Transcript Highlights:

• And I just hate to see this program go away because, uh, and you know, in the world of finance down here
• /c><00:27:52.880> world<00:27:53.039> of Because, uh, and you know, in the world of finance
• The motion passes and the bill is referred to the committee on finance as amended.
• With no further business, the committee is now adjourned. and re-refer to the committee on finance and
• is p uh referred to committee on finance is p uh referred to committee on finance as as as amended

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• move that Senate File 2216, as amended, be recommended to pass and be referred to the Committee on Finance
• <00:42:01.680> and<00:42:01.839> that the Committee on Finance and that the Committee
• on Finance and that nonpartisan<00:42:02.720> staff<00:42:02.960> be<00:42:03.119>
• 00:42:18.560> re-referred<00:42:19.119> to<00:42:19.280> the<00:42:19.440> finance
• and re-referred to the finance and re-referred to the finance committee.<00:42:21.680> And

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was um on page department of uh finance was um on page department of uh finance was um on page 17 u
• was suggested by uh was something that was suggested by uh was something that was suggested by uh finance
• um that um is is included in finance um that um is is included in finance um that um is is included
• the department issue that was raised by the department issue that was raised by the department of finance
• It was not this committee of finance. It was not this committee of finance.

Bills: SB199, HB142, SB86, HB152, HB297, SB1, SB1

Keywords: parental leave, state employees, local education agencies, adoption, work-life balance, family support, portable benefits, portable benefit account, independent contractor, gig worker, 1099 worker, freelancer, app-based worker, rideshare, delivery driver, worker benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, income replacement insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I talked to Ken Weyler at Finance, he said, well, we made that commitment for 10 years, but we
• So when I talked to Ken Weyler at Finance, he said, well, we made that commitment for 10 years, but we
• he said well we made that Finance he said well we made that commitment<00:26:21.720> for<00:26
• So anything that has been authorized for the Business Finance Authority, the Pease Development Authority
• <00:43:38.400> Authority<00:43:39.400> uh for the uh business Finance Authority uh

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways committee held a capital budget orientation led by Legislative Budget Assistant Office staff, who walked members through the budget materials, the capital budget process, and the committee’s compare sheet. The presentation explained that agencies begin developing capital requests nearly a year in advance, submit them by May 1, and that the governor’s recommended capital budget is a reduced version of the much larger agency wish list. Members were told the agencies initially requested about $1.1 billion in projects, the catalog was trimmed to just over $400 million in general fund projects, and the governor’s recommendation in the pink book totals about $143 million in general fund capital appropriations. The committee also reviewed the prior capital budget and related statutes and committee procedures. Several specific projects drew discussion. The Department of Education’s CTE projects were explained as having been shifted into the operating budget in the prior cycle and now returning to the capital budget recommendation; members asked whether there was a backup CTE project and whether local approval had been secured for the named project. The Cannon Mountain tramway request was highlighted as a $20 million recommendation, with the presenter explaining that an earlier $18 million appropriation would be lapsed back to the general fund to help balance the budget. The Department of Corrections’ new prison project was also discussed; members were told the state has already appropriated $50 million for planning and site evaluation, but the governor’s current capital budget does not include a new prison construction appropriation because the project is not yet ready for that phase and may need to be funded differently, possibly through a separate, staggered appropriation. State Treasurer Monica Mezzapelli then presented on debt affordability and the state’s borrowing capacity. She said the state’s credit position has improved, with the debt-to-revenue ratio falling from 8.2% in 2015 to 3.8% in 2024, and explained that RSA 6-C limits debt authorization to 10% of unrestricted prior-year revenue. She noted that the Treasury’s planning assumes $60 million in annual bond issuance, with the prison-related $40 million now expected to be issued in 2026 rather than 2025 because the project is not ready to spend the funds. She said the state can still borrow more, but additional debt service must be paid from operating funds, and recommended keeping capital bonding in the $120 million to $130 million range to preserve affordability and the state’s credit rating. Members asked for clarification on the CTE funding shift, the prison schedule, and the meaning of the large agency request totals. The chair and treasurer discussed the governor’s $143 million recommendation versus the committee’s usual target range, and the treasurer said $130 million would be more comfortable than $140 million, with $135 million described as a possible compromise. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting was informational and ended with the presenters offering to answer follow-up questions as agencies come before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrew Minor, the State Budget Division Director at the Department of Finance and Administration, talking
• We're also managing ongoing enhancements to our campaign finance information system.
• Chair and Representative Silva, that has come up in several questions related to our campaign finance
• We are going to be due a reimbursement from the **Department of Finance Administration**, the actuals
• Legal counsel, we need a procurement person in the budget and finance division.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the school finance formulas are, as members of this committee know, complex.
• In the school finance world, we put districts in two categories. that you have to live through.
• But with the finances, I believe we're stable.
• You know, it is remarkable to me that you guys won't say anything about financing.
• Our finance program is strong. The goal is to get the middle schools to an A.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• personal finance, computer science. personal finance, computer science.
• We did put money in it and it is... is it in finance now?
• I is um I don't Is is it in finance now?
• Then it went to finance. >> Did it go to finance?
• I don't think it went to finance. >> Yeah, maybe it's not.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Oversight Committee met to review statewide education improvement and assessment issues under RSA 193-C:8-a, with the chair focusing on curriculum frameworks, academic standards, and resource elements tied to the state’s adequate education statutes. The chair walked through the statutory relationship between minimum standards for public school approval, academic standards, and local control of curriculum, noting that New Hampshire law requires curriculum frameworks to guide what students should know and be able to do while leaving districts flexibility in instruction. He also raised concerns that some subject areas appear to have current frameworks or standards while others do not, and suggested the committee may need to consider an amendment creating a curriculum frameworks and academic standards coordinator at the Department of Education. Nate Green, director of the Division of Education Analytics and Resources, explained that the terms “academic standards” and “curriculum frameworks” have evolved over time and are often used interchangeably, but can mean different things depending on the subject area. He said the state’s more prescriptive standards largely developed after No Child Left Behind, especially in math, ELA, and science, while older or less-tested subjects such as arts, physical education, and health often retained looser framework-style documents. Green outlined one possible approach of standardizing terminology, but also said New Hampshire could instead define curriculum frameworks separately as a combination of standards, curriculum, and instructional approaches. He emphasized that state standards must support statewide consistency and assessment, while local districts retain control over how they teach. Committee members discussed how these distinctions affect different grade levels and subjects, using examples from math and science to show that minimum standards are broad while academic standards are more specific and grade-level based. Green described how science standards are organized by physical science, life science, and earth/space science across grade bands, while math standards are more directly tied to individual grades. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported during this portion of the meeting; the discussion remained informational and exploratory as members considered whether statutory language or departmental organization should be updated.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, HB 506 FN is referred to the Committee on Finance
• the Committee on Education Policy and Administration, HB 671 FNA is referred to the Committee on Finance
• From the Committee on Ways and Means, HB 650 FN is referred to the Committee on Finance. today Welcome
• <00:10:20.959> the referred to the committee on finance the referred to the committee on finance
• from the Comm the committee on finance from the Comm committee<00:10:29.560> on<00:10:29.720>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are ready for the question, the question being: shall we override SCS for C.S. for House Bill 52 Finance
• C.S. for C.S. for House Bill 52 Finance. Mr.
• question being, shall the legislature override the governor's veto on CS for House Bill 195, Finance
• , the joint legislative session has overridden the governor's veto of CS for House Bill 195, Finance

Keywords: 905, all

Summary: The Alaska Legislature met in joint session to consider gubernatorial vetoes of five bills. Members first took up House Bill 52 on minors and psychiatric hospitals, with supporters arguing it would improve transparency, family communication, oversight, and reporting around seclusion and restraint in psychiatric facilities. Opponents of the veto cited DOJ findings and media reports about abuses at a North Star facility. The override failed, 36-24, falling short of the 40 votes needed. The joint session then considered Senate Bill 41 on mental health education. Supporters said it would help develop age-appropriate mental health curriculum and could aid suicide prevention, while critics argued it was mischaracterized and did not impose a state takeover of local schools. The veto override failed, 38-22. Members next considered House Bill 314 on architects, engineers, surveyors, and interior designers, focusing on the AELS Board’s continuation and the need for professional oversight during major infrastructure work. That override passed, 45-15. The legislature then voted on Senate Bill 21, the Alaska Work and Save Program, which supporters said would expand retirement savings access for workers and small businesses, including an option to direct PFD funds into retirement accounts. The override failed, 39-21. Finally, House Bill 195 on pharmacists and physician assistants was debated as a health care access measure that would let pharmacists provide more services under a standard-of-care model; supporters said it would reduce costs and improve access, while some members raised concerns about scope and abortion-related issues. The veto override passed, 43-17. The joint session then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, Department of Disabilities, Housing Programs, and Affiliated Foundations, Establishment, Finance
• and Affiliated Foundations, Programs, and Affiliated Foundations, Establishment,<00:09:17.440> Finance
• <00:09:18.880> so<00:09:18.959> we<00:09:19.120> consider Establishment, Finance
• , so we consider Establishment, Finance, so we consider the<00:09:19.440> reading<00:09:19.600

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 33 members present, heard an invocation from Reverend Lauren Holder of St. Martins in the Field Episcopal Church, and received several chamber introductions and welcomes, including district-night guests, former Delegate Sam Aurora, League of Conservation Voters constituents, and a new group of pages from across the state. The presiding officer also noted that a presentation by the state archivist in the old Senate chamber would be the main event of the evening. On the legislative side, the chamber read Senate Bill 960 on Maryland’s Public Charter School Program and school facilities funding rules, which was referred to the Rules Committee. Two bond initiatives were also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee: one for Carol Classical Charter School and one for Springboard Community Services’ Youth and Training Center. House Bills 28 and 226 were received from the House and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The Senate then announced that executive nominations would likely be held until the next day so more members could be present for votes. Caucus meetings were announced for the following morning, and a Senate Pass event was promoted for Thursday evening. After a quorum call showed 38 members present, the majority leader moved that the Senate recess to the old Senate chamber in about five minutes, and the motion was adopted without objection. The chamber was secured as members prepared to move for the evening program.

Transcript Highlights:

• This plan is smart, flexible financing that avoids the burden on the taxpayers of Los Angeles.
• No, the convention center—yeah, the signage allows for the financing of the convention center, and so
• No, the convention center—yeah, the signage allows for the financing of the convention center, and so
• It goes directly to the convention center to provide the financing for the capital improvements as well

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee before quorum was established, then heard three measures. AB 770 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to create a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who cited jobs, tourism, and financing benefits; there was no opposition testimony. Members asked about the job estimates and the connection between signage revenue and convention center expansion. SB 451, presented by Senator Archuleta, would clarify that a 50-50 charitable raffle may be conducted at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related ambiguity. Supporters from the NFL and the 49ers said the change would preserve charitable fundraising for Super Bowls 60 and 61 and would not alter other raffle rules. CalNonprofits raised concerns about fairness, gambling expansion, and the special treatment of pro sports raffles, while members discussed how charities receive funds and the program’s audit process. AB 831 by Assemblymember Valencia would prohibit online sweepstakes using dual-currency models that allow cash payouts, while leaving non-cash social sweepstakes untouched. Supporters, including several tribes, the Sports Betting Alliance, the California Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers, and preserves tribal gaming sovereignty; opponents, including the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and numerous tribal members and representatives, argued it would eliminate a legal industry, harm smaller and less advantaged tribes, and was advanced without sufficient consultation. After extensive debate about consumer protection, tribal equity, and online gaming regulation, all three bills were approved, and the committee adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's what has been communicated to House Finance and Senate Ways and Means.
• communicated<00:08:58.880> to<00:08:59.519> um<00:09:00.080> House<00:09:00.399> Finance
• <00:09:00.800> and communicated to um House Finance and communicated to um House Finance and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we did execute a financing agreement with them.
• I'll start with regional governance and finance. So just as a reminder, what was in...
• I'll start with regional governance and finance.
• So you might hear a lot of reference to the Public Finance Authority and the Department of Environmental
• For the record, my name is DeAnne Ement, Executive Director of the North Dakota Public Finance Authority

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:37.440> So as amended to Finance Committee? So as amended to Finance Committee?
• So, we'll start with the Rural Finance Authority Agroforestry Loan Program.
• These were in our policy bill and were taken out because they have finance implications.
• These were in our policy bill and were taken out because they have finance implications.
• taken out because they have finance taken out because they have finance implications.<01:18:08.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill was amended in Finance Committee.
• Senate Bill 196: do pass, thence referred to the Finance Committee.
• Senate Bill 197: do pass, thence referred to the Finance Committee.
• For Senate Bill 14: do pass, and thence referred to the Finance Committee.
• Senate Bill 218: do pass, thence referred to the Finance Committee.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I think a number of states have started to look at creative financing solutions.
• So creative financing ideas are probably something worth taking a look at. >> Mr.
• I think that's financing solutions.
• So creative financing ideas are do.
• So creative financing ideas are probably<01:07:50.319> something<01:07:50.559> worth<01

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting on the insurance affordability crisis affecting single-family housing, common interest communities, and multifamily rental housing. Members and staff introduced themselves, including representatives from insurers, the Department of Commerce, housing advocates, affordable housing developers, and HOA/community association interests. Representative Steve Elkins was elected chair by roll call vote with 10 members in favor, after discussion that the Senate appointee’s formal appointment had not yet arrived; the group noted the intent to later move to co-chair leadership once that appointment is finalized. Staff reviewed the task force’s enabling statute and open meeting law requirements. The task force is charged with studying homeowners and commercial property insurance, property resilience and risk mitigation, liability laws and possible tort reform, notice and oversight issues, public reporting, and the state-supported insurance program, including possible expansion to a catastrophic reinsurance fund or self-insured pool. The final report is due February 15 and will go to the commissioners of commerce, housing finance, and employment and economic development, as well as relevant legislative committees. Members were also briefed on meeting logistics, a draft charter to be voted on at the second meeting, a resource page for shared materials, and the schedule of future meetings. The Department of Commerce then gave an overview of Minnesota’s property and casualty insurance market. Commerce described its regulatory role, the state’s competitiveness test, and how homeowners insurance is often filed under a “file and use” process rather than prior approval. The presentation emphasized that homeowners coverage has been under pressure for years: insurers have lost money in many recent years, premiums have risen, some consumers are taking on more risk through higher deductibles or reduced coverage, and some are moving into the surplus market. Commerce also highlighted the impact of severe weather losses, the growth in premiums since 2014, and gaps in oversight for homeowners associations and related policies. The meeting then shifted to brainstorming the problems the task force should address. Early discussion focused on climate and construction-related resilience, including hail and wind-driven rain damage, discontinued building materials, and whether stronger materials are reflected in insurance pricing. Members also raised the need to study programs like Alabama’s fortified roof model and Minnesota’s own Strengthen Minnesota Homes effort, along with questions about whether the construction industry is prepared to support broader resilience measures. No additional votes were taken during the discussion segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is IT, budget, finance, and HR, and again, the FTE cuts in 2011 were felt across the agency.
• The fund is intended to finance projects that create new water supply.
• the SWIFT bond issuance that year, which finances water infrastructure projects included in the state
• Similarly for drinking water state revolving fund we see a lot of low-cost financing to help a variety
• And based on these other sub funds that we already have financing program for, and those include the

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a former firefighter, dive rescue member, and an EMT, and I also serve on the Health and Finance
• I am a former firefighter, dive rescue member, and an EMT, and I also serve on the Health and Finance
• <00:02:11.280> and serve on the health and um finance and serve on the health and um finance
• In addition to this committee, I also staff the State Government Finance Committee and the Elections
• wraparound support for budgeting Finance wraparound support for budgeting Finance education<00:38

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Veterans and Military Affairs Division held its first meeting with a quorum present, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and reviewed decorum expectations and basic operating rules. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Aaron Repinski emphasized that the committee would operate as a nonpartisan body focused on veterans’ issues. No minutes were approved because it was the division’s first meeting. Nonpartisan House staff then gave an overview of the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including their missions, organizational structure, and budgets. The presentation highlighted the Minnesota National Guard, Camp Ripley, enlistment incentives, the Emergency Services Program, and the Veterans Affairs programs for veterans homes, cemeteries, benefits assistance, and state-funded benefits such as the State Soldiers Assistance Program, Minnesota GI Bill, and Post-9/11 bonus. Staff also noted housing and homelessness-related initiatives, several committee-supported outside programs, and the Support Our Troops license plate funding split between the two agencies. The committee then heard from Trent Dils of Disabled American Veterans Minnesota on behalf of the Commander's Task Force, a coalition of congressionally chartered veterans organizations. He described the group’s unanimous legislative process and urged continuation of a separate veterans omnibus bill, arguing it has helped keep veterans issues apart from broader partisan disputes. He also began outlining the task force’s 2025 priorities, including hunting, fishing, and trapping benefits for veterans, but the transcript cuts off before the full list or any committee action on those priorities is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is derived through the formula by budget and finance, and they are making sure the money is going
• <00:04:26.840> and Jr he's our Director of Finance and Jr he's our Director of Finance and
• “We’ve been working with budget and finance and with you all, as well as House Finance, on this for a
• One big one is the financing mechanism. The original proposal...
• One big one is the financing mechanism. The original proposal...

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1588 allows the municipality to finance the infrastructure upfront based on a direct assessment on
• It gives municipalities a fair and targeted way to finance improvements that unlock development.
• <01:03:56.559> tool that and pairing a local financing tool that and pairing a local financing
• <01:04:22.720> the allows the municipality to finance the allows the municipality to finance
• <01:05:27.200> improvements targeted way to finance improvements targeted way to finance improvements

Keywords: 1191, senate, all