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:

• going to be taxed.
• I want to repeat though um estate tax.
• Under our inheritance tax, you've got different classes of beneficiaries that are taxed at different
• today. under uh our inheritance tax you've got under uh our inheritance tax you've got different<00:
• </c> more of those into the no tax category. more of those into the no tax category.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• That tax would be in addition to any other taxes.
• </c> that's what's going to drive the taxes that's what's going to drive the taxes are<00:38:50.960><
• tax.
• excise tax.
• :16.840><c> imposed</c> tax so this cannabis tax being imposed tax so this cannabis tax being imposed

Summary: The House Committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture and Food Systems heard testimony and began decision-making on HB 1246, which would establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within DCCA to regulate cannabis. Chair Tarnas described the bill as divisive and noted the hearing had received 95 testimonies in support, 135 in opposition, and 11 comments. Members were told the office would be administratively attached to DCCA, and the department emphasized it would not direct day-to-day operations. DCCA also raised concerns about banking access due to federal law, while the Department of Agriculture supported a one-plant, one-agency approach and noted its current authority over cannabis plant importation and movement. Several agencies and advocates supported the bill with cautions or requested amendments. The Department of Health said it appreciated the bill’s public health protections but remained concerned about increased adult-use access, youth mental health, pregnancy-related risks, and effects on developing brains; it requested a 12-month delayed effective date. The Attorney General’s office said legalization should include safeguards, recommended a longer implementation timeline and seed funding, and flagged issues in the bill involving impaired driving, open-container language, and penalties for under-21 possession. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill but objected to new driving and possession offenses, saying existing law already covers impaired driving. Doctors for Drug Policy Reform supported the measure, citing regulation of intoxicating cannabinoids, testing, childproof packaging, and public education as public-health benefits. Opponents focused on youth access, public safety, and the bill’s broader social effects. The Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill over access and diversion concerns, and the City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor strongly opposed legalization, citing higher-potency cannabis, youth harms, psychiatric risks, and increased poison-center calls. The Hawaiʻi Substance Abuse Coalition argued legalization should wait until prevention programs are in place and funded first, while the Hawaiʻi Family Forum and Hawaiian Republican Women also opposed the measure, citing concerns about youth exposure, added bureaucracy, and taxpayer costs. The Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi questioned the purpose of the proposed cannabis taxes, asking why cannabis should be taxed heavily if legalization is intended. The hearing continued with additional testimony after a brief audio issue for one testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendments Beyond do taxes amendments Beyond do taxes amendments<00:22:14.960><c> I</c><00:22:15.080>
• I think do taxes Amendment amendments I think do taxes Amendment will<00:22:16.559><c> clear</c><00:
• credit prior to the date a tax return or amended return claiming the tax credit is filed, and also the
• </c> the tax credit prior to the date a tax the tax credit prior to the date a tax return<00:49:44.280
• </c> increase the value of this forone tax increase the value of this forone tax revenue<00:50:23.319

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um part of going to be paying taxes.
• Well, and just keep in mind payment in lieu of taxes is PILT, and it comes from tax dollars.
• So we're taking tax dollars to pay tax dollars. Keep that in mind.
• </c> property tax equivalent on those acres. property tax equivalent on those acres.
• </c> government is simply to raise the taxes. government is simply to raise the taxes.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• A parcel tax is kind of an alternative property tax, or it goes alongside a property tax, and we don't
• It has to be distinct from the property tax. The city is not a tax.
• And that's tax increment financing.
• What the increment tax segment...
• Yeah, property taxes. There are governors on the increases in property tax allocations.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I NOW WOULD LIKE TO OPEN UP THE FLOOR TO COMMENTS FROM OTHER New Yorkers face high taxes, burdensome
• Our conference has advanced proposals to lower taxes, freeze property taxes, reduce housing construction
• One being a town supervisor is that 2 percent tax cap, having that 2 percent tax cap, trying to stay
• under that tax cap, and making sure we spend that money wisely.
• Local governments are doing their part under this 2 percent tax cap.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on General Government and Local Assistance held its first meeting on the 2026/2027 state budget, with opening remarks from Senate Co-Chair Senator James Skoufis and Assembly Co-Chair Assembly Member Michaelle Solages. They introduced members, designated secretaries, and identified the agencies and budget areas under the subcommittee’s purview, including tax and finance, the Division of Budget, ethics and lobbying, financial services, general services, state charges, inspector general, state, audit and control, tax appeals, IT services, aid to localities, statewide financial systems, the Board of Elections, alcohol beverage control, and miscellaneous general government. Discussion focused on affordability, local government aid, and the strain on municipalities from rising costs, aging infrastructure, and state mandates. Senator Walczyk emphasized lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and increasing support for local governments, including AIM and CHIPS funding, while criticizing high housing, energy, and insurance costs. Assembly Minority members echoed concerns about the 2 percent property tax cap, utility bills, mandated costs, and the need for more permanent aid rather than temporary assistance. Assembly Member Ari Brown argued that the proposals did not provide enough long-term certainty, noting differences among the Governor’s, Assembly’s, and Senate’s funding levels for municipal aid and related programs. Assembly Member Burdick also supported stronger funding for municipalities, drawing on his local government experience. The co-chairs noted that no table target had yet been received and that negotiations would continue on open issues in general government. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks about ongoing budget talks among the Senate, Assembly, and Governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I yield back. simply, this bill would tax those loans simply, this bill would tax those loans and<02:
• </c> number to get a job and for tax number to get a job and for tax purposes.<02:45:04.399><c> End</
• That’s a tax on every American.
• That’s a tax on every American.
• That's a tax on every American. tariffs. That's a tax on every American.

Bills: HR1115 , SB3971 , HB4294

Keywords: rules resolution, special rule, House procedure, floor consideration, lead ammunition, lead tackle, fishing tackle, hunting, wildlife management, federal lands, federal waters, Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, immigration and nationality act, inadmissible, deportable, public benefits fraud, fraud against the United States, alien deportation, law enforcement animals

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's, um, payment in lieu of taxes is what PILT is. Instead of taxes, you get a small stipend.
• So, the property tax owner no longer pays taxes on it. The government gets the land.
• taxes on it. That's awesome. Preserve taxes on it. That's awesome.
• the property tax owner no longer pays taxes<00:45:32.640><c> on</c><00:45:32.800><c> it.
• </c> that you don't pay property tax. that you don't pay property tax.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

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:

• The commercial rent tax, known as the business tax, will be reduced from 2% to 1.25%.
• This legislation is neither a tax package nor does it relate to the income tax. It's for sales tax.
• I also do see the value in reducing sales tax to universally provide tax relief.
• Sales tax is one of the most regressive taxes on working families.
• Property taxes are the single largest tax burden on the homeowners.

Bills: HJR 99 , HB 1399 , HB 1400 , HB 1094 , HB 365 , HB 1109 , HB 647 , HCR 35 , SB 14 , HB 12 , HB 1522 , HB 422 , HB 675 , HB 204 , HB 748 , HB 912 , HJR 99 , HB 1399 , HB 1400 , HB 1094 , HB 365 , HB 1109 , HB 647 , HCR 35 , HCR 123 , HCR 124 , HR 57 , HR 87 , HR 111 , HR 228 , HR 230 , HR 322 , HR 624 , HR 625 , HR 626 , HR 627 , HR 628 , HR 630 , HR 631 , HR 634 , HR 635 , HR 636 , HR 637 , HR 638 , HR 639 , HR 640 , HR 645 , HR 646 , HR 648 , HR 649 , HR 651 , HR 652 , HR 653 , HR 654 , HR 664 , HR 665 , HR 668 , HR 675 , HR 676 , HR 678 , HR 679 , HR 680 , HR 683 , HR 686 , HR 688 , HR 689 , HR 694 , HR 695 , HR 697 , HR 698 , HR 699 , HR 472 , HR 622 , HR 632 , HR 633 , HR 643 , HR 655 , HR 657 , HR 660 , HR 661 , HR 662 , HR 663 , HR 667 , HR 670 , HR 674 , HR 681 , HR 682 , HR 696

Transcript Highlights:

• any property tax reduction.
• Tax relief that our that our state.
• </c><00:29:52.240><c> increase</c> not the largest property tax increase not the largest property tax
• I wish people taxes were concerned.
• </c> they ask why their property taxes go up. they ask why their property taxes go up.

Summary: The Finance Committee met on October 30 to act on a series of bills that had been considered during the budget process, with many being recommended for inexpedient to legislate because their funding or policy language had already been handled in House Bill 2. Early actions were largely unanimous. House Bill 54, allowing alternate treatment centers to operate for profit, was recommended ought to pass and was approved 25-0, then placed on the consent calendar because it carried no appropriation. House Bill 97, a wastewater and infrastructure appropriation, was recommended inexpedient to legislate because its funding had been replaced in HB 2; Representative Rum opposed the motion and argued the grant funding helps local taxpayers and housing development, but the committee adopted ITL 14-11, with a minority report to follow. House Bill 111, dealing with the right-to-know ombudsman, was also unanimously recommended ITL because the budget had already made related reforms. The committee then took up House Bill 164, and adopted Amendment 225-2979H, which appropriates $150,000 in FY 2027 to the Secretary of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management for a local government records manager position. The amended bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended and approved 25-0. House Bill 197, the Property Tax Relief Act, drew the most extended debate. Supporters said it would restore a state contribution to retirement costs for local employers and provide property tax relief, while opponents argued the earlier change was largely offset by employee contribution increases and other retirement-system adjustments. The committee ultimately adopted ITL 14-11, and a minority report was requested. The committee also acted on House Bill 215, a landfill-related bill. Members explained that most of its language had been included in HB 2 but was removed in conference, so the bill was retained and amended to apply more narrowly to new landfills. Amendment 2025-2970H was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended by a 25-0 vote. House Bill 216, which would change retirement eligibility rules for certain workers injured on the job, was recommended inexpedient to legislate after its sponsor said the fiscal impact was too uncertain to support. Finally, House Bill 219 received Amendment 2025-2988H to change its effective date to July 1, 2027, and discussion began on the bill’s broader purpose of returning about $5.7 million annually from RPS funds to ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> income tax system, earned income tax income tax system, earned income tax credit,<03:33:13.359><
• , investment tax, raising the corporate taxes, raising the state taxes.
• But remember, when you don’t want tax hikes, I don’t want tax hikes. Borrowing is a tax hike.
• We let the tax cuts expire. Taxes go up. Let me repeat: I'm against that. Taxes go up.
• ><c> it</c><04:35:49.279><c> was,</c> the $50 tax or $20 tax, whatever it was, the $50 tax or $20 tax

Bills: HJR88 , HJR78

Keywords: HJR88, H.J.Res. 88, Congressional Review Act, CRA, EPA waiver, California waiver, Advanced Clean Cars II, clean cars, vehicle emissions, auto emissions, motor vehicle pollution, engine pollution, California Air Resources Board, CARB, zero-emission vehicles, ZEV, electric vehicles, EV mandate, preemption, federal disapproval

Transcript Highlights:

• tax.
• And make no mistake about it: unlike the president's tax cuts for the very wealthy, our tax cuts are
• </c> year, I'm proposing an unprecedented tax year, I'm proposing an unprecedented tax cut<00:24:00.960
• We've never the statewide sales tax.
• :24:13.520><c> the</c><00:24:13.679><c> very</c> president's tax cuts for the very president's tax cuts

Transcript Highlights:

• Tax revenues have to be increased. So turning to the next page, this figure gives an overview.
• It is a 1.5% of general fund tax revenues.
• The general fund taxes, everything that's above 8% of general fund taxes is considered excess capital
• and the personal income tax.
• , of that half come from about 1% of tax filers whose income is very volatile.