Transcript Highlights:

• ramped up ours in part because this has a sunset, and we put in place that there was a $30 million cap
• We're ways away from that cap. We're spending between $8 million a year. We...
• Ways away from that cap, we're spending between $8 and $9 million a year.
• We also had a cap on the amount of credit you could get. It was $6,000 under our 10%.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have testimony from Cap Chamber of Commerce, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Title Guarantee
• We also have testimony from Cap<00:33:12.080> Chamber<00:33:12.240> of<00:33:12.399>
• Commerce,<00:33:12.960> the<00:33:13.120> Maui Cap Chamber of Commerce, the Maui Cap

Bills: HB1629, HB1630, HB1631

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud of the wins that I have delivered as your representative for New Jersey's 11th District, capping
• CAPPING THE COST OF INSULIN AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR SENIORS, You have trusted me, New Jersey, and
• the original subsidies, ensuring that millions still qualify for the income-based tax credits and capping
• ENSURING THAT MILLIONS STILL QUALIFY FOR THE INCOME-BASED TAX CREDITS AND CAPPING OUT OF POCKET COSTS

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• question for the administration: Is it normal for us to be expanding rates at the same time that we're capping
• question for the administration: Is it normal for us to be expanding rates at the same time that we're capping
• They had no idea that we were potentially going to be capping our Medi-Cal for our undocumented population
• We don't cap deductions and credits for corporations and businesses and families that are wealthy at

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• soon as he opens that container of chemical and pours some into his mixing apparatus and then puts a cap
• and<00:40:56.560> then<00:40:56.800> puts<00:40:57.040> a<00:40:57.200> cap
• <00:40:57.440> back<00:40:57.680> on apparatus and then puts a cap back on apparatus
• and then puts a cap back on the<00:40:58.079> jug,<00:40:58.960> he<00:40:59.200> can't

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• more transparency around how to get an exception to a purchase of service policy that sets a 30-hour cap
• not keep pace with inflation, restrictive policy changes, or even potential block grants that could cap
• not keep pace with inflation, restrictive policy changes, or even potential block grants that could cap
• funding at lower levels. or even potential block grants that could cap funding at lower levels.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the those types of things that are students use in schools and you might be like chewing on the cap
• <00:04:55.600> chewing<00:04:55.919> on<00:04:56.039> the<00:04:56.160> cap
• and you might be like chewing on the cap and you might be like chewing on the cap or<00:04:56.560

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 737, which would amend Minnesota’s lead- and cadmium-related product restrictions and was re-referred to the Committee on Environment, Finance and Policy. Representative Bjorn Olson said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could no longer make cadmium-based art supplies in Minnesota, and he argued the law unintentionally swept in professional art materials that are used safely and are important to Western art culture. The committee first adopted the author’s A2 amendment, which broadened the bill to include additional exemptions beyond paint and pastels, including certain pens, mechanical pencils, and vehicle keys/key fobs. Testimony in support came from Darren Reenie of Wet Paint Artist Materials and Framing, who said artist paint and related supplies account for a significant share of sales and that the ban threatens independent art supply businesses and artists’ access to essential pigments. Josh Fiser of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation supported the key and key fob exemption, saying the current law is overly broad, exposure risk is minimal, and Minnesota should align with California and European Union standards. Bill Morgan of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute and Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association also supported the amendment, arguing there was little scientific basis for including pens, mechanical pencils, and professional artist materials, and citing prior reviews in the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the European Union. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, through Assistant Commissioner Kirk Kadelka, opposed broad exemptions and emphasized that no amount of lead is safe for children. He said the law was based on evidence from consumer products associated with elevated blood lead levels and argued that safer alternatives exist for many of the items in the amendment, including pens, mechanical pencils, and some key components. He also raised concerns about exposure during production and disposal. Committee members questioned the scope of the exemptions and whether the industry had workable alternatives. The A2 amendment was adopted, and the bill was then advanced for further consideration and re-referred as noted by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to introduce House Bill 658-FN, raising the cap on certain reimbursements from the Oil Discharge
• Those changes are: one, to change the due date of an annual report; the other, to raise the cap on reimbursements
• Those changes are: one, to change the due date of an annual report; the other, to raise the cap on reimbursements
• The clerk called the roll on House Bill 658, raising the cap of certain reimbursements from the oil discharge

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to provide 10% of HHR winnings to host municipalities as mitigation. Representative Om said the bill was intended to offset local costs associated with large gaming facilities, noting that prior gaming measures included opt-in provisions and that this proposal would leave charities and the state whole while taking the 10% from the operator’s share. Members questioned why 10% was chosen and whether municipalities were currently experiencing added costs; Om said the amount was meant to address projected future impacts, not broader municipal budget issues, and cited a study on casino-related community costs. Opponents from the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association argued the bill unfairly singled out one industry and said gaming facilities do not impose more municipal burden than other entertainment venues. The hearing closed without a vote, and a member clarified the bill would apply to existing and future casinos/facilities. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises the cap on reimbursements from the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and makes related changes to the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly described the funds as an insurance backstop for oil spill cleanup and low-income tank replacement, saying the program helps prevent environmental hazards and satisfies financial responsibility requirements. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill but noted that fee changes are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts explained that the bill would change reporting deadlines, raise the reimbursement cap for low-income homeowners, extend the fee collection period for 10 years, and adjust petroleum import fees based on an actuarial review. They said the funds cover spill response, prevention, and tank replacement, and that the fee structure was designed to keep the funds solvent while balancing costs across fuel categories. Committee members asked about the actuarial basis for the fee changes, why some fees would rise while others would fall, and how the funds are used. DES said the review used 10 years of claims and exposure data and that the fuel oil fee would otherwise need to rise sharply, so the board proposed a smaller increase and rebalanced other fees. Members also asked about the scope of covered oil imports, and DES explained that the fee applies to oil destined for use in New Hampshire, not merely passing through the state. The discussion also covered home heating oil spills, which DES said are often discovered by homeowners or fire departments and are usually caused by tank corrosion, piping, or overfills. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that the policy committee had already approved the bill before the finance-focused review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it had a capped value, either 3% of your annuity or $100 a month, which is less.
• However, while our UTP has increased immensely since 2011, the FTE cap is actually down. down 7% from
• I'd also like to add that we're currently at 99.6 percent. of our FTE cap, so we're putting every FTE
• dollars of need for the both of those programs combined and so we also have to match these federal cap

Keywords: infrastructure, water supply, flood mitigation, Texas Water Fund, community projects, funding allocations

Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also recommend the establishment of reimbursement caps per operation and, finally, suggest the inclusion
• establishment uh we also recommend the establishment of<00:29:30.760> reimbursement<00:29:31.360> caps
• <00:29:31.720> per of reimbursement caps per of reimbursement caps per operation<00:29:33.480

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard several agriculture and food-system bills. SB 1562 would create a Combined Housing Operational Agricultural Mobilization Program to help bona fide farmers live and farm on agricultural lands and provide a tax credit for donated land. Testimony generally supported the goal of housing for farmers and farm workers, but raised concerns about placing the program within the Department of Agriculture, possible constitutional and drafting issues, land-quality standards, lease structure, and whether another agency might be better suited. The committees recommended passing SB 1562 with amendments, including clarifying DOA authority to acquire agricultural lands and establishing an advisory committee within the department; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also heard SB 1171 on providing monofilament netting through hardware stores to help slow coconut rhinoceros beetle spread, SB 1186 on creating a statewide interagency food systems coordination team and working group, SB 1250 on a Farm to Families program, SB 1303 on agricultural loans, SB 1395 on a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund, SB 504 on a local agricultural transportation cost reimbursement program, SB 1185 on reviewing and repealing obsolete agricultural laws, and SB 187 on funding permanent agricultural biosecurity positions. Most testimony on these measures was in support, with some suggested refinements: for SB 1186, a youth advisory seat and clearer performance benchmarks; for SB 1250, broader eligibility for food pantries, cold storage, and staffing support; for SB 1303, support for lower interest rates and expanded loan tools; for SB 1395, debate over the fund’s structure and revenue source; for SB 504, clearer eligibility for small and beginning farmers, cooperatives, and food hubs; and for SB 1185, interest in joining the working group but concern about overbroad deregulation. No roll-call votes were taken on the other measures in the excerpt, but the chair reported testimony counts on some bills, including 89 in support and none opposed for SB 1250, 13 in support and one opposed for SB 504, and 14 in support with one comment for SB 1395. SB 1303 and SB 187 also drew supportive testimony from the Department of Agriculture, farm groups, food banks, and industry organizations, with SB 187 emphasizing the need to make Act 231 biosecurity positions permanent and fully funded.

Transcript Highlights:

• did in the implementing bill was a one-year trial to waive the deductibles, co-pays, and monetary caps

Transcript Highlights:

• Annual cap we've reduced that down to 150 and this is just working with other members here to try to

Bills: SB1928, SB259

Keywords: groundwater, water rights, waste prevention, conservation, permitting, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, water permits, water use reporting, metering, permit enforcement, groundwater waste, well permitting, cease and desist, fines and penalties, permit suspension, data centers, data processing facilities, cooling systems, evaporative cooling

Transcript Highlights:

• sponsored by Senator Schwertner, further expanded T-Cup to qualifying conditions and raised the THC cap
• It replaced the 1% THC by weight cap with a 10 milligram per dose unit.
• But the definition of Delta-9 THC at a cap of 0.3 in the hemp product, at a plain reading, seems like
• Only again, the specific chemical compound of THC Delta 9 is capped at point three.
• And in fiscal year 2025, 100% of the CAPs... ...is done.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And isn't it true that some states actually did try to cap that contract and how much you could get?
• And isn't it true that some states actually did try to cap that contract and how much you could get?
• And isn't it true that some states actually did try to cap that contract and how much you could get?
• And isn't it true that some states actually did try to cap that contract and how much you could get?
• And isn't it true that some states actually did try to cap that contract and how much you could get?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 733-FN, a bill on third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors financing lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, and contributes to litigation abuse, higher insurance costs, and what he called a “tort tax.” He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with specific references to foreign-entity restrictions, consumer-protection guardrails, and reporting requirements. He also noted a few technical fixes to the draft, including adding the word “knowingly” and restoring a section that had been omitted. Committee members questioned how the bill’s foreign-entity language would work, including whether a governor or the Department of Safety would designate countries of concern, and whether the bill would bar foreign parties from using litigation funding. Cole and others clarified that the bill was intended as a reporting measure, not a ban on litigation funding itself, and that the goal was to disclose who is funding lawsuits and to what extent. Representative Sal asked whether the bill would prevent a litigant from getting outside financing; Cole answered no, emphasizing disclosure rather than prohibition. Brandon Grat of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau testified that the bill’s enforcement provisions were too limited. He said the draft appears to give the Attorney General only a civil-penalty remedy, likely too small to deter violations, and not the broader Consumer Protection Act tools such as injunctions, restitution, or investigation authority. He also raised concerns about whether the Attorney General or Insurance Department would have proper jurisdiction, given that the product may be financial or insurance-related. Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the department sees possible benefits from transparency because disclosure of litigation funding could help insurers assess risk, improve underwriting, and potentially ease hard-market pressures, especially for nonprofits and child care providers. He also said the bill’s language likely needs further work to clarify agency authority and suggested involving the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and banking regulators. Opposition testimony came from the New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association. Marissa Chase and Samantha Hering argued the bill is one-sided because it requires disclosure only on the plaintiff side and not from defendants or insurers. They said New Hampshire already has court rules and discovery procedures that cover relevant disclosures, making the bill unnecessary, and questioned whether the existence of a funding contract is even relevant in litigation. The hearing ended with the committee continuing to discuss possible revisions and enforcement options, but no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the operating referendum the the cap on the operating referendum and<00:08:55.640> and<00:
• To address this, PSO per-credit cost should be capped to ease pressure on districts.
• To address this, PSO per-credit cost should be capped to ease pressure on districts.
• To address this, PSO per-credit cost should be capped to ease pressure on districts.
• To address this, PSO per-credit cost should be capped to ease pressure on districts.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee approved the minutes from January 21, 2025, and then heard testimony from several school superintendents about the financial and operational impact of recent education-related mandates. Chair Bennett framed the hearing as an opportunity to hear from districts about the effects of more than 65 new mandates and restrictions adopted in recent years. The first witnesses were Corey McIntyre of Anoka-Hennepin, Michael Thomas of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, and David Law of Minnetonka Public Schools. The superintendents said districts are facing rising costs, flat or declining enrollment, the end of federal pandemic aid, and mandates they described as unfunded or underfunded. McIntyre cited major budget cuts in Anoka-Hennepin, including reductions in central office staff, and said the district faces continuing shortfalls tied to special education, multilingual learner costs, unemployment claims, paid leave, transportation, literacy materials, and the K-3 discipline statute. Thomas said Prior Lake-Savage is balancing growing student needs against limited revenue, and argued that mandates such as REACT and other requirements should be delayed or better funded so districts can implement them with fidelity. Law said the concerns are statewide, not just metro-based, and criticized the accumulation of expectations around food service, mental health, sick and safe time, unemployment, and family leave without corresponding resources. Several witnesses emphasized that school budgets are heavily committed to staff costs and that new obligations create administrative burdens as well as direct expenses. They urged lawmakers to reduce, delay, or better fund mandates, adjust timelines, and provide more flexibility in local revenue tools and equalization aid. No votes were taken on legislation during this portion of the meeting beyond approval of the prior day’s minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• um not accounted for in our salary cap um not accounted for in our salary cap number<00:51:21.119
• Our concern is right now that fund is managed through FEMA's CAP SSC grant.
• So buildings and cap expense funds.
• 'Cause that's got a legislative cap on that rate. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Perfect.
• 'Cause that's got a legislative cap on that rate. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Perfect.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks present its FY27 budget request and discuss accomplishments from prior appropriations. The commissioner highlighted improved conservation officer retention after salary increases, continued training and wellness efforts, upgrades to state parks and cabins, expansion of tiny homes, fisheries stocking and youth fishing programs, ongoing chronic wasting disease testing, and the Museum of Natural Science’s recent accreditation. The agency said it wants to maintain parks and facilities so they do not deteriorate again, and it emphasized tourism and public access benefits. Budget staff then outlined the request: $21.7 million in general funds, including increases for state parks, the museum, law enforcement, and chronic wasting disease; $23.2 million in state support capital and education funds; and $86.99 million in special funds authority. Major capital requests included $18.8 million for state parks projects at several parks, $1.25 million for law enforcement facilities, $2 million for Lake Lamar Bruce improvements, and $1.125 million for mobile teaching vans. Members asked for more detail on general fund increases, proof that law enforcement salary enhancements reached field agents, more information on the tiny home program and its return on investment, the source of motor vehicle funds, and a breakdown of requested pins and vacancies. The committee also questioned the agency about chronic wasting disease, with the department saying the $400,000 request supports testing and research and that live testing is not yet reliable. Members raised concerns about prioritization of lake and park maintenance, especially Lake Claude Bennett, and whether the agency is too reactive rather than proactive in addressing deteriorating facilities. The department said funding limitations and federal restrictions on certain lake dollars drive its priorities, and that it focuses on the most-used parks and lakes. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of that goes to, obviously, school cap con and maintenance.
• Chairman, but so, the interest rate in the bill would be fixed, set by the treasurer, but I put a cap
• <01:46:23.800> And but I put a cap on it at 2 and 1/2%.
• And but I put a cap on it at 2 and 1/2%.
• billion-dollar cap on the on the PPI. billion-dollar cap on the on the PPI.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to be capped at that level going forward, and starting January 1st, 2028, if the HR1 isn't
• <00:20:23.919> on is staring us in the face is uh a cap on is staring us in the face is uh
• <00:21:05.120> So develop uh is being capped right now.
• So develop uh is being capped right now.
• at that level it's going to be capped at that level going<00:21:13.840> forward.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if it goes back to the House version, it takes off the 7% but keeps on the 7,700 cap.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee met on House Bill 1053 and took roll with all six members present. The discussion focused on resolving differences between the House and Senate versions, specifically around removing a 7% provision while keeping a 7,700 cap. After some confusion over the proper parliamentary motion, the committee agreed that the Senate would reject its amendments, which would leave the House version in place with the agreed-upon changes. A motion was made and seconded to have the Senate reject its amendments to House Bill 1053. The committee voted by roll call, with all members voting yes, and the motion passed 6-0. Members also identified carriers for both sides to move the bill forward. No testimony was taken. After confirming the carriers, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cap is currently at 500%.
• but once this cap went into effect<01:40:38.760> in<01:40:38.880> this<01:40:39.040>
• on one hand reduces the carryover cap on one hand reduces the state's<01:40:57.440> liability
• Also, as I mentioned, legislative changes that CCO cap needing to increase or refund more money than
• <02:07:02.199> follow due to the credit carry over cap follow due to the credit carry over

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.