Transcript Highlights:

• All right, Department of Finance, would you like to present? Sure. Good morning, Madam Chair.
• Stephen Benzman's Department of Finance.
• Good morning, Andrew March, with the Department of Finance.
• And this is one that our Department of Finance was, you know, we was asking at one point.
• So I think Department of Finance covered most of the ground.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This slide reflects the Defense Finance and Accounting Services pay tables from 1997.
• and Accounting Services Defense Finance and Accounting Services pay<00:25:21.679> tables,<00:
• This slide reflects the Defense Finance This slide reflects the Defense Finance and<00:25:47.920
• and Accounting Services Defense Finance and Accounting Services pay<00:26:36.880> tables<00:26
• Finance Omnibus Bill. Finance Omnibus Bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• It restricts housing finance corporations.
• It stops the so-called practice of traveling housing finance corporations, ...housing finance corporations
• But these finance corporations are really just a few, a handful of them.
• The caption is read: House Bill 21, relating to housing finance corporations.
• HB 322121 to Finance. HB 3359 to Veteran Affairs. HB 3359 to Veteran Affairs.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Finance. Omar Sanchez, Department of Finance. Nothing further to add. LAO?
• Thank you very much, Department of Finance. Omar Sanchez, Department of Finance.
• Department of Finance, Omar Sanchez, Department of Finance. Nothing further to add.
• Thank you very much, Department of Finance. Omar Sanchez, Department of Finance.
• Thank you very much, Department of Finance. Omar Sanchez, Department of Finance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Andrew Hill with the Department of Finance.
• Correct, yeah, Andrew Hill with the Department of Finance.
• Megan Larson, Department of Finance.
• Hi, Andrew Hall with the Department of Finance.
• Andrew Hill with the Department of Finance.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on water and coastal resilience heard an overview of the governor’s Proposition 4 spending plan, with presentations from the Department of Finance, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and later coastal agencies. Members discussed the water chapter’s major allocations for drinking water and wastewater, recycled water, tribal water infrastructure, groundwater recharge and SGMA implementation, dam safety, flood protection, integrated regional water management, Salton Sea projects, and water data/stream gauges. The LAO noted that many programs are established and have clear funding processes, but some newer or less-defined programs may warrant more detailed future budget requests and reporting. No votes were taken on the agenda items. Members raised concerns about groundwater subsidence, water deliveries from the Delta, the pace of water storage investments, instream flows, and whether bond dollars were being used to backfill General Fund reductions. Administration witnesses said groundwater recharge spending is being paced because prior years already funded substantial SGMA work, that Delta operations are governed by water quality, salinity, and species requirements, and that Proposition 1 storage projects have moved slowly because they are locally led and require permitting and financing. The Water Board and DWR said they use public needs assessments, annual plans, and existing grant processes to prioritize projects, and Finance said some General Fund programs were shifted to Proposition 4 to help balance the budget. Members also asked for clearer public tracking of bond spending and more concise future reporting. In the coastal resilience portion, the Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Conservancy described Proposition 4 funding for sea level rise adaptation, coastal flood management, habitat restoration, public access, and San Francisco Bay projects, with a multi-year rollout based on project readiness and recent large state investments. The Conservancy said it would use its existing rolling grant process, while OPC said its sea level rise grants would build on existing programs and new technical assistance. The Department of Fish and Wildlife explained its proposed use of bond funds for climate-ready fisheries, hatchery modernization, salmon monitoring, whale- and turtle-safe fishing gear, and a specific hatchery operations request tied to the Friant settlement. The LAO said the coastal chapter’s proposed first-year spending is relatively modest but generally reasonable given staffing and project readiness, while members emphasized oversight, transparency, and coordination across agencies and jurisdictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The New Hampshire Housing Finance The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority<04:28:20.159> has
• to the committee on finance. to the committee on finance.
• one from Senate Finance.
• Two from House Finance, one from Senate Finance. All of us happen to be on the fiscal committee.
• Two from House Finance, one from Senate Finance. All of us happen to be on the fiscal committee.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Local Finance Law in relation to bonds and notes of the city of Yonkers.
• that the municipalities are using this as a way, as a financial bridge, rather than getting their finances
• that the municipalities are using this as a way, as a financial bridge, rather than getting their finances
• An act to amend the Local Finance Law in relation to facilitating the marking of any issue of zero bonds
• An act to amend the Local Finance Law in relation to facilitating the marking of any issue of zero bonds

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Cities 2 met for its first and last meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Senator Ryan presiding and members Walczyk, Fahey, and Baskin present. The committee took up three bills. The first, S.8283-A, would require additional notice before a city discontinues drinking water fluoridation; it was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. The second, S.8859, would extend by one year special bonding authority for the city of Yonkers. Senator Walczyk voiced concern about the repeated annual extensions and said he would vote no, arguing municipalities should address their finances without continued state assistance. The bill was then approved, with Walczyk recorded in opposition. The third bill, S.9839, would extend by one year provisions related to the city of Buffalo’s issuance of certain bonds or notes. It was moved and seconded, and approved, with Senator Walczyk again noting his earlier concerns. After the three bills were reported, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill will be advanced to the Finance Committee.
• This bill will be advanced to the Finance Committee.
• This bill will be advanced to the Finance Committee.
• This bill will be advanced to the Finance Committee. Next.
• This bill, having enough folks to advance, will be advanced to the Finance Committee.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met for its first March meeting, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker. Members discussed a short agenda of energy-related bills focused on grid modernization, interconnection studies, geothermal development, microgrids for extreme weather resilience, and a proposed Grid Modernization Commission. Senators Mattera and Walczyk were absent but had voting sheets submitted; Senator Kavanagh joined later in the meeting. The committee advanced several measures: S.1227A, directing the Department of Public Service to study deployment of the energy interconnection process into the electrical grid, was moved to third reading; S.2708, advancing grid enhancement technologies, was also sent to third reading. S.2486A, creating geothermal energy generation facilities, was advanced to the Finance Committee, as was S.4205 on microgrids for extreme weather and public security, and S.4590 establishing the New York State Grid Modernization Commission. During the votes, some members were recorded as voting without recommendation, including Senator Walczyk on multiple bills and Senator Hinchey on the geothermal bill. No testimony or substantive debate was presented beyond brief procedural questions, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing as it is one PM, I call to order this meeting of the House Elections Finance and Government Operations
• $279,000 above the base, and the budget includes the following: - The base budget for the Campaign Finance
• Board - A $79,000 operating adjustment for the Campaign Finance Board - $200,000 to meet the federal
• know we are likely to have another committee hearing to deal with the appointments to the Campaign Finance
• Board, so we probably don't need to do the full farewell to the Campaign Finance Board.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Finance, do you have anything to add? Will? Great. Thank you.
• Good morning, Matt Schuller, Department of Finance.
• Good morning, Matt Schuller, Department of Finance.
• Yes, Sabrina Adams with the Department of Finance.
• Department of Finance, is that a waste of our money?

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH), the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on budget proposals and implementation updates. DSH outlined its proposed 2026-27 budget, including funding for patient operating expenses, IST solutions savings, conditional release program costs, LPS bed allocation changes, electrical infrastructure projects at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and expanded dental services at Metropolitan and Patton. DSH also reported that it has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks in the Stiavedi v. Clinton case, with average time to initiate treatment down to about five days and pending placements reduced to roughly 250, while noting that Proposition 36 could increase referrals and SB 1323 may divert some individuals earlier into community-based treatment. Members asked about rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, the timing and structure of capital projects, and whether IST solution funds are being fully used; DSH said the savings reflect slower-than-expected ramp-up of community programs and that the Central California FACT replacement program is still on track for January 2027 activation. The Commission for Behavioral Health described its role under the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), including data, evaluation, grantmaking, technical assistance, and transparency work. It highlighted the new statewide Innovation Partnership Fund, a five-year, $20 million-per-year program with small and large grant categories; the first RFA drew strong interest, with more than 400 questions and over 1,000 bidders’ conference participants. The Commission also discussed a proposed extension to spend down about $4.1 million remaining for the Alcove Youth Drop-in Center grants so sites can finish implementation and Stanford can complete the final evaluation. Members asked about grant duration, whether projects can be renewed, what qualifies as innovation, and whether the fund could support service delivery rather than awareness campaigns or training; the Commission said awards are expected to be three-year contracts and that proposals must be new or meaningfully expanded approaches that support BHSA priority populations. DHCS reviewed major behavioral health changes under CalAIM and BH Connect, including peer support, mobile crisis, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, updated specialty mental health access criteria, and new substance use treatment standards based on ASAM’s fourth edition. DHCS reported strong contingency management results, with more than 13,000 members served and 95% testing negative for stimulant use during treatment, and said 21 Indian health care providers have been approved to offer traditional health care practices. It also described BH Connect initiatives such as the $1.9 billion access reform and outcomes incentive program, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation by four counties, and transitional rent services. On BHSA implementation, DHCS said it is not tracking individual county contract cuts but is monitoring county plans and statewide outcomes, while stakeholders raised concerns about local prevention and service gaps. DHCS also outlined its H.R. 1 implementation strategy, including outreach, streamlined renewals, exemptions for disabled, substance use, and medically frail individuals, and proposed clinic navigator and outreach funding; it said it has not yet produced a focused estimate of H.R. 1 impacts on behavioral health populations. The discussion ended with DHCS noting that B-CHIP bond funding has supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 new or expanded facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• respectively in our, in our respective chambers working with staff, working with our legislative finance
• Our legislative finance committee, they were, were, were, were quick to, to make note that um some of
• So the House will be chairing the legislative Finance Committee and in doing so, uh, it's the intent
• of that, of those, of that person in the house that will take that chairship for the legislative Finance
• According to our legislative finance Committee staff, it goes into effect in FY 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is expected to be redrafted by Finance before it's finished.
• 4 I I the problem with that the finance 4 I I the problem with that the finance committee<05:09:
• I'll have to make it clear to finance I'll have to make it clear to finance that<05:11:40.840>
• those are but I think that the finance those are but I think that the finance committee<05:44:25.718
• <05:48:28.200> handle well let's let Finance handle well let's let Finance handle it<05:48

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The public hearing opened on HB 728-FN, which would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal historic horse racing licensing. Representative Om explained that the bill would convert the current historic horse racing terminals into true video lottery terminals/slot machines and change the revenue split, reducing the operator share from 75% to 70% while increasing the state share from 25% to 30%. He also noted the bill would increase the amount going to charities and other state beneficiaries. Former State Rep. Pat Brammy, who had served on the Charitable Gaming Study Commission, testified in support of the bill’s basic structure. He said a consultant’s report found historic racing machines cost facilities 12% to 18% more to operate because of totalizer and track-related fees, and that slot machines would be cheaper because there are more manufacturers and more competition. He argued that although the operator share drops by 5%, facilities could still benefit from lower operating costs, and he said the commission concluded that moving to slot machines would increase revenues to facilities, charities, and the state. He also said the bill would create a more stable stream of funding for problem gambling, since the current HHR “breakage” funding mechanism is limited and dependent on a single vendor. Brammy also discussed the commission’s concerns about market concentration in HHR machines, saying the commission found the market was dominated by only a few manufacturers and recommended legislation to address that issue under Article 83 of the state constitution. He interpreted the bill as allowing a phase-in of slot machines upon passage, with the remaining HHR provisions phasing out by January 1, 2028, and said facilities would likely transition as leases expire. Committee members asked about HHR contracts, machine programming, testing, and whether removing HHR would reduce competition; Brammy said he believed leases were likely short-term, machines are tested by a lab, and the legislature could decide whether the change is appropriate. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Print 9181, Senator Baskin, an act to amend the Local Finance Law.
• Senate Print 9576, Bailey, an act to amend the Private Housing Finance Law.
• Senate Print 10442, Senator Kavanagh, an act to amend the Private Housing Finance Law.
• SENATOR ORTT, AN ACT TO AMEND THE STATE FINANCE LAW. >> READ THE LAST SECTION.
• Madam President, there will be an immediate meeting of the Veterans and Finance Committee.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage. The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations. Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as far as the finances behind it, I'll have to defer to the analyst doing the financials. >> Okay
• <00:07:48.000> Tax financing to claim the tax credit.
• Tax financing to claim the tax credit.
• system, so there's no party finance system, so there's no income<00:13:50.800> threshold.
• Third party may financers? Third party.

Bills: HB2241, HB2316, HB1566, HB1926, HB1673, HB1948, HB2602, HB1598, HB2334, HB2451, HB2243

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, lead materials, drinking water, public health, water infrastructure, safety regulations, HB1566, energy efficiency, LED lighting, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent bulbs, fluorescent fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps, CFL ban, mercury-free lighting

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a bill to expand the solar energy tax credit for single-family residential properties by removing certain cap amounts and raising the adjusted gross income limits for taxpayers to elect a refund of excess credits. The Hawaii State Energy Office and Department of Taxation both said they were standing on written testimony, while industry and advocacy groups largely supported the measure. Members questioned whether the income thresholds were set appropriately, how many taxpayers would be affected at different income levels, and how many would qualify for refundable treatment; Taxation said it did not yet have the requested numbers but was preparing a fiscal estimate. A major issue raised was drafting and administration: witnesses said the bill appears to apply differently to owner-purchased systems versus third-party leased systems, and Taxation said it likely could not easily verify household income for leased systems or cross-reference different taxpayers. Discussion also covered whether the credit should remain refundable, whether credits should be limited to amounts actually expended, and whether the bill should instead be structured to keep the credit with the system owner or lessor, with concerns about equity, market effects, and possible incentives to lease rather than buy. The committee then moved to HB 2316, which would align state restrictions on lead materials in drinking water infrastructure with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The Department of Health and other supporters testified in favor, and there were no questions from the chair. Next, HB 1566 on energy efficiency would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting, with the Hawaii State Energy Office providing technical assistance and a compliance survey prioritized for first responder facilities; testimony from state agencies and advocates was in support, and again there were no questions. For HB 1926 on Red Hill, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Board of Water Supply, and multiple organizations and individuals supported funding for remediation studies, environmental monitoring, groundwater research, independent testing, and a public dashboard, with DLNR emphasizing that decades of work remain necessary even after defueling and that the bill supports ongoing university and community partnerships. The committee then heard HB 1673 on landfill units. The Department of Health initially said it was in support but later corrected the record and stated it strongly opposes the measure, saying the bill would undo protections enacted last session that keep landfills out of areas over aquifers; the Board of Water Supply also opposed repeal of those protections, while the City and County of Honolulu supported the HD1 version that leaves siting decisions to the counties. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the Energy Justice Network opposed the bill, arguing the original protections should remain and that the amended version had confused commenters; supporters of the original version urged restoring it and considering additional language on ash.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must push forward a housing bond that creates a financing tool.
• Agency to operate as the financing tool.
• the financing startup costs to developing this.
• the financing startup costs to developing this.
• And I think that. ...financing startup costs to developing this.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Senate Committee on Finance come to order? Will the clerk please call the roll? Huffman.
• These numbers are calculated by the Texas Public Finance Authority.
• I think we have a presentation on that at some point, the finance group maybe. Okay.
• Next we have the Public Finance Authority and general obligation bond debt service.
• The campaign finance laws do apply to political committees.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• there’s going to be future meeting dates where you’re going to dive a little bit more deeply into finances
• think it might make sense to understand a little bit of that down the road, and understanding the financing
• We get into the finances. We get into operational issues.
• At HSL, we take it so seriously that our vice president of finance for HSL sits down with every person
• But our finance committee here, I mean, they see the finances every single month.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with members and presenters discussing how the model works, consumer protections, and areas for future review. After member introductions, Jennifer Fuller summarized survey results showing the top priorities as financial viability and affordability, consumer protections and rights, and regulation/monitoring standards. The commission said those issues would guide its work plan, while also keeping staffing, definitions, and federal support on the radar. Alyssa Sherman of LeadingAge Massachusetts and Jim Freiling of Brookhaven at Lexington gave a detailed overview of CCRCs, explaining that they combine housing with health-related services under long-term contracts and typically require entrance fees plus monthly fees. They described the three common contract types: Type A/life care, where costs stay relatively stable if residents need more care; Type B, which offers some included or discounted care with higher costs later; and Type C, fee-for-service, with lower entrance fees but higher costs if care needs increase. They also discussed nonprofit governance, resident involvement, and the role of state and Attorney General disclosure requirements. Several members raised concerns about affordability, refund timing, and the need to distinguish true CCRCs from other senior housing marketed similarly; presenters said refunds are often tied to reoccupancy and that their organizations are collecting data on refund timelines and contract terms. The discussion also covered resident rights and governance, including whether residents should have seats on nonprofit boards. Christine Griffin said her community lacks resident board representation and urged the commission to consider a state requirement, while others said resident associations and direct engagement with boards can be more effective than mandatory board seats. Members also discussed transparency around monthly fee increases, financial screening before admission, and the importance of clear marketing so consumers understand what they are buying. No votes were taken. The meeting ended with logistical updates, including a tentative public hearing date of June 3, 2025, a note that the next meeting would focus on regulation and monitoring standards, and a reminder that the commission would continue refining its work plan based on survey feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• Certificate of Need, Intermediate Healthcare Facilities, Finance. >> Majority Leader Muse, be considered
• So um let's see with the committees anything finance chair of finance. >> Um not not tonight Mr.
• with the committees anything finance with the committees anything finance chair<00:19:11.440>
• of<00:19:11.520> finance.
• chair of finance. chair of finance.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 2, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order on February 2, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Rabbi Andrew Bush of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, who reflected on Tu Bishvat, the 200th anniversary of Maryland’s 1826 legislation granting Jews the right to hold office, and broader lessons about language, imperfect solutions, persistence, and acting for others. His prayer was journalized without objection. The chamber also heard brief remarks recognizing his interfaith work and the significance of Tu Bishvat as an ecological holiday. The Senate then honored Maryland History Day participants and awardees. Students from several schools were introduced and congratulated as finalists in the 2025 National History Day competition, and the chamber adopted a resolution recognizing them. The Senate also recognized Lindsay Matthews of Eastern Middle School as the 2025 Maryland History Day Middle School Teacher of the Year and Sam Mowski of Loyola Blakefield as the 2025 National History Day High School Teacher of the Year, with resolutions adopted for both. Additional introductions included the doctor of the day, several Senate pages, and a personal recognition of Jasmine Miller, a Baltimore Polytechnic student and the niece of a senator. On the legislative calendar, the clerk read Senate Bill 444, Senator Kramer’s bill on certificate of need for intermediate healthcare facilities finance, and a bond initiative for Charles Mount Elementary School sponsored by Senator Sing. These items were ordered to the appropriate committees/subcommittee. No committee reports or substantive floor votes were taken beyond the ceremonial resolutions. The Senate also announced upcoming caucus meetings, reminded members to pay protocol dues, confirmed a quorum of 40 members, and adjourned until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we were hoping that finance, although this bill had no money nor fiscal impact and wasn't referred
• Uh, we have received memos from Ways and Means and Finance as to a $2,212,000 appropriation for both
• chair Yamashida office of the finance chair Yamashida office of the governor<00:02:50.239> senate
• I also just want to thank the finance and Ways and Means staff because not just with this bill, but we
• and uh ways want to thank um the finance and uh ways and<00:03:40.560> means<00:03:40.799>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees met several times on April 25, 2025, to resolve a number of bills, often delaying items until later in the day because of missing FIN/WAM releases or lack of quorum. Early in the day, SB 382 was discussed briefly but not advanced because finance would not release it. HB 1064, relating to the state fire marshal, was taken up and approved after conferees confirmed a $2,212,000 appropriation for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund eight positions in the Department of Law Enforcement. Members thanked the many agencies, staff, and advocates involved, and the bill passed by unanimous votes of those present. Several other measures were rolled over to later conference-room meetings, including HB 423 on workers’ compensation, HB 214 on government, HB 1036, HB 1037, and HB 1039 on public employment cost items, SB 828 on workers’ compensation medical benefits, SB 717 on collective bargaining, and HB 286 on the individual housing account program, all pending FIN/WAM release or further agreement. A larger housing agenda was also postponed to 4:30 p.m. in Room 225, including bills on housing, transportation, transient accommodations development, rental housing revolving funds, dwelling unit revolving funds, and low-income housing credit. At the later transportation and housing sessions, HB 1231 was adopted as a conference draft establishing a $5 county motor vehicle registration surcharge for the Safe Routes to School special fund and clarifying rules for automated enforcement citations and liability. HB 4209 on transit-oriented development also passed; it defined transit-oriented development, created a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund, and authorized HCDA to use the definition in planning. HB 1298 on housing passed with amendments to support a government employee housing program tied to a transit-oriented development site, including funding for planning and an HHFC position. HB 830 on historic preservation reviews also passed with amendments limiting third-party review to residential or mixed-use development and setting staggered effective dates. Later, SB 662 on transportation passed with amendments authorizing county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on public streets, roadways, and highways. Several other bills remained pending and were recessed for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're on a motion to concur with Senate amendments to House Appropriations Finance Committee substitute
• The House has concurred with the House Appropriations Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 493
• And also, um, considerable oversight by DFA and approved by the Board of Finance.
• Speaker, gentlemen, uh, requiring confidentiality training for legislative finance stuff.
• Speaker, your House Appropriations and Finance Committee will meet 15 minutes after.