Transcript Highlights:

• this section that the conduct was for a bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial
• wrote a bill on the existing 43, 24, 25 and 26 that affirmative defenses, I would limit it to a judicial
• having the images, of course, and that, that's to be expected that, I mean, there are bona fide judicial

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:26.920> iary Jeff Crabtree I'm from the judici iary Jeff Crabtree I'm from the judici
• We feel that part one actually undermines the stability and integrity of the judicial system.
• I told the judicial selection committee one<01:35:57.679> year<01:35:58.000> before<01
• system um happy of the of the judicial system um happy to<01:37:40.520> answer<01:37:40.719><
• Judge Kim is there and just explained that we've not had enough applicants for judicial positions here

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro. Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons. Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another idea that has come up along the way here that's incorporated in this bill is to allow for judicial
• Another idea that has come up along the way here that's incorporated in this bill is to allow for judicial
• Another idea that has come up along the way here that's incorporated in this bill is to allow for judicial
• /c><00:11:00.079> um<00:11:00.399> allow<00:11:00.800> for<00:11:01.120> judicial
• in this bill is to um allow for judicial in this bill is to um allow for judicial review<00:11:03.519

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate House Bill 719 speaks to the increase in the number of warrants provided to the judicial districts
• Amendments 3 through 22 make changes to the assistant district attorney positions in certain judicial
• Look, I do understand that there was a request from judicial districts across the state, and two of them
• Michael Hawk and the 16th Judicial District Attorney's office will provide information.
• We cannot function as a judicial system where defendants are represented—80 percent, I believe, statewide

Summary: The Finance Committee met on May 27, 2026, with six members present and took up a series of House bills, most of them dealing with education funding, criminal justice staffing, transportation, health care access, and economic development. HB 325 was reported favorably after testimony that it would expand TOPS eligibility by allowing dual-enrollment credits to satisfy eligibility criteria and by making part-time students eligible for TOPS Tech, with supporters saying the program has been underused and the change would help working students. HB 719 was amended and reported favorably to increase assistant district attorney positions in various judicial districts; the Louisiana District Attorneys Association said the changes were based on workload data and local input, and members discussed the need to coordinate any expansion with public defender funding. The committee also reported HB 749 favorably, which would move Louisiana’s 529 savings accounts to a more secure online platform after a cyber incident, and HB 1028 favorably, which concerns transportation reimbursement for providers and was described as already subject to appropriation. Several bills focused on food access and local economic development. HB 1222, the Grocery Initiative Act, was reported favorably to let LED use existing grant resources to map food deserts and develop a program, with members noting it could return for funding later if needed. HB 1194 was amended and reported favorably to define food deserts and direct the LSU AgCenter and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to identify and map them, with authors emphasizing it was a study and not a government-run grocery program. HB 755, which would create IDIQ contracting for architects and engineers on smaller state projects, was reported favorably with no fiscal impact. HB 823, a local diversion pilot for Orleans Parish, was also reported favorably after the fiscal note was revised to remove state impact and reflect only local costs. The committee spent substantial time on HB 488, a proposal from Plaquemines Parish to use severance-tax revenue to help buy out a private toll concession on the parish’s bridge. The author and local officials described severe toll burdens, economic harm to local businesses, and what they called an unfair contract, but members noted the bill was not funded and ultimately deferred it without a motion. HB 797, the Bayou Gold/Louisiana Sound Money Act, was amended to make implementation subject to appropriation and then reported favorably. The committee also took up HB 198, which would raise Medicaid reimbursement for ambulatory surgery centers for certain outpatient procedures; after extensive discussion about fiscal notes, access to care, and potential long-term savings, the bill was amended to narrow its scope and make implementation subject to appropriation, then reported favorably as amended. The meeting ended with the chair noting it would be the committee’s last meeting and asking members to spread the word.

Transcript Highlights:

• But for all the help in analysis regarding executive reform, executive branch reform, judicial reform
• I don't believe that it changes anything in that regard because it's not a judicial determination.
• I don't believe that it changes anything in that regards because it's not judicial determination.
• I disagree with you because I do believe it's an administrative function rather than a judicial ruling
• If it had been a judicial determination by a judge or a jury, then I would agree with you.

Bills: SB1475, SB1447, HB2288, SB1521, SB592, SB1533, HB1276, SB201, SB1477, SB1232, SB1255, SB1327, SB1525, SB1721, SB667, SB1436, SB1317, SB604, SB1325, SB1496, SB2007, SB1567, SB2112, SB1980, SB1735, SB1558, SB1491, SB1287, SB1378, SB1369, SB1441, SB137, SB483, SB843, SB1433, SB1257, SB1365, SJR49, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the Nurse of the Day and several student and athletic groups, including Career Tech students, charter school students, Meridian Tech students, and Carl Albert championship teams. A lengthy personal privilege/farewell-style speech was delivered by Representative Lepak, reflecting on his service, family, staff, and legislative colleagues, and offering general advice about public service and the legislative process. The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 1369, creating a 988 revolving fund to support Oklahoma’s mental health lifeline, passed 85-7. SB 1441, clarifying penalties for drones contacting critical infrastructure, passed 80-2. SB 137, adding DUI/GBI to electronic monitoring ineligibility and clarifying Department of Corrections language, passed 72-18 after questions about retroactivity and administrative authority. SB 843, raising the minimum ADA threshold from 400 to 550 for school districts to hire relatives of board members, passed 77-4, and its emergency clause also received the required two-thirds vote. The most extensive debate centered on SB 483, which would have authorized county commissioners to establish a relocation assistance program for people seeking to move to supportive housing or services. Members raised concerns about homelessness policy, county capacity, public-private partnerships, safeguards, and possible misuse or “bussing” of people between communities. The bill ultimately failed 35-52, and notice was given of a possible motion to reconsider. Later, SB 1433, requiring agencies to publicly post guidance documents and note they lack the force of law, passed unanimously; SB 1257, updating THC-related language in controlled substances law, passed 68-13; and SB 1365, updating promotional fund language for state retail outlets, lodges, gift shops, and golf courses, failed 43-42, with notice of reconsideration also given. The House then moved to recess until 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, SB 2512 is the judicial certification conforming bill.
• are allocated as follows: one additional judgeship in each of the 1st, 5th, 7th, 18th, and 19th judicial
• circuits, and eight additional judgeships in the 20th Judicial Court.
• Funding for judgeships and their essential support staff, including judicial assistance, will be provided
• in the form of a $10,000 donation to the Miami-Dade County Judicial and state attorneys, totaling $11.9

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fees for conferences and the like, and transfer state funds to support judicial education.
• judicial colleg's operations. judicial colleg's operations.
• state funds to support judicial state funds to support judicial education.<02:28:26.880> Uh,<
• And it exempts the Judicial College from the state sales and use taxes.
• <02:30:02.479> state<02:30:02.800> sales judicial college from the state sales judicial

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that the judicial system doesn't want to have to handle that.
• c><00:29:00.720> know<00:29:00.880> that<00:29:00.960> the<00:29:01.200> judicial
• <00:29:01.600> system And and I know that the judicial system And and I know that the judicial
• state bar is an agency of the judicial state bar is an agency of the judicial branch<01:17:55.520
• the judicial branch of state government. the judicial branch of state government.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Judicial Committee hearing this Tuesday morning, January 28th. My name is Carl RH.
• allow the Senate more time<00:17:26.079> to<00:17:26.280> confirm<00:17:26.640> judicial
• <00:17:27.559> appointments<00:17:28.559> um time to confirm judicial appointments
• um time to confirm judicial appointments um typic<00:17:31.640> around<00:17:32.200> the
• <00:32:19.840> system is a core Bedrock of our judicial system is a core Bedrock of our judicial

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• groundwater conservation districts, meritless lawsuits brought by landowners, and discourages misuse of judicial
• with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and sent to the, uh, Committee on Local and Consent
• with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the committee on Local and consent

Bills: HB 1520, HB 1525, HB 1530, HB 1535, HB 2068, HB 2091, HB 2347, HB 2372, HB 2805, HB 2815, HB 2867, HB 3154, HB 3482, HB 3483, HB 3663, HB 3781, HB 3901, HB 3915, HB 4135, HB 4153, HB 4158, HB 4329, HB 4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• this section that the conduct was for a bona fide educational, medical, psychological, psychiatric, judicial
• a bill actually on the existing 4324, 4325, and 4326 affirmative defenses, I would limit it to a judicial
• I mean, there are bona fide judicial or law enforcement purposes to have to review the material for purposes

Summary: The Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties met with a quorum present and first handled witness-registration corrections for House Bill 2461, changing one witness from support to neutral and deleting another registration; HB 2461 was left pending. The subcommittee then heard House Bill 3507, which would create a tiered penalty structure for repeat theft offenders by increasing penalties for those with five or more prior theft convictions. Representative Wharton and Walker County District Attorney Will Durham testified in support, arguing current law treats chronic shoplifters the same regardless of how many prior convictions they have. No opposition was presented, and HB 3507 was left pending. The committee next heard House Bill 1871, which would increase penalties for attempted capital murder of a peace officer, raise the minimum sentence to 25 years, and deny parole and mandatory supervision for those convicted. Representative Dyson, Brazos County District Attorney Jarvis Parsons, Lieutenant Ed Ramirez, and Chief Deputy Constable Calder Lively testified in support, describing attacks on officers and arguing the bill would provide stronger deterrence and truth in sentencing. No questions or opposition were recorded, and HB 1871 was left pending. House Bill 4911 followed, updating child exploitation laws to address AI-generated and deepfake child sexual abuse material by expanding definitions and criminalizing knowing possession or viewing of fake or computer-generated images depicting minors. Representative Fairly and Harris County DA’s Office division chief Steven Driver supported the bill, saying technology had outpaced existing law and that the measure would help protect children. A committee member raised concerns about broad affirmative defenses in the bill, and Representative Fairly said the office would work on an amendment. HB 4911 was left pending. Finally, on HB 795, Representative Bowers moved that the subcommittee report completion of deliberations and recommend the bill for full committee consideration; the motion passed 3-2, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• between DAS and the judicial branch.
• things that are these quas judicial things that are these quas judicial things<04:15:23.399>
• So the first decision is: do we want this non-judicial judicial function to exist, right?
• even though we operate separate and independent from the judicial branch.
• /c> judicial branch judicial branch um<04:54:11.600> and<04:54:11.760> then<04:54:12.160

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's actually kind of designed to be a very specific and constrained tool that is used judiciously by
• It's actually kind of designed to be a very specific and constrained tool that is used judiciously by
• You're right, it should be a tool used judiciously, and in 2021-22 session we did a big overhaul with
• <00:31:04.919> and<00:31:05.159> in should be a tool used judiciously and in should
• be a tool used judiciously and in 20<00:31:06.120> 20 20 20 20 20 2021<00:31:08.399> um

Bills: HF1746, HF2585, HF1159, HF2574, HF2839, HF157, HF158, HF160, HF338, HF512

Keywords: Oakdale, tax increment financing, local government, funding, urban development, tax increment, St. Paul, redevelopment, housing authority, housing trust fund, low-income housing, property taxation, Minnesota statutes, vacant property, housing, commercial to residential conversion, Minneapolis, urban redevelopment, public parks, tax capacity

Transcript Highlights:

• All we're doing is this is a local bill for the Third Judicial District and the 30th Judicial District
• as part of the domestic violence intervention work that's currently being done here in the 19th Judicial
• In the 19th Judicial District Court, our organization, led by our CEO, Ms.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be uh public defender, AG, Judicial Performance, DA, and workers' compensation.
• ,<00:23:42.080> AG, We'll be uh public defender, AG, We'll be uh public defender, AG, Judicial
• Performance,<00:23:43.840> DA,<00:23:44.159> and<00:23:44.320> workers Judicial
• Performance, DA, and workers Judicial Performance, DA, and workers compensation.<00:23:46.000> That

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 13 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared. The chamber then heard an invocation by Reverend Curtis Strong of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Thomas. The Senate approved motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and the titles of bills and resolutions. Several guests were introduced, including members of the Convention of the States in Mississippi, a Yazoo County delegation celebrating Yazoo Day at the Capitol, the doctor of the day, Dr. Pete Ara of Pascagoula, former senator and BEAM director Sally Doty, the Mississippi Worker Center for Human Rights and City University of New York group, and a group of junior pages. The main floor action was a resolution honoring Dr. Charles Mlen, commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and newly appointed NCAA board of governors member, for his financial and athletic impact and for elevating the national image of the SWAC. Senator Norwood presented the resolution and Dr. Mlen addressed the Senate, speaking about his Mississippi roots and thanking the chamber for the recognition. The Senate also recognized additional Yazoo County visitors and other guests in the gallery. Members then made a series of announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the legislative prayer breakfast, a Visit Jackson reception, budget hearings, an air task force meeting, and tourism committee business. Several senators asked that the Senate adjourn in memory of individuals including Shelton McCay, Delmo Payne, Mayor Dale Barry, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Boyce Davis, and Nona Living Plazo. The Senate ultimately adopted Senator Blackwell’s motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The judicial or the legislative branch, for example, our responsibility is, of course, to all of our
• The judicial branch is there to enforce those laws, but the executive branch is there to execute, right
• The judicial or the legislative branch, for example, our responsibility is, of course, to all of our
• The judicial or the legislative branch, for example, our responsibility is, of course, to all of our
• The judicial or the legislative branch, for example, our responsibility is, of course, to all of our

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then for judicial other increases, there's a variety of rate adjustments, additions to things like
• And then on the savings side, on the judicials, there are adjustments to the Administrative Office for
• things like tenant right to counsel and self-help centers and then on the savings side on the on the judicials

Summary: The conference committee met on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5167, the state operating budget, and received a detailed staff briefing on the proposed conference report. Staff explained how to read the comparison documents, the four-year balanced-budget outlook, and the main resource assumptions, including use of the March 2025 revenue forecast, exclusion of the statutory 4.5% growth assumption, revenue legislation totaling about $8.7 billion, numerous fund transfers, and reversion assumptions. They also noted the proposal does not include a temporary salary reduction or furloughs. The briefing highlighted major policy areas and their net five-year impacts, including increases for state and higher education employee compensation, K-12 education, long-term care and developmental disabilities, corrections, information technology, and other policy items. It also described net reductions in behavioral health, children/youth/families, higher education, natural resources, other human services, and health care/public health, with many of the changes tied to delayed programs, rate adjustments, fund shifts, and savings options from Governor Ferguson. The committee then heard member comments, with supporters emphasizing K-12 funding and fiscal responsibility, and Senator Gildon opposing the process and the closed-door nature of the budget development. A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of the conference report and pass the bill. The roll call showed one member voting do not recommend, one member excused, and the remaining members recommending adoption. By vote of the committee, the conference report was adopted, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will address the portion, Article 1, that deals with the courts and judicial officers.
• and job their judicial wellness and job satisfaction. satisfaction. satisfaction.
• I just wanted to rise in support of the judicial funding in this bill.
• I just wanted to rise in favor of the judicial branch funding. Thank you.
• I just wanted to rise in favor of the judicial branch funding.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At any point in time, the association has the legal right to do a non-judicial foreclosure on me.
• > and respects judicial authority, and respects judicial authority, and promotes<00:54:50.000>
• These cases are often moving forward as a result of judicial foreclosures.
• These cases are often moving forward as a result of judicial foreclosures.
• situation that had became a judicial situation that had became a judicial issue.<01:04:05.440>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2294, which would require condominium associations, boards, and managing agents to comply with declarations, bylaws, county ordinances, and state and federal laws, including mortgage lending requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill as redundant, arguing existing law already requires compliance and provides penalties. Supporters, including condominium owners and board members, said the measure would clarify that associations are not “self-governing” in a way that exempts them from outside laws, and cited examples where local officials or police told residents to take issues back to their boards. Several supporters said the bill would reinforce board responsibility for permits, safety, and legal compliance. The committee noted 27 pieces of testimony, with 10 in support and 17 in opposition, and then moved on without taking a vote on the measure in the transcript provided. The committee also took up SB 2298, which would require common interest community proxy forms to include additional language explaining proxy selection options. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying the proposed language was inaccurate and would not improve consumer clarity unless significantly revised. Supporters argued that proxy forms are confusing and that clearer instructions would help homeowners understand how their votes are being used. Opponents said the added language would make the forms longer and more confusing, and suggested a separate instruction sheet or other educational material instead. Testimony also raised broader concerns about proxy voting being misused in some associations, with one witness urging that proxy voting be eliminated altogether. The committee reported 29 written testimonies, including seven in support, 19 in opposition, and three with comments, and again did not record a final vote in the excerpt. For SB 2300, which would shorten condominium reserve cash-flow projections from 30 years to 25 years, the Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would not make housing more affordable, would reduce transparency, and would increase the annual burden by giving associations less time to save for long-life components. The group suggested that if affordability is the goal, lawmakers should consider allowing future loans or special assessments with guardrails. Supporters of the bill said the shorter projection period would better reflect practical budgeting and help associations plan more realistically, though some supporters also warned against relying too heavily on loans and emphasized accountability and fiduciary responsibility. Other testimony stressed that the impact of changing the projection period would vary by association and that many owners are already struggling with rising fees. The discussion remained focused on testimony and policy concerns, with no final action on SB 2300 shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• are things that we would discuss at the full committee, not at this last extension, and then the judicial
• The judicial branch deleted their... So now we'll go to the lapse extensions.
• It doesn't have to happen, but it is a request of the judicial branch, and they'd be willing to come
• I would suggest that you talk to the judicial branch and have them come in to explain.
• branch and have them come in to judicial branch and have them come in to explain<01:02:48.559> there

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.