Transcript Highlights:

• It's not contemplated in the budget.
• I thank you for being a leader for Black young men in this process. ...in this process.
• He learned the budget process better than almost any of us will ever hope to know.
• And we were in the budget process, and all of us, or most of us in this room, We were here a long time
• And I couldn't believe that I actually outlasted you in this building last year during that budget process

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects. The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage. Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• But despite these belt-tightening measures, our structural budget deficit remains.
• And it's essentially a comprehensive, step-by-step investigative process.
• And it's essentially a comprehensive step-by-step investigative process.
• The bill simply asks that they disclose this early in the process.
• Sometimes things change in the review process. Do they have to start over?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that happens a lot of times is as we get into the budgeting process, We start to talk
• We have an application process if you would. That's online.
• There are, you know, how we budget our maintenance efforts.
• And I know anytime we start talking about trying to adjust that process.
• But I'm just trying to think through that process of how we do that.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the typical LCCMR process is that the recommendations result from a multi-stage competitive process
• recommending so lccr is typical process recommending so lccr is typical process um<00:08:16.879>
• <00:15:46.519> amendments plans reporting and budget amendments plans reporting and budget
• I mean, it will be a totally separate process, so I don't know exactly how that will work.
• It is a long process; they have already gone through nine months of vetting with the LCCMR.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In that agency's budget with the moving expenses. The rent should be built in.
• When we built the budget, we had to... Mr.
• The budget back last fall. So we estimated 67 cents at that time. Okay.
• Chairman, is the Senate changes to our base budget. And that, Mr.
• Chairman, is the Senate changes to our base budget for Legislative Council.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House Appropriations Government Operations Division met to consider House amendments to Senate Bill 2001, the budget for the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly. Representative Meyer and Legislative Council staff reviewed the House changes, which included higher lodging funding tied to a prior bill, an increase for North Dakota legislators’ forum dues, a transfer of $290,000 for public printing from the Secretary of State to Legislative Council, a $650,000 reduction tied to the nuclear energy study because that funding was already provided elsewhere, and a new section allowing legislative space on the 15th floor of the Capitol to be used for additional Legislative Council employees. John Bjornson explained the 15th-floor space proposal and said staff would work with Facility Management and CTE to address relocation needs and timing, with CTE’s move potentially delayed until after its busy school-year period if necessary. The committee then reviewed the Senate version of the bill in more detail. Staff walked through the Legislative Assembly budget items, including per diem and compensation adjustments, lodging and mileage estimates, IT and audio/video funding, and dues increases for national and state legislative organizations. Members asked about mileage assumptions and the emergency clause, and staff said the emergency language is standard and allows flexibility for transfers, carryovers, and other budget actions. The committee also reviewed the Legislative Council budget, including funding for 25 new FTEs, interim travel, IT costs, professional services, public printing, and one-time items such as equipment and term limits consulting, while the advanced nuclear energy consulting item was removed in the House version. After discussion, the committee adopted the House amendment to Senate Bill 2001 and then voted to do pass the bill as amended. Both motions passed on roll call, and the amended bill was sent to the full Appropriations Committee. Near the end of the meeting, Representative Paula gave notice that she would bring a separate amendment later on the Industrial Commission budget related to homelessness grant funding, noting it would not use SIF or general fund dollars.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, that is a process; that is how policy is created.
• So that's part of the process going through that.
• So that's part of the process going through that.
• We have money in the budget that you guys helped us get, whoever voted on the budget last year.
• Knowing that our budget is in the process and all the appropriation bills will be held until the budget

Bills: SB1198, SB1199, SB1286, SB1683, SB1761

Keywords: Arizona beef council, beef promotion, agricultural marketing, commodity council, livestock, cattle industry, ranching, rural affairs, self-financed program, sunset extension, continuation bill, market development, beef products, Arizona agriculture, Title 41, Title 3, sunset review, marketing order, producer assessment, Salt River horse herd

Transcript Highlights:

• It does each district office have a supplies budget that they have been allocated? Mr.
• Chair, Madam Leader, uh, we are in the process of, um, configuring, uh, a budget that would, um, allow
• So we are, we are in process of working out that, um, budget, um, but kind of everyday, day to day operational
• Um, just giving folks a supplies budget up to a certain amount if they so choose to spend that budget
• We did, we did put money in the budget for him to move.

Transcript Highlights:

• That that is being processed with their court.
• Has that been put into the Attorney General's budget or just attorneys' budgets?
• Has that been put into the Attorney General's budget or just attorneys' budgets?
• into the budget?
• In the budget to backfill for the giant hole that it will crush into the budget.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• process for the supplemental year.
• If not, you've got to go through the regular budget process.
• budget supplemental budget request this budget supplemental budget request so<00:37:18.880> that
• administrative rule-making processes. administrative rule-making processes.
• You have one on budget right now. We have vessels budgeted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:59:21.079> um included in that expungement process um included in that expungement process
• budget at the current time.
• budget at the current time.
• <01:24:42.880> that little bit in the revised budget that little bit in the revised budget
• <01:46:15.080> we haven't gone through that process we haven't gone through that process we

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And your strong support for housing dollars in the very difficult budget process, as well as statewide
• And I promise you we would have been processing them under the old system.
• A two-year entitlement process can double financing costs compared to a one-year process.
• and lending process.
• A more predictable entitlement process and lending process in an unpredictable environment, right?

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down. Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs. Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because, you know, we know the process.
• So it's not an idea that would be foreign to this process.
• process, including what the color sheets are.
• process.
• Senator Cleary continued that a report on the budget section or an overview of the process would be helpful

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up a draft bill to make legislators’ and candidates’ residential addresses confidential in public records. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State explained the proposal was prompted by security concerns and would protect residential addresses while still allowing election officials to verify residency and keep candidate names and offices public. Members raised concerns about unintended consequences, transparency, and how the change would affect rural districts and residency enforcement. The Secretary of State suggested an amendment to end the confidentiality when a candidate’s term ends, and the committee agreed to hold the bill over for further discussion at the next meeting. The committee also reviewed follow-up materials on legislator security and best practices, including advice on situational awareness, internet hygiene, varying routines, and reporting threats, along with NCSL materials comparing capitol security practices in other states. Members discussed a recent security incident and the need to keep alert contact information current, and staff said they would continue working with the Highway Patrol on legislative-specific notifications. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to Garrity Consulting’s final report on mitigating the effects of legislative term limits. The consultants summarized survey, focus group, and stakeholder input showing concerns about loss of institutional knowledge, leadership turnover, onboarding demands, and workload pressures, while also noting public support for term limits and annual sessions. Recommendations included considering annual sessions or shifting biennial sessions to even-numbered years, restructuring organizational session and interim committee work, creating office hours and more structured orientation and mentorship, expanding ongoing training and staff support, improving public communication and virtual testimony rules, and addressing barriers to service such as employer support and travel costs. Members discussed the tension between making the legislature more effective and preserving a citizen-legislature model, and the report was received as a roadmap for future implementation rather than immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you want me to explain the whole process or just this bill?
• moved into the supplemental budget bill. moved into the supplemental budget bill.
• <00:01:41.680> bill That point the supplemental budget bill That point the supplemental budget
• tails from last year's budget bill. tails from last year's budget bill.
• These sections are in total budget These sections are in total budget neutral.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, what we do on an annual basis, we have a process for a capital budgeting task force, which includes
• Um, what we do on an annual basis, we have a process for a capital budgeting task force, which includes
• Um, what we do on an annual basis, we have a process for a capital budgeting task force, which includes
• <01:17:41.400> Our<01:17:41.600> current budget process in the fall.
• Our current budget process in the fall.

Bills: HF4841, HF4234, HF3697

Keywords: Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• That's because we're in the budget session and we're trying to move anything that's budget-related as
• budget related as quickly as possible. budget related as quickly as possible.
• . budget. budget.
• So, it honored that whole process.
• So we put in the challenge process. So we put in the challenge process.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our general fund base budget for fiscal years 2024 through 2027.
• I have my budget genius in the back of the room if we have any detailed questions regarding the budget
• We're up to full speed before the next budget cycle.
• I think, you know, this is a constrained budget that we're asking for.
• Let's help you understand how to budget your needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually made a little process error.
• So it drops off dramatically as the process moves on.
• So it drops off dramatically as the process moves on.
• You can't hire people without a hiring process.
• Seven offices had submitted a budget request, and those budget requests were pending.

Summary: The committee received agency updates on several behavioral health and justice programs. The Health Care Authority reported that assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) has expanded from two counties to eight, with a ninth expected in December, and described AOT as a court-ordered, least-restrictive treatment model that depends on close coordination among courts, treatment providers, and local officials. The agency also reviewed Joel’s Law, which lets family members, guardians, conservators, or tribes petition for an initial involuntary detention when they disagree with a designated crisis responder’s decision. Judges Ferreira and Larson said petition use has increased significantly statewide and in Snohomish County, but many cases do not proceed beyond the initial detention stage; they also noted family frustration, disjointed processes, and bed shortages as ongoing issues. Committee members asked about expansion criteria, the law’s effectiveness, and how the system fits together with other mental health interventions. The Attorney General’s Office presented on the hate crimes and bias incidents hotline created by SB 5427. The hotline began a pilot in King, Clark, and Spokane counties on July 1, 2025, with a statewide launch planned for 2027. Officials said the advisory committee helped shape the referral process, intake questions, outreach materials, and public branding. In the first five months, the hotline received 301 reports, with roughly 45% from King County and about 38% from outside the pilot counties; 42% requested follow-up, and only about a quarter of those wanted law enforcement referral. Testimony emphasized that the hotline is non-emergency, anonymous if desired, and focused on referrals rather than investigation. Members asked about why callers do not seek law enforcement involvement, how the hotline compares with Oregon’s launch, and what kinds of incidents are being reported. The Office of Independent Investigations reported progress on its work investigating police deadly force fatalities. Director Roger Rogoff said the agency has grown to 66 employees, including 31 investigators, and has completed six fatality investigations, with two public final reports posted. He said the office now operates in Region 1 and plans to expand statewide as staffing allows, with a future east-side expansion dependent on additional investigators. He also said the office has 29 requests to review prior cases, but those reviews are time-intensive and limited to cases with new evidence. Committee members asked about staffing needs, local cooperation, and whether the office conducts parallel investigations; Rogoff said OII performs the criminal investigation, while agencies may still do administrative reviews. The committee then heard a lengthy panel on public defense caseload standards and funding. The Washington State Bar Association, Washington Defender Association, county representatives, and city representatives all discussed the new caseload standards and the implementation timeline. Speakers said the standards reflect modern public defense realities but warned that funding, attorney recruitment and retention, office space, and data collection remain major barriers. Survey results from county offices showed wide variation in readiness, with many counties uncertain about timelines and most citing lack of funding as the biggest obstacle; attorney attrition was also described as high. County and city representatives argued that the new standards will require far more attorneys and support staff, and that local governments cannot absorb the cost without substantial state funding. They urged the Legislature to increase state support, improve workforce pipelines, and address structural issues in the public defense system.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:18.079> contemplated, budget contemplated, budget contemplated, you<00:14:20.079> are
• be able to honor the joint budget be able to honor the joint budget committee's<00:20:45.360>
• We have a budget amendment or a budget that just says take that money, Treasurer, and hand it over to
• . process. process.
• Eligibility overflow processing. Return mail processing. Income verification programs.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our courts Budget cuts. It was definitely challenging.
• And I'm pleased to say that following the governor's proposed budget in January of this year, courts
• As plans for the Budget Act are finalized.
• Through budget trailer bills,... ...for an extension of remote proceedings.
• , including its budget and the administration of the bar exam.

Summary: The California Legislature met in joint convention for the annual State of the Judiciary address, with judges and justices from across the state in attendance along with Governor Newsom and other statewide officials. The opening included prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the formal introduction of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the California Supreme Court justices. Speakers emphasized the importance of judicial independence, the courts’ role in protecting rights and democracy, and the value of collaboration between the legislative and judicial branches. Chief Justice Guerrero focused on the state of the judicial branch, beginning with budget pressures from prior cuts and noting partial restoration in the governor’s proposed budget, while urging continued stable funding for courts, court-appointed counsel, and judgeships in high-need counties. She highlighted the expansion and benefits of remote proceedings, ongoing judicial vacancies, workload growth, and efforts to improve data collection and case-weighting. She also discussed implementation of the CARE Act, the court interpreter workforce pilot, CASA and kin-first child welfare efforts, courthouse security and facilities projects, and the judiciary’s work on generative AI guardrails. A major portion of the address addressed the recent problems with the California bar exam and broader State Bar oversight. Guerrero said the court would pursue remedies for examinees harmed by the failures and would strengthen admissions oversight, including the role of the Committee of Bar Examiners. She also reiterated support for pro bono legal services and discussed immigration-related courthouse access, citing state laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in courthouses. The convention concluded after remarks thanking the judiciary and Legislature, and the joint session adjourned without any recorded votes or formal legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you ready for the budget message. Are you ready for the question?
• And frankly, it hurts schools to struggle to pass budgets.
• school budgets to continue to grow. school budgets to continue to grow.
• . budgets. budgets.
• <00:38:22.000> to through this entire process to through this entire process to prioritize

Keywords: 927, senate, all