Transcript Highlights:

• On page 24, number 3, line six, it says that the commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment
• So how can this have no fiscal impact if they are allowed to levy and collect an annual assessment from
• So I'm to assume then if you claim they will not levy any...
• I'm curious why they would even put this in here that they can levy and collect assessment from member

Bills: SB540, HB1085, HB1484

Keywords: service warranty, administrative fees, financial statements, insurance, Oklahoma statutes, fentanyl, drug awareness, schools, substance abuse prevention, education policy, youth education, public health, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they levy taxes through that local county, and Debbie will explain how that works and how we amended
• basically this part of the bill they said looked like it only allowed the watershed district to do a mill levy
• And the reason was you can't have appointed boards with mill levies, with that taxing authority, okay
• So now this is supposedly the fix to make it where the mill levies are also under the authority of the
• aligns them with the Constitution, like Debbie said, where the appointed board members can't run mill levies

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And one big difference between them and us is they can levy taxes to finance improvements.
• And one big difference between them and us is they can levy taxes to finance improvements.
• Levy taxes to finance improvements. We have no such option.
• To my the Galveston rep: Right, you can't levy a property tax, right? Correct. Right.
• But one of the problems is, as a port that cannot levy taxes... That's how it's drafted here, sir.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on transportation infrastructure, public safety, and local commemorations. SB 2841 would clarify the overweight corridor designation for the Port of Brownsville so all three statutorily approved bridges are treated uniformly for northbound and southbound overweight traffic; the Port of Brownsville testified in support, and the bill was left pending. SB 39 would restore the commercial motor vehicle “admission rule” framework in collision cases; Senator Birdwell explained the committee substitute, and the bill was later reported favorably. The committee also heard and later advanced SB 682, SB 1369, and SB 1422, which rename stretches of highway or a bridge in honor of fallen firefighters and military service members, with no opposition testimony and all left pending before final votes. The committee also heard SB 2366, which would create a grant program for short-line railroad projects through rural rail transportation districts for track, bridge, capacity, and restoration work. Senator Hughes and several witnesses from rural rail districts and rail advocacy groups supported the bill, while TxDOT explained current rail funding is limited and that the bill would be the first such grant program for Class 3 short lines; members discussed that the bill would need a floor amendment because state funds cannot be paid directly to railroads. SB 1013 would expand crosswalk protections under the Lisa Torrey-Smith Act to include certain driveway curb cuts along sidewalks; it was supported by the author and left pending before later being reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 2080, which would modernize port and navigation district rules by easing records and procurement requirements, exempting certain security and cybersecurity discussions from recording, and expanding some operational authority. Port Houston and the Texas Ports Association supported the bill, while the City of Corpus Christi raised concerns that the language could expand port economic-development authority beyond navigation purposes and affect local tax bases; the Port of Galveston also noted concerns about the filed version but supported the bill as presented, and the committee substitute was later reported favorably. SB 2001 would create specialty license plates and related parking/toll benefits for permanently disabled peace officers; SB 2705 would codify registration exemptions for certain farm equipment and some specialty plates. Both were supported by witnesses, adopted with committee substitutes where applicable, and reported favorably. Final votes on the reported bills were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, and the committee recessed after leaving some motions open briefly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please help me adjourn in the memory of Deputy Levi Vargas of the L.A.
• various custody assignments at different jail facilities. helped me adjourn in the memory of Deputy Levi
• Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, please join me in adjourning in the memory of Deputy Levi Vargas.
• Levi Vargas, thank you. Please bring the name forward so that he may be properly recognized.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a series of privileges of the floor recognitions. Senators honored California Interscholastic Federation Scholar-Athletes Ryan Liu of Burlingame High School and Mona Sugawata of West Torrance High School for their academic, athletic, and community achievements, and welcomed a delegation from Jiangsu Province in China to mark the 15th anniversary of the California-Jiangsu sister-state relationship. The chamber also recognized the California Taxpayers Association on its 100th anniversary and welcomed Senator Ochoa Bogh’s district staff visiting Sacramento. Under motions and resolutions, the Senate referred AB 782 to the Rules Committee. A motion by Senator Menjivar to rescind the vote on AB 1457 and place it on third reading was debated, with Senator Valadares opposing; the roll call passed 28-9. The Senate then took up the consent calendar, adopting Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 129, 164, and 166 by a unanimous 38-0 vote, with the same vote applying to the remaining consent items. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjourn-in-memory tributes. Senators Becker, Wiener, and Rubio honored Clarence Jones, Rita Semmel, and Deputy Levi Vargas, respectively, describing their public service, community leadership, and lasting legacies. The Senate then announced that the next floor session would be Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m., and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, unlike many other elected bodies, SWCDs do not have levy authority.
• 06.159> have other elected bodies s swcds do not have other elected bodies s swcds do not have Levy
• Levy Levy Authority<00:02:08.319> we're<00:02:08.479> at<00:02:08.599> an<00:02

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1066, a Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill. An author’s amendment, 66A1, was offered and adopted by voice vote, putting the bill in the form preferred by the author. The amendment and bill discussion centered on changing the state aid level for SWCDs, with the bill as amended described as eliminating a scheduled reduction in funding and instead increasing the annual appropriation to $22 million. Representative Ryer explained that SWCDs are long-standing, locally elected conservation entities that help preserve soil and water quality, support farmers and homeowners, and do not have levy authority. He said the funding level was based on a bottom-up assessment of district needs and was intended to help districts maintain staffing and address local problems early. Sheila Vany of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts testified in support, saying the aid has been a major improvement in SWCD funding and describing district work such as lakeshore stabilization, cover crops, nutrient management, lake monitoring, rain gardens, and irrigation guidance. The chair noted the voluntary nature of SWCD work with willing landowners and expressed support for the bill. No opposition testimony was presented, and no department testimony was offered. The committee then laid House File 1066, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a simple little two-page bill that provides that sales and use tax levied by local law for specific
• boards of education in a county can only be levied in the area served by the board of education specific
• As you will know, in Baldwin County, we levy a tax countywide. That tax is for education.
• So we have a tax in Baldwin County that is levied for education purposes. 40% of it currently goes specifically
• other circumstance statewide where such a situation occurs, either the local law is updated or it's levied

Bills: SB270, SB275, HB264, HB281, SB236, SB247, SB249, SB253, SB259

Keywords: county tax, education funding, capital projects, local government, sales tax, food trucks, mobile vendors, business license, health inspection, statewide regulation, zoning ordinances, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, municipal zoning, zoning board, appeals process, circuit court

Transcript Highlights:

• Under our current system, penalties levied against those that violate the Texas Ethics Commission law
• Commission Lacte. penalties levied against those that violate the Texas Ethics Commission Lacte.
• It doesn't change what the TEC does other than it takes those that have been levied a violation and It
• Right now, people are levied fines.
• Right now, people are levied fines because they do something wrong, and another wrong thing they do is

Bills: SB1113, SB1117, SB1206, SB1460, SB1802, SB1906, SB1917, SB2340, SB2455, SB2680, SB2690, SB705, SB748

Keywords: SB 1113, converter's license, converter license, motor vehicle dealer, auto dealer, vehicle conversion, converted vehicles, direct sales, retail sales, trailer, semitrailer, manufactured trailer, chassis, manufacturer's statement of origin, MSO, Occupations Code, Transportation Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, dealer licensing, general distinguishing number

Summary: The committee took up pending business first and reported several bills favorably, including SB 2139, SB 2610, SB 1856, SB 2530, SB 2401, SB 2858, and SB 3016, with most of those measures moving out on committee substitutes and being sent to the local and uncontested calendar or to the full Senate. The committee also heard SB 1906 on expanding Chapter 342E consumer lending rates; supporters argued it would modernize Texas law and expand access to safe, regulated credit, while opponents from Texas Appleseed and AARP warned it would raise costs on already expensive loans and worsen debt burdens. SB 1906 was left pending after testimony. The committee also reconsidered and re-voted SB 1856 after a procedural issue, with the substitute ultimately adopted and the bill reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1113, which would clarify that certain vehicle converters, including a Texarkana business, do not need an additional dealer license to sell converted vehicles. The bill’s supporters described a long-standing business model and said the new metal license plate rules had created problems, while the Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill in its current form and said it could be resolved through DMV action or narrower changes. DMV said it was still researching a possible administrative fix, and SB 1113 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2680, a Public Information Act cleanup bill dealing with emergency deadlines, business-day exclusions, and litigation timing; broadcasters and other open-government advocates argued the issues were already addressed by prior law and court rulings, while the Attorney General’s office said the bill would help with catastrophe notices and timing conflicts. SB 2680 was left pending. Other bills heard included SB 1117, which would allow any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin neuromodulators for aesthetic purposes in the oral and maxillofacial region; the author and dental witnesses said it would clarify scope and improve access, and the bill was left pending. SB 2340 would clarify the Attorney General’s investigative authority over Texas corporations, including pre-suit depositions and sworn written questions; opponents raised due process and separation-of-powers concerns, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 705 and SB 748, both TDLR cleanup bills, and SB 1206, which would impose timelines and notice requirements on municipalities reviewing transmission projects; SB 1206 was supported by an electric cooperative and left pending. SB 1460, creating an ethics violation registry tied to licensing consequences, drew constitutional and due-process objections from several witnesses and was also left pending. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1802 on landlord duties to repair mobility assistance devices like elevators and ramps in rental housing, with the author describing prolonged outages affecting seniors; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 2455, creating an Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate efficiency and demand-response programs, drew support from energy-efficiency and environmental witnesses and was left pending, and SB 2690, targeting deceptive business-certification solicitations, was laid out and opened to testimony before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1067 allows a county board of supervisors to direct the county treasurer to include an assessment levied
• And I’m a— The assessment would be levied against a real property owner, lessee, or occupant of buildings
• but we’re just not using the property tax and opening that floodgate to say we’re going to start levying
• To recover the cost, counties are permitted to levy an assessment on the property, which, depending on
• I don't think that we should delegate our authority or our responsibility to the administration to levy

Bills: SB1042, SB1043, SB1067, SB1180, SB1221, SB1292, SB1503, SCR1033

Keywords: public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, tax lien, property tax lien, real property tax lien, foreclosure, right of redemption, redeem, excess proceeds, county abatement lien

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee considered a series of Senate bills and one concurrent resolution, with several measures involving virtual currency, county tax liens, tax conformity, and retirement system investments. The chair announced that Senate Bill 1503 would be held at the sponsor’s request and noted this was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1042, which would allow state treasurer and retirement system funds to invest up to 10% in virtual currency holdings, and Senate Bill 1043, which would allow state agencies to accept virtual currency payments through agreements with providers. Members raised concerns about volatility and government involvement, but both bills were described as permissive rather than mandatory and were returned with due pass recommendations by 5-3 votes. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1067, dealing with county cleanup assessments for blighted properties in unincorporated areas. Chairman Olson offered an amendment removing the bill’s property-tax-bill mechanism and instead preserving county liens so cleanup costs could survive a tax lien sale. County representatives and the County Supervisors Association supported the amended approach as a way to recover costs and make counties whole. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill as amended passed 8-0. Senate Bill 1292, clarifying that the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System’s 5% voting-stock cap applies to publicly traded corporations, also passed with broad support after testimony from PSPRS. Two tax-administration bills prompted extended debate. Senate Bill 1180 would direct the Department of Revenue to prepare tax forms based on conformity to the Internal Revenue Code unless the legislature enacts nonconformity; Chairman Olson’s amendment limited the presumption to provisions that reduce federal adjusted gross income or taxable income, reflecting concerns about automatic tax increases. The sponsor said the bill was meant to clarify legislative intent and prevent executive overreach, while several members said the amended version was materially different from the original. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 5-3. Senate Bill 1221 would require DOR to notify the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance chairs before adopting new interpretations or applications of tax law that adversely affect taxpayers and to testify if hearings are held; an intent amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 5-3 amid debate over the meaning of “adversely.” Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1033, which encourages the Arizona State Retirement System and PSPRS to monitor digital asset exchange-traded funds and report on feasibility, risks, and benefits before the next session, was approved 5-3. Some members objected to the use of “encourage” and to the underlying cryptocurrency policy, while supporters said the resolution simply sought information and did not mandate investment. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• mentioned matching funds, and I'm assuming that each of the watershed districts has the ability to levy
• watershed district that is a part of the Red River Watershed Management Board has that ability to levy
• , storm water lift will support levies, storm water lift stations,<00:48:08.640> county<00:48:
• <00:51:17.200> and<00:51:17.359> flood miles of permanent levies and flood miles of
• permanent levies and flood walls<00:51:18.000> have<00:51:18.160> been<00:51:18.520>

Bills: HF2080, HF356, HF1968, HF228, HF569, HF603, HF692, HF1455, HF2224, HF1361

Keywords: contamination, water supply, municipal bonds, environmental mitigation, city funding, Sauk Rapids, PFAS contamination, drinking water, pollution control, bond issuance, Cokato, capital investment, school infrastructure, state bonds, HF228, Lakes Area Police Commission, Lindstrom, Chisago City, regional training facility, public safety facility

Transcript Highlights:

• Lauren Levy with the Property Appraisers Association of Florida, waiving in support.
• If the tax will be levied in order to pay revenue bonds, then the maximum duration of that tax, if approved
• And should we continue to levy these taxes on ourselves to be able to spend the resources necessary?
• Let's see, Lauren Levy, Property Appraisers Association of Florida. You are recognized.
• My name is Lauren Levy. I represent the Property Appraisers Association of Florida.

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met and first heard SB 674, which would allow county property appraisers, like tax collectors already can, to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses if approved in their Department of Revenue budget. Support came from property appraiser representatives, who said the bill would help them compete for specialized staff without requiring new funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SJR 318, a proposed constitutional amendment on tangible personal property used on agricultural land, along with an amendment clarifying the exemption’s scope and allowing the Legislature to set conditions by general law. Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the joint resolution favorably. Members also took up CS for SB 1664, which would require voter reapproval of local discretionary taxes when they expire; an amendment changed the bill to require expiration dates and tied reapproval to tax expiration rather than a fixed eight-year cycle. Local government and tourism groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, transportation surtaxes, beaches funding, and long-term financing, while supporters argued voters should periodically affirm local taxes. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill SB 1512, both dealing with a homestead-style property tax benefit for certain long-term leased residential properties. After multiple amendments narrowed the proposal substantially, limiting it to one qualifying property and then to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominium units, counties and cities still opposed the measures as a tax shift to other taxpayers. The sponsor said the changes reduced the scope and fiscal impact, and both measures were reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions, multiple tax holidays, motor vehicle fee reductions, a property tax study, rural investment tax credits, a freeze on local communications services tax rates, and other tax changes, with an estimated $2.1 billion revenue reduction. Testimony was mixed: property appraisers supported the property tax study, while many public commenters opposed the firearm and ammunition tax holiday and urged inclusion of gun safes and locks instead. County, city, tourism, and lodging representatives raised concerns about tourist development tax limits and other local revenue impacts, while supporters emphasized tax relief and the study’s value. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to submit SPB 7034 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:26.079> This through increased local levies. This through increased local levies.
• Unlike districts, we don't have access to local levies or other ways to make up the difference.
• Unlike many other districts, Sleepia Public Schools does not have any operating levy in place to help
• Please realize that funding is shared between the state and local levy authority.
• Thank you so much. us with an increased levy authority to us with an increased levy authority to avoid

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we do this out of our back pocket, out of levy dollars, our estimate is that within the county
• 30% alone for the will raise the levy 30% alone for the next<01:31:49.960> 20<01:31:50.360>
• I've done 25 different budgets and levies, and the last 10 years our goal is to keep our levy to 2% to
• That almost doubles or adds 50% to the project cost on the local levy.
• I've done 25 different budgets and levies, and the last 10 years our goal is to keep our levy to 2% to

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Capital Investment Committee met on January 23 and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The main presentation was from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of Minnesota’s Sustainable Building guidelines, also referred to as B3. The auditors said the guidelines apply to certain new buildings and major renovations funded with general obligation bonds and are intended to improve energy efficiency, occupant health, and environmental quality. They described the program as involving the Departments of Administration and Commerce, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research, and project teams, but found widespread confusion over who is responsible for administering and enforcing the program. The auditors reported that oversight and accountability are limited, compliance is not clearly tracked, and there is no agency assigned to ensure projects follow the guidelines or to require compliance data. They said many projects in a review of 2020 bonding projects had not begun tracking compliance, and that up-to-date data were often missing. They also found the law’s stated program objectives are outdated because the referenced energy-code provision was repealed in 2009, and that measurable goals have not been established for most of the guideline categories. The office recommended that the legislature designate a responsible agency, clarify duties in statute, require compliance monitoring and data collection, update the program’s stated goals, and direct systematic evaluation of cost and sustainability outcomes. Members asked about consequences for noncompliance, funding, and whether cost impacts should be studied first. The auditor said the requirements are legal obligations, but no real enforcement consequences have been used so far, and any consequences discussed have been mostly theoretical. She said the Departments of Administration and Commerce were receiving about $1 million combined to support the contract with the Center for Sustainable Building Research, while other state agencies were not receiving dedicated funding for oversight. In response to questions about costs, she said the overall effect of the guidelines on project costs and sustainability is still unknown, but that the legislature could direct an analysis of cost impacts before taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• in a smaller Community or 1% of a levy in a smaller Community or several<00:20:10.400> million
• So when you see your communities who are at 2 or 3% levy increases, it's not, oh, that's tremendous.
• straight up they don't have an 8% Levy straight up they don't have an<01:19:35.600> option<01
• the next year so when you see your levy the next year so when you see your communities<01:20:00.199>
• communities who are at 2 or 3% Levy communities who are at 2 or 3% Levy increases<01:20:02.800><

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee’s first official meeting was framed as an informational session, with the chair saying no legislation would be acted on and that testimony would focus on what is working and not working for businesses and workers in Minnesota. The stated topics included earned sick and safe time, paid family and medical leave, labor shortages, and broader business climate concerns. The chair also noted the absence of DFL members and invited questions to be held until the end so testifiers could present fully. Lauren Shodor of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce argued that Minnesota’s business climate has worsened because of high taxes, rising costs, regulation, and new workplace mandates. She cited chamber survey and research findings saying more businesses are considering leaving the state, that Minnesota companies are investing more in other states than vice versa, and that the state lags national growth rates. She said employers are especially concerned about earned sick and safe time and the upcoming paid family and medical leave program, which the chamber believes add compliance burdens and costs, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. Matt Hilgart of the Association of Minnesota Counties said the new leave laws affect county budgets and operations because labor is the main county cost and services are often state-mandated. He said the programs were imposed outside the collective bargaining process and can duplicate existing county benefits, increase costs, and create staffing and service challenges. He asked for changes including clearer premium-sharing language, exclusion of elected officials and short-term election workers from paid leave requirements, better exemption and private-plan rules, coordination requirements for intermittent leave, and more clarity for essential employees during weather emergencies. Owen Worth of the League of Minnesota Cities said cities are facing similar implementation problems, with overlapping leave policies and concerns about stacking state and federal leave rules, and he indicated the league would support changes to reduce administrative and budget pressures on cities.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:38.320> of<00:15:38.639> 68 an average statewide mill levy of 68 an average
• statewide mill levy of 68 mills<00:15:40.079> equals<00:15:41.199> $2584 in<00:15:44.639
• 75,000 fair market value personal property exemption broken down by county, using the average mill levy
• c> by county and then I use the average by county and then I use the average mill<00:23:38.320> levy
• to calculate those tax dollar mill levy to calculate those tax dollar amounts.<00:23:41.360> So

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• authority to boards have no statutory authority to increase<00:19:02.160> the<00:19:02.480> levy
• /c><00:19:03.039> cover<00:19:03.440> increases<00:19:04.000> in increase the levy
• to cover increases in increase the levy to cover increases in health<00:19:04.480> insurance,
• 43:47.839> being On individual school districts being able to successfully pass an operating levy
• They passed a levy each year, but uh school districts had to pass a special operating levy under a vote

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• by welcoming the students that have come to visit us from the College of Central Florida, Citrus, Levy
• , Marion, Levy, Levy, Lafayette, Lafayette—am I?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met briefly, confirmed that a quorum was present, and welcomed visiting students from the College of Central Florida and other counties. The committee then took up confirmation hearings for appointments on Tabs 1 through 4, with Senator Simon moving to recommend confirmation of all appointees and the motion seconded. The roll call vote was favorable, and the appointees were reported favorably. After the vote, members offered remarks thanking committee staff for their work and praising Florida’s higher education system, state colleges, and universities. Chair Calatayud noted this was the committee’s final meeting and encouraged the visiting students to stay engaged in advocacy and public service. Senator Harrell also commended the committee’s policy work and funding support for higher education. With no further business, Senator Simon moved to adjourn. There was no objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that's not something municipalities do, that they pass a levy each year, but school districts
• had to pass a special operating levy under a vote.
• year, but uh They passed a levy each year, but uh school<01:16:22.719> districts<01:16:23.040
• <01:16:26.000> If<01:16:26.159> the<01:16:26.320> vote operating levy under
• If the vote operating levy under a vote.

Bills: HF3422, HF3461, HF2904

Keywords: state grants, grant oversight, grants management, executive agencies, Minnesota Department of Administration, commissioner of administration, fraud prevention, waste prevention, grant monitoring, financial reconciliation, grant compliance, state government, public funds, grant recipients, competitive grants, grant administration, administrative oversight, monitoring visits, grant policy, legislative leave

Transcript Highlights:

• This is to extend the repealer for the city of Fulton levying the taxes.
• extend the repealer for the city<00:10:05.520> of<00:10:05.640> Fulton<00:10:06.120> levying
• city of Fulton levying the taxes. city of Fulton levying the taxes.

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 24 March, 2026; 10:45 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a long list of local and special-purpose bills, mostly involving county or municipal utility districts, repealers on local taxes, and small local appropriations. Early actions included House Bill 2210 for Bolivar County, creating a utility district in Choctaw for sewer operations and maintenance, and Senate Bill 3408, which by committee substitute renamed the Yazoo economic partnership to the Yazoo Economic Alliance and clarified its economic and industrial development powers. Members asked whether the Yazoo entity already existed and whether it could own property; the sponsor said it was already in statute and the change was primarily a name update with added flexibility to share and contribute funds to projects. Both bills passed without opposition. The committee also approved Senate Bill 3409 for Lowndes County, authorizing the Mississippi Industrial Fire and Rescue District to serve as the site of a megasite around the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Authority. Other local measures passed included House Bill 1599 extending Brandon’s prepared-food sales tax repealer for tourism and parks, House Bill 1811 for Noxubee County extending justice court assessment repealers for county capital improvements, and several Humphreys County bills authorizing one-time contributions to the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation and the Belzoni Humphreys Development Foundation. Additional bills extended or renewed local tourism, parks, and recreation taxes in Belzoni, Oakland, Ripley, Southaven, and Fulton, and authorized or extended local court-cost assessments in Prentiss County. Later, the committee approved House Bill 1870 for Bolivar County, creating a sewer district and allowing the county to operate it, noting it duplicated the earlier Senate bill at the senator’s request. It also passed House Bill 1887 authorizing a $5,000 contribution to the Benevolent Protection of the Elks World Hill Lodge, House Bill 4000 for Grenada allowing construction, acquisition, and maintenance of wastewater collection and treatment systems, and House Bill 4112 for Tupelo restoring funds for the Northeast Mississippi Regional Wastewater District after an unintended consequence of a prior grocery tax change. Finally, Senate Bill 3410 was added off-agenda to authorize Brandon and the West Rankin utility system to enter into an agreement with a local operator for use of treated water for industrial purposes; a member asked who would approve the contract, and the sponsor said the board and city would approve it. All measures discussed were reported out or passed, generally by unanimous or voice vote, with no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• can secure the financing to defray the upfront cost of that infrastructure that will be assessed, levied
• In that case, it was related to property taxes that they levied upon themselves or a developer had levied
• This bill authorizes the district to levy special assessments on property inside the district, and then
• it says those assessments become a lien on the real property from the date of the levy until paid.
• It may levy assessments, collect revenues, operate improvements, enter contracts, issue bonds, and manage

Bills: SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the manufacturing homeowner pays a much higher tax levy on their purchase than traditional
• Manufactured homeowners must pay the 3.25% motor vehicle excise tax levy. while brick and mortar homes
• The committee sub for Senate Bill 1829 will reduce the motor vehicle excise tax levy on new and used
• effective rate someone would pay to purchase a brick and mortar home when the documentary stamp tax is levied
• But the amount that it was, that's levied 3.5% versus 3% is a substantial difference for collecting that

Bills: SB683, SB1579, SB1389, SB1387, SB1390, SB1391, SB2063, SB1829, SB2060, SB1842, SB1398, SB1212, SB2158, SB102

Keywords: education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles