Transcript Highlights:

• It is working well in other parts of California. It is working well in other parts of California.
• retire in the next several years.
• retire in the next several years.
• And they felt so much joy in being able to get connected into these jobs because it was about fair living
• And so I appreciate the trust in me in order to get that done. But you have my commitment.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard two bills. AB 1054 by Assemblymember Gibson would create a Deferred Retirement Option Program for eligible CHP officers and CAL FIRE firefighters, allowing them to work up to five additional years while their retirement benefits accrue in an interest-bearing account. Supporters, including representatives of CHP and CAL FIRE, said the bill would help retain experienced public safety personnel, address staffing strain, and remain cost-neutral to the state. Members generally supported the measure, and the committee passed it 7-0 and referred it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1439 by Assemblymember Garcia, sponsored by the State Building and Construction Trades Council. The bill would require public pension and retirement systems to apply stronger labor standards when investing in California development projects, including prevailing wage, skilled-and-trained workforce, and labor neutrality provisions. Supporters argued that public pension investments should not back projects with wage theft, unsafe conditions, or poor labor practices, and that stronger standards improve project quality and returns. Opponents, including county retirement systems, builders, housing groups, and local government associations, warned the bill could interfere with fiduciary duties, increase costs, create litigation risk, and reduce housing and development activity. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s scope, definitions, and possible impacts on housing and pension stability, but several said they were willing to give the author a chance to continue working on amendments. The author committed to further revisions and said the bill was still in early stages. The committee approved AB 1439 5-0, with one member not voting, and sent it to Appropriations. The meeting ended with brief farewell remarks for a committee consultant who is leaving for the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• For me, I was in Indian Guides, I was in HIWI, I was a senator in Youth and Government, I went through
• It is driving them to understand that what's going on in the Middle East would not be mitigated.
• Understand that what's going on in the Middle East would not be mitigated by anything that is happening
• Again, one in four girls and one in 13 boys.
• These are children in our communities, in our schools, and our families suffering in silence.

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA’s 175th anniversary through floor remarks highlighting its long history of community service, youth programs, child care, and civic engagement. The body then moved through routine messages and appointments, confirming three gubernatorial appointments: former Judge Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. On third reading, senators debated and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California and calls for California to be removed from the plan and for stronger environmental review and public participation. Supporters emphasized coastal protection and climate goals, while opponents argued the state faces energy supply and affordability problems and needs more domestic production. The resolution passed by roll call. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, urging full release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99, declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day and recognizing the state’s agricultural production, farmworkers, and climate-smart practices. The final major item was Senate Resolution 100, designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, support survivors, and expand prevention and mandated reporter training. The author and supporters spoke about the prevalence of abuse, the importance of reporting, and survivor support; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate then lifted the calls and confirmed the earlier appointments, adopted the consent calendar, announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings, and adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman. The session ended with notice that the next floor session would be Monday, April 27, 2026, with Denim Day observed that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any additional primary witnesses in support? Seeing none, primary witnesses in opposition?
• I'm in full support of AB.
• The second piece in this, I think, is also appropriately called out in the.
• Nicholas Sackett, Social Compassion in Legislation, in support. Thank you very much.
• early morning to come in.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WAIVING IN SUPPORT. AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INNOCENCE PROJECT WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
• AND IN MOST CIRCUMSTANCES THE STUFF IN THE UNIT IS NOT VALUABLE.
• STATE OF FLORIDA SO THAT THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL?
• THIS IN THE FUTURE.
• I VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE ON TAB SEVEN SENATE BILL 248. IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Funds were appropriated for this work in 2019 and again in 2021. In 2023, WSDOT and ODOT were...
• Spokane in 2024.
• I haven't been in front of the Transportation Committee in 30 years, let alone in front of the current
• So we think that this will be a good bill for an existing situation, but it'll be mitigated in the future
• So we think that this will be a good bill for an existing situation, but it'll be mitigated in the future

Bills: HB1823, HB2092, HB2111, HB2114

Keywords: transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match, grant funding, transportation grants, county roads, city streets, transportation benefit district, urban county, small city program, active transportation, pedestrian, bicycle, bike routes, transit, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• Everything we do in Vanderburgh California too. It's an honor to be in for you guys.
• just in Florida alone.
• We had 66 in 2023.
• Go ahead, Senator. >> In Florida, many people do you employ in?
• economy in places.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Funds were appropriated for this work in 2019 and again in 2021. In 2023, WSDOT and ODOT were...
• This bill came about in part because I first got involved in working on Amtrak Cascades and in passenger
• multiple crises, challenges at least, in climate, environment, in health, in the affordability of our
• So we think that this will be a good bill for an existing situation, but it'll be mitigated in the future
• So we think that this will be a good bill for an existing situation, but it'll be mitigated in the future

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard briefings and public testimony on four bills. HB 1823, a Transportation Improvement Board cleanup bill, would remove obsolete references, update terms, and repeal outdated sections; a proposed substitute would restore remaining bond authority that the original bill would have inadvertently removed. The sponsor and TIB supported the technical corrections, describing the bill as good-government cleanup, and there were no questions or opposition. HB 2092 would create a Washington State Amtrak Cascades Passenger Rail Advisory Committee to provide regular user feedback to WSDOT; the bill was presented with a fiscal note of about $82,000 this biennium and $156,000 ongoing for staffing. The prime sponsor and multiple advocates supported the concept, while committee members and witnesses raised possible amendments to broaden membership, include disability representation, and possibly add rail industry and statewide passenger rail interests. HB 2111 would allow the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project toll facility bond retirement account to retain its share of interest earnings instead of sending them to the general fund. The sponsor, the Treasurer’s Office, and a business community witness said the change would keep dedicated toll-related revenue with the project and avoid accounting and tax concerns; the bill was described as a technical fix with fiscal impact expected to benefit the project account. HB 2114 would require the Department of Licensing to waive replacement plate fees for defective plates within two years of issuance and allow waivers between two and five years in some cases. The sponsor said the bill responds to widespread plate delamination, especially in eastern Washington, and county auditors and subagents testified in support as a customer-service measure, though they noted the fiscal note seemed high relative to the small number of replacements estimated and asked for clearer definitions and implementation guidance. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chair closed public hearings on HB 1823, HB 2092, and HB 2111 after testimony, and temporarily closed HB 2114 to allow a later opportunity for a witness who had audio issues to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• The minimum content of the plan is identified in more detail in the bill analysis, but as a couple of
• Business competitiveness in Washington has been threatened in recent years.
• Out of the 39 counties that we have in the state, most are, in fact, rural.
• In our state, I believe we're the most trade-dependent state in the country.
• In order to mitigate this kind of open-ended risk, this amendment would create a ceiling for that data

Bills: SB5420

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Back in 2010, licensure fees were $150. In 2015, they dropped to $100. Then in 2018, $80. Mr.
• In 2024, that number was $24.87, and in 2025, it decreased to $15.46. Mr.
• There's also been a decrease in the number of licensees in the state.
• There was a cost in moving, and is it a cost in maintaining that position?
• better way than what we've seen in the past and in other states.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee met to consider a series of temporary and pending administrative rules, mostly from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) for health-related boards. Early actions focused on fee reductions or fee flexibility for the Idaho Boards of Midwifery and Nursing, and the Board of Dentistry, with members asking about cash balances, why refund language was removed in one rule, and how merged boards and fee holidays might affect future rates. The committee voted to extend the temporary rules to July 1, 2026 and then approved the corresponding final rules for midwifery, dentistry, and nursing. Members also discussed a nursing reinstatement fee set at $35 to align with Idaho Code and standardize fees across boards. The committee then considered a proposed fee increase for the Occupational Therapy Board, which DOPL said was needed because the board’s cash balance was below statutory limits and projected to go negative without action. Testimony described prior cost-cutting efforts, including reduced staff time, travel, and meetings, but several members objected to the increase as a tax-like burden and questioned whether other budget changes or board mergers could solve the problem. The Senate had already rejected the docket, and the House committee ultimately voted to reject it as well. Members also raised concerns about whether DOPL consolidation has increased costs for smaller boards and whether the board’s public safety role justified licensure. The committee approved a new Speech, Hearing, and Communication Services rule creating a video remote interpreting provider license authorized by House Bill 311, with a $150 fee for up to five interpreters at a business. DOPL said the license is new nationally, had no public comments, would not affect the general fund, and would be the lowest fee of its kind in the country. Finally, the committee considered a Physical Therapy Licensure Board fee increase from $25 to $40, which DOPL said was needed because the board’s cash balance was low and projected to decline further despite cost reductions and modernization through the online licensure system. Members debated the impact of DOPL consolidation and fee disparities across professions, but after a substitute motion, the committee voted to reject that docket as well. The meeting concluded with announcements about visiting physicians from the WHAMMY program and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tax conformity in the bill. What? Tax conformity in the bill, in his budget.
• in mint on line two.
• Again, that's in a little bit better condition than, certainly, in 2026.
• in health and welfare.
• Almost 30% of cash in reserves in 2026 to begin 2026 as compared to almost 22% in 2009.

Summary: The committee held a courtesy presentation from JFAC members and staff on the state’s fiscal outlook, with a focus on the general fund, Medicaid, and the budget pressures facing fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Senator Groh and staff explained that JFAC raised the revenue forecast above the governor’s recommendation, but that projected costs from tax conformity and other factors largely erased that gain, leaving a very small ending balance. They also noted that the governor’s budget relies on some one-time money and that JFAC had asked agencies for additional 1% to 2% reduction plans beyond the governor’s proposed 3% cuts. Alex Williamson presented the Medicaid portion of the budget, saying the Division of Medicaid faces an ongoing FY 2027 increase of about $235 million. She said about $84.8 million of that is offset by the already-implemented 4% provider rate cut, and another $67 million in governor-recommended reductions would require legislative action. Those options include further hospital rate reductions, cuts to residential habilitation rates, review of managed care administrative costs, and removal of some services in Idaho Code. Members asked whether reserve funds could be used instead of additional cuts, and Williamson deferred the broader fiscal picture to Mr. Bybee. Keith Bybee then walked the committee through the state’s structural balance, cash reserves, and sales tax distribution. He said the state’s revenues and expenditures are no longer aligned over the long term, that the 2025 revenue forecast missed by more than $100 million, and that the current projected ending balance could fall to about $29.8 million if the governor’s plan and tax conformity are adopted. He emphasized that the Legislature must decide whether to use one-time money, make more cuts, or restore structural balance. Members debated whether the budget problem was driven by recent tax cuts and revenue assumptions, and several said they were reluctant to cut Medicaid further. No formal votes or actions were taken, and the committee adjourned after asking members to send feedback before the chair’s upcoming JFAC presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So back in 2010, licensure fees were $150. In 2015, they dropped to $100. Then in 2018, $80.
• In 2024, that number was $24.87, and in 2025, it decreased to $15.46.
• There’s also been a decrease in the number of licensees in the state.
• There’s also been a decrease in the number of licensees in the state.
• better way than what we've seen in the past and in other states.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee heard a series of temporary and pending administrative rules from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, mostly involving fee adjustments for health licensing boards. The committee approved temporary extensions and final rules for Idaho Midwifery and the Board of Nursing, which would allow lower fees to remain in place through July 1, 2026, and also approved similar fee-reduction rules for the Board of Dentistry and a new fee structure for the Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board’s video remote interpreting provider license created by House Bill 311. Members asked about cash balances, the rationale for striking refund language, and whether board mergers or shared administration would affect future fees. The most contentious item was the Occupational Therapy Board rule, which proposed increasing renewal fees from $40 to $80 for occupational therapists and from $30 to $70 for assistants because the board’s cash balance was low and projected to go negative. Several members objected to the increase as a tax-like burden and questioned whether the board could instead cut costs or whether insurance-related prior authorization issues might affect the profession. After discussion, the committee voted to reject the occupational therapy rule, and the transcript notes the Senate had already rejected it as well. The committee also considered the Physical Therapy Licensure Board rule, which would raise fees from $25 to $40 and add not-to-exceed language to address a projected deficit tied to consolidation costs and declining licensee numbers. Members debated whether IDOPL consolidation has created new ongoing costs, but the board’s representative said the increase was needed to keep the board solvent and that same-day online licensure and reduced staff time had improved efficiency. The committee ultimately voted to reject that rule too, after a roll call vote. The meeting ended after all agenda items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill mitigates risk, ensuring all who work or visit the Capitol are safe in this environment.
• Last week, I testified in a similar bill, and I'll get to that in a moment.
• And before somebody gets hurt, in my opinion. I'm going to jump in here really quick.
• Are you in opposition?
• Do we have anyone in the audience in favor? I see you have your form. Perfect.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That was in the base. Minnesota solar. That was in the base.
• The language in the bill in front of you is incomplete on data centers.
• The language in the bill in front of you is incomplete on data centers.
• I wanted to speak in opposition to the provisions in the bill that severely weaken net metering in rural
• Millions in economic development and in local tax revenues.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We address the Board of Pardons and Paroles by enhancing consistency and fairness in its decision-making
• There were delays in about 40% of the cases in getting those individuals into the program in a timely
• I represent Ed Trust in Texas, and we are in favor of the bill.
• In fact, I am the last in-state licensed polygraph examiner in the United States, here in Texas, and
• In... ...a manslaughter case that happened in Brock, Texas, in Parker County, and it killed four individuals

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Transcript Highlights:

• In contrast to the current system, switching to this technology system could help reduce delays and mitigate
• In contrast to the current system, switching to this technology system could help reduce delays and mitigate
• It started in Wyoming. It was put in place here recently in Wyoming.
• And in speaking to what I'm sure we're going to get to in a lot of questions in a minute, Texas Business
• I was born in Houston, lived in Beaumont, and vacationed in Galveston.

Bills: HB111

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, with most measures laid out by Senate sponsors and then left pending after brief public testimony. Early bills focused on construction and licensing issues, including HB 305 on prompt payment for public construction audits, HB 5093 on restoring public access to notary contact information, HB 2037 on updating landlord-tenant repair and security deposit rules, HB 4214 on a centralized public information request contact database, and HB 5435 exempting higher education institutions from a 90-day notice requirement for certain public-private partnership projects. Testimony was generally supportive on these bills, and no votes were taken; each was left pending. The committee also considered several transparency and regulatory bills. HB 111 would expand the Public Information Act to certain nonprofit state associations and narrow some attorney-client and working-paper exceptions, with supporters arguing it would improve oversight of public funds and critics questioning the scope and thresholds. HB 5129 would protect occupational license holders’ personal identifying information from disclosure without consent, HB 4350 would allow peace officers to redact personal information from online real property records, HB 4748 would authorize multiple-award state purchasing contracts, and HB 4765 would clean up code enforcement officer licensing rules. HB 4134 would allow motor vehicle creditors to charge limited fees for electronic payment options while requiring a free alternative, and HB 1043 would direct a study of blockchain-based property title records; both drew testimony, with some concern about the practical effects and vendor implications of the blockchain study. Several bills addressed insurance, workforce, and digital-asset regulation. HB 3520 would reduce the insurance coverage required for transportation network companies during the period when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, drawing support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and opposition from trial lawyers who argued the higher coverage better protects the public. HB 3320 would create a self-insurance pool for religious institutions, with TDI explaining it would still be regulated but operate under a special statutory framework. HB 4233 would modernize rules for digital asset service providers by removing certain auditor-access requirements and updating reporting and licensing provisions. HB 3923 would reduce bachelor’s-degree requirements for some state jobs, though Every Texan argued low pay, not degree requirements, is the main driver of turnover. HB 4518 would create a legal structure for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations tied to blockchain governance; business law experts opposed it as unnecessary and potentially risky, while crypto advocates supported it. Finally, HB 1803 would join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists, with supporters citing workforce shortages and opponents saying Texas already licenses quickly and that the compact could weaken state oversight. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly closed testimony and left bills pending, and a quorum was eventually established before later items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is very common, in fact necessary, in all mining in North America since the modernization of environmental
• We never thought in a million years that this spot in our history, in our culture, in our heritage, could
• go away. ...spot in our history, in our culture, in our heritage, could go away.
• in these... ...and use, and yet at the same time a real good mitigation in these areas.
• So in...

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the in the director we in the in the um<00:17:02.279><c> draft</c><00:17:02.880><c> we</c><00:17:02.959
• in in uh 2025 in the past what we did in in uh 2025 and<00:24:20.039><c> then</c><00:24:20.200><c> what
• But I'm not sure what is being done in the... fire um mitigation and fuel reduction fire um mitigation
• That's fair. Again, work in progress numbers.
• That's fair. Again, work in progress numbers.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures before taking up decision-making. Senate Bill 1381, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, received support from the Department of Defense and other testifiers and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 422, relating to education and high school diplomas for veterans, also drew support from the Department of Education, the Military Affairs Council, and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 414, relating to restoring access to disaster-affected areas in Lahaina, was discussed with testimony from HHFDC and others; members agreed to amend the bill to refer to the Department of Transportation as the acquiring agency, and the measure was recommended to pass with amendments. The committee then considered Senate Bill 223, relating to fire prevention. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the bill but recommended changes to make the wildland-urban interface code a matter for the State Fire Council/State Fire Marshal rather than statute, and noted it lacked authority to mandate fuel reduction work on lands outside its control. Members also discussed community fuel reduction funding, with DLNR indicating that $10 million would be an effective amount and describing current funding for equipment, outreach, and positions. The chair proposed amendments to make fuel reduction on non-set-aside lands permissive rather than mandatory, to allow the State Fire Council to amend the state fire code to include easement holders, and to note a defective date and the funding request in the committee report. The bill was recommended to pass with amendments, with one member voting with reservations. In a later decision-making session, the committee considered Senate Bill 1379, relating to emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers, and Senate Bill 371, relating to property damage of critical infrastructure facilities. For SB 1379, the chair proposed an HD1 incorporating the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management and county emergency management in site-selection criteria, adding geographic resilience considerations, changing the defective date, and noting $10.8 million for site design plus $1.2 million for contract support; the bill passed with amendments, with reservations from some members over county input and funding. For SB 371, the chair amended the bill to remove recklessly/negligently causing damage and require intentional conduct throughout, while leaving other issues for Judiciary review; the bill passed with amendments, with at least one member voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are in the middle of neighborhoods, so this is only fair. So we found compromise with this.
• These are in the middle of neighborhoods, so this is only fair. So we found compromise with this.
• In history in Phoenix, $165 million.
• I'm like, that's in that model, that's in that model, that's in that model.
• Were you in support of the bill or opposed to the bill? She's in support. Okay, in support.

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and passed several bills dealing with insurance fraud funding, education scholarships, apprenticeships, workers’ compensation fraud, credit unions, manufactured home installation licensing, short-term rentals, homeowners associations, condo disclosures, and an advanced manufacturing infrastructure reimbursement program. HB 4020 would raise the annual insurer assessment cap for the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions fraud unit from $1,050 to $1,350; it passed after testimony from Nationwide supporting the added resources. HB 2255 would extend Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship eligibility for community college students from two academic years to four, and HB 2591, as amended, would revise the definition and requirements for registered apprenticeships under DES standards; both passed unanimously. HB 2680, as amended, would narrow and clarify workers’ compensation fraud-related provisions and insurance disclosure requirements, and HB 2979, as amended, would modernize credit union bylaws, name changes, and operating powers; both also received due pass recommendations. HB 2868, which adds insurance and fingerprint-clearance requirements for manufactured home/mobile home installation licensees and gives the Department of Housing additional licensing authority, passed with some members present or voting no. The committee also took up HB 2429, a strike-everything amendment on short-term rentals that would let local governments set occupancy limits, extend the violation window for suspension actions from 12 to 24 months, and allow suspension after certain building code violations. The sponsor and city officials described it as a compromise giving communities more local control, while short-term rental owners and neighborhood advocates raised concerns about overbroad enforcement and the scale of the housing impacts; the bill passed 8-2 with one present. HB 4011, which would codify duties for condominium and planned community associations to act reasonably and provide access to information, was heard without the proposed Carter amendment and passed 11-0 after testimony from homeowners, attorneys, and HOA representatives about fairness and enforceability. HB 2397, another HOA-related bill, would expand disclosure requirements for condo and association purchases and escrow information; it passed unanimously after supporters said it would improve consumer transparency. Finally, the committee heard HB 4026, which would change the public infrastructure reimbursement program for advanced manufacturing projects by replacing the current statewide cap with a $75 million annual cap and requiring more transparency for related agreements. Supporters, including Queen Creek’s mayor, GPEC, and the Arizona Chamber, said the program helps fund roads, water, wastewater, and other infrastructure needed to attract large manufacturing investments and jobs, while some members questioned the budget impact and whether the program benefits rural areas. The discussion emphasized projects such as LG in Queen Creek and other major manufacturing investments, with supporters arguing the bill preserves Arizona’s competitiveness and generates long-term tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Frequent changes in duty status create gaps in coverage...
• In closing, each of these requests represents a strategic investment in Florida.
• In succinct terms, Mr.
• So we have a process in place.
• First budget for emergency management. $71.8 million is in flood mitigation assistance, Swift Current

Bills: S0048

Keywords: housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, local government, zoning regulations, military families, density bonus, homeownership, property taxes, 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget for the TED silo and presentations from Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, the State Guard, State, Transportation, and Emergency Management. The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, including $18.3 billion for TED agencies, with major allocations for FDOT, Commerce, emergency management, tourism, military affairs, and state operations. Agency heads emphasized priorities such as housing and disaster recovery, workforce and rural infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, defense support, tourism marketing, aerospace and spaceport investment, election audits, historic preservation, road and bridge maintenance, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness systems. Members asked several questions about the use and effectiveness of funding. Visit Florida officials said the public-private match is essential and that they exceeded the required match last year. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discussed trooper pay, vehicle replacement, aviation support, and transparency tools such as vehicle camera systems, with senators praising the department’s recruitment efforts. Military Affairs and the State Guard described readiness, recruiting, facility construction, and support for domestic missions, including hurricane response and perimeter security at the Everglades detention site; questions focused on deployment tempo, staffing, and costs. The Department of State explained funding for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and said its arts grant changes were intended to standardize scoring rather than cut programs. Transportation highlighted a $15.4 billion total budget, major work program funding, safety initiatives, seaport and aviation investments, and the elimination of Florida Rail Enterprise funding due to reduced documentary stamp revenues. The committee also heard and passed CS/SB 48 by Senator Gates, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units on a voluntary basis, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs are allowed by right without separate hearings. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and several industry and business groups supported the bill, citing the need for long-term rental housing for workers. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• These funds can only be used for treating and mitigating hepatitis C in accordance with the Attorney
• Told was, you know, we have about $1.2 billion in assets, but to keep them running just in the fair condition
• they're in, we have over $200 million in deferred maintenance.
• in county jails.
• And in particular, I know this body has talked in the past in justice reimbursement about policies like

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee met jointly with Senate Finance and House Appropriations to review the Idaho Department of Correction budget, beginning with an agency overview from Legislative Services analyst Noah Peterson and then testimony from Director Bree Derrick. Discussion focused on the department’s overall funding mix, declining balances in dedicated funds such as inmate labor and probation/parole receipts, vacancy management, and the impact of the governor’s holdback exemption. Members also asked about software and technology costs, the Hepatitis C Fund, replacement items, and why some positions remain vacant or are held open as a budget strategy. A substantial portion of the meeting covered the department’s major divisions and cost drivers. In state prisons, county/out-of-state placement, community corrections, community-based substance use disorder treatment, and medical services, the analyst and director explained enhancement requests, supplemental needs, and rising operating costs tied to inflation, population growth, and contract rates. Members questioned the inmate labor fund’s decline, the loss of work contracts, the cost and effectiveness of recidivism and transparency software, the Pocatello reentry center, body-worn cameras, RFID and drone detection technology, and the medical contract with Centurion. The department said some cuts were made or planned in response to budget pressure, including reduced spending on Recidivis and other contracts, while body-worn cameras and some public-safety tools were retained. The committee also discussed prison population pressures, county jail and out-of-state placement costs, mandatory minimum sentences, and the use of county jails as overflow. Director Derrick said the department is seeing more admissions than releases and that Idaho’s incarceration rate remains high relative to neighboring states. She also said the department is working to expand county and out-of-state options and to pursue more inmate labor contracts. Several members asked for follow-up information on staffing, contract counts, program impacts, and fund balances. The meeting then moved to the Commission of Pardons and Parole budget, where Director Christine Starr testified that commissioners are part-time but effectively work full-time, are not paid for training or all preparation time, and that turnover remains a concern. No votes were taken; the committee adjourned to resume the next day after work groups.