Transcript Highlights:

• fee.
• Ambrose County has seen non-renewals increase by 940%.
• increases of between 130% and 1,400%.
• In Ohio, Athens County has seen non-renewals increase by more than 250%.
• Of LNG increased dramatically, and we did increase dramatically our exports of LNG to Europe.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is not a cost increase.
• It's just a not a a cost increase.
• , recommend fees.
• , evaluate their um current fees, evaluate their um current fees, recommend<00:19:10.160> fees
• with the project, we review their fees with the project, we review their fees and<00:19:15.520><

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• average cost as an administrative fee average cost as an administrative fee basically<00:31:53.360
• It's going to increase the offset.
• and out of stator pay that you pay a fee and out of stator pay that fee<02:56:08.399> for<02:
• They and they gave me this hefty fee.
• It's a surprise fee, and this this.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did that the increase in the fines?
• It used to be just a $40 flat fee.
• It used to be just a $40 flat fee.
• But I just wonder if by increasing this to the statewide level with having the increase in fees and the
• So, um, actual increase in the budget.

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 124 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal by consent, and then moved through introductory matters and a ceremonial resolution recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for its 113 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action in Maryland. Members welcomed visiting sorors and applauded the recognition. The chamber later confirmed 131 members present and proceeded to third reading bills. Several bills were passed without opposition, including House Bill 7, authorizing limited music therapy licenses; House Bill 42, revising the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners; House Bill 164, on yard waste collection and disposal; and House Bill 177, on bicycles, play vehicles, and unicycles at crosswalks. House Bill 55, which would expand speed camera authority to local jurisdictions statewide for certain roads and areas, drew the most debate. Supporters argued it would give counties and municipalities local control to address speeding and safety concerns, while opponents raised concerns about local autonomy, revenue use, and whether camera fines supplement or supplant public safety funding. The floor leader clarified that the bill would extend authority now limited to three counties, that existing notice and public hearing requirements would remain, and that revenues must still be used for administrative costs and public safety. During debate on House Bill 55, members asked about the speed threshold, fine structure, whether citations go to vehicle owners, and whether the bill would change how local governments use camera revenues. The floor leader said the bill itself does not alter the existing rule that revenues after administrative costs must go to public safety, and that local jurisdictions could still further restrict use of funds. After debate, House Bill 55 passed 98-35. House Bill 164 passed 96-38, while House Bill 7 passed 133-0 and House Bill 42 passed 132-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2946, relating to municipalities, counties, and development fees.
• having under consideration House Bill 2946, relating to municipalities, counties, and development fees
• if a municipality adopted the development fees before the effective date.
• Enactment section 946005-949-19-15-9-11-11-1-a-1-a-vice to line to head to development fees.
• The homeowners could end up having their mortgage payment increase over time.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars. On Calendar 1, HB 2192 (employment/video content matters of public concern) was amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 2592 (government information technology) was amended to remove legislative approval of certain emergency or temporary AI-related rules and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2752 (Commerce Authority trade office) received a do pass recommendation after a Mesnard amendment and an Epstein amendment was debated; the Epstein amendment failed on division, and the bill was retained on the calendar. HB 2916 (traffic schools and instructors fingerprint clearance) was amended to allow work to begin while fingerprint clearance is pending and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2946 (development fees) was amended to address municipal distinctions based on dwelling size/bedrooms and received a do pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 2, HB 2918, HB 2999, HB 1418, and HCR 2059 were considered. HB 2999 (special taxing districts/infrastructure finance districts) drew the most discussion; a Mesnard floor amendment made several changes to tax-rate, bond, and infrastructure provisions, and the bill was ultimately amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 1418 (sheriff auxiliary authority) and HCR 2059 (county services) also received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 3, HB 2035 (DCS kinship care placement requirements) was amended to change a reporting deadline and received a do pass recommendation. HB 241 (child neglect financial resources exception), HB 2594 (child confidentiality), and HB 2932 (groundwater transportation fee/withdrawal-related provisions) were also considered; HB 2594 and HB 2932 were amended and received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 4, HB 2109 (portable wireless communication devices/distracted driving penalties for motorcycles), HB 2118 (mobile food vendors’ licenses), HB 2244 (eviction satisfaction of judgment), and HB 4011 (HOA duties) were all advanced, with committee or floor amendments adopted where offered, and the report was adopted. The Senate also took up an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2440 (transition program), adopted a technical floor amendment, and advanced the bill. Later, the chamber adopted a proclamation recognizing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial and welcomed guests from the university. The Senate received a House request to return SB 1113 for further amendment and appointed free conference committees for HB 2133 and HB 2010. On third reading, HB 2592 passed 16-9-1, HB 2916 passed 26-1-3, HB 2946 passed 27-0-3, and HB 2999 passed 21-6-3, with Senator Epstein explaining her no vote on HB 2999 due to concerns about homeowner cost uncertainty. The Senate then adjourned until April 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• drives an increase in forecast revenues.
• Minnesota's unemployment rate has continued to increase over the past year.
• That's @MNSenateMedia. an increase in forecast revenues. an increase in forecast revenues.
• <00:02:07.360> by the planning estimates have increased by the planning estimates have increased
• we're lowering things such as tab fees we're lowering things such as tab fees for<00:03:05.440><

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget’s February forecast reported that the state’s projected deficit has turned into a surplus, with an estimated $3.7 billion balance for fiscal years 2026-27 and a projected $377 million positive balance for FY28-29. Officials said the improved outlook is driven by a slightly stronger national economy and higher forecast revenues, but they cautioned that the state remains in a strong yet not secure position. A major concern discussed was federal funding uncertainty. CMS has indicated it may withhold $515 million per quarter in Medicaid Assistance reimbursement, and separately notified the state it would defer $260 million in Medicaid reimbursements pending further information. Those potential losses are not included in the forecast, but lawmakers were told federal funds account for about one-third of state agency spending and that budget flexibility may be needed if cuts occur. Speakers also noted that Minnesota still faces a structural budget imbalance despite progress made last session. Current biennium spending is projected to be $68 million lower than earlier estimates, but planning estimates are up $152 million since the last forecast. Several lawmakers emphasized affordability concerns for residents, citing rising delinquency rates, increasing unemployment, flat wages, and the need to focus on tax conformity, vehicle tab fees, and property taxes. Members from both parties said they want to continue working together on budget solutions and spending restraint.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:29.720> associated would be no attorney's fees associated would be no attorney's fees
• One is attorney's fees.
• But if an attorney is allowed, the attorney's fees are not going to be allowed.
• they're regulated, they have to open up their books and justify the increase.
• or increased association dues.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 30, 2025, and heard testimony on several condominium-related bills, beginning with HB 70. HB 70 would require a budget summary disclosure for condominiums. Supporters, including Community Associations Institute, a real estate broker, and several condominium owners, said the bill would improve consumer protection by giving owners and buyers a clearer, more understandable snapshot of an association’s financial health and reserve compliance. One supporter noted the bill should help reduce confusion caused by lengthy reserve studies and emphasized the importance of accurate disclosure. A testifier also urged the committee to hear other condominium bills quickly, including measures related to an ombudsman, managing agents, parliamentarians, and attorney’s fees. The committee then heard HB 106, which would change the process for condominium fines and disputes. Phil Nery of CAI and other supporters said the bill would strengthen due process by requiring clearer notice, allowing an internal board appeal, and then permitting small claims court review without attorney’s fees unless the fine is upheld. They argued this would prevent fines from escalating into costly legal disputes and provide a more linear, fair process. Some supporters suggested amendments, including clarifying that the statute controls over association documents and refining refund language. During questioning, members raised concerns about small claims limits and whether associations would be represented by volunteers or attorneys. One testifier initially in support later said he would not support the bill as written after hearing HPD’s concerns. HB 224, relating to property rights, drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General and the Honolulu Police Department. Both agencies said the bill would improperly push law enforcement into a quasi-judicial role and could short-circuit existing due process procedures for occupants of residences. A realtor who had initially been listed in support changed his position after hearing the opposition testimony. The committee also heard emotional testimony from a resident describing a long-running squatter and utility theft problem at a neighboring property, which he said took years of court action and police involvement to resolve. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill establishes the biennial fee at $50 while the annual fee remains $25.
• The bill sets biennial fees at $1,000 while the annual fee remains $500 for limited liability partnerships
• The bill establishes the biennial fee at $50 while the annual fee remains $25.
• Sets biennial fees at $1,000 while the annual fee remains $500 for limited liability partnerships.
• The bill deletes the prohibition precluding fee increases for license and stamp fees based on increases

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , overload fees—there's tons of fees that...
• Distance, overload fees.
• Madam President, Senator, the fee increases on page two of the bill.
• Madam President, Senator, when those businesses are going to be getting those increases in fees, are
• They're increasing dramatically.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their legal fees would probably be more than that penalty.
• Number increase because, again, we will have trans women.
• a fee to go look for someone where we're never seeing any incidents of it. that they want to increase
• However, we're going to increase costs on cities and the state for... a fee, and for police officers
• We're talking about the fee-shifting provision? Yes.

Bills: SB 8, HB7, HB15, HB 265, HCR 13, SB 8, HB 7, HB 15, HB 265, HCR 13

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• The increase kicks in July 1st, 2026, or has the increase already happened?
• The first is a 25% increase to vehicle registration fees. That's us; that's road users.
• The second tranche of increased revenue comes from a 35% increase to the weight distance tax, or about
• Instead of increasing the two funds, perhaps just increasing one.
• Very careful, so every time that we initiate salary increases and benefit increases, they have to come

Transcript Highlights:

• So, those are our three increases in funding that we're asking for.
• number for salaries. it'd be an increase of about $14 million, yes, $13,865 if we had a net increase
• We are asking for a $5 increase on those.
• We would not ask to raise that fee.
• Can't remember what that fee is, but we're not asking for an increase to that.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know what was changed was the limit of liability increase from 50,000 to 250,000.
• This is a 31% increase over last year. These scams take many forms.
• So you see that 30% increase has happened. It's happening all the time.
• when those fees are incurred.
• In order for fees to be incurred, the client must owe the fees to their attorney, meaning that the attorneys

Transcript Highlights:

• must be paid, including towing fees and any fees owed to a body shop or other storage facilities.
• must be paid including touring fees and any fees owed to a body shop or other storage facilities with
• or impose a tax or fee.
• It also prohibits a provider from charging a late fee or compelling or...
• Madam Chair, members, HB 2265, courts fees assessments, prohibits the court from imposing certain fees

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee worked through a very long minority caucus calendar covering a wide range of bills, with many items being described and then either left on consent, pulled from consent, or noted for votes. Topics included bullion and state depository proposals, a produce incentive appropriation, a biennial budget change, veterans services funding, driver licensing and traffic enforcement measures, procurement and public records changes, school board and school facilities rules, SNAP work requirements and verification, child welfare and juvenile justice provisions, housing and homelessness measures, energy and fuel policy, election administration, and several tax, commerce, and licensing bills. Members repeatedly raised concerns about constitutionality, federal preemption, duplication of existing law, and whether some measures were policy priorities that had been vetoed in prior sessions and were returning unchanged. Several bills drew extended debate. Members objected to English-proficiency requirements for commercial drivers and motor carriers, arguing federal law and the supremacy clause would bar them. Earned wage access regulation prompted strong opposition over consumer harm, overdraft cycles, and high effective APRs. School-related bills were criticized for overregulating public schools while not imposing similar requirements on ESA/private-school programs, especially on fingerprint clearance and reporting. SNAP-related bills were also opposed as setting unrealistic mandates and repeating vetoed proposals. Other contested measures included a drag-show criminalization bill, a bill restricting photo enforcement, a bill limiting local regulation of unmanned aircraft, and a bill conforming Arizona tax law to federal changes, which members said would benefit wealthy taxpayers and corporations without a clear funding source. The committee also heard a number of supportive or less controversial measures, including bills on veterans awareness, dementia care telemonitoring, Braille transcription funding, CPA licensure pathways, cash acceptance by retailers, and some child safety and court administration changes. Several bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, while others were noted as having unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The meeting ended with caucus announcements, including an affordability award presentation, an upcoming Latino Caucus discussion on community land trusts, and an invitation to African American Legislative Day activities, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• we're not able to pay a facility fee we're not able to pay a facility fee because<01:24:30.239><
• facility fees.
• an increase in facility fees.<01:30:51.280> We<01:30:51.440> are<01:30:51.600> merely
• We're just not paying a facility<01:37:50.719> fee. facility fee. facility fee.
• facility fee as the Jesse mentioned. facility fee as the Jesse mentioned.

Bills: HB0003, HB0004

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It repeals school impact fees, abolishes and transfers unencumbered balances of the school impact fee
• So once we impact fees from 2007.
• <00:34:11.520> So fee? I don't have the number. Okay. So fee? I don't have the number.
• don't get the fee for at least a month. don't get the fee for at least a month.
• option they wouldn't be charged the fee. option they wouldn't be charged the fee.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.

Transcript Highlights:

• , if they don't cut the fees they can charge for these.
• So I wonder what that was included in regards to the fees.
• how the fees are calculated.
• But we are working way to approach on those fees going back.
• Chair in reference to 2 the fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, we think that the reduction in impact fees that was included...
• have high transportation impact fees.
• It has no influence in places that have no impact fees, places like Seattle.
• This is a 26% increase based on the latest statewide forecast.
• This is a 26% increase based on the latest statewide forecast.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• by $30 for each dissolution filing fee by $30 for each dissolution filing fee and<00:38:27.480><
• , without premarital education fee.
• These amounts will not increase the overall filing fee for any of the applicants.
• This is the first adjustment to these fees in 22 years, and it's...
• the amount collected from these fees the amount collected from these fees<00:43:21.640> was<00

Bills: HF1027, HF101, HF1021

Keywords: mortgage foreclosure, redemption, foreclosure surplus, sheriff's sale, junior lienholder, mortgagor, homeowner protections, loss mitigation, dual tracking, foreclosure redemption period, certificate of redemption, certificate of sale, sheriff, county recorder, registrar of titles, homeownership center, lien priority, real property, foreclosure by advertisement, surplus funds

Transcript Highlights:

• well as the fees that they get to keep. well as the fees that they get to keep.
• an online system for remitting the fees. an online system for remitting the fees.
• So that's the fees."
• Um, that will be a smaller fee.
• "That will be a smaller fee.

Keywords: 1189, house, all