Transcript Highlights:

• There was, yeah, there was no note on it, so that's why I like it.
• So the amendments that were put on the House simply eliminate any fiscal responsibility on the state
• The amendments that were put on the House simply eliminate any fiscal responsibility on the state for
• I think there are possibly 860,000, is what the notes say on here.
• There's a fiscal note for this. I'd have to get it pulled. I don't have my iPad with me.

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Summary: The Senate convened with 26 members present, heard a prayer from Dr. Steve Horn, and recited the pledge. The chamber then handled messages from the House, including concurrence in SCR 83 and appointment of conference committee members on several disagreements. A number of Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, mostly creating study task forces or commending individuals and organizations, including resolutions on energy infrastructure, breast pump access, insurance coverage for auto repairs, biomarker testing, higher education funding, public-private partnership contracting, and various commendations. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, while others were returned to the calendar or concurred in by recorded vote, including SCR 29 and SCR 33 with House amendments. The Senate also considered House and Senate bills and resolutions returned from the House, with many measures adopted or concurred in. Notable actions included concurrence in HCR 117 on homeowner insurance claims processes, adoption of HCR 5 on special red drum harvest permits, and passage of bills on TOPS Tech eligibility (HB 325), vapor product permitting (HB 623), ABLE/Tuition Trust administration (HB 749), design services contracting (HB 755), rare cancer advisory board composition (HB 761), non-emergency medical transportation reimbursement (HB 1028), public meeting notices (HB 1049), healthy food retail financing (HB 1194), genetic testing coverage for SCN2A disorders (HB 1199), grocery initiative grants (HB 1222, which failed), and a constitutional amendment on retirement debt repayment order (HB 27). The chamber also adopted HCR 95, creating a joint rule requiring a fiscal review of certain tax measures for sales and use tax uniformity. Several measures drew extended debate. HB 181, which would allow the legislative auditor access to Medicaid and SNAP-related tax information for eligibility verification and fraud review, prompted concerns about privacy and scope but ultimately passed 26-8. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners generated amendment discussion about board composition and transparency, including live video broadcasting of meetings, but was returned to the calendar before final action. HB 1018, creating a temporary local moratorium on certain alcohol permits in one Shreveport district, passed after discussion about broader policy solutions. The Senate then recessed for lunch at 2 p.m. after completing the subject-to-call list for the morning session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's important to note for the committee.
• This is the second reallocation for fiscal year 26.
• The school continued an $8 million appropriation increase from the prior fiscal year into this year.
• The request notes the majority of these increased cases are for other states.
• The request notes funds would be used to make a subgrant to UALR to hire staff to work on the grant.

Summary: The committee heard a series of appropriation requests and contract reviews across multiple sections. In Section B, members approved temporary appropriations for the Court of Appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics, and Insurance-related payments and refunds. Section C ARPA requests from DHS were approved to return unused federal funds. Section D infrastructure-related appropriations, including wildfire preparedness, broadband BEAD funding, forestry support, recycling, and oil and gas sample preservation, were approved after questions about broadband audit controls and performance safeguards. Section E DHS reallocations were approved, including large transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical to private and public nursing home lines, along with smaller transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services; members asked about the source and purpose of the medical services transfer. Sections F and G were reviewed, covering cash fund requests, federal grants, and miscellaneous grants, including community college storm repairs, corrections commissary and maintenance, 911 enhancements, maternal health, disability determinations, state police equipment, digital newspaper archiving, and CDL data improvements. In Section H, the committee reviewed pay plan appropriations and performance fund transfers tied to the new Class and Comp pay plan. Section I reviewed three methods of finance for UA Little Rock, UAMS, and the University of Arkansas system. In Section J, the committee reviewed discretionary grants, including a $1.4 million HIV services grant and nine tobacco prevention subgrants through UAPB. Members questioned the effectiveness, metrics, and addresses of some tobacco-cessation arts-based grantees, especially Arts Absolutely Inc.; after discussion, Representative Kavanaugh moved to expunge the vote on J2 and refer it back for review at a later ALC meeting, and that motion passed. J3, a Department of Energy and Environment grant for propane safety training and e-waste recycling services, was then reviewed. The committee also reviewed contracts in Section K. K-1 ratified emergency management nuclear planning work performed during a transition between agencies. K-2 construction contracts included architectural and engineering services for corrections, National Park College signage, a Razorback Road parking facility, and UAMS cyclotron installation. K-3 intergovernmental contracts covered health, education, autism waiver, stroke, newborn screening, Medicaid evidence review, and radiation testing services. K-4 out-of-state contracts included staffing, IT, tobacco prevention, audit, marketing, planetarium, recruitment, and janitorial services; Senator Irvin noted one contract appeared to belong in the out-of-state list rather than intergovernmental. K-5 in-state contracts covered staffing, cleaning, re-entry and treatment services, foster care and disability services, hearing officers, asbestos abatement, campus IT support, and janitorial work. The meeting ended after a brief personal update from Senator Irvin about tornado damage in Stone County and thanks to members for their concern, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• our CD1, the only thing we did was change the effective date, and we're putting in $2 million for fiscal
• year 2026 and $2 million for fiscal year 2027, and mode of funding, funds.
• And we do have a quorum. year of 2026 and fiscal $2 million for year of 2026 and fiscal $2 million for
• That's what my notes are saying. Okay. Okay. I don't... Well, I am going to take your word for it.
• That's what my notes are that correct? That's what my notes are saying.<00:03:52.560> Okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This of course is important as noted previously in calendar year 2023, Florida, Medicaid covered 46%
• It's important to note that these measures have been replaced with agency calculated child course at
• It's important to note that up through 2019, the agency had been comparing the current year.
• Florida statewide performance on this metric improved steadily from fiscal years, 13, 14 through 17,
• It percentage points between federal fiscal years, 13, 14 18, 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I would mention that the fiscal note, if you'll look on the fiscal note, there are some costs
• And that should help out with the fiscal note as well, because they'll have curriculum that's already
• So I think that's important to note as well. Representative Cabralow, to inquire. Proceed.
• And so, on the fiscal note, no one's asked the question about the fiscal note.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I, along with Senator Mendez, will have some questions on that fiscal note because I'm, as far as
• Well, it's okay, gentlemen, because the fiscal note already has built-in growth. I've just read it.
• The fiscal note on this—I was not surprised for the 2026-27 biennium because that was limited by the
• TEA submitted different assumptions in their fiscal note response.
• But we do call out all of those assumptions in the fiscal note to make it clear.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits. The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation. Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Selective fiscal policy issues.
• Last fiscal year, we resolved over 18,500 consumer complaints.
• Moving to page 3, selected fiscal and policy issues.
• Moving to page 3 for selective fiscal and policy issues.
• In fiscal 24, we deposited $160 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since this bill was originally drafted, there has been an updated fiscal note as to what the potential
• note or the potential anticipated costs of a reinsurance program may be.
• informed about what the um latest fiscal informed about what the um latest fiscal note<00:03:05.040
• That would be a fiscal question. Okay, okay, we're getting ahead of myself here.
• That would be a fiscal question. Okay, okay, we're getting ahead of myself here.

Bills: HF837

Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I read over the bill and I looked; I did not see a fiscal note.
• Is there a fiscal note associated with it? Witness: No, sir.
• Senator Carter [member_23784]: Is there a fiscal note associated with it? Witness: There is not.
• Any fiscal note on the bill?
• Witness: There isn't a fiscal note, but of course there were fees for the first three late fees, so there

Bills: SCR58, SB309, SB514, HCR63, HCR69, HB401, HB487, HB722, HB730, HB745, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1218, HB1244

Keywords: SCR 58, Senate Concurrent Resolution, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3, public-private partnership contracting, Belle Chasse Toll Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge, toll bridge, tolling, tolls, transportation infrastructure, roads and highways, Plaquemines Parish, bridge project, toll fees, unauthorized charges, contract oversight, procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard from the Joint Fiscal.
• The Appropriations Committee reviewed the bill and went through the same fiscal note that the Committee
• <01:59:57.960> Committee same fiscal note that that um Committee same fiscal note that that
• in fiscal year 2027. in fiscal year 2027.
• this fiscal year. this fiscal year.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bahr: So, Miss Lancheski, what's the fiscal impact then, or is it unknown?
• Chair, Senator Drazkowski, glad to report there is no fiscal note as it sits.
• <00:15:57.360> note glad to report there is no fiscal note glad to report there is no fiscal
• note as<00:15:57.839> it<00:15:58.079> sits.
• I can't imagine there's no fiscal impact to the bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Deputy Secretary for BCSH over Admin and Fiscal Policy.
• Withholding resources beyond the beginning of the fiscal year would delay the implementation and may
• For the upcoming fiscal year, including this moment, we have about 3.4 billion dollars.
• In light of the estimated budget shortfall and the state's fiscal condition, the May revision proposes
• And would be the largest statewide change management effort since fiscal.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any reservations to be noted?
• investments while practicing fiscal investments while practicing fiscal responsibility<00:27:20.080
• Highlights include $193,820,000 in fiscal year 26 and $124,898,000 in fiscal year 27 for affordable housing
• <00:32:59.519> year<00:32:59.840> 26<00:33:00.720> and 193,82,000 in fiscal
• year 26 and 193,82,000 in fiscal year 26 and 124,898,000<00:33:03.760> in<00:33:03.919> fiscal

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fund and if you read through the fiscal fund and if you read through the fiscal note<00:09:06.360
• 00:09:13.920> the updated fiscal note for this bill the updated fiscal note for this bill the
• and this fiscal and this fiscal note<00:09:40.040> uh<00:09:40.200> states note uh
• <00:21:46.600> note somewhat according to the fiscal note somewhat according to the fiscal
• I think the fiscal note notes $5.36 million in the first year.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I know it's lacking a fiscal note.
• Um and I I know it's uh lacking a fiscal<01:12:58.400> note.
• So if it could go on today fiscal note.
• note it generates look at the fiscal note it generates revenue<01:44:34.719> but<01:44:34.960
• The premium subsidy bill, I think, was similar in the fiscal note we received, but we need the fiscal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:38.599> that Mr chair um I just wanted to note that Mr chair um I just wanted to note
• Staff responded that there was a fiscal note on the first seven sections of the bill in front of the
• There is a pending fiscal note request now for the new bill.
• ><00:21:15.200> seven<00:21:15.919> sections fiscal note on the first seven sections fiscal
• <00:21:34.480> note ongoing there is an pending fiscal note ongoing there is an pending fiscal

Bills: HF729, HF728

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, respite care, children, licensed settings, home and community-based services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:03.400> relationship the state and local fiscal relationship the state and local fiscal
• uh Minnesota state and uh local fiscal uh Minnesota state and uh local fiscal relationship<00:47
• there was a um a large really um fiscal there was a um a large really um fiscal reform<00:48:10.280
• With that, I think we're going to House Fiscal.
• and House fiscal um I want to give you and House fiscal um I want to give you the<01:00:05.640> time

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met to hear a House Research presentation from Jared Swanson on Minnesota’s property tax system. Before the presentation, the chair announced that the committee would put the governor’s budget on hold until the department could provide the information needed for a proper hearing. The committee then approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. Swanson gave an overview of how property taxes are structured and collected in Minnesota, explaining that the state uses a levy-based system in which local governments set levies and counties collect and distribute payments. He described the property tax cycle, the difference between referendum market value and net tax capacity, and how classification rates shift tax burdens among property types. He also outlined the state general property tax, noting it is split between commercial-industrial property and seasonal recreational property, and reviewed how Minnesota compares with other states, with residential taxes generally around the middle and commercial-industrial taxes relatively higher. The presentation also covered major property tax relief and aid programs. Swanson explained three broad relief mechanisms: shifting burdens through exclusions and classification rates, state-paid credits and refunds, and state aid to local governments or levy reductions. He discussed local government aid (LGA), township aid, and county program aid (CPA), including their funding levels, formulas, and general-purpose nature. Members asked why some cities receive no LGA and how the funds may be used; Swanson said cities with strong tax bases often receive zero aid and that the money generally can be used for the same purposes as property tax revenue. No votes were taken on the presentation itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• That cannot go on the consent calendar because the fiscal note is greater than $10,000.
• <04:16:44.560> note<04:16:45.040> is calendar because the fiscal note is calendar because
• the fiscal note is greater<04:16:45.920> than<04:16:46.720> $10,000.
• And with regards to the fiscal note, I would note that the fiscal note estimate from the DRA is, in fact
• The fiscal note estimate from the DRA is, in fact, $75,000, and that's to update their system.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported. The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have already received in the past and current fiscal year.
• I noted that we're 83% committed or expended.
• I think that's an important point to note.
• You can see my space is covered with notes as always.
• I would note that we were given ten million dollars.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know there's a fiscal note on this of a half a million dollars.
• I know there's a fiscal note on this of a half a million dollars.
• I know there's a fiscal note on this of a half a million dollars.
• <04:36:45.520> note, $16,000 pet projects with a fiscal note, $16,000 pet projects with a
• So, why don't we dive in, fiscal note?

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House opened with a quorum call, a Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal in a lighthearted exchange honoring Representative Bacon’s father. Members then announced upcoming committee meetings, including State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; Finance; and Appropriations. The chamber moved into third reading and took up a series of bills, with several laid over or moved on the calendar before votes began. The House adopted House Bill 1433 on firefighter behavioral health benefits, House Bill 1416 on transfers from the Universal High School Scholarship Cash Fund, and House Bill 1431 on occupational licensure portability. It also adopted House Bill 1426, a Department of Law report bill, after a technical third-reading amendment correcting numbering errors. House Bill 1063, requiring an accessible list of secure transportation providers on certain department websites, also passed. In addition, the chamber adopted Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range Passenger Rail District, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 175 on experience modification factors in workers’ compensation, Senate Bill 131 on abusive practices in sports betting, Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding, Senate Bill 157 on a town with critical water infrastructure, Senate Bill 154 on Colorado Channel Authority Board appointments, and House Bill 1286 requiring a human present when an automated driving system operates a commercial motor vehicle. House Bill 1422, concerning security measures for certain governmental entities, drew the most extended debate. Representative Luck opposed it, citing concerns about creating a legislative police force, language affecting online speech and constituent conduct, and what she described as a workaround for TABOR. Representative Clifford explained the bill’s security provisions and sought a technical amendment to address local records language; the amendment and the bill both passed, though with notable opposition. House Bill 1424, increasing protections for persons engaged with transportation network companies, also prompted extensive testimony from Representative Wilford, who described her own assault by a rideshare driver and argued that Uber and Lyft have minimized and obscured sexual assault data while failing to protect riders; after a technical amendment, the bill passed. The House then continued with additional third-reading votes, including House Bill 1325 on natural medicine, which passed despite some opposition.