarities.
• So what, do you know what money source paid for that? Representative Gregory: Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments. Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71. The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's that funded by, the special fund source that was in the staff analysis?
• And we are insisting that local governments prove that they have a permanent dedicated source.
• So even if we change certain words in statute, we can't actually change that source of data.
• Statute, we can't actually change that source of data as we get it.
• local or regional source of homelessness funding, a new local or regional source of funding, impact

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision proposals focused on housing, homelessness, and related administrative changes, and took no votes, holding items open for later action. Item 1 would realign staff positions and resources as part of the Governor’s housing and homelessness reorganization, including shifting two Cal ICH positions to HCD, moving one Cal ICH position for communications/external affairs, and authorizing a chief deputy director at the new Housing Development Finance Committee. Administration witnesses said the changes were technical and net zero-cost, while the LAO recommended approval but asked for clarification on funding for the chief deputy. Several senators questioned whether the staffing shifts would weaken Cal ICH’s homelessness work and whether adding communications capacity was appropriate without new housing funding. Item 2 proposed creating a $100 million Disaster Rebuilding Fund at CalHFA, with $56 million General Fund and $44 million in existing National Mortgage Settlement funds, to support disaster-impacted homeowners through tools such as loan loss guarantees and interest rate buy-downs. CalHFA said the fund would help homeowners bridge the gap between insurance proceeds and rebuilding costs and would work through approved lenders. The LAO raised concerns about the lack of alternatives in the proposal, the broad discretion left to CalHFA in program design, and the General Fund cost. Senators pressed for more detail on eligibility, equity safeguards, lender oversight, and how many homeowners would actually benefit, with some warning the proposal was too open-ended and could miss the most vulnerable households. Item 3 addressed trailer bill language for HAP Round 7, including a proposed $500 million General Fund allocation tied to new accountability measures, pro-housing designation requirements for 14 large cities and 11 counties, local match requirements, streamlined system performance metrics, and recapture/reallocation of unspent funds. HCD said the proposal would avoid a new application process by treating Round 7 as additional disbursements of Round 6 and would provide technical assistance to jurisdictions. The LAO and several senators questioned the timing, the burden of pro-housing designation and local match requirements, the vagueness of some standards, and whether the proposal would delay rather than speed up funding. Members also debated whether the trailer bill preserved or weakened existing homelessness accountability metrics and whether the approach was too complicated given local budget pressures and ongoing homelessness needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another source is base funding for Cal Fire operations.
• Another source is based funding for Cal Fire operations.
• And instead, we're trying to take it out of temporary sources. To Cal Fire.
• And instead, we're trying to take it out of temporary sources like GGRF, etc.
• That's going to be our only source of funding.

Summary: The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request. Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals. Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression. The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we have so many media sources and people tend to polarize towards the media sources that affirm their
• <00:10:30.640> tend<00:10:30.840> to media sources and people tend to media sources
• <00:10:32.400> that polarize towards the media sources that polarize towards the media sources
• And now they're seeing this as a source of revenue and adding it to the cost of the development. will
• of revenue and and adding it to source of revenue and and adding it to the<00:20:12.520> cost

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Using the Earth's heat as a source of both heating and potentially electricity production, New Mexico
• It is a clean, zero-emission source of heat and electricity. Geothermal energy is always present.
• That use ground source heat pumps to provide heating and cooling for their buildings.
• Phase one was legislation to help us expand known existing sources of geothermal energy.
• Basic household needs—again, the only source of water for many of these communities is groundwater.

Transcript Highlights:

• At one point, I think I mentioned I've had 17 different fund sources when I ran these programs locally
• So, this was a way to have some funding source to support CTE career education type of programs?
• They cannot match within CTE-specific funding sources.
• Are you auditing all the grants, or are you auditing on an annual basis the funding source or stream?
• It's not, this is not the only source of funding.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• home at that time similar to the Brown family had the device been in that home no matter what the source
• Gas ignition continues to be a major source of structural fires across the country, per a 2024... ...
• ignition continues to be a major source of structural fires across the country.
• Third, these bills offer a sustainable revenue source, dedicating 33% of marijuana excise tax revenue
• These bills offer a sustainable revenue source, dedicating 33% of marijuana excise tax revenue so we

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills, with strong support expressed for a proposed municipal and public safety building authority (H. 2571/S. 1650). Municipal officials, fire chiefs, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, regional planning leaders, and Senator Comerford described aging town halls, fire stations, DPW facilities, and other local buildings, especially in small towns and gateway cities, and argued that local budgets and Proposition 2 1/2 make major capital projects difficult to fund. Testimony emphasized the need for a dedicated revenue stream, with the bill proposing a share of marijuana excise tax revenue and a rural funding set-aside. Committee members asked about prioritization and funding levels, and witnesses said even a modest start would help address a large statewide backlog. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee later adjourned unanimously. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2689, requiring fuel gas alarms/detectors in residential dwellings using explosive gases. Representative Jeff Roy, Susan Brown, Jason Cohn, and representatives from NEMA and Kidde supported the bill, describing it as a life-saving measure similar to carbon monoxide detector requirements. Witnesses cited the 2015 Franklin propane explosion that killed Nancy and Robert Brown, the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, and national fire data showing fatalities and property damage from gas leaks. They said detectors are affordable, commercially available, and should be required where gas is used; one witness noted battery-backed or battery-operated options exist. Committee questions focused on cost, battery power, outdoor propane setups, and whether the bill would cover private databases or only residential safety devices. Another major topic was S. 1755 on missing and abducted children. Senator Pavel Payano testified in favor, citing the case of Lee Manuel Villoria Paolino and arguing that misclassification of missing children as runaways can delay urgent response and worsen outcomes, especially for Black and brown youth. He said the bill would set minimum law enforcement response standards, require training, and expand multilingual intake forms. The committee also heard support for expanding the state DNA database through familial DNA searching, with Dr. Amory Myers explaining that the technology could help solve long-unsolved cases while including guardrails to prevent use of private consumer DNA databases. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on H. 2740, “Colby’s Law,” establishing safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Colby Lippincott’s family, community members, and industry representatives described his fatal crash and urged requirements for medical staff, insurance, inspections, warning systems, barriers, and access roads. Witnesses said the bill would not end the sport but would create basic protections, and the committee heard that Massachusetts would join a number of other states with similar standards. The hearing ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where are the sources?
• I think this is a great cause from an ineligible source of funds.
• Is there any funding sources other than state funding for the program? Well, Mr.
• So, without a non-general source fund, I cannot vote for this bill.
• I think both programs do... amendment to change the source of the funding.

Bills: SB1112, SB1517, SB1537, SB1584, SB1673, SB1776

Keywords: mental health, hearings, acquaintance witnesses, patient rights, treatment evaluation, barbering, cosmetology, appropriation, funding, licensing, board operations, peace officer, training, public safety, traffic offenses, judicial system, corrections, recruitment, state budget, crime victims

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on March 25 for what was described as its last regular meeting, with a possible special meeting tentatively planned for the following Tuesday. The committee first took up Senate Bill 1112, as amended by a strike-everything amendment that would appropriate $1 million from the Special Services Fund in FY2027 to the Arizona Department of Corrections for holistic, studio-based rehabilitative programming, with a required report due by June 30, 2028 on spending and outcomes such as self-harm, discipline, and recidivism. Testimony from the founder of Art of Our Soul and a formerly incarcerated peer facilitator emphasized trauma-informed art and music therapy, reductions in disciplinary violations and self-harm, and benefits for both incarcerated people and staff. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 1112 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1776, which would allow urban Indian organizations to provide traditional healing services reimbursable through AHCCCS or the Arizona Long-Term Care System. The sponsor said the bill was intended to align Arizona with federal approval and other states’ models. AHCCCS testified neutral but said the bill would require a waiver change, likely at standard FMAP rather than 100%, and estimated a $1.3 million general fund impact; the chair said a COW amendment and fiscal note were needed. Members raised concerns about cost and access, and the sponsor clarified the bill was meant for American Indians and family members served through IHS-related facilities. The committee ultimately passed the bill out with a do-pass recommendation, though several members voted no or present over funding concerns. Senate Bill 1537, which would rename the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund as the Public Safety De-escalation and Life Safety Fund and repeal an inactive advisory commission, failed after testimony from a legislative liaison explaining the fund’s history and use for equipment and de-escalation tools. Some members supported the cleanup, but others objected after the Arizona Police Association opposed the change and argued the commission should be reformed rather than repealed. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1584, as amended, which would provide $1 million for Department of Corrections recruitment and training, funded instead from the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund. Testimony supported the need to address DOC staffing shortages, but some members objected that the fund was restricted to peace officer equipment; the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill out. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1673, which would fund the law enforcement crime victim notification system. A chair amendment shifted the source from the general fund to the victim compensation fund and reduced the amount to about $2.5 million. Testimony from the Arizona Sheriffs Association, a vendor, and the City of Phoenix described the notification system as constitutionally required, widely used, and important for victim safety and communication, but several members argued the amendment would take money from victim compensation and “rob Peter to pay Paul.” The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 1673, as amended, a do-pass recommendation. The chair closed by noting the committee was adjourned and that a special meeting might be posted for the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• that have caused it to become the major source.
• Chairman, um, has, is DOT, I mean, do you, are you employing any Outside sources or consultants that
• Chair, has been looking for a steady source of revenue and, and something I support, which is a steady
• source of revenue for the most important things which are building the important infrastructure and
• And, but even now, Going for a steady source is going to be more difficult as the price of of of crude

Transcript Highlights:

• have to support their general operations, and how do these sources vary by type and size of university
• funding from other places, other sources.
• funding from other places, other sources.
• Any further comments on these various funding sources on the restricted—you know, certainly there are
• Do we have any public comment on this dealing with the general topic of other sources of revenue?

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat. The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students. In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• author's amendment that was just adopted, as long as they provide transparency about where they are sourcing
• <00:02:49.200> their<00:02:49.440> dogs about where they are sourcing their dogs about
• where they are sourcing their dogs and<00:02:50.000> cats<00:02:50.239> from.
• that these plan while also ensuring that these animals<00:02:57.760> are<00:02:58.000> sourced
• animals are sourced responsibly. animals are sourced responsibly. uh<00:03:00.560> even<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The second largest source in that other category is really driven by your high federal mineral leasing
• But we do know that there are some funds coming through for troops through different sources.
• Generally, federal funds are a challenging source of dollars, even when we're not in uncertain times.
• I mean clearly tracking and documenting federal funding sources, and ideally understanding the scope
• and timelines associated with these sources.