Video & Transcript Research : 'bonding'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We represented Marta and Javier in filing a habeas petition and in their subsequent bond hearings that
- will speak to my own county: due to decisions made by the county, there incurred some debt through bonds
- will speak to my own county: due to decisions made by the county, there incurred some debt through bonds
Summary:
The committee heard budget and workload presentations from the Office of the State Public Defender, legal aid organizations, and the Judicial Branch. OSPD requested permanent funding for positions that had been temporarily funded to implement the Racial Justice Act, explaining that the work has become ongoing and now includes additional Supreme Court briefing, habeas proceedings, investigations, expert analysis, and data requests. The State Public Defender also presented the AB 625 public defense workload report, which found statewide staffing shortages, caseloads above recommended standards, and major gaps in investigators and support staff. Senators asked about racial bias claims, the volume of data requests, and the impact of Prop. 36, and OSPD said it would provide additional written information.
The legal aid panel asked for a $50 million increase to the Equal Access Fund, $20 million to restart homelessness prevention services, and $10 million for health care access work, while also supporting Access to Justice Commission requests for loan repayment assistance, immigrant family preparedness services, and innovation grants. Witnesses described legal aid as homelessness prevention and cited examples involving eviction defense, domestic violence survivors, and immigration detention cases. Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia discussed eviction data, low tenant representation, and court pilots in Compton and at Stanley Mosk that combine mediation, rental assistance, and legal help. Senators asked for service maps, outreach materials, and more detail on funding needs and federal funding losses.
For the Judicial Branch overview, the Judicial Council and trial court representatives supported the Governor’s proposed budget, including $70 million for trial court operations, $21.7 million for employee health and retirement costs, and funding for appellate counsel, case processing, and courthouse construction. They said rising costs, staffing retention, and interpreter shortages continue to strain the courts, and described efforts to reallocate interpreter funds and recruit hard-to-find languages such as Mixteco. Senators pressed the branch and the Department of Finance on courthouse facilities, noting that the long-term need is far larger than the current budget proposal; Finance said the branch’s facility needs were estimated at about $22.5 billion over 10 years to start 68 projects and $29.4 billion to complete the remaining projects. The committee requested follow-up information on facilities, judgeships, and interpreter needs.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- allowing an investor-owned utility to be able to take out an unlimited number of permits under one bonded
- Bonded project. So, Mr. Chair, I'm sorry. What is the rationale for that?
- language to mean that an investor-owned utility would be able to have unlimited permits under a single bond
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote.
The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- allowing for an investor-owned utility to be able to take out an unlimited number of permits under one bonded
- Bonded project. So, Mr. Chair, I'm sorry. What is the rationale for that? Senator Massullo.
- language to mean that an investor-owned utility would be able to have unlimited permits under a single bond
Keywords:
recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably.
Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably.
Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Jul 11th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The other thing is, as far as the remediation and continued assessment work, is there a bond there?
- To continue to do this assessment, do we have to go and ask them for that money, or is there a bond sitting
- And we hold stuff sometimes as a bond.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In October of 2024, he was indicted and he's out on bond currently.
- The assistant principal was cursing her out, screaming that she was in bond violation.
- First, if the entity has provided a payment bond to cover the claim, or two, if the entity is contesting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/19/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Jul 30th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Jul 30th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- compassion of not only our state, but our country when tragedies like Kerrville happened, that we bond
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum present, offered an invocation, and led the pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags. Several members were excused for district business or a funeral, and the chamber received a message from the Senate reporting passage of SCR 1.
The main item of business was SCR 1, which grants the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning Wednesday, July 30, 2025, and ending Monday, August 4, 2025. After explanation by Rep. Harris, the resolution was adopted by record vote, 117 ayes and 14 nays.
Following adoption of the resolution, the House also approved a motion allowing committees and subcommittees to meet while the House is in session through Monday, August 4, according to posted notices. The Speaker then announced the desk was clear, and the House adjourned pending the reading and referral of bills and receipt of messages until 10:00 a.m. on Monday.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services Apr 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, the Trump administration is not allowing bond hearings for people.
- under previous administrations would have been released on their own recognizance or even on a minimal bond
- So if you train people for a bond hearing and then bond hearings are no longer a thing, and habeas is
- Through the detention representation project, ILD was able to represent our clients on bonds, so they
Summary:
The committee heard an extensive Department of Social Services presentation on child care budget issues, including the Governor’s proposed 2026-27 budget, federal CCDF changes, Prop. 64 revenue adjustments, and a one-time $11.5 million disaster-related infrastructure grant for licensed child care facilities affected by 2025 declared disasters. DSS said federal formula updates and lower Prop. 64 revenues would reduce funding and could result in about 4,176 CCTR slots being reduced, but the department said it was working to avoid impacts to currently enrolled children. The LAO supported aligning general child care funding with lower revenues and asked for more detail on the disaster grant. Members pressed DSS and Finance on why reductions were not being backfilled and why so many awarded slots remain uncontracted or unused; DSS said delays are largely due to providers building new infrastructure, licensing, staffing, and enrollment challenges, and that some unspent funds revert to the General Fund. The committee also discussed whether some contract dollars should be shifted to vouchers and whether more flexibility should be allowed for infrastructure and expansion costs.
A second panel focused on the state’s commitment to expand child care and on rate reform. DSS reported that nearly 125,000 new slots have been awarded since 2021-22, but speakers from Stanislaus County Office of Education, Parent Voices California, and the California Budget and Policy Center argued that unmet need remains large and that the system still leaves many families without access. Stanislaus County described a large local shortage of infant and toddler care and said reimbursement disparities between child care programs and state preschool create disincentives for providers. Parent Voices gave testimony about the burdens and instability families face when trying to access care, especially for survivors and low-income parents, and called for a universal, publicly funded system. The Budget Center said only about 16% of eligible children were enrolled in 2024, urged expansion across the mixed delivery system rather than concentrating investment in TK, and called for faster rate reform and new revenue. LAO estimated that bringing certain CCTR adjustment factors up to CSPP levels would cost $88 million to $131 million ongoing. Members and witnesses discussed the single rate structure, automation needs, and the need for deadlines and a ramp-up plan; DSS said the goal is to eliminate disparities, but that policy decisions are still needed before automation can proceed.
The committee then reviewed several trailer bill proposals. DSS outlined a 2026-27 COLA proposal that would apply a 2.41% increase through cost-of-care-plus payments, though the department said it had inadvertently excluded CalWORKs Child Care and the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program and would revise the proposal; LAO recommended making the COLA methodology uniform across programs. DSS also proposed replacing the market rate survey with the federally approved alternative methodology on a triennial schedule, limiting temporary absences in family child care homes to 20% of monthly hours, defining excessive unexplained absences as more than 30 days in a year, and aligning family fee deductions with new federal requirements so providers receive the full voucher value. Members generally supported the temporary absence change and asked about implementation timing for the family fee deduction, with DSS saying it was in contact with Riverside County. The committee also heard a brief update on the Early Childhood Policy Council reappropriation, which would extend unused funds through June 30, 2028 because prior costs came in higher than expected.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And we also have citizens across the state of Minnesota that don't want us to have a bonding bill either
- We also have citizens across the state of Minnesota that don't want us to have a bonding bill either
- us<00:53:18.720>
to <00:53:18.880>have <00:53:19.040>a <00:53:19.200>bonding - <00:53:19.599>
bill <00:53:19.920>either want us to have a bonding bill either want - us to have a bonding bill either and<00:53:20.800>
want <00:53:21.040>to <00:53:21.520>
Summary:
The meeting was a PFAS-focused hearing of the Capital Investment Committee, with members informally discussing the scale of PFAS cleanup costs, possible Minnesota-made removal technology, and even committee birthday treats before the testimony began. No formal votes or motions were taken in the portion provided. The chair also noted the committee was waiting on a computer/cable issue before starting the presentation.
The main testimony came from Sandy Wyn, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, who described how PFAS contamination affected her Michigan community. She recounted that her private well tested at extremely high PFAS levels after a state visit, linked the contamination to Wolverine Worldwide’s historic dumping practices, and said the pollution spread through groundwater and municipal systems. She emphasized that PFAS are widespread in consumer products, firefighting foam, wastewater biosolids, and agriculture, and argued that the chemicals’ persistence makes them difficult to manage once released.
Wyn said PFAS exposure is associated with health problems including cholesterol issues, liver and thyroid damage, kidney cancer, low birth weight, and reduced vaccine response in children. She told members she had her own blood tested, later developed thyroid cancer, and said a local child had very high PFAS levels and vaccine complications. Members asked for supporting studies, and she referenced the C8 study and other research. She urged stronger product restrictions, labeling, blood and water testing support, caution around biosolids, and continued efforts to reduce PFAS use, while acknowledging some limited uses may still be necessary in critical applications like military firefighting foam or medical devices.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (9-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, does that include the $800 million that we repaid, bonded, and repaid teachers' retirement from money
- So, does that include the $800 million that we repaid, bonded, and repaid teachers' retirement from money
- million<00:54:32.319>
that <00:54:32.880>we <00:54:33.200>repaid <00:54:33.920>bonded - <00:54:34.400>
and <00:54:34.640>repaid million that we repaid bonded and repaid million - that we repaid bonded and repaid uh<00:54:36.079>
teachers <00:54:36.559>retirement <00
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:35
Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:55
Approval of Minutes: 00:02:56
Deferred Compensation Authority Update: 00:03:12
Retiree Health Update - TRS: 00:15:58
Retiree Health Update - KPPA: 00:56:13
Adjournment: 01:08:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Public Pension Oversight Board met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and heard updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. The deferred compensation update highlighted continued growth in assets to about $4.787 billion and roughly 88,000 participants, strong retention from auto-enrollment, a marketing campaign tied to pay raises that generated additional participation, and a new self-directed brokerage account expected to launch July 1 of the coming year for participants with at least a $40,000 balance, allowing up to 25% of their account to be moved into the brokerage window. The director also described the free financial planning service, which has been used by about 3,500 participants with a high return rate, and said the plan is currently in a fee holiday; if fees are charged, they are capped at $237 per year for most participants.
Members asked questions about who provides the CFP service, the fee structure, and the brokerage eligibility threshold. The director said the CFP service is provided through the authority’s service bundle with Nationwide, not as a separate paid service, and explained that the fee cap and current fee holiday are intended to keep the program low-cost. Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s performance and asked for a copy of the legislation referenced in the presentation.
TRS then presented on retired teachers’ health insurance. Barnes first clarified how declining federal contributions for federally funded school positions affect the retirement annuity trust, explaining that if those federal dollars fall, the amounts would need to be covered through the SEEK formula and that the projection for those contributions is about $80 million over the next three years. He then reviewed TRS retiree health coverage, distinguishing between KEHP for retirees under 65 or not Medicare-eligible and MEHP for Medicare-eligible retirees, and explained that TRS recently completed RFPs for both prescription drug and medical coverage. TRS will keep Express Scripts for prescription drugs, but will move the Medicare Advantage medical plan from UnitedHealthcare to Humana on January 1, 2026, while keeping the plan design, provider access, and out-of-pocket structure largely unchanged, with a new hearing-aid benefit of $500 per ear.
Barnes also reported the 2026 premium and contribution changes: the maximum TRS contribution toward KEHP will rise to $1,144.96 from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said will require roughly $15 million to $16 million more in the state budget, while the MEHP premium will drop to $200 per month from $210. He said the TRS board has statutory authority to set these amounts and that the changes will have mixed actuarial effects, with the KEHP increase being negative overall and the MEHP decrease positive.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (05/13/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- You’re taking out a bond.
- the governing body, the school board may require them to give a 30-minute explanation about why this bond
- 00:12:59.920>
this 30-minute explanation about why this 30-minute explanation about why this bond - 00:13:01.360>
why <00:13:01.760>we <00:13:02.000>need <00:13:02.160>to bond - is necessary, about why we need to bond is necessary, about why we need to build<00:13:02.399>
a<
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- These mechanisms significantly... ...reduce regulatory lag, improve bond ratings, and make Texas utility-friendly
- we're requiring, is having to go into the marketplace, and because they're two steps away from junk bond
- infrastructure in, and you think for a minute that Encore's not having to pay a higher surcharge because of the bonds
- Um, recently, I understand there are actually three steps above investment grade or above junk bond for
- interim rate that is subject to refund probably is not going to materially move the needle on long-term bond
Bills:
HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246
Keywords:
federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-HRE, HRE Public Hearings 03-20-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The lender essentially are the bond investors, and so we are, in a way, the LLC that we... structured
- 01:00:38.000>
essentially <01:00:38.440>are <01:00:38.640>the <01:00:38.799>bond - and the lender essentially are the bond and the lender essentially are the bond in<01:00:39.520>
- Well, we have a big bond thing to pay off. That's correct; that's factual.
Summary:
The meeting covered several Senate resolutions related to the University of Hawaiʻi system, the East-West Center, and related education and workforce issues. On SCR 178 and SR 48, testifiers strongly supported the East-West Center, describing it as an important Hawaii asset that promotes cultural exchange, global citizenship, diplomacy, and ties to the University of Hawaiʻi. Speakers said the Center has helped train leaders and bring international connections and investment to Hawaii, and they urged continued funding despite federal cuts. The chairs then recommended passage with technical amendments, and both resolutions were adopted by the committees.
The committee also heard testimony on resolutions calling for audits of University of Hawaiʻi operations. On SR 32 and SCR 50, the University of Hawaiʻi said it supported the resolution and had already begun work on establishing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the UH Maui campus, with additional staff available on Zoom to answer questions. On SR 160 and SCR 142, which sought a financial and performance audit of UH Mānoa facilities, UH Athletics said it already undergoes annual financial audits required by NCAA bylaws but not performance audits, and discussed its internal evaluations, contingency planning, and efforts to address concerns raised by student athletes and staff.
The committee then took up SCR 138 and SR 55, requesting a management and performance audit of the UH Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. Vice President Deborah Halbert and P20 Director Steve Shotz said they did not oppose the audit and believed it could provide clarity, while explaining that the office is relatively new and works collaboratively across campuses on articulation, transfer, grants, and workforce alignment. They described grant programs including Perkins, GEAR UP, preschool development, and data-sharing efforts, and said they are focusing more resources on teaching, health care, and skilled trades. The discussion also touched on SR 54, a proposed performance audit of the UH Foundation, where foundation representatives said they already undergo annual financial audits, acknowledged some donor communication issues, but emphasized improved stewardship and growth in fundraising over recent years.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As has happened for bond elections recently.
- And ensure hold harmless language for our bond projects.
- So the large urban districts all of which currently process possess outstanding bonds can fulfill their
- commitments to taxpayers by delivering bond work promptly and with within budget without needing to
- And so when you think about. maintain AAA bond rating.
Keywords:
public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace
TX
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Zafarini's bill about bond requirements for certain judges. Senate Bill 387.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Commission to Study Stable Tokens (05/13/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- Or, for example, what if you had to, you know, facilitate a $1 billion bond?
- you know, facilitate a $1 billion bond? you know, facilitate a $1 billion bond?
- those funds and then<01:15:13.640>
fractionalize <01:15:14.320>that <01:15:14.520>bond - ><01:15:15.120>
as <01:15:15.280>far <01:15:15.440>as then fractionalize that bond - as far as then fractionalize that bond as far as ownership<01:15:16.040>
and <01:15:16.120>
Summary:
The meeting opened with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, and approval of the April 6 and May 4 minutes, with minor corrections noted to the May minutes. The main presentation came from JD of Link Network, introduced by Dan Cohen, who described Link’s work with crypto.com and other market participants on tokenized money market funds and real-time settlement for institutional clients.
JD gave a detailed history of his earlier work developing the Arca U.S. Treasury Fund and ArCoin, emphasizing that the project was built within existing SEC and 1940 Act frameworks and was intended to use blockchain technology for a traditional asset rather than create a crypto product. He said the effort involved years of discussions with the SEC, multiple custodians, and partners such as U.S. Bank, T-Zero Securities, and Tassat, and that the model eventually led to Link’s settlement system. He highlighted concerns that shaped the design, including regulatory compliance, privacy for institutional users, and the need to bridge traditional banking hours with 24/7 digital asset markets.
The presentation also described Link’s features, including segregated and bankruptcy-remote fund structures, tokenized deposit and treasury fund settlement, and “yield in transit,” which allows interest to accrue and be distributed daily down to a two-second block. JD said the platform is being expanded for use cases such as exchange liquidity, cross-border capital movement, off-exchange collateral, stablecoin bridging, treasury management, and peer-to-peer settlement. He closed by posing policy questions for the commission about the use cases for stablecoins versus tokenized money market funds in New Hampshire and whether the state could issue or administer a security-based program with appropriate compliance controls.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (04/13/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- opens the door to alternative<02:48:47.279>
forms <02:48:47.600>of <02:48:47.760>bonding - <02:48:48.240>
We <02:48:48.479>don't alternative forms of bonding. - We don't alternative forms of bonding.
- <03:06:02.240>
I <03:06:02.399>just people who are doing the bonding. - I just people who are doing the bonding. I just don't<03:06:02.800>
get <03:06:02.880>it.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It pays for the bonding of our fund 30 capital projects, or the projects that get approved in HB 25.
- here depends really on Treasury bonding here depends really on Treasury bonding and<01:11:46.800
- And those were three bond series, the first one being in 2009.
- It's out there, but I can get you a better answer. payments for the um for the bonds that payments for
- <02:52:22.040>
series <02:52:22.840>uh um and those were three bond series uh um and
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.