Transcript Highlights:

• There is a Finance Committee amendment. Mr.
• Senator Leach, do you mind moving the Finance Committee amendment? Thank you, Mr. Pro Tem.
• HB 2016, tax returns late filing penalties; Finance.
• HB 2105, agricultural property inspections notice; Finance.
• HB 2476, certified public accountants certification alternative; Finance.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we should limit swimming pools?
• Swimming pools are deadly, but we can have as much as we want in the swimming pool, you know, but it
• So we should limit swimming pools?
• Swimming pools are deadly, but we can have as much as we want in the swimming pool, you know, but it
• So we should limit swimming pools?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this committee agrees to Revenue estimates and then we amend um House Bill one under usually the finance
• this committee agrees to, Revenue estimates, and then we amend um House Bill 1 under usually the finance
• I mean, that would be our recommendation to the finance chair.
• Uh, in fact he made a comment to that effect yesterday, I believe, in full Finance.
• The House's desire or will um yesterday I believe in full Finance yeah yesterday I believe in full Finance

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first met in a revenue estimate work session to approve an LSR codifying the committee’s revenue estimates. Members reviewed the process for turning the LSR into a House Resolution and discussed how the adopted estimates would be used to amend House Bill 1. After a brief question-and-answer about current revenue splits and the governor’s proposed video lottery and tax-split changes, the committee voted 19-0 to approve the revenue estimates. The committee then moved into executive session on HB 669, which would require all revenue from the statewide education property tax to be deposited into the education trust fund and set an equalized statewide tax rate. Supporters argued the bill would better direct education funding, while opponents said it was unnecessary or duplicative. The committee voted 12-7 to retain the bill (ITL), and a minority report was noted. Next, the committee considered HB 290, which would raise cigarette and electronic cigarette taxes and create a study committee on tobacco and nicotine taxes. Testimony focused on revenue needs, inflation, public health, and concerns that a higher tax could reduce sales or drive purchases across state lines. The committee voted 11-8 to ITL the bill, with a minority report. The committee also ITL’d HB 402, dealing with whether Education Freedom Account payments are taxable income, after debate over unintended consequences and whether the bill’s language was misleading; that vote was 11-8 with a minority report. Finally, the committee opened HB 483, and Representative Tierney moved ITL, arguing the bill’s requirement that the scholarship organization be incorporated in New Hampshire would likely violate the Commerce Clause; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Folks are now in the pool for multiple projects. So when we're ...that it's not one project.
• Folks are now in the pool for multiple projects.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When someone calls 911 because they've found their toddler unresponsive in a pool, their husband is through
• Someone calls 911 because they found their toddler unresponsive in a pool.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems. The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• trillion, for example, is equivalent to just under two grains of rice in an Olympic-sized swimming pool
• Just under two grains of rice in an Olympic-sized swimming pool, if anyone wants to go ahead and wrap

Summary: The committee first received a Department of Environmental Protection presentation on Florida Forever and the sale or exchange of conservation lands. DEP described Florida Forever as the state’s main conservation land acquisition program, funded in recent years at high levels, and said most acquisitions since 2019 have been within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The presentation also explained the legal process for disposing of conservation lands: requests are reviewed by the Acquisitions and Restoration Council, then the governor and cabinet decide whether land is no longer needed for conservation or whether an exchange provides a net conservation benefit. Senator Smith asked several questions about recent land-swap proposals, public notice, political influence, and whether any transactions had bypassed the usual sequence; DEP said applications can be withdrawn before ARC review, notice is posted seven days in advance, and the council and cabinet are the decision-makers. Senator Harrington asked about the difference between Florida Forever land sales and water management district surplus lands, and DEP said the reported 2.3 acres sold referred only to Florida Forever-funded projects. The committee then heard presentations from the Department of Health and DEP on PFAS and PFOA. DOH outlined what PFAS are, their common uses, possible health impacts, and ways Floridians can reduce exposure, including water filtration and avoiding certain products. DOH said it conducts well investigations, health consultations, fish consumption advisories, and monitoring in coordination with DEP and FWC. DEP followed with a more technical overview of PFAS regulation and cleanup, explaining federal testing and drinking-water standards, Florida’s provisional cleanup levels, and the state’s response at contaminated sites, including bottled water and filtration for affected residents. Senators asked about testing requirements for public systems and private wells, disposal of used filters, and how federal rulemaking and litigation could affect Florida’s standards; DEP said public systems are required to test under EPA monitoring rules, private wells are not directly required to test, and Florida may adopt its own standards if federal action does not occur by the statutory deadline. Finally, the committee took up SB 150, which would designate the flamingo as the state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. The sponsor argued the bill better reflects Florida’s identity and conservation values, noting the flamingo’s iconic status and the scrub jay’s status as a Florida-only species. Members asked lighthearted questions about mockingbirds, flamingo color, and feeding costs, and an appearance card was filed in support by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The committee debated the bill briefly and then passed SB 150 favorably by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes except Senator DiCeglie, who was excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state put in five million dollars into the facility, and we created a... ...the indoor swimming pool
• It has an indoor swimming pool and an indoor physical plant.

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• CONCERNS OVER NOT JUST A VENDOR AVAILABILITY BUT RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AND COMPETING FOR THE SAME POOL
• THAT IS NOT JUSTICE A SWIMMING POOL. MOVING ON THE SLIDE NUMBER FIVE. HURRICANE SEASON WAS BUSY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• division of business development at BDA, and I'm joined by my colleague Kathy Frederickson, Director of Finance
• years will remember that Representative Kirk, in particular, who was a longtime chairman of House Finance
• The law caps the individual pool premium at $5 a week.
• <01:58:12.880> is<01:58:13.119> individually in the individual pool is individually
• in the individual pool is individually rated<01:58:14.280> so<01:58:14.400> they're<01

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the dollars were allocated out of what pool in the school district prior to, or for the last few years
• > of<00:14:26.040> money<00:14:26.399> that<00:14:26.519> aren't up those pools
• of money that aren't up those pools of money that aren't currently<00:14:27.199> available<00
• and no one had ever died from<00:45:57.480> a<00:45:57.599> waiting<00:45:57.920> pool
• /c><00:45:58.800> he<00:45:58.960> struggled<00:45:59.480> and from a waiting pool

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee will be coming to order.
• You mentioned the lack of workforce already, so we have that pool of people who are maybe just totally
• You mentioned the lack of workforce already, so we have that pool of people who are maybe just totally
• ><01:10:24.800> a<01:10:24.880> lot<01:10:25.040> of complicated way that we finance
• a lot of complicated way that we finance a lot of our<01:10:25.360> our<01:10:25.840> um

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Housing should explore the feasibility of expanding homeowner loan programs to include financing
• Minnesota Housing should explore the feasibility of expanding homeowner loan programs to include financing
• Chair. that money and no other way to finance that money and no other way to finance it<00:34:21.000>
• But then somebody decided, well, I don't want to—I'm putting in a pool, so I don't want a chain-link
• the neighborhood, because the way the neighborhood now is, you can kind of... ...I'm putting in a pool

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill required that the board finance projects through the fund that would lead to the creation of
• And so included in this, I've put an example of what financing would be for us on a $5 million project
• And there's no such thing as low-cost financing for rural water systems. We receive no tax funding.
• And so included in this, I've put an example of what financing would be for us on a $5 million project
• Or are we going to receive funding from the state in the form of really low financing, like maybe a 90

Summary: The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session. Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties. TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• And over in Senate Finance, right? Significantly higher-paying jobs, Madam Chair.
• And over in Senate Finance right now, where I'm normally at this moment of the day, we have almost every
• the fact that we haven't quite used that amount, I think it's important we send a message to the Finance
• served in the military and the Army and the 3rd Cavalry, growing up in Fort Bliss and swimming in pools

Bills: SB97, SB55, SB40, SB38, SB120, SB113, SB116, SB117, SB118

Keywords: tax credits, municipality, county property, industrial revenue bonds, economic development, qualified expenditures, solar energy, tax credit, renewable energy, photovoltaic, solar thermal, New Mexico, economic incentive, energy independence, SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance

Transcript Highlights:

• Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhart, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagen, Boole, Hall, Hancock, Keenan, Poole
• library to expand its hours at a time when hours for library... libraries have been contracting to finance
• President, members, Senate Bill 1967 relates to the project eligibility for finance, and assistance from
• This substitute for Senate Bill 1786 seeks to build on the advancements of the community college finance

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assemblymember Gonzalez mentioned in his opening statement, this bill addresses the critical issue of student finance
• But again, we have a crisis in college and university finance, and, you know, we're throwing more and
• So they would be following all sort of applicable laws associated with the financing, the low-income
• community colleges; it simply ensures that noncredit centers and stand-alone colleges can access the same pool

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met with a quorum and first approved a consent calendar containing AB 341, AB 1098, and AB 1316, sending those measures to the Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees respectively. The committee then heard AB 977, which would require CSU to audit surplus land and work with California tribes to identify three regional burial sites for Native American remains that cannot yet be repatriated. Supporters, including tribal leaders and archaeology groups, said the bill is needed to honor ancestors and address the large number of remains still held by CSU; CSU said it is committed to repatriation but had no formal position. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. Members also heard AB 1093, creating a California-Mexico higher education exchange program, and AB 1035, expanding the California College Promise to cover tuition for students pursuing community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 1093 drew support for strengthening cross-border educational and economic ties, but some members raised concerns about border-region sewage problems and the bill’s budget implications; it was held for later consideration. AB 1035 received strong support from community college leaders and faculty who said it would help low-income and first-generation students complete workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, but several members questioned whether it would stretch Prop. 98 funding and whether the state should prioritize broader affordability concerns. AB 1035 passed to Appropriations on a 3-2 vote. The committee next approved AB 922, which would let the University of California keep access to federal criminal-history information for hiring background checks, avoiding delays and added costs if statutory authority is required. UC said the bill is needed to maintain safety and hiring operations, and it passed to Public Safety on a 5-0 vote. AB 1346, protecting military dependents from losing in-state residency status because of family travel, also passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. AB 1212, allowing UC to use low-income housing tax credits to build affordable housing for faculty and staff on UC land, drew support from UC and labor groups but opposition from members concerned about preferential access to public resources; it was held for later action. Finally, the committee approved AB 500 and AB 684, both aimed at increasing transparency around UC admissions policy changes and UC BOARS decision-making, sending AB 500 to Education and AB 684 to Governmental Organization, each on 5-0 votes. The hearing then moved on to AB 1122 on dual enrollment, with the author and witnesses presenting the bill as a way to expand college access for high school students.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation reflects the thoughtful recommendations of the Commission on Community College Finance
• Kays mentioned, with the work of the Texas Commission on Community College Finance.
• First, through expanding the pool of prospective students with the academic potential. to pursue baccalaureate
• and I have no issue with folks choosing not to go, but choose not to go because of reasons like finances

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and we had those which were finance and we had those which were policy<00:21:33.320> uh<00:21
• Ultimately, of course, there's a pool of funds for districts to work with.
• My name is Brian, and I’m with the Department of Education, Bureau of School Finance.
• My name is Brian, and I’m with the Department of Education, Bureau of School Finance.
• <02:00:39.199> and able to see the pain of financing and able to see the pain of financing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on HB 563, which would revise the education funding formula for pupils receiving special education services by replacing the current single special education amount with three differentiated categories. Representative Rick Ladd, the prime sponsor, said the bill largely tracks a House-passed version from the prior session with minor figure adjustments, and explained that the proposal uses projected FY26 amounts for three categories based on time in general education versus more intensive placements. He also noted that the bill does not address catastrophic aid directly, but that special education aid, CAT aid, and proration all remain issues for later work sessions. Ladd and supporters argued that weighted categories better reflect actual costs and are more sustainable than treating all IEPs the same. Representative Margaret Drye said the approach was one of the best ideas from the education funding subcommittee and urged the committee to support differentiated aid. Representative Ames asked how the category amounts were derived, and Ladd said Category A follows the FY26 base, Category B is a higher weight, and Category C is a still higher weight for more intensive services, though he acknowledged the exact multipliers were developed earlier and could be revisited. He also said the committee would continue discussing whether the weights are appropriate and how they interact with CAT aid. Testimony from Bonnie Dunham strongly opposed the bill. She argued that funding based on placement rather than actual service need would create incentives to move students into more restrictive settings, could stigmatize children with labels such as "Category C," and would undermine the least restrictive environment requirements under federal special education law. She described her son’s experience in inclusive settings as beneficial and said the bill would have penalized the district for serving him there. In response to questions, she said schools and parents should base funding on the child’s actual needs and costs, not on placement, and urged the committee to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a public service, and a lot of the people have a technical pool of knowledge that's also in the
• c> technical and a lot of the people have a technical and a lot of the people have a technical pool
• 00:40:11.359> also<00:40:11.599> in<00:40:11.760> the<00:40:11.839> FCC pool
• of knowledge that's also in the FCC pool of knowledge that's also in the FCC rules<00:40:12.720>
• ,<03:13:18.319> personnel, law enforcement, finance, personnel, law enforcement, finance,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So when the structuring changed and when we went, um, the finance in the House and the Senate decided
• Um, did anybody discuss with the new finance chair and the Ways and Means chair on how this is going
• I said, 'Can we ... why wasn't it ...' chair of the budget and finance chair of the budget and finance
• He never—the VP of Finance never got those contracts to his desk to approve it.
• <04:23:35.840> have vice president of finance have vice president of finance have repeatedly

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism held an informational briefing on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract updates, destination management action plans, and state auditor findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson described her role as temporary and said she was focused on identifying problems, gathering information, communicating with stakeholders, and implementing solutions. She said HTA is now operating as a typical state agency subject to state controls, but noted that HTA’s work often involves nontraditional programs that can create process errors. She also said she had directed staff to review the auditor’s findings on the destination management action plan process and that the review was posted publicly. A major topic was the search for a permanent CEO and the agency’s restructuring under SB 1571. HTA board chair Tata Po said he hoped to select a CEO within about four months, with three to six finalists expected in roughly two to two-and-a-half months, and said the job description would largely remain the same except for compensation and reporting changes under the new law. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism representatives explained that HTA’s board is now advisory and does not approve the budget, while DBEDT retains budget authority. They also said HTA is working with the governor’s office and DBEDT on contract and budget transitions, including a possible shift to a calendar-year process so grantees and contractors have more certainty. Members pressed HTA on staffing, oversight, and accountability, especially around the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB contracts. HTA said the destination stewardship team supports destination management and product development, including workforce development, sports, and implementation of destination management action plans, and that staff provide direction to contractors rather than simply handing work over to them. Anderson said the stewardship team had 11 people and that the destination management side covered about 15 contracts, while the branding side had three managers overseeing nine contracts. She said the agency had 47 contracts overall and that the major contracts included CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB. Several members criticized HTA’s management history, questioned staffing qualifications and compensation, and expressed concern that the agency had lost public trust. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.