Transcript Highlights:

• His new job title is deputy administrator for farm programs with USDA in the nation's capital.
• C, D, and E, tip income, overtime pay, deduction for auto loan interest, up to 10,000.
• That was anticipated, that the program would grow, for a couple of reasons.
• It's a revenue-neutral fund, so it's just money in and just to run that program.
• Our goal is to add one more program evaluator. They've been really difficult to find.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um those programs in your area.
• Tricare program that we passed. Tricare program that we passed.
• . program. program.
• program, $799,804 to DFA for the independent schools infrastructure grant program, and $13,511,982 to
• program, $799,804 to DFA for the independent schools infrastructure program, and $13,511,982 to DOT

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a program for that in the municipalities or the state? You don't know?
• <00:53:54.880> for working properly is there a program for working properly is there a program
• <01:22:16.679> that most people and other rail programs that most people and other rail programs
• So, these loans from the revolving railroad funds, are they below market rate or market rate?
• balance is in this revolving Loan balance is in this revolving Loan account<02:27:52.640> and

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements. NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game. Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:57.719> where administer several Grant programs where administer several Grant programs
• related to program guidelines and certification standards.
• the ignition interlock device program the ignition interlock device program along<01:22:09.400><
• <01:22:22.719> related ignition interlac device program related ignition interlac device program
• 22:24.560> certification to program guidelines and certification to program guidelines and certification

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview of the governor’s transportation budget recommendations from fiscal staff Andy Lee. He explained that the spreadsheet showed only proposed changes, not base spending, and highlighted General Fund and trunk highway adjustments for MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety, including operating changes, extensions of prior appropriations, increased state road construction and Blatnik Bridge authority tied to anticipated federal funds, State Patrol hiring and a metro headquarters item, aeronautics changes, and revenue adjustments in the Driver and Vehicle Services special revenue account. The main testimony came from Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle, who outlined three budget-related items: advancing funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway reconstruction with a transitway project, making Metro Mobility riders eligible for free fixed-route transit, and reducing the Metro Transit general fund appropriation by $32.454 million annually. He said the advance would speed delivery and reduce disruption, the free-fare pilot had been successful and could save money if even a small share of Metro Mobility trips shifted to fixed-route service, and the general fund reduction was manageable in the near term because of new revenue streams but could constrain future expansion and capital maintenance. Members questioned the long-term effects of the proposed reduction, possible impacts on safety, service expansion, and capital maintenance, and whether federal funding uncertainty could affect operations and bus procurement. Zelle said the cuts would not affect immediate operations but could limit future BRT, microtransit, and transitway expansion, while also noting that capital maintenance needs include platform rebuilds, track work, rolling stock, and station repairs. He also said the 2023 funding package had accelerated projects and that the council was opening three transit lines this year. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATORS WE HAVE A PROGRAM REVIEW THIS AFTERNOON ON THE DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, FEMA REIMBURSEMENT
• TODAY MORE THAN 1000 DISPLACED HOUSEHOLDS HAVE BEEN SHELTERED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM FROM HOPE FLORIDA.
• A FEW PROGRAMS ARE TIED TO THAT SERVICE FOR OUR COUNTIES.
• GRANTS WE MANAGE ALL OF THAT 15.3 ALL OF THAT IS TIED TO THAT GRANT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
• YOU QUALIFY FOR A LOAN AND EXPLAINING THAT PROCESS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we run our Workforce Development programs and the dislocated worker program.
• Development programs and the dislocated<00:04:35.280> worker<00:04:35.720> program<00:
• <00:20:31.520> Aid support things like County program Aid support things like County program
• <00:26:20.279> Aid million increase in County program Aid million increase in County program
• My mom worked on the program that linked what you used to have to co-sign student loans for your kids

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• And this program, the down payment programs, and in fact I'll talk about the main one, the Industrial
• So these programs, and let's take, like you said, there are a lot of down payment programs in Arizona
• And it's already part of the program. I'm doing. And it's already part of the program.
• Local IDA programs and homebuyer assistance programs, they're already, as Representative Villegas stated

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard HB 2842, a deed-fraud prevention bill that would create an early alert system for property owners when escrow is opened on their property. The sponsor and several witnesses, including a victim, an Attorney General investigator, and the Department of Real Estate commissioner, described widespread deed fraud and said the bill would provide proactive notice before a fraudulent transfer is completed. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment shifting the reporting entity from DIFI to the State Real Estate Department, then passed the bill with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. Members then considered HB 2667, which would require recipients of state first-time homebuyer or down payment assistance programs to be Arizona residents for two years and to occupy the home as a primary residence for two years, while barring out-of-state investors from using the homes as rentals. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help younger Arizonans and keep assistance focused on residents invested in the state. Opponents and other members raised concerns that the bill could conflict with existing federal and lender requirements and could reduce participation in local down payment programs; after discussion, the committee passed the bill 4-3. HB 2020 was heard next and would reduce certain school-disruption offenses to a class 1 misdemeanor for minors and narrow the definition of interference with an educational institution. The sponsor and a parent described a case in which a student was charged too harshly after a school altercation, while a public commenter urged case-by-case discretion and warned against saddling children with felonies. The committee passed the bill 4-3. The committee also advanced HB 2793, which streamlines annexation procedures for single-owner annexations and updates notice rules, including electronic newspaper publication. After adopting two amendments, members passed it 4-3. HB 2327, which allows eligible individuals to restrict public access to certain identifying information held by county recorders, assessors, and treasurers, passed unanimously. HB 2858, creating a 1% Arizona-bidder preference in certain state procurement ties, also passed unanimously after amendment. HB 2660, which adds procedural protections and oversight for health profession licensing board actions, passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor and a physician who said board actions had chilled speech and due process. Finally, HB 2063, appropriating $1.5 million for the Independent Correctional Oversight Office, passed unanimously after strong support from oversight advocates and former corrections stakeholders, and HB 2681, extending civil-service appeal deadlines from 10 calendar days to 10 business days, also passed unanimously. The committee then discussed HB 2812, which would raise the sick-leave payout cap for retiring state employees from $30,000 to $57,000; witnesses supported the increase and members began discussing a possible amendment to allow retirees to transfer the payout into a health savings arrangement, but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:02.400> by or Community placement programs by or Community placement programs by providing
• Please introduce yourself. 2-year pilot program in the probate 2-year pilot program in the probate court
• Our involvement would be with the check-off program option as a funding source of this program.
• funding for our TNR Management program funding for our TNR Management program and<01:47:35.360><
• <02:31:17.399> is development infrastructure program is development infrastructure program

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , grants, slip funding, SRF loans, grants, slip funding, SRF loans, internal<00:08:16.560> transfers
• and the mineral royalty grant program. grants and loan specialist for the city grants and loan specialist
• All of our systems the SRF programs.
• <01:35:38.000> or recovery and implementation program or recovery and implementation program
• Uh in that basin we that program.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also use that to connect them to our homeless veteran program and other sources in employment
• , you know, the The outreach component is, um, one of the, the, the key structures of all of the programs
• So when the veterans pay back their loans, that's how we fund the cemeteries.
• So it's, yeah, good program. Thank you. Thank you, Dean Lopez. Members, any other questions?
• Members, House Bill 2754 relates to a pilot program awarding grants for the provision of personalized

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Annie LeBeau, and I'm a program evaluator with the LBO. Welcome to committee.
• For the record, my name is Thomas Rainey, and I'm a program evaluator at the LBO.
• the program for a minimum<01:21:21.440> of<01:21:21.600> 8<01:21:21.840> years.
• . language used to describe the program in language used to describe the program in the<01:21:40.840>
• to the program. to the program.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Tax Expenditure Review Commission met on June 17, 2026, approved the January 20, 2026 minutes, and then adopted updated commission procedures. The procedural changes, presented by Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson, required a quorum of voting members to complete evaluations before a formal recommendation vote, and allowed members to bundle or unbundle tax expenditures for voting. The commission approved the revised procedures by roll call vote, with five ayes and four excused. The commission then reviewed member evaluation summaries for tax expenditures presented in December 2025 and January 2026. It first considered the alcoholic beverage tax credits for small brewers and microdistilleries, and after discussion voted to recommend repeal of those two expenditures, while leaving the small winery credit for a later meeting because it lacked enough member responses under the new procedures. The vote on the repeal recommendation passed 4-1, with Commissioner Marquart voting no. The commission next approved the lawful gambling bundle, which included bingo, raffle, and related exemptions. Larson reported that most members recommended continuation for each item, and the commission voted to recommend continuing all six lawful gambling expenditures. It then reviewed the residential utility services bundle—residential heating fuels, residential water services, and sewer services—where members generally favored continuation but several noted possible modifications or caps for higher-income users; the commission voted to recommend continuation of the bundle. Finally, the commission reviewed the data center equipment sales tax exemption, which Larson said had an estimated annual revenue loss of $95 million and was intended to create jobs in construction and data center industries. Members raised questions about its effectiveness and whether the exemption should be modified or capped, but the commission ultimately voted to recommend continuation. The meeting concluded with these recommendations set to be included in the commission’s 2026 annual report.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state also supports this from two different programs.
• In August 2012, I enrolled in WEVE's Self-Employment Training Program, a 14-year program. week course
• Participated in the accelerator for local goods program by DoorDash a Program designed to support small
• So in 2021, or last year actually, we started the program.
• We had a young man who came into our program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• senate in uh creating the program senate in uh creating the program identifying<00:38:28.079>
• quarters of commerce program. quarters of commerce program. um<00:39:56.160> at<00:39:56.400
• or assessment and mitigation program. or assessment and mitigation program.
• in implementation of the program in implementation of the program requirements.<00:41:43.440>
• to our construction program. to our construction program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I had seen these programs in many regards as programs that would, you know, cost the state our
• short-term programs...
• Grant Award and prohibits programs from offering risky income share agreements or other loan products
• I didn't take on student loans because my mom still has student loans.
• California has launched program after program, but these programs are often too disconnected and operating

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The program issued an RFP for projects to be bid into the program with a cap of 200 megawatts.
• Get upgrades on the utility bill, as well as more programs that offer low-interest loans for appliance
• time to the program.
• We're underfunding that program almost 100%. You know, and I led a 12-year program.
• I'm very new to the program.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are observing some signs of consumer stress with higher delinquency rates in certain loans, credit
• cards, auto loans, and student loans.
• in certain loans, credit cards, auto<00:02:40.840> loans,<00:02:41.240> and<00:02:41.360
• > student<00:02:41.800> loans.
• auto loans, and student loans. auto loans, and student loans.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget’s February forecast reported that the state’s projected deficit has turned into a surplus, with an estimated $3.7 billion balance for fiscal years 2026-27 and a projected $377 million positive balance for FY28-29. Officials said the improved outlook is driven by a slightly stronger national economy and higher forecast revenues, but they cautioned that the state remains in a strong yet not secure position. A major concern discussed was federal funding uncertainty. CMS has indicated it may withhold $515 million per quarter in Medicaid Assistance reimbursement, and separately notified the state it would defer $260 million in Medicaid reimbursements pending further information. Those potential losses are not included in the forecast, but lawmakers were told federal funds account for about one-third of state agency spending and that budget flexibility may be needed if cuts occur. Speakers also noted that Minnesota still faces a structural budget imbalance despite progress made last session. Current biennium spending is projected to be $68 million lower than earlier estimates, but planning estimates are up $152 million since the last forecast. Several lawmakers emphasized affordability concerns for residents, citing rising delinquency rates, increasing unemployment, flat wages, and the need to focus on tax conformity, vehicle tab fees, and property taxes. Members from both parties said they want to continue working together on budget solutions and spending restraint.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:51.639> in auto theft prevention grant program in auto theft prevention grant program
• <00:47:56.119> while maintaining successful programs while maintaining successful programs
• as greater demand for those programs as greater demand for those programs again<00:54:47.799>
• more next updating Workforce program more next updating Workforce program outcomes<00:54:58.280>
• Loan Loan program<00:57:54.559> uh<00:57:55.200> 2.2<00:57:55.760> million<00:57

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When incentive programs like this are about to expire, these programs can install or move to another
• It does not create a new program. It does not loosen the rules.
• that administer other grant and loan programs for the... ...programs that administer other grant and
• loan programs for these projects.
• The Board of Finance has an emergency funding program. You all have recently... ...funding program.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not long after I created this program, I read about the creation of the Mass office...
• Not long after I created this program, I read about the creation of the mass office.
• These two new programs raised more questions, however, than they answered.
• We've added more testing sites, and we're initiating a new hotspot investigation program.
• It's worth recalling that the legislature has helped homeowners with septic upgrade loan programs and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Technical assistance grant funding tied to loan-supported projects.
• What is the typical amount of debt on these loans, or is that a question for the board?
• collaborative effort has been a success, and we are hopeful that we can expand our model into a border-wide program

Bills: HB 1240, HB1353, HCR76, HCR90

Keywords: border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, international cooperation, infrastructure investment, bond issuance, state agencies, shrimp industry, federal regulations, foreign imports, economic impact, public health, Gulf Coast communities, Texas-Israel relations, Israel, Jerusalem, trade office, foreign relations