Transcript Highlights:

• does not have any of the tax issues like tax exempt holidays. presenting does not have any of the tax
• So I understand that it prevents a carbon tax it creates a carbon tax a carbon tax, it creates a carbon
• kind of taxes.
• And gas taxes and no other kind of taxes.
• Again, it relates to taxes. There's a lot of tax policy that goes into the tax package.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, heard an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of introductions recognizing guests, interns, public servants, and a Senate resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then proceeded to the special order calendar, with several measures temporarily postponed before debate began on the day’s bills. The Senate passed CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, coordinators, and readiness assessments for children. It also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, which narrows and clarifies confidentiality protections for victims and law enforcement officers who become victims, and CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help local governments obtain cybersecurity services and data-sharing support. The chamber also approved CS/HB 925 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above annual projections and revising related fee distributions, and CS/HB 679 modernizing trademark registration by moving to the federal classification system and creating an online filing portal. The Senate also passed CS/CS/CS/HB 589 on septic system permits, aligning the bill with Senate language and clarifying liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. CS/HB 679 and the other noncontroversial measures passed unanimously or with broad support, while CS/HB 1113 passed 33-4 and CS/HB 1085 passed 37-0 after amendments. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on land use and clerks of court. The most extensive debate came on the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which would use DHSMV Real ID data to verify citizenship, change candidate-qualifying rules, alter acceptable photo IDs, and revise election administration procedures. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to protect voters who cannot afford citizenship documents, exempt older long-time voters, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, and delay the effective date. The Senate adopted an amendment that retained the citizenship-verification framework and added provisions on candidate disclosures, but the bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with senators arguing over voter access, fraud prevention, and the practical impact on students and seniors.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he says, you know, Texas recognizes the ag sales tax exemption from Oklahoma.
• Holders of ag sales tax exemptions and having a reciprocity with the surrounding states of Oklahoma.
• Tax Commission for an ag exemption in Oklahoma, right? Yes. Follow-up.
• Members, House Bill 4118 updates Oklahoma's existing family caregiver tax credit.
• And most of the time, The tax incentives, and most of the time the sales tax exemption.

Summary: The committee considered and advanced a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 3834, which creates a revolving fund at the Department of Health for ibogaine research. The author said the measure is limited to clinical trials, has support from several tribal nations, and would not have an immediate fiscal impact, though retirement-related costs were discussed as roughly $1 million based on prior estimates. HB 3834 passed 20-0. House Bill 3940, updating Oklahoma Military Department provisions, National Guard retirement benefits, and some Uniform Code of Military Justice language, also passed after questions about the same estimated retirement cost and the effect of changing the date for implementation; it passed 21-1. Members then approved House Bill 4346, with an amendment aimed at addressing fraud concerns in agricultural sales tax exemptions. The bill would extend reciprocity to holders of ag sales tax exemption cards from Texas and other surrounding states, allowing them to use those exemptions in Oklahoma border communities. Opponents argued the change would place too much burden on retailers to verify out-of-state cards and could increase liability, but supporters said it would help rural businesses. The bill passed 17-4. House Bill 2947, allowing clinical interns and accredited behavioral health graduate programs to bill Medicaid for supervised services, passed 21-0, and House Bill 3257, extending state benefits for 100% disabled veterans to those similarly disabled due to negligence at a VA hospital, also passed 21-0. The committee next passed House Bill 3264, which adds domestic abuse by strangulation to the list of 85% crimes. Supporters emphasized the seriousness of strangulation and its connection to later homicide risk, while questions focused on prison population growth and costs; the bill passed 21-0. House Bill 4326, dealing with Oklahoma Promise homeschool language and the definition of certified classroom personnel, was amended to remove unrelated T-SET restructuring language and then passed 19-2. House Bill 4421, “Leo’s Law,” which requires fentanyl testing in child welfare drug screens when fentanyl use is suspected, drew emotional testimony about a child’s death and had its fiscal estimate discussed as dropping from $125 million to about $16 million; it passed 22-0. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 3944, a State Finance Act cleanup and modernization measure, after questions about reporting dates and public finance oversight, and House Bill 3979, which raises financing caps under the Oklahoma Economic Development Finance Pool, after an amendment to add an effective date and emergency clause; both passed 21-0. House Bill 4118, updating the family caregiver tax credit and raising the maximum credit while keeping the annual cap unchanged, passed 20-1. The meeting ended with thanks to members and staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it was meant just for kind of the poorest tax-based parts of our state.
• But it was meant just for kind of the poorest tax-based parts of our state.
• But it's even harder in these smaller communities without a tax base.
• </c> tax base. tax base.
• So, that that is taxes across the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• It just means that they're going to be paying their taxes to somebody else.
• , and the Walls budget would be the largest property tax increase in state history.
• tax increase in state<00:05:13.600><c> history.
• Maybe uh tax collections come in system.
• And that's than we bring in in taxes. And that's not<00:08:35.519><c> sustainable.

Transcript Highlights:

• a tax rate, right?
• </c> the DRRA to make that tax rate decision. the DRRA to make that tax rate decision.
• the school all of their tax money because the school does not have to wait for tax payments.
• </c> does not have to wait for tax payments. does not have to wait for tax payments.
• So you can you can property tax.

Committee: House Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:

• make a future MCO tax relatively insignificant.
• So we're talking about future MCO tax.
• And it made permanent the 2017 tax cuts, and it added new tax reductions, which resulted in $4.5 trillion
• . 1 as a tax bill to reinforce 2017 tax cuts, and it added new tax reductions that equaled nearly $4.5
• Now, where did the tax benefit go?

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the discussion around major federal changes to work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, immigrant eligibility, and financing rules, while noting the state’s own structural budget deficit and the need for a second hearing later in March on county and safety-net impacts. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center. LAO and Finance described H.R. 1 as driving major enrollment losses and cost shifts. LAO estimated that Medi-Cal work requirements and six-month redeterminations could affect 3.5 million people, with 1 to 2 million potentially disenrolled, while CalFresh changes could subject more than 800,000 people to work requirements and cause over 600,000 to lose food assistance. They also highlighted new ineligibility for certain non-citizens, reduced federal matching for emergency Medi-Cal services, tighter provider tax rules, and higher state and county administrative costs for CalFresh. Finance said the governor’s budget reflects about $1.4 billion in new General Fund costs in 2026-27 and a $2.4 billion reduction in federal funds, with larger out-year impacts and up to 2 million Medi-Cal disenrollments by 2029-30. The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, though it said the state could limit losses by choosing not to apply some new requirements to state-funded populations and by keeping some immigrants in full-scope state-funded coverage. The Food Research and Action Center argued that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, homelessness risk, and health costs, while also hurting local economies and increasing administrative burden. Committee members from both parties questioned the fiscal sustainability of Medi-Cal growth, the 11% CalFresh error rate and possible $2 billion penalty, county indigent care costs, and the effect of work requirements; several Democratic members argued the federal changes and state cuts would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color, while Republican members emphasized program growth, work incentives, and the need for budget restraint. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• allocates tax credits to developers of low-income housing.
• In Washington, developers and investors come to WSHFC to seek these tax credits.
• These tax credits directly offset corporate income taxes that they pay.
• And each year for 10 years, they receive their tax credits.
• And sometime between year 10 and 15... ...receive their tax credits.

Bills: HB1542 , HB2527

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: senior housing, independent living, 55 and older, older adults, elderly, retirement housing, retirement community, resident rights, tenant protections, consumer protection act, unfair or deceptive practices, housing discrimination, assisted living distinction, Department of Commerce, Washington RCW, housing provider, community living, security cameras, resident meetings, anonymous complaints

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the last amendment was effectively an amendment that might actually raise taxes across
• Many Texans only learn about rate changes when their tax bills arrive.
• HB 17 requires tax entities to mail notices to every property owner regarding any tax rate. hearing while
• It would require taxing entities to provide uniform and easy-to-understand notices.
• And the cost has increased for many of our taxing entities, especially our school districts.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 10 , SB 16 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB 19 , SB 54 , HB23 , HB17 , HB16 , SB19 , SB53 , SB54 , HB16 , HB17 , HB23 , HB27 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB2 , SB3 , SB10 , SB16 , SB5

Transcript Highlights:

• the interest rate of any mortgage that might exist, the cost of insurance, and the cost of property taxes
• across the board are there, and if you're even a renter, the cost of insurance, the cost of property taxes
• As interest rates rise, as the cost of insurance rises, as property taxes rise, all of that is being
• the cost of the cost of property taxes the cost of an<00:02:11.440><c> interest</c><00:02:11.840><c>
• Rises as property tax rise all of<00:02:21.800><c> that</c><00:02:21.920><c> is</c><00:02:22.040><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• They are taxes on groceries, taxes on school supplies, taxes on building materials in the middle of a
• tax.
• You're calling this a tax? Wasn't the gas tax a tax? Isn't cap-and-trade a tax?
• after tax.
• tax right now being proposed by your party another tax here in California who's the party of taxes it

Transcript Highlights:

• It's supported by ad valorem taxes. Mr.
• I'm sorry, what was the figure of property taxes?
• I just have a question because I heard Representative Bentley mentioned the tax, property tax implication
• issue, it's a sales tax issue.
• Because if you have tourism, if you have people coming from all over... ...tax issue, it's a sales tax

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:

• One that comes to mind is the sales tax exemption on building materials.
• One of the tools that we use is a new market tax credit.
• will get the federal portion of their tax credit, but they do not receive a state tax credit.
• Program, which allows, A Live Local Contribution Tax Program, which allows corporations to get a tax
• property taxes.

Summary: The committee met to hear a panel on workforce and attainable housing, with presentations from Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Wendover Housing Partners, the City of Tallahassee, and Escambia County. Speakers described how state and local tools such as SHIP, the Live Local Act, land trusts, accessory dwelling units, infill development, and public-private partnerships are being used to expand housing supply and preserve long-term affordability. Several panelists emphasized that housing demand is rising across income levels, that workforce households often need subsidy to buy or rent, and that housing location, transportation access, and proximity to jobs and services are critical. They also highlighted challenges including rising construction costs, limited land, insurance, NIMBY opposition, and the need for more flexible financing tools and employer participation. Members asked about area median income thresholds, whether current programs are reaching the households most in need, and what additional tools might help. Florida Housing said its traditional rental programs generally serve households at or below 60% AMI, while need is increasingly reaching up to 80% AMI statewide and higher in some regions; staff also provided examples of AMI levels by county. Other discussion focused on the impact of local government opt-outs, tax abatements, corporate ownership of single-family homes, insurance costs, Fortified construction standards, and whether bonuses or other income calculations can unintentionally disqualify applicants. Panelists urged more political will, more local flexibility, and additional incentives for employers and landowners to support housing near jobs. The committee also used an anonymous interactive polling exercise, and members identified partnerships, SHIP funding, local government action, cost, and insurance as key issues. In closing, the chair said the committee would continue a member-driven process and likely hold a workshop on housing-related topics. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the meeting, and the session adjourned after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> determine how high the property tax determine how high the property tax burden<01:39:26.400><c>
• tax, the communication services enterprise tax, and meals and rooms tax.
• </c> virtually no local tax virtually no local tax savings<02:34:37.160><c> why</c><02:34:37.479><c>
• He pays taxes.
• He pays taxes.

Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.

Transcript Highlights:

• They chose April, the busiest time for tax receipts.
• No new tax hikes.
• No new taxes on goods or services or income, energy taxes off the table.
• There are no new taxes in this budget. And in fact, Mr.
• Child care tax credit, property tax relief, property tax rent rebate, Working Pennsylvanians tax credit

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, communications, committee reports, and leaves of absence. The journal was approved 50-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 1505, which drew extended debate over school funding and adequacy/tax equity. Senators Coleman and Keefer argued the bill continued to pour money into districts like Allentown without accountability or improved results, while Senators Costa, Miller, Haywood, and Anthony Williams defended the funding as a response to historic underfunding and the Commonwealth Court decision. A motion allowing Senator Coleman a third speaking turn was adopted 27-23, and the bill ultimately passed 45-5. The Senate then considered House Bill 2400, the General Appropriation Act. Supporters, including Senators Martin, Dush, Phillips-Hill, Costa, Ward, Street, Hughes, and Pittman, emphasized that the budget was balanced without using the rainy day fund or raising taxes, reduced the governor’s proposal, increased education and child care funding, supported nursing homes, rape crisis centers, infrastructure, and workforce programs, and shifted money from lapsed or unused accounts to current priorities. Opponents, including Senators Saval and Muth, said the budget failed to address structural deficits and omitted new revenue options, emergency services funding, and other major issues. The bill passed 44-6 with amendments and was returned to the House for concurrence. The Senate also passed a series of other bills, including House Bills 2412, 2413, 96, 858, 1042, 1286, 1646, 1851, 1862, 2017, 2024, 2401, and 2559, with varying margins, and sent them to the House, some with amendments. House Bill 1042 drew a negative recommendation from Senator Costa over a late amendment involving second-degree murder/felony language, but after reconsideration and vote changes it passed 30-20 with amendments. House Bill 1862, creating an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License, passed 45-5 after support from Senator Judy Ward. House Bill 1248 passed 43-7 and designates Pennsylvania rye whiskey as the official state spirit, with Senators Bartolotta and Robinson speaking in support. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 216, after defeating Senator Haywood’s amendment to narrow the scope of a proposed Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study of managed care organizations; the resolution passed 31-19. Several other bills were held over in their order, and the Senate later moved toward a condolence resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2506E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to fuel taxes.
• Senate Bill 2506E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to fuel taxes.
• But this is our one opportunity to talk about the tax package.
• the motor fuel tax here in the state of Florida.
• Our state gas sales tax is 25.3 cents per gallon.

Transcript Highlights:

• used for the special tax.
• It's going to have to update their tax website.
• Well, the small businesses are just going to collect the tax.
• increases, along with also getting rid of the income tax question and putting a statewide sales tax.
• And our taxes in Missouri have gotten out of control.

Committees: House Local Government , House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Transcript Highlights:

• One success with the low-income housing tax credits: there was a 12.5% increase on the 9% tax credits
• We currently have 19 applications distributed between 9% tax credits and 4% tax credits.
• Then you pay the realtor's taxes. And so the GRT is called... Then you pay the realtor's taxes.
• see if you're paying the right tax.
• It's currently pending in Senate Tax.

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• taxes its high-wage earners.
• Who are the high-tax states? Just consider Texas.
• And by the way, it's not just in our tax code, in our tax policy, in more ways than one.
• Look, I like the word tax. Housing is just one component.
• We've created the young child tax credit, the foster youth tax credit, new programs we created together

Summary: The joint convention convened to receive Governor Gavin Newsom’s final State of the State address, with legislative leaders introducing the Governor and welcoming constitutional officers, judges, and other guests. The proceedings opened with a moment of silence honoring Renee Nicole Good and other immigrants affected by detention and due process concerns. After introductory remarks from the Speaker, Senate President pro Tem Monique Limón, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Governor Newsom delivered a wide-ranging address reflecting on his administration and California’s response to recent crises. The Governor highlighted California’s economic performance, tax structure, minimum wage increases, education funding, child care and school meal investments, housing reforms, apprenticeships, infrastructure projects, clean energy progress, and efforts on homelessness, mental health, and public safety. He also discussed state action on artificial intelligence regulation, climate resilience, insurance reform, and wildfire recovery, while sharply criticizing the federal government and President Trump on immigration, health care, food aid, disaster response, and other issues. He announced that his upcoming budget would include major education spending, a five-year extension of the CalCompete tax credit, additional community school funding, a rebuilding fund for fire survivors, and other policy proposals. At the close of the address, the Legislature formally ordered the Governor’s State of the State speech printed in the journal as a special appendix. The joint convention then adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have the Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments via Zoom.
• </c> your testimony um we also have tax your testimony um we also have tax Foundation<00:15:08.720><c
• </c> revenue which will be the income tax revenue which will be the income tax check<00:15:45.160><c>
• And also hotel lodging tax—that's also a big one.
• </c> what we need to do um to of tax what we need to do um to of tax mechanisms<00:19:57.039><c> and<

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 547 HD1, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and support spay/neuter services, funded in part through a tax return check-off and other sources. The Department of Taxation said it could implement the check-off; the Attorney General and Budget and Finance raised drafting and placement concerns about which department should house the fund; and the Hawaii Humane Society strongly supported the bill, emphasizing statewide need and the importance of distributing funds to areas of greatest need, including neighbor islands. The Tax Foundation opposed the measure on special-fund grounds, arguing there was no sufficient nexus between the bill’s purpose and the proposed revenue source. The committee later recommended HB 547 HD1 with technical amendments and sent it to Finance, with members voting aye and no objections noted. The committee also heard HB 925 HD1, relating to arts funding, which would impose a 1% fee on ticket sales from concerts at state venues and direct the proceeds to a dedicated arts fund. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the measure, while the Attorney General suggested defining “concerts” for clarity and Budget and Finance was available with comments. In discussion, the committee chair asked about how other states fund arts programs, and Director Ewald said many states use dedicated funding sources such as concert fees, bond funding, cultural trusts, and hotel lodging taxes. The committee recommended HB 925 HD1 with amendments, including a preamble, a new Performing Arts special fund, a definition of “concerts,” and a defective date, and the recommendation was adopted. Finally, the committee considered HB 1378, also related to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Based on the Attorney General’s testimony, the committee proposed deleting a section of the bill, creating a Performing Arts special fund, specifying revenue sources such as legislative appropriations, foundation charges, grants, gifts, and interest, and using the fund for coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. The amendments also added a definition of Performing Arts, granting standards, and a defective date, while blanking out the appropriation amount for the committee report. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation on HB 1378 with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was funded by tobacco tax increases.
• If the next tax is smaller, there would be less MCO tax revenue.
• The MCO tax is used for two purposes.
• Currently, 99% of the revenue from the MCO tax comes from a tax on Medi-Cal enrollment, while less than
• 1% comes from a tax on private insurance.