Transcript Highlights:

• And it will also give the utilities time to adjust their capital projects planning to reflect the reductions
• The mandatory minimum lot size in the bill will result in an over 85% reduction in current lot sizes.
• governmental entities from Chair Jacques: adopting net-zero policies on greenhouse gases for carbon reduction
• They have a target of achieving 30% reduction of greenhouse Chair Jacques: gases by 2030, from a 2015
• from the bill create a conflict if municipalities are not able to get grant programs for emission reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• Would we see a reduction of that in the Health and Welfare budget? Mr. LoHosette: Mr.
• state agencies into this agency, and for each of those growth points on FTP, you'll see a paired reduction
• remains the same because those agencies are still paying for IT to... on FTP you'll see a paired reduction
• But we have had a net reduction, which is approximately $5 million a year in personnel costs just through
• That's an ongoing reduction of two full-time positions.

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Idaho State Tax Commission. For ITS, the analyst and administrator described the agency’s role in statewide IT policy, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and consolidation of IT staff from other agencies. The discussion focused on the agency’s growing FTP count as more IT functions are centralized, the treatment of continuously appropriated cash used for hardware and services purchased on behalf of other agencies, and a proposed policy change to separate that cash into a distinct fund. ITS also outlined its fiscal year 2027 requests, including funding for enterprise security/firewall upgrades, a federal E-CORE grant for a statewide data repository using AI, a supplemental for Chinden Campus furnishings, and the next phase of Health and Welfare consolidation. The administrator emphasized the volume of cyberattacks, the need for security investments, and the agency’s efforts to reduce costs through redesign and consolidation. Members asked about the E-CORE grant, the basis for the governor’s 3% holdback, whether Health and Welfare’s budget would be reduced when IT staff move to ITS, and why some equipment and furnishings were being requested instead of simply transferring assets. The administrator said the firewall request was critical, that delaying it could cost about $3 million more later, and that the 58 FTP transfer from Health and Welfare was the final consolidation phase, with some equipment being transferred and some new furnishings still needed. Questions also addressed cybersecurity threats, procurement speed, software review delays, and the use of AI. ITS said it processes over 82,000 tickets annually, works with federal and law enforcement partners on cyber threats, and is trying to improve efficiency while maintaining security. The Tax Commission presentation covered its five programs, its roughly $55 million budget, and its role in collecting and distributing state revenues. The analyst highlighted the agency’s dedicated funds, continuous appropriations for tax rebates and distributions, and fiscal year 2027 requests for property tax education funding, GenTax automation, use of dedicated funds for a chief operating officer, replacement items, and the governor’s holdback. The chairman said the agency returns more than $7.8 billion in revenue and costs less than one penny to collect each dollar, but warned it is at a “tipping point” where further cuts would reduce service and delay revenue processing. He also discussed the Multi-State Tax Compact, the need for more staffing in the call center, and the challenges of implementing tax conformity changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which could require substantial software and form updates on a compressed timeline. Members asked about the sustainability of dedicated fund increases, the reduction of two FTP tied to a completed rebate program, customer service delays, vehicle replacements, tax gap enforcement, and the parental choice tax credit. The chairman said the tax credit program was designed with income priority, electronic-only applications, audit and contest procedures, and criminal penalties for fraud. He also explained that the commission had received seven of ten requested staff for the tax credit, and that the new chief operating officer role was intended to provide continuity and operational management. No formal votes or bill actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting concluded with thanks to the agencies and adjournment until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And 54% said they support the reduction from 0.08 to 0.05, and 34% were opposed with 20% strongly opposed
• first and foremost, was what was convincing to survey respondents to become more supportive of the reduction
• The most about the 11% reduction in fatal traffic accidents from alcohol-related traffic accidents."
• The science and the support of the public give you a good opportunity to make another reduction.
• We've seen a drastic reduction in registrations since 2002: 38,000 in 2002, and now we have about 19,000

Bills: SB5234, SB6110, SB6176

Keywords: snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation, vehicle license fee, RCW 46.17, fee schedule, renewal fee, initial fee, Washington state, electric-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, transportation regulation, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• The one exception of that is if you drill down to the countries, you can definitely see a reduction in
• We have built in another rate reduction later this year.
• October then again in December but our current forecast the one from September only had one rate reduction
• We made a small revision in our forecast for federal employment, about a 4,000 reduction in Washington
• On the ELTO account, that was largely a reduction in the capital gains forecast.

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), including how the council’s joint executive-legislative forecasting process works, the main state revenue sources, and recent economic conditions. He said Washington’s economy is slowing, with weak employment growth, softer taxable sales, and uncertainty from tariffs, federal spending, and the federal shutdown. He also noted that the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, and that the state still expects modest growth rather than a recession. Members asked about whether Washington tends to lag national downturns and how forecast information should affect budgeting; Dr. Reich said the forecast is a revenue tool, not a budgeting decision, and that spending choices remain with elected officials. The Department of Revenue then presented on Washington’s sales and use tax structure and the implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to several services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained how sales and use tax are sourced, how reseller permits and the multiple points of use exemption work, and how the new law applies to live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software. He said DOR held listening sessions, issued interim guidance, and set up a centralized landing page and outreach efforts to help taxpayers understand the changes. He also described a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts through March 31, 2026, but said penalties and interest still apply under the statute. Committee members raised concerns about how businesses and individuals will know when a service is taxable, who is responsible for collecting and remitting tax, and how sourcing will work for services delivered across multiple locations or online. DOR staff walked through examples involving accounting services, live lectures, virtual events, advertising campaigns, and search engine marketing, including the use of reasonable allocation and pool codes when exact sourcing data is unavailable. Members also questioned the administrative burden on small businesses and professionals newly subject to tax, and whether additional legislative fixes or relief from penalties and interest may be needed. No votes or formal actions were taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've already experienced the impact that a reduction to federal funding can have on our school districts
• We've already experienced the impact that a reduction to federal funding can have on our school districts
• We've already experienced the impact that a reduction to federal funding can have on our school districts
• We've already experienced the impact that a reduction to federal funding can have on our school districts
• We've already experienced the impact that a reduction to federal funding can have on our school districts

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . is that we're getting significant reductions because of interventions that address the needs of that
• in use of force, and a 6% reduction in misdemeanor arrests. and a 6% reduction in misdemeanor arrests
• This program has achieved significant outcomes, including a 50 to 60 percent reduction in jail bookings
• , a 52 percent reduction in homeless service utilization, and an 89 percent reduction in ambulance transports
• From community-based diversion services to co-responder programs, the reduction in visits and arrests

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:50.800><c> in</c> decimated. uh with a reduction in decimated. uh with a reduction in federal
• Uh, as for the question about impacts from any federal reductions in service or funding or anything like
• </c><01:26:17.760><c> in</c><01:26:18.000><c> service</c> any uh federal uh reductions in service any
• </c><01:26:27.760><c> There's</c><01:26:28.560><c> uh</c> reduction in services there.
• There's uh reduction in services there.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did some reallocations and reductions in three different pots of money.
• We did some reallocations and reductions in three different pots of money.
• <00:30:31.440><c> and</c><00:30:32.039><c> reallocations</c><00:30:33.039><c> affecting</c> reductions
• that hundreds of additional reductions that hundreds of additional staff<00:30:45.039><c> layoffs</c
• </c> $30 million in in reductions. $30 million in in reductions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Nikos Slen on behalf of Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center.
• Next up, we have the Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center.
• Next up, we have the Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center.
• Next up, we have the Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center.
• </c><01:01:42.119><c> Center</c> Hawaii health and harm reduction Center Hawaii health and harm reduction

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services and Homelessness met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 44, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services to work with community-based organizations on social services needs, drew broad support from nonprofit providers and coalitions that said contracts and reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the actual cost of services, leaving agencies unable to retain staff or meet demand. DHS said it supported the bill’s intent but asked for clarification because the language was broad and did not specify which organizations or how funds should be allocated. Committee members and the bill’s introducer discussed how to make the measure more specific and equitable, including whether to set a percentage increase, use a baseline date, and direct DHS to distribute funds among different program areas; the True Cost Coalition and DHS agreed to follow up in writing with proposed language and a funding number. The committee then heard HB 1349, which would authorize Medicaid/CHIP coverage for income-qualified pregnant persons and children regardless of immigration status. Supporters, including the Legal Clinic, Aloha Care, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said the bill would improve prenatal and child health, reduce the chilling effect of immigration enforcement on care-seeking, and help prevent premature or underweight births by ensuring earlier access to providers. DHS provided comments and the committee asked where the measure would fit in the budget; the department identified the relevant budget code. Written testimony in support came from multiple advocacy and health organizations and dozens of individuals. Finally, the committee heard HB 613, which would appropriate funds to DHS for emergency shelter and services for unaccompanied homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, the Statewide Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions, the Office of Youth Services, Rise, the Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others supported the bill, emphasizing youth homelessness, the need for coordinated shelter and outreach, and the high share of LGBTQ+ youth among homeless minors. OYS asked that the committee consider funding its existing Safe Spaces pilot rather than creating a new program, while DHS said it supported the intent but wanted clarification because multiple department programs could be implicated. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair instead requested follow-up language and funding information for HB 44 and continued the measures for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• direction, just about all parties will agree that naloxone distribution has led to that reduction.
• ><c> in</c><01:08:32.080><c> our</c> Harm reduction is working in our Harm reduction is working in our
• </c> attributable to the harm reduction attributable to the harm reduction community.<01:08:42.880><c
• </c><02:02:09.520><c> And</c><02:02:09.920><c> mandatory</c> and reduction in crimes.
• And mandatory and reduction in crimes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's included in their 4% reduction anyway.
• And did those reductions make it into the final budget or not?
• were as large as reductions other agencies were asked to prepare.
• </c><03:52:13.159><c> we</c> or not yes all of the reductions we or not yes all of the reductions we
• </c> and represent to you that the reductions and represent to you that the reductions we<03:52:24.920

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding. Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• be required to stamp the assessments due to Ecology every four years on greenhouse gas emission reduction
• due to Ecology that, or essentially a plan or an assessment of potential greenhouse gas emission reduction
• This year, Quebec does require certain assessments of potential greenhouse gas emission reduction projects

Bills: SB6291

Keywords: SB6291, on-site wastewater treatment, onsite wastewater treatment, septic system, sewage treatment, wastewater inspection, environmental health, local board of health, public health, professional engineer, land surveyor, certificate of competency, inspection standards, design review, supervised practice, certification, licensing, RCW 18.88A, Washington State, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• be required to stamp the assessments due to Ecology every four years on greenhouse gas emission reduction
• due to Ecology that, or essentially a plan or an assessment of potential greenhouse gas emission reduction
• of... ...this year, Quebec does require certain assessments of potential greenhouse gas emission reduction

Summary: The Environment and Energy committee met to executive three bills. SB 6291 would extend from two to four years the period a non-certified person may review designs and inspect on-site wastewater treatment systems under supervision of a certified individual; the committee adopted a striking amendment making a technical correction to the definition of an on-site wastewater treatment system and then passed the bill 18-0 with three excused. ESB 6246 concerns no-cost allowance allocations for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act; the striking amendment added an Ecology-contracted independent third-party report due in 2028 on emissions and job leakage, revised reporting and disclosure provisions, required unaffiliated licensed professional engineers for certain assessments, and clarified penalty language. Members discussed leakage, third-party review, and costs to industry, and the bill passed 11-7 with three excused after the amendment was adopted. The committee also took up ESSB 5975, which sets lead standards for certain cookware and adjusts the Safer Products for Washington process. Members described the bill as the result of multiple years of negotiation balancing public health concerns about lead exposure with industry concerns, and noted the striking amendment set specific 2030 and 2034 standards for pots and pans. After brief supportive discussion, the committee adopted the striker and passed the bill 18-0 with three excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it seems to make sense to do a little bit of red tape reduction at the same time we're doing this.
• So for the grand total, $94 million equals a 3.5% reduction from the fiscal year 2026 appropriation.
• And we're also looking at a possible reduction of $9 million for health care insurance.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 515, presented by Rep. Chris Matthias, which would require schools to have a procedure for notifying families when a serious bullying incident occurs, defined as one resulting in suspension. Matthias said the bill also removes the annual bullying incident reporting requirement to the Department of Education because districts see it as burdensome and ineffective. There was no testimony in opposition, and the committee voted to send HB 515 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1244 from Sen. Carrie Semmelroth, a cleanup bill repealing obsolete statutes related to regional library systems that have not existed for decades. Semmelroth and State Librarian Dylan Baker explained the bill was part of broader code cleanup work with no policy changes. The committee approved the bill and sent SB 1244 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up print hearing RS 3318 from Sen. Kevin Cook, which would reduce the amount available for the school choice tax credit program by applying a 4% holdback for fiscal year 2026 and 5% for fiscal year 2027. Supporters argued the state needs across-the-board budget reductions and that education programs, including K-12, have already been cut; opponents said the program is new, still being implemented, and should be left whole for now. After discussion about impacts on Launch and the tax credit program, the committee approved the RS for print on a 6-3 roll call vote and then adjourned, noting there would be no meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• APPLICATION TO UTILIZED THROUGHOUT THE STATE ON IT ESTABLISHES A MANDATORY BUILDING DEPARTMENT FEE REDUCTION
• WE ARE ALSO OPPOSED ANY KIND OF REDUCTION TO EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY IN STATUTE.
• IT SHOWS IT'S A REDUCTION TO REVENUES IN THE STATE AND THE POTENTIAL OFFSET WITH ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL

Transcript Highlights:

• That card relames the repeal of the temporary tax reduction for certain high cost gas to finance.
• and firearm accessories. to finance Senate Bill 1287 by Hughes relating to the effect of certain reductions
• and attorneys to business and commerce in a bill 1296 by johnson relating to phasing out the tax reduction

Bills: SJR36, SJR3, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, SJR55, SCR18, SCR19, SCR22, SB27, SB29, SB35, SB1151, SB1152, SB1153, SB1154, SB1155, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1160, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1168, SB1169, SB1170, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, SB1177, SB1178, SB1179, SB1180, SB1181, SB1182, SB1183, SB1184, SB1185, SB1186, SB1187, SB1188, SB1189, SB1190, SB1191, SB1192, SB1193, SB1194, SB1195, SB1196, SB1197, SB1198, SB1199, SB1200, SB1201, SB1202, SB1203, SB1204, SB1205, SB1206, SB1207, SB1208, SB1209, SB1210, SB1211, SB1212, SB1213, SB1214, SB1215, SB1216, SB1217, SB1218, SB1219, SB1220, SB1221, SB1222, SB1223, SB1224, SB1225, SB1226, SB1227, SB1228, SB1229, SB1230, SB1231, SB1232, SB1233, SB1234, SB1235, SB1236, SB1237, SB1238, SB1239, SB1240, SB1241, SB1242, SB1243, SB1244, SB1245, SB1246, SB1247, SB1248, SB1249, SB1250, SB1251, SB1252, SB1253, SB1254, SB1255, SB1256, SB1257, SB1258, SB1259, SB1260, SB1261, SB1262, SB1263, SB1264, SB1265, SB1266, SB1267, SB1268, SB1269, SB1270, SB1271, SB1272, SB1273, SB1274, SB1275, SB1276, SB1277, SB1278, SB1279, SB1280, SB1281, SB1282, SB1283, SB1284, SB1285, SB1286, SB1287, SB1288, SB1289, SB1290, SB1291, SB1292, SB1293, SB1294, SB1295, SB1296, SB1297, SB1298, SB1299, SB1300, SB1301, SB1302, SB1303, SB1304, SB1305, SB1306, SB1307, SB1308, SB1309, SB1310, SB1311, SB1312, SB1313, SB1314, SB1315, SB1316, SB1317, SB1318, SB1319, SB1320, SB1321, SB1322, SB1323, SB1324, SB1325, SB1326, SB1327, SB1328, SB1329, SB1330, SB1331, SB1332, SB1333, SB1334, SB1335, SB1336, SB1337, SB1338, SB1339, SB1340, SB1341, SB1342, SB1343, SB1344, SB1345, SB1621, SJR57

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:30:55.720><c> punitive</c> The punitive The punitive 10%<00:30:58.240><c> reduction</c><00:30:
• of the operating expenses 10% reduction of the operating expenses that<00:31:00.960><c> we're</c><00
• A reduction in an entire agency's budget because of an argument over a report is so overreaching, I'm
• A reduction in an that conversation.
• Chair, I'll like to request a roll call on the amendment that is 10% reduction of the agency for not

Bills: HF4110, HF4101, HF4144, HF3546

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• The reduction here is really a reduction to meet budget targets, but it also includes two lost positions
• Class 59, there's a substantial reduction there.
• </c><02:02:04.440><c> um</c><02:02:04.760><c> in</c> from and some of those reductions um in from and
• some of those reductions um in class<02:02:05.360><c> 10</c><02:02:05.679><c> in</c><02:02:05.920><c
• This is an area in Class 10 where you see some of the reductions.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1388 establishes the Affordable Housing Risk Reduction Program to help affordable housing providers
• limited availability of insurance coverage, significant premium and deductible cost increases, and reductions
• limited availability of insurance coverage, significant premium and deductible cost increases, and reductions
• As Senator DeRazzo and my colleague shared, the Affordable Housing Risk Reduction Program will help affordable
• The risk reduction program will help affordable housing developers access more insurance options than

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. SB 996 by Senator Padilla would let manufactured homeowners opt to title their homes as real property, with supporters saying this would improve access to conventional mortgages, consumer protections, and lower-cost financing. SB 866 by Senator Blakespear would require cities and counties to include homelessness-related information in their annual housing element reports, with supporters saying the bill would improve transparency, regional coordination, and accountability around homelessness funding and services. The committee also heard SB 1090 by Senator Perez, which would impose a temporary moratorium in Altadena on certain state housing density laws after the Eaton Fire. Supporters, including Supervisor Catherine Barger and many Altadena residents, argued the bill would protect fire survivors from speculative investors and give families time to rebuild and return home. Opponents argued the bill could limit tools that homeowners need to finance rebuilding and could reduce future housing production. After extensive testimony, the committee passed SB 1090 to the Assembly Local Government Committee on a 10-0 vote. SB 1388 by Senator Durazo would create an Affordable Housing Risk Reduction Program to help affordable housing providers reduce insurance costs through technical assistance and risk-mitigation support. Supporters said rising insurance premiums are threatening the viability of affordable housing developments and existing units. The committee also reconsidered and then voted on SB 1092, which was taken up only for reconsideration and final vote; after a split vote, the bill ultimately passed the committee. Final recorded votes showed SB 866 and SB 996 passing unanimously, SB 1388 passing with one no vote and one not voting, and SB 1092 passing 7-5 after reconsideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Second Reading Amendment No. 36 is actually a reduction in internal service funds in the amount
• reading amendment number 36 is<00:06:58.360><c> actually</c><00:06:58.680><c> a</c><00:06:58.720><c> reduction
• </c><00:06:59.480><c> in</c><00:06:59.720><c> internal</c> is actually a reduction in internal is actually
• a reduction in internal service<00:07:00.600><c> funds</c><00:07:01.080><c> in</c><00:07:01.200><c>
• very familiar with section 328 as it is largely their provision restoring the governor's budget reductions

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first addressed an unintended consequence in the Joint Conference Committee report involving dual and concurrent enrollment funding. Staff explained that a dollar-for-dollar reduction tied to Senate File 81 would have fully funded public school dual/concurrent enrollment while leaving no funds for non-public school students. Senator Salazar moved to strike that provision, the motion was seconded, and it carried. Budget and Fiscal Administrator Don Richards then walked through the conference committee report and the major adopted amendments. He reviewed Senate and House amendments affecting items such as sign language interpreters, rural veterinary education, predator management authorization, petroglyphs and pictographs, senior services, community college funding, school district entitlement payments, the School Foundation Program reserve transfer, a tourism-related rodeo museum change, archaeological work on human remains, a jet airplane reduction, abortion-related language, livestock ear tags, provider rates for developmental disabilities, student-athlete endorsement restrictions, a forensic audit for the Wyoming Business Council, and the Yellowstone tree inscription. He also described several deleted sections and policy changes, including removal of spending-policy provisions, flex authority language, and other budget sections. Richards further summarized new or revised appropriations and conditions, including funding for local cybersecurity, stormwater fees, the Wyoming Natural Resource Trust Fund, lab services, IT modernization, Wyoming Public Television, matching funds, cloud services, and restored governor FTE requests. He noted a compromise on the outdoor trails matching program, a conditional $10 million University of Wyoming operational review appropriation tied to future cost savings, and a stablecoin appropriation. He also explained that the report retained the base-bill reversion language, discussed the remaining general fund balance and statutory reserve, and said the committee would circulate the amendment and signatures for floor action later that day. The meeting then adjourned without further action.