Transcript Highlights:

• <00:39:24.320> and ask was to try and close that gap and ask was to try and close that gap
• program, we still would have to finance program, we still would have to finance um<00:58:14.400>
• presentation you mentioned that gap presentation you mentioned that gap about<01:13:17.280> ambulance
• finance finance about<01:13:35.679> some<01:13:35.920> of<01:13:36.000> those<01
• <03:11:38.080> that all options to properly finance that all options to properly finance that

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• housing financing fund. housing financing fund.
• Um, and I to be some type of stop gap.
• <05:02:54.718> committee since I've been on the finance committee since I've been on the finance
• billion dollar gap. billion dollar gap.
• Closing<05:36:46.400> a<05:36:46.638> gap<05:36:46.798> of<05:36:47.040> that

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Tax Business and Transportation Committee substitute.
• And so, Madam Chair, at this point in time, I would like to move that we can amend the Senate Finance
• is 234169-4 to the Senate Finance Committee. sub.
• They still had to go through their process and go through Senate Finance.
• We're just trying to fill in a gap for today but losing tomorrow.

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so as far as I'm concerned, this is a gap in our compensation mechanisms for line-of-duty deaths,
• Uh, so as far as I'm concerned, this is a gap in our compensation mechanisms for line-of-duty deaths,
• That motion prevails, and Senate File 1417 as amended is going to Finance. Thank you, Senator Latz.
• on Finance and that council<02:18:00.559> may<02:18:00.719> make<02:18:00.960> any<
• 1417 as amended is going to finance. 1417 as amended is going to finance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With me is Danielle Shand, and I'm the Director of Finance. Danielle Shand.
• I'm the Director of Finance. Welcome.
• We have our finance and administration divisions.
• <01:11:12.360> and drones we have our finance and drones we have our finance and administration
• our finance a portion of our our finance our finance a portion of our our finance Bureau<01:17:59.719

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Safety presented an overview of highway fund and unrestricted revenue collections, focusing on the Division of Administration, the Road Toll Bureau, and the Division of Motor Vehicles. Amy Newbery explained that the main unrestricted funding sources are highway funds and general funds, with highway fund revenue of about $263 million in FY 2024 and a FY 2025 projection of $261.2 million. She said revenue growth has been modest and has not kept pace with costs, creating structural deficits that required general fund transfers of $50 million in FY 2022-23 and another $10 million in FY 2024-25 to balance the fund. Jennifer Hall described Road Toll operations, including motor fuel tax collection at the distributor level, compliance enforcement, and licensing for fuel distributors, transporters, IFTA carriers, and oil discharge/pollution control. Members asked about IFTA, dyed-fuel enforcement, the possibility of using the state forensic lab for dyed-fuel testing, and whether audit positions had been filled; the department said it recently hired a part-time fuel enforcement officer, still uses IRS testing, could explore lab testing, and had no audit vacancies. Hall also discussed factors affecting fuel-tax revenue, including gas prices, crude oil forecasts, weather, tourism, GDP, and inflation, and said FY 2024 road toll revenue was $127.5 million, above plan, with FY 2025 projected at $127.71 million. The committee then turned to DMV-related revenues. Newbery said motor vehicle registration revenue was $93.1 million in FY 2024 and is projected at $90.4 million in FY 2025, with the state share going directly to the highway fund. Members asked about the state/town fee split, the five-year registration cycle dip, the distribution of registration revenue by vehicle weight category, and the impact of electric-vehicle surcharges; the department said the five-year dip is still occurring and will fade over time, and it would follow up on the weight-category breakdown. The presentation also noted that driver-license revenues have stabilized, inspection revenues remain steady, plea-by-mail revenue was added to the highway fund in FY 2024, and general fund revenues tied to the department are relatively small and have declined as some functions moved to OPLC. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Finance Authority really works beside them.
• That $300,000 returns to the State Board of Finance. So that's how the law works.
• Once I have an award for a project, unused funds go back to the State Board of Finance.
• Just to remind you that we are a broad-based financing agency.
• The Finance Authority, though it has the name 'Finance', doesn't operate with a lot of lending capital

Transcript Highlights:

• for the next 20 and funding Finance for the next 20 years<00:56:43.839> in<00:56:43.960> the
• <00:56:53.240> but<00:56:53.400> the<00:56:53.520> report to close the gap but
• as well the report suggested about Gap as well the report suggested about 15%<00:57:05.000> of
• Representative Jones then said that, previously, when they had him there to talk about the gap funding
• funding<01:09:44.560> report<01:09:45.040> which<01:09:45.199> I about the Gap

Bills: HF2382, HF639, SF1075, HF1243, HF1087, SF1360, HF739, HF2337, HF1220, HF712, HF1219

Keywords: accident reporting, law enforcement, data privacy, contracted service providers, public safety, HF639, Minnesota driver license, Department of Public Safety, driver medical review, loss of consciousness, voluntary control, seizure, nonepileptic seizure, epilepsy, antiseizure medication, physician statement, medical certification, commercial driver, CDL, medical examiner's certificate

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I mean, sometimes, unless it's a cash deal, most there's any type of financing, there's going
• Because I mean, sometimes, unless it's a cash deal, most there's any type of financing, there's going
• , there's going to any type of financing, there's going to be<00:50:06.000> a<00:50:06.160>
• measures<00:55:03.839> um<00:55:03.920> that<00:55:04.079> we've the stop gap
• measures um that we've the stop gap measures um that we've discussed<00:55:04.800> internally.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:10:59.159> division member of finance division member of finance division 3<01:11:01.320
• There was a voice vote in their finance committee, and then in the Senate.
• to 18 it then went to the finance to 18 it then went to the finance commission<01:32:34.199>
• This bill will help bridge the gap between law enforcement and recovery agencies.
• the question though of of of of finances the question though of of of of finances and<04:01:54.359

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:30.160> Every<00:43:30.720> different the the major stop gap.
• Every different the the major stop gap.
• side and on uh the both on the finance side and on uh the human<00:44:31.200> resources<00:44
• These are agencies that have teams of finance, financial management.
• teams of finance financial management. teams of finance financial management.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• long-term domestic crews are dwindling and there don't seem to be any new workers willing to fill the gap
• With this challenge, we have become more reliant upon the H-2A program to shore up the gap in agricultural
• That gap is insurmountable.
• We also need a path to year-round labor so that we don't experience gaps in production.
• base, their customers could move on. to somebody else, they really just need to kind of fill in that gap

Keywords: agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops

Summary: The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we’re talking about how do we fill our gaps and how do we really build up our workforce, never
• That will go a long way to helping bridge that gap with employers.
• Having another Will go a long way to helping bridge that gap with employers.
• We'll see if we need to recruit people to fill any gaps, and then we'll suggest times, but we can let
• We'll see if we need to recruit people to fill any gaps, and then we'll suggest times, but we can let

Summary: The meeting focused on integrated employment and related services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony from several provider agencies and state officials. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described how their organization supports people through residential services and self-created businesses because community employers often are not ready to hire people with disabilities. They said rigid service rules, difficulty fitting individuals into existing job definitions, and reimbursement requirements can prevent person-centered employment supports. They also reported that, in their experience, employees had not lost benefits when work was coordinated carefully with Social Security and benefits management. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial and highway contracts, state-use products, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said the organization uses a temp-service style model to make employers more comfortable and noted barriers such as employer concerns about productivity, lack of awareness of tax credits and accessibility resources, and the need for consistent job coaches. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model, including a Transition Academy for young adults that combines independent living instruction, community college classes, internships, and follow-along support; she said the program has an 85% placement rate but is expensive and not eligible for traditional student aid because it is not accredited. She also cited barriers including dual diagnoses, workforce readiness, and low reimbursement rates. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described their long-running enclave contracts and a new Community Skills and Connection program that uses interest-based cohorts, community exploration, and volunteer experiences to build skills and networks tied to employment. They said the agency is phasing out its 14(c) subminimum wage certificate by the end of the year and is trying to expand community-based opportunities. DRTC and other providers emphasized the need to blend DDS and DRS services more effectively, reduce restrictive rules such as line-of-sight requirements, and better support people in congregate living settings. DRS representatives said the agency does provide school-based transition services, employer accommodations, and job carving support, and noted federal reporting requirements tied to wage outcomes. Members also discussed safety concerns, employer education, data collection, ABLE accounts, and the role of schools in preparing students for work and community life. The co-chairs proposed organizing the task force into three working groups: in-school/transition services, program support and service blending, and community integration/employer engagement. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans for further working-group discussion and follow-up on data and policy ideas.

Transcript Highlights:

• More importantly, this is how we begin to close the wealth gap.
• This closes the gap and gives us the ability to act where it's most needed.
• This closes the gap and gives us the ability to act where it's most needed.
• It will do this by, first, looking at alternative financing opportunities for vehicles; second, asking
• This transparency gap has real-world consequences for affordability.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee met first as a subcommittee due to the lack of a quorum, then later obtained a quorum and took up several bills. The committee heard SB 1064, which would reduce the frequency of Clean Truck Check testing for low-use heavy-duty vehicles; supporters said it would ease burdens on rural agricultural businesses, while clean air advocates opposed it as weakening an important emissions program. The bill was approved and sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The committee also heard SB 1174, which would give Caltrans bid preferences to construction firms with employee stock ownership plans; supporters argued it would build worker wealth and improve project quality, while contractor groups opposed it as likely to raise costs and reduce competition. That bill was approved and sent to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The consent calendar items SB 607, SB 962, and SB 990 were also approved. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would allow Long Beach to place additional speed safety cameras on Pacific Coast Highway. Long Beach officials and several safety and advocacy groups supported the bill, citing high fatality rates and repeated pedestrian crashes on that corridor, while some members raised concerns about fines, affordability, and whether cameras would address pedestrian-related collisions. The bill passed as amended to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. SB 1213, the Clean Truck Transportation Act, would require more price transparency for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission truck incentives and direct agencies to explore alternative financing tools; supporters said it would improve affordability and competition, while one manufacturer and the trucking association raised implementation concerns. It passed to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. The committee also heard SB 1013, which would tighten rules for automated license plate reader use by limiting retention to 30 days, requiring audits and training, and restricting access and hot list use. Privacy advocates supported the bill as overdue accountability, while law enforcement groups argued the retention limit would hinder investigations and that some technical definitions needed work. The bill passed to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. SB 1315, dealing with advanced driver assistance systems, would prevent automakers from disabling a consumer’s ability to drive their own vehicle through software updates and would encourage DMV testing questions about ADAS responsibilities; after amendments, industry opposition softened and the bill passed to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Finally, SB 1246, on autonomous vehicle emergency response, would require U.S.-based remote drivers, quicker on-scene response, and better coordination with local agencies; first responders and labor groups supported it, while AV industry groups remained opposed unless amended. The bill passed to the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee. The transcript ended as the committee began hearing SB 1250, a planning bill to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation asset management, with the sponsor and supporters explaining it would improve safety and habitat planning without mandating specific projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can bring in project financing.
• Work done by the Carbon Containment Lab and its partners to address data gaps for siting, as well as
• Third, no federal or state agency oversees pipeline siting in the state, and there are gaps in safety
• Because uncertainty creates service gaps, staffing pressure, deferred infrastructure needs, and long-term
• Where the gaps in access are and where the real safety risks exist across the state. where the gaps in

Summary: The committee held an interim work session focused first on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), then on hazardous waste and extended producer responsibility (EPR). On the CCUS topic, industry and nonprofit presenters described point-source capture, direct air capture, mineralization, and geologic sequestration, emphasizing Washington’s basalt formations and state trust lands as strong candidates for storage. They argued that CCUS can help hard-to-abate industrial sectors, support jobs and investment, and provide a pathway for compliance, while also noting the need for clearer permitting, subsurface rights, pipeline authority, and storage infrastructure. Ecology and Commerce staff explained current state policy touchpoints, including Cap-and-Invest offsets and exemptions for permanently stored CO2, the public comment process underway to define “thousand-year” permanence, and how CCUS might fit within the Clean Energy Transformation Act without counting emitting generation as non-emitting. Some presenters supported more state action and primacy over federal permitting, while others warned about costs, energy use, uncertain capture performance, and the need to ensure real net greenhouse gas reductions and long-term liability protections. Members asked about public meetings, whether mineralized carbon would qualify as exempt under the Climate Commitment Act, the timeline for Ecology guidance, aquifer and water-quality concerns, energy intensity of capture systems, and liability if storage later proves problematic. Responses said Ecology’s guidance process is already underway, public meetings will be virtual, mineralized carbon would likely qualify if it meets the permanence standard, and EPA rules require storage in deep saline formations below drinking water aquifers. Industry speakers said capture energy use varies by source and concentration, and one presenter noted that some states use trust funds funded by injectors to address long-term liability. The second half of the session shifted to hazardous waste and EPR. Ecology staff reviewed existing product stewardship programs for electronics, paint, batteries, and mercury lights, and described moderate risk waste and household hazardous waste management in Washington. They highlighted that E-Cycle and PaintCare are producer-funded, that the battery stewardship program will begin in 2027, and that the mercury lamp program is in transition after its prior stewardship organization exited, prompting enforcement notices and a pending replacement plan. Ecology recommended best practices for future EPR programs, including clear producer and product definitions, full producer funding, convenience standards, annual reporting, and strong agency enforcement and plan approval authority. Local government speakers from King County and Douglas County described rising collection costs, equity and access barriers, rural travel distances, and the need for stable funding and flexible local implementation. King County said it collected over 3 million pounds of hazardous products in 2025 and supports EPR as a way to shift costs from ratepayers to producers, while Douglas County emphasized that rural residents will participate when services are accessible and that future systems should account for geography and local infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, identification without corresponding educator training leaves a gap in the classroom.
• <00:05:17.199> I<00:05:17.440> see<00:05:17.600> it leaves a gap in the classroom
• I see it leaves a gap in the classroom. I see it every<00:05:18.000> day.
• Right now, this bill is designed to shore up a gap for those that are currently in service and bringing
• Right now, this bill is designed to shore up a gap for those that are currently in service and bringing

Bills: HF60, HF3067, HF3730, HF3638, HF3401

Keywords: interchange, bond issuance, transportation, infrastructure funding, Sherburne County, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• But presently, there are gaps in coverage and understanding between civil and military authorities.
• SB 99 also bridges the gap between military and civilian systems outside the courtroom.
• While the military has robust programs to address domestic abuse, critical protection gaps exist.
• SB 99 closes these gaps with three key common sense provisions.
• Closing wage gaps is not just a matter of hope. I just said that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• want to get over to finance committee. want to get over to finance committee.
• So please cheer them finance committee.
• So we have this gap in between spectrum.
• ,<02:19:50.399> any read, the directors of finance, any read, the directors of finance, any
• <02:24:06.160> and we agreed Housing Finance and we agreed Housing Finance and Development

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• For more information on personnel, public retirement, and finance, I'd ask to yield to the gentleman
• If HB 2 passes as currently written, the additional requirements could widen the gap even further.
• I prepared House Floor Amendment 9 to address the gaps.
• gap even further. gap even further.
• address the gaps. address the gaps.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into committee and floor reports. Several measures received favorable committee reports and were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar, including Current Resolution 9, Senate Joint Resolution 23, House Bill 145, House Bill 567, and House Bill 506 with House Committee Substitute 1. The chamber also noted that House Bills 500 and 504 had already received two readings and were sent to the Rules Committee before House Bill 500 was brought up for final consideration. Most of the discussion focused on House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill. Members described it as a “good first draft” and emphasized a budget process they said was more transparent than in prior years. The bill was presented as a restrained two-year operating budget with spending growth kept at a little under 2% annually, while setting aside about 2% of projected revenues, or roughly $614 million, in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future needs. The budget also used base reductions in some areas while exempting others such as Medicaid benefits, SEEK, corrections, behavioral health, and veterans programs. Subcommittee chairs then outlined major spending areas. Education provisions included a 2% annual increase in base SEEK funding, transportation funding held flat, equalization for recallable nickel funding, continued retirement contributions, and major support for postsecondary access, dual credit, asset preservation, and workforce training. Health and family services provisions held Medicaid steady while adding waiver slots, behavioral health and substance use support, public health investments, and funding for rural health and laboratory capacity. Other sections covered personnel and pensions, veterans services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, tourism, and environmental projects. The only recorded action on the floor was adoption of House Committee Substitute 1 to House Bill 500, followed by a motion for final passage of the bill as amended. The transcript ends as discussion on final passage begins, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there are still gaps. Students struggle with access to information.
• However, there are still gaps. Students struggle with access to information.
• There are still gaps. Students struggle with access to information.
• Um, and then will this come to ed finance? Do you know, Mr. Chair? >> Great.
• Do you know, this come to ed finance? Do you know, Mr.<00:37:26.079> Chair? Mr. Chair? Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To my left is Krista Lambrecht, our vice president for administration and finance.
• It's gotten to be so, there's such a time gap. Mr.
• The State Auditor's Office is uniquely positioned to bridge this data gap for three reasons.
• SLDS has a lot of information through Job Service, but there's some gaps.
• What this would do is address the gap in tax revenues accruing to the state because of that.

Keywords: 908, all