Transcript Highlights:

• You mentioned the budget shortfall.
• What is the mechanism, if you will, that if there is some sort of budget shortfall or federal budget
• This budget provides...
• How does this budget approach cancer funding? How does this budget approach cancer?
• Is that in the budget? I didn't see it. “Loved ones incarcerated.” Is that in the budget?

Summary: The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1. The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7. HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• All requests were fulfilled. Ms. Siebel, Mr.
• Their support is for the governor's budget. Okay, no, thank you.
• They're both budget bills.
• We pulled policy bills in order to get the budget because, at the end of the day, the budget is what
• So that's why, and this is custom and usage for our budget bills.

Bills: HF2784, HF2785, HF2778, HF2281, HF2576, HF2280, HF2579

Keywords: beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing

Transcript Highlights:

• What we do approve are reorganization requests for virtual schools.
• So that is why the department... had requested, made that request for them to voluntarily report to us
• request was submitted.
• Chair, Senator Brandt, we certainly do review budgets, but we do...
• ago—but the budget actually said this is for contract services.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you request my appearance at the August meeting? Yes.
• Would you request my appearance at the August meeting? Yes.
• Chief, do you know what your total town budget is?
• ALA staff review of city budgets revealed that budgets were adopted by ordinance or resolution as required
• ALA staff review of city budgets revealed that budgets were adopted by ordinance or resolution as required

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the legislative budget those cuts.
• So if I spend money in one budget area and there's a savings the following year in a different budget
• </c><00:57:16.640><c> and</c> business officials with budgeting and business officials with budgeting
• </c> impactful I think to our budgeting impactful I think to our budgeting process.
• </c> one and five local impact note requests one and five local impact note requests per<01:02:18.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would like to request a roll call also, Madam Chair. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
• Uh anyone who requested a so forth.
• Um, uh, we know that this committee has a very small budget target every budget year, and uh I would
• budget target every<00:31:32.240><c> every</c><00:31:32.640><c> budget</c><00:31:32.960><c> year</c><
• </c><00:46:37.599><c> Senator</c> requested. Roll call granted. Senator requested.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE HEALTHCARE BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE WILL COME TO ORDER.
• WHEN I MENTIONED THAT THE APPROACH WAS BUDGET NEUTRAL AND WITH IN THE APPROPRIATIONS I MEANT BY BUDGET
• THAT WILL BE A BUDGET INCREASE QUESTION.
• OR NOT HAVING A BALANCED BUDGET, CAN YOU EXPAND UPON THIS?
• IT BECOMES DIFFICULT TO BALANCE THE BUDGET.

Transcript Highlights:

• previous budget we the previous budget we appropriated<00:32:01.919><c> some</c><00:32:03.080><c> money
• It could just be done by the the budget.
• So that's that's the request is for it.
• </c> as it came out of the House budget. as it came out of the House budget.
• ,</c><02:09:35.840><c> they'll</c> you just submit your request, they'll you just submit your request

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 4. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
• Budget bill. Assembly Member Gabriel, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• This bill makes routine technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act.
• Members, today I rise with some concerns about this budget trailer bill.
• All requests for adjournment in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and pledge that reflected on Japanese American incarceration during World War II and recent storm-related losses in California. The chamber then handled routine procedural matters, guest introductions, and several consent and file items before moving to floor debate on a series of resolutions and budget measures. The main policy item was HR 82, declaring February 19, 2026, a day of remembrance for the incarceration of Japanese Americans. Members from both parties and several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the importance of remembering civil liberties failures, and the need to guard against similar abuses today. The resolution drew some criticism of its rhetoric toward federal law enforcement, but after debate the Assembly added 72 coauthors and adopted HR 82 by voice vote. The chamber also adopted ACR 128, a resolution recognizing solidarity with Ukraine, and later passed ACA 7, a constitutional amendment related to government preferences, after a partisan debate over whether it would restore or prohibit discrimination. The Assembly also took up two budget-related concurrence items. AB 107, described as technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and adjustments related to Proposition 4 projects, passed concurrence 59-3 and was sent immediately to the Governor. AB 117 authorized the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to borrow up to $590 million from already awarded transit capital funds to support operating costs for BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; supporters called it a bridge loan to stabilize transit, while opponents called it a bailout lacking accountability. The measure passed concurrence 52-16 and was also transmitted to the Governor. The session ended with adjournments in memory of former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, with members praising his leadership in city government, energy policy, and clean energy development. The Speaker then announced the bill introduction deadline and the next floor session date before adjourning the Assembly until Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second item that we are requesting some consideration on The second item that we are requesting some
• And then at the end of the session, much like OMB’s budget is one of the last budgets to pass out, Indiana
• Much like OMB’s budget is one of the last budgets to pass out, NDIT’s budget should be the last or the
• It's a reasonable request. It fits in our budget.
• But my guess is, when we're looking at budgets, and again, the older I get and the more budgets I've

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OK, uh, the other budget recommendations 12, and 3.
• Could I request on that? I said adopt.
• Is this budget for them enough for them to do what's to do their job and do it right.
• capital budget authority for DCS to reflect updated amounts identified by DIR.
• No, it's in the budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any requests? With 97 present, the Chair sees a quorum. Are there any requests for leave?
• Request. I'll hear your request. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Request to pull out House Bill 1053.
• Request. You're recognized. Request to pull House Bill 1024. Request to pull House Bill 1024.
• Happy to answer any questions on that supplemental request. Supplemental request, House Bill 1086.
• This is within their own budget.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and received a Joint Budget Committee report on several bills. The chamber also recognized guests, including state troopers, a doctor of the day, visitors from civic and advocacy groups, and students from the Arkansas School for Math, Science, and the Arts. The House adopted House Resolution 1034, supporting Arkansas poultry producers in the Illinois River watershed and urging good-faith negotiations, by a 97-0 vote. It also adopted House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001 honoring Bishop Kenneth Liddell Robinson, Sr., by a 98-0 vote. The House then considered several amendments to appropriation bills, including changes affecting the Department of Education, public safety, county jail reimbursement language, Agriculture fee waivers, the Drug Task Force, pregnancy help organizations, and tire recycling fees. All of those amendments were adopted without recorded opposition. The chamber then moved through a budget calendar, with leadership explaining that some bills were general appropriations, some were reappropriations for ongoing capital projects, and four were supplemental appropriations. On final passage, House Bill 1006 passed 87-5; House Bill 1053, the appropriation for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, failed 71-19; House Bill 1086 passed 96-0; House Bill 1087 passed 81-8; House Bill 1088 passed 97-0; House Bill 1094 passed 96-1; House Bill 1084 passed 96-0; House Bill 1097 passed 75-16; and House Bill 1098 failed 0-85 after Representative Henley spoke against it and said leadership had not responded to questions. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 11 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we will continue with the Department of Education's budget requests.
• 00:04:25.680><c> for</c><00:04:26.000><c> the</c><00:04:26.280><c> two</c> request 49 is a request for
• It was something that was requested in the CIP budget that, in the governor's review, was folded into
• our operating budget.
• that it was requested in the CIP<00:40:58.880><c> budget</c><00:40:59.760><c> that</c><00:40:59.920>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um the first uh is that this request um the first uh is that this<00:27:22.399><c> request</c><00:27
• I have requested that fiscal note.
• I have requested that fiscal note.
• I have requested that fiscal note.
• A roll call has been requested. Chair Nash: Means a roll call has been requested.

Bills: HF10

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we had a great budget meeting and I think budget meetings with all of you.
• I know we had a great budget meeting and I think budget meetings with all of you.
• struggle with those budgets.
• Budget Resolution 1355.
• budget.

Keywords: 1146, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• SAU budget.
• We do not separate out our SAU budget. It is part of all of our budgets.
• operating budget.
• default budgets.
• budget a default budget is proposed budget a default budget is supposed<02:12:22.679><c> to</c><02:12

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We obviously have budget requests, but in terms of policy initiatives, I wanted to look for things that
• actually sort of help with our budget situation.
• I know you're not the budget committee, but some of our important things are budget.
• I know you're not the budget committee, but some of our important things are budget.
• I know you're not the budget committee, but some of our important things are budget.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session with an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Commissioner Dave Upthe Grove outlined DNR’s size and scope, previewed agency-request legislation, and emphasized budget priorities. He said DNR will seek authority to sell ecosystem service credits, better use underutilized water rights with tribal consultation, add a tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources, make minor timber-sales efficiencies, and include wildland firefighters in the LEOFF pension system. He also urged restoration of wildfire prevention and preparedness funding, warning that reduced funding would mean fewer firefighters, less forest health work, and less support for rural fire districts. He noted DNR’s wildfire suppression costs are rising and argued prevention spending can reduce larger, more expensive fires. State Forester George Geisler followed with a detailed wildfire season review. He said Washington now responds to fires year-round and also assists other states, including Texas. He described DNR’s use of 31 aircraft, 691 firefighters, and corrections-based crews, and said the agency’s success rate for keeping fires under 10 acres improved slightly from 93.7% to 94.1%. He highlighted increased arson activity, especially around Spokane, and described the Crescent Road Fire as an example of early detection, rapid response, and the use of bulldozers, aircraft, and hand crews to contain a fire to 182 acres with no structure losses. Senator Saldan praised the emphasis on prevention and the use of bulldozers as cost-effective tools. Assistant deputy supervisor Dwayne Emmons then reviewed the trust land transfer program, which was codified in statute in 2023 after being funded through the capital budget for decades. He said more than 130,000 acres of underperforming trust land have been transferred since the 1990s to other public or tribal entities for more appropriate use, while DNR acquires replacement lands to keep the trust whole. He described the current application and ranking process, including tribal input, and said DNR is requesting funding for remaining parcels from the last round, including portions of Tract C, Babcock Bench, and Middle Fork Snoqualmie. In questions, Senator Wagoner raised concerns about DNR’s decision to remove some acres from timber harvest rotation and its impact on local revenue and mills; the commissioner responded that current five-year harvest plans provide short-term stability and that any changes would be explored through the Board of Natural Resources process, not through immediate reductions in supply. The committee then received a history briefing from staff member Jeff Olson on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and agency structure. He traced the evolution from early fish and game commissioners to the current commission-appointed director model adopted by voter-approved Referendum 45 in 1995. Olson explained the commission’s statutory duties, membership requirements, and how Washington compares with other states. Chair Chapman said he had no plans to hear a bill this session changing the commission’s makeup, but he expressed personal interest in exploring reforms, accountability, and possibly a future broader coalition or referendum process. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair adjourned the session with holiday and New Year’s wishes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have five audit requests to consider.
• The one audit request on the proposed consent calendar is a Senate member's request, the DMV license
• The member who is requesting the audit will present.
• Yeah, I think the request articulates two pages of questions that I think at least the requesters are
• He has an audit request. He has an audit request. He is not a request.

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee because it initially lacked a quorum, heard a status update from State Auditor Grant Parks, and reviewed several new audit requests. Parks reported that 10 previously requested audits were underway, with most expected to be released in spring/summer and one pesticide audit still pending; he also noted ongoing litigation with Huntington Beach over a 2024 audit. He said the office had grown to just over 200 employees and could start about five new JALAC audits between April and July. The committee also noted that one Prop. 28 request was being held and one PUC-related request was moved off consent to the regular calendar. Senator Cervantes presented an audit request on California fusion centers, arguing they operate with little public oversight and may collect, share, and store sensitive information without adequate transparency or safeguards. Supporters, including former FBI agent Mike German and ACLU California Action, said fusion centers function as secretive intelligence-sharing hubs that can produce inaccurate or biased reports and may undermine privacy and civil liberties. Parks said the audit would examine the State Threat Assessment Center and two local fusion centers, focusing on oversight, legal authority, data quality, unauthorized disclosure controls, use of private vendors, funding, and performance metrics, while warning of likely access and public-disclosure limitations. The request drew sharp opposition from Assembly Member DeMaio, who called it a politicized “witch hunt,” but public comment included support from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Senator Allen then presented an audit of the Public Utilities Commission’s enforcement of Rule 21 interconnection timelines for customer-sited solar and storage projects. He and witnesses said utilities have repeatedly missed deadlines, causing long delays and added costs for schools, nonprofits, and other customers; CPUC staff responded that the commission adopted timelines and compliance benchmarks in 2020, publishes quarterly data, and is already pursuing the issue through workshops and an open proceeding. Parks said the audit would assess CPUC monitoring, enforcement tools, and reasons for utility noncompliance. Public comment was mixed, with solar advocates supporting the request and PG&E objecting on process grounds and arguing the commission’s ongoing proceeding should address the issue. Senator Perez, with Senator Fong, requested an audit of Caltrans’ administration of the former SR 710 corridor property sales and affordable housing program. They described tenant complaints about mold, pests, deferred maintenance, inconsistent pricing and eligibility information, and possible failures to inform residents of purchase rights; Caltrans said it is working to complete sales and has already closed 59 properties since fiscal year 2024-25. Parks said the audit would examine compliance with the Roberti Act, pricing, appraisals, communications, rent accounting, property maintenance, and follow-up on prior recommendations. Finally, Senator Umberg requested an audit of the Orange County Board of Education, citing transparency, litigation spending, charter authorization, procurement, and whistleblower concerns; after quorum was established, Parks said the audit would review Brown Act and Public Records Act compliance, public resource use, contracting, litigation costs, charter oversight, and retaliation complaints.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> budget warrants for the year? budget warrants for the year? &gt;&gt; Uh,<00:36:36.079><c> yes.
• </c> uncertainty and budget planning uncertainty and budget planning challenges.<00:45:54.480><c> So<
• </c><00:58:54.240><c> That's</c> they can adjust budgeting. That's they can adjust budgeting.
• </c> &gt;&gt; next budget. &gt;&gt; next budget.
• She request. But there &gt;&gt; Oh, that's right. She request.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:43.200><c> priorities,</c> several of DI's top budget priorities, several of DI's top budget
• </c><00:10:10.080><c> recommendation</c> governor's full budget recommendation governor's full budget
• request to remove um the grants request request to remove um the grants to<00:43:06.400><c> individuals
• Otherwise, I would have been requested. Otherwise, I would have requested<01:15:31.600><c> it.
• Uh roll call has been requested. well. Uh roll call has been requested.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all