Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; Ultimately would fall on the taxpayers &gt;&gt; Ultimately would fall on the taxpayers
• </c> see that the state and the taxpayers see that the state and the taxpayers then<00:54:33.200><c>
• Sure that we're using the taxpayer funds wisely to protect taxpayers in the administrative role.
• </c> eligible for taxpayer funded child care. eligible for taxpayer funded child care.
• </c> backs of taxpayers. backs of taxpayers.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• As I said, it's a benefit both for the taxpayer and for the state.
• by answering ruling requests from Washington taxpayers.
• As always, taxpayers may also email our ruling requests inbox.
• These are taxpayers or representatives of taxpaying organizations.
• A lot of these taxpayers, you know, have questions about what is exactly taxable.

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The Department of Revenue then gave an update on the Antio-related legislation following the Washington Supreme Court decision and the 2025 session changes. DOR explained its voluntary disclosure program and the new expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for taxpayers with unreported investment income, including broader eligibility and interest/penalty relief, but said utilization has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next received the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through October and a major increase in applications after TurboTax added the credit to its filing software. Officials said most dollars went to households with children, outreach efforts remained important, and community partners and state agencies helped increase uptake. Members focused heavily on fraud concerns, especially tax preparers allegedly filing claims without applicants’ knowledge or diverting refunds; DOR said it is using fraud detection tools, training preparers, and trying to make applicants whole, but current law does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final portion covered implementation of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded sales tax to certain services. DOR described the new tax framework, its guidance process, and the large volume of ruling requests and outreach since the law took effect October 1. Committee members asked about fiscal assumptions, the scope of taxable services, and whether the department had revised its implementation estimates; DOR said the fiscal note assumed broad application absent explicit exemptions and that no expenditure revision had been made. In stakeholder testimony, Expedia and T-Mobile argued the law creates complexity and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses, while a construction training provider said the tax raises tuition for workers seeking required certifications. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax will increase costs for special education services, arts programming, and other public-facing activities, and urged exemptions or further legislative fixes. The chair closed by noting the committee would revisit 5814 in the next session and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• A limited carryback helps to ensure that taxpayers who make qualifying contributions can fully use the
• So over time, you're actually saving taxpayer dollars by allowing this program to grow.
• So over time, you're actually saving taxpayer dollars by allowing this program to grow.
• Today, taxpayers must commit funds before they know their final tax liability.
• This allows taxpayers to act on real numbers, not estimates.

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Transcript Highlights:

• whether it be the CCAP fraud or the Feeding Our Future scandal that stole more than $250 million from taxpayers
• I am surprised because I would think everybody in the state of Minnesota, especially the taxpayers, are
• I am surprised because I would think everybody in the state of Minnesota, especially the taxpayers, are
• I am surprised because I would think everybody in the state of Minnesota, especially the taxpayers, are
• Minnesota taxpayers, this is a nonpartisan issue.

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:08.560><c> foot</c> Blue Collar hardworking taxpayers foot Blue Collar hardworking taxpayers
• They've been working hard, probably a lot of them in blue-collar jobs, and they are taxpayers.
• They've been working hard, probably a lot of them in blue-collar jobs, and they are taxpayers.
• They've been working hard, probably a lot of them in blue-collar jobs, and they are taxpayers.
• </c><01:04:36.559><c> and</c> the day should Minnesota taxpayers and the day should Minnesota taxpayers

Bills: HF10 , HF27

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So just to clarify, we're using the state's taxpayer money from Oklahoma taxpayers to lend out to these
• Isn't that, even if it's interest earned on taxpayer dollars, still officially Oklahoma's taxpayer money
• I just want to state quickly that I mean this is taxpayers' money, whether it's taxpayers' money that's
• It doesn't become the Oklahoma State taxpayers' building.
• And so I'm concerned about the Decision to use our taxpayer money in this way.

Bills: HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• through internal controls, compliance issues, and really get to the next level where we can say to the taxpayer
• So they recognize that there's a place for this that can actually benefit the taxpayers of the state
• </c><00:02:56.640><c> of</c><00:02:56.800><c> the</c> we can say to the the taxpayer of the we can say
• to the the taxpayer of the state<00:02:57.040><c> of</c><00:02:57.200><c> Minnesota,</c><00:02:58.000
• </c> the taxpayers of the state of Minnesota. the taxpayers of the state of Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to respect the taxpayers to respect the taxpayers and<00:25:17.440><c> still</c><00:25:17.679><c
• I think we really need taxpayers money.
• And when you see, you taxpayer form.
• It begs the question of taxpayer money.
• </c> a taxpayer to not have a $200 subsidy. a taxpayer to not have a $200 subsidy.

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically was imposed on the taxpayers.
• Good morning, Chair. on the taxpayers this was the only thing on the taxpayers this was the only thing
• For an operating levy, STMA taxpayers pay significantly more than taxpayers in nearby property-rich communities
• For an operating levy, STMA taxpayers pay significantly more than taxpayers in nearby property-rich communities
• </c> completely incumbent Upon Our taxpayers completely incumbent Upon Our taxpayers to<01:32:29.440>

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I come down on the side of taxpayers have been given a set of rules.
• We should not be allowing taxpayer dollars to fund the obesity epidemic.
• That is an amazing insult to our taxpayers.
• If we take no action, this is what the taxpayers will be following. And then any...
• If we take no action, this is what the taxpayers will be following.

Transcript Highlights:

• Community and taxpayers.
• A number, a big one, is enhancing the simplicity and transparency for taxpayers.
• </c><00:13:41.880><c> uh</c> work with and assist uh taxpayers uh work with and assist uh taxpayers uh
• So there is a taxpayer advocacy organization, but we... ...taxpayer advocacy organization, but we even
• He said less than 1% of eligible taxpayers were using the assignment.

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:48:12.839><c> will</c> application process um uh taxpayers will application process um uh taxpayers
• c> their</c> taxpayers property taxpayers pay their taxpayers property taxpayers pay their full<00:49
• </c> onto other properties and taxpayers onto other properties and taxpayers Statewide<00:54:08.359><
• </c> been done by homeowners and taxpayers been done by homeowners and taxpayers with<01:14:23.159><c
• Taxpayers are not unlimited ATMs.

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> information information their taxpayer information information their taxpayer information<04:52:
• </c> security information their taxpayer security information their taxpayer information<05:00:10.160
• The Taxpayer Data Protection Act will prevent any unelected billionaire from... 335,000 taxpayers in
• </c><05:15:59.840><c> hard-earned</c> to squander the taxpayers hard-earned to squander the taxpayers
• </c><05:19:15.680><c> data</c> corespond to the taxpayer data corespond to the taxpayer data protection

Transcript Highlights:

• First, all government grants come out of the pockets of taxpayers.
• </c> out of the pockets of taxpayers out of the pockets of taxpayers additionally<00:41:06.800><c> it's
• This bill would extend that good idea to help property taxpayers who we know are hurting.
• </c><00:49:16.520><c> about</c> promise cost property taxpayers about promise cost property taxpayers
• </c> have been a good Steward of the taxpayer have been a good Steward of the taxpayer dollar<00:57:35.359

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So we... ...we work with the counties, we work with taxpayers directly, and we also have a TRA, a Taxpayer
• risk for our taxpayers.
• larger taxpayers.
• First, it will enhance taxpayer services.
• We provided direct customer service to taxpayers by phone and chat to approximately 2.7 million taxpayers

Summary: The subcommittee first received an informational update on the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GoServe), including California Volunteers, the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, and the Youth Empowerment Commission. GoServe reported strong participation in College Corps, Youth Service Corps, and Climate Action Corps, along with outreach results from OCPSC and the Trusted Messenger Network. The Department of Finance said the programs remain a priority but noted prior budget reductions, while the LAO said it had no new recommendations. Committee members raised questions about program diversity, geographic reach, administrative costs, and whether the programs duplicate existing volunteer opportunities; one member criticized the programs as costly and duplicative, while another emphasized the value of volunteerism and asked about the men’s service challenge. The item was informational only. The committee then heard an overview of the Board of Equalization’s property tax responsibilities and its first budget proposals since the 2017 reorganization. BOE described its role in county assessment oversight, state-assessed property valuation, and related tax administration. Members asked about BOE’s interaction with counties, property tax reassessments, and local tax notices; BOE explained it mainly works with county assessors and handles technical property tax questions, while local special district charges are generally outside its scope. The committee also considered a BOE proposal to implement SB 293, which would give additional time for certain intergenerational property tax transfer claims after the 2025 wildfires. BOE requested $154,000 for guidance, public materials, and inquiry response work, saying the change is urgent for wildfire-affected families, especially in Altadena. The LAO had no concerns, and the item was held open. BOE also presented an information technology modernization proposal for its state-assessed property program, seeking $3.2 million in 2026-27 and $3.1 million in 2027-28 to replace a 30-year-old mainframe system. BOE said the current system relies heavily on manual data entry and paper processes, creating inefficiencies, cybersecurity risks, and delays, while modernization would free staff for more audits and valuation studies. The LAO supported the need but urged a high bar for new IT projects; Finance said the project met the threshold of necessity. Members generally supported the upgrade but asked about audit gains, revenue impacts, and implementation risks, and the item was held open. Finally, CDTFA gave its department overview and then discussed a proposal to require all delivery network companies, such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, to be treated as marketplace facilitators for sales tax purposes. CDTFA said the current carve-out creates confusion for restaurants and small businesses because some DNCs collect and remit tax while others do not, and the change would improve compliance and shift reporting to larger platforms. Members debated whether the proposal amounts to a tax increase for consumers, with CDTFA and Finance arguing it is a consistency and compliance measure rather than a new tax, while others said it would likely raise consumer costs. The committee also discussed broader CDTFA issues, including local sales tax districts, revenue-sharing agreements, and the growth of special taxing jurisdictions. No votes were taken, and the agenda items were informational or held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• And four, is it fair and equal treatment to all taxpayers?
• I think today for taxpayers to have a homestead exemption on their home.
• And the services that they provide their taxpayers and it has implications for the individual. taxpayer
• My I feel I'll say is my taxpayers in Williamson County are very fortunate.
• Taxpayers are often frustrated too.

Committee: House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:

• Hopefully soon, the taxpayers won't be paying for this, and we'll be able to get the machines back to
• are handling their taxpayer money.
• own, but really treat it as taxpayer dollars.
• officials are handling their taxpayer money.
• if it's their own, but really treated as as taxpayer dollars.

Bills: S0598 , S0934 , S1260 , S1300 , S1452 , S1510 , S1566 , S1580 , S1668 , S7034

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted. The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when the extraction begins, taxpayers will be able to register.
• To date, there are zero taxpayers registered for that tax.
• I definitely field taxpayer questions and taxpayer representative questions, and try to work through
• helping taxpayers every single day that I think maybe some of the calls that...
• So we do have... ...for taxpayers to comply and for our team to work smarter.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and routine committee actions. The committee first approved, by unanimous 5-0 votes, appointments to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission, the appointment of Lee Herrick as California Poet Laureate, a reference of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. Members then heard testimony from Trista Gonzalez, nominee to lead the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, who described her long career in tax administration, efforts to improve taxpayer compliance and service, readiness for the state’s lithium extraction tax, and the department’s work on online sales tax, cannabis, and tobacco enforcement. Senators asked about responsiveness to legislators, small business support, accountability, and enforcement; public commenters from tax and accounting groups supported her nomination. Her appointment advanced to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee also heard from Aaron McGuire, nominee to lead the Board of State and Community Corrections. He discussed the board’s expanded responsibilities, including annual detention-facility inspections, large grant programs for violence intervention and reentry, and the new in-custody death review division. Members questioned him about grant oversight, audit transparency, statutory authority for in-custody death reviews, and conditions in local detention facilities, especially in Los Angeles County juvenile facilities. McGuire said the board uses screening, site visits, audits, and compliance reviews to reduce fraud and ensure grant funds are used appropriately, and that trailer bill language had clarified access to records for death reviews. He also said staffing shortages remain a major issue in some juvenile facilities and that the board continues to work with counties and the courts to improve conditions. Public support came from nonprofit reentry providers and Giffords. His appointment also advanced to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in fact, 62% of property taxpayers.
• </c> and the taxpayers. and the taxpayers.
• Uh we're here local property taxpayers.
• ,</c> been brought by a number of taxpayers, been brought by a number of taxpayers, not<00:20:45.840>
• </c> Hampshire school districts and taxpayers Hampshire school districts and taxpayers in<01:04:27.520

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this being de minimis or, you know, not of much worth and can be an irritant to the taxpayer,
• The organization does Certainly for taxpayers, but also for employees.
• For 30 years, it was my great honor and a privilege to serve the taxpayers of the United States.
• It's a promise I make to you and to the taxpayers of Oklahoma.
• And if this makes us more accurate, then it seems like it would be better for the taxpayer.

Bills: SB1280 , SB1392 , SB1393 , SB1395 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1832 , SB1839 , SB1989 , SB2001 , SB2143

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee took up a mix of tax policy, incentive, and administrative measures, beginning with an annual motion authorizing the chair to request OSBI background checks for any Horse Racing Commission nominees. The committee then passed Senate Bill 1839, as amended, to create a de minimis ad valorem tax exception for personal property valued at $5,000 or less per account. The committee also confirmed Daniel LaFortune to the Oklahoma Tax Commission by a 12-0 vote, with LaFortune emphasizing his IRS background and commitment to customer service and fairness. Several other bills were approved, including Senate Bill 1280 to align the plugging fund sunset date in the tax code with another statute; Senate Bill 1832 to reauthorize income tax refund checkoffs for veterans programs; Senate Bill 2001 to freeze property taxes for three years for homeowners displaced by a turnpike or eminent domain, though members raised concerns about downsizing and future valuation; and Senate Bill 1405 to renew the wildlife diversity checkoff, with testimony clarifying it would fund non-game species rather than predator reintroduction. Senate Bill 1989 also passed, expanding the Oklahoma College Savings Plan to accept digital payment platforms such as Venmo and PayPal, with members discussing how deposits would be tracked. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2143, which would allow counties to use aerial or satellite imagery and fixed-wing aircraft for property assessment while excluding drones; supporters cited efficiency, safety, and accuracy, while opponents raised privacy, foreign-company, and taxpayer-frustration concerns. The bill passed 7-4. Senate Bill 1393, a housing redevelopment tax credit for vacant and abandoned properties, passed 8-3 after discussion about affordable housing requirements and project ranking. The committee also approved three Incentive Evaluation Commission recommendations: Senate Bill 1392 to increase the aerospace engineer employee tax credit, Senate Bill 1395 to limit carryforward of the new jobs tax credit to seven years, and Senate Bill 1400 to consolidate aircraft-related sales tax exemptions. The meeting adjourned after the chairman noted more bills would be heard at a later meeting.