Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Finance Code'
Page 175 of 500
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal code requires states and territories to establish programs to contract with one or more Medicaid
- The agency notified legislative audit of the apparent theft of public funds as required by Arkansas Code
- a fee-for-service state, which is we cover programs and we pay when it is utilized using different codes
- Texarkana or just over the line, actually lives in Texas.
- Occasionally, we've had to reach out to, say, Texas or Tennessee, Oklahoma.
Summary:
The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to receive a primer on the subcommittee’s history and on how Medicaid oversight works in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s origins in response to earlier Medicaid audit concerns and explained that Medicaid is audited every year in the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk, large federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including issues with eligibility controls, data matching, contractor charging, incarcerated juveniles’ coverage handling, provider eligibility support, and the state’s Medicaid recovery audit contractor exception request. They also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for possible prosecution.
The Department of Human Services gave an overview of the Medicaid program, describing eligibility groups, delivery systems (fee-for-service, managed care/PASSE, and premium assistance for expansion adults), the size of the program, and the agency’s budget and provider base. DHS also outlined the difference between state plan amendments and waivers and said other committee materials would be sent to members. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, explaining that it investigates suspected intentional fraud, suspends providers when there is a credible allegation of fraud, recovers improper payments in mistake cases, and recommends policy changes when trends are identified.
The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, handles neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases in long-term care settings, and works with DHS, OMIG, and federal partners. Members asked about where cases are filed, how provider suspensions work, whether beneficiary fraud is investigated, and how education is provided to providers. DHS confirmed that beneficiary fraud cases are referred to local prosecutors and said the expansion population will move toward community engagement/work requirements under federal changes, with a soft launch planned before full implementation. The meeting ended with no formal votes beyond adoption of the prior minutes and no other committee actions.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And in order to know what those codes mean, we have to get code books from DOC.
- The QR code is simply going to be on the back.
- We got this idea from my neighboring state of Texas, which has been doing this since 2009.
- We got this idea from my neighboring state of Texas, which has been doing this since 2009.
- The Texas Lottery has contributed more than $296 million to veteran programs in the state of Texas.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a tenured professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M.
- And the Spanish brought lots and lots of sheep to Mexico and to South Texas during the colonial days.
- And in fact, we had a good amount of scrapie in Texas. and some of the deer in those areas look best
- And those deer have not lived with EHD for thousands of generations like the deer in South Texas and
- One of the things is that having two copies of that S at code on 96 in the prion gene resist refolding
Keywords:
farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- veterans in their homes and reduce their risk of homelessness or housing instability by ensuring the tax code
- I'm happy to present SB 1040, which would establish a state-local matching program to help finance the
- similar legislation that prohibits outside forces from entering into their states, including Maryland, Texas
Summary:
The committee heard several veterans-related bills. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services groups, and local officials; there was no opposition, and the bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for veterans’ cemetery maintenance endowments, with the state matching private or local deposits up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. It drew support from veterans groups and county representatives and was also approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 1407, which would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse military retirement benefits from state income tax. The author and supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the workforce and economy. The bill received broad support from veterans organizations, county officials, and labor representatives, with no opposition, and was moved to Appropriations, with the roll held open and later completed. SB 1034 would streamline access to disabled veteran parking placards for veterans rated 100% permanent and total, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and other changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and ensure referrals to county veterans service officers. Both bills had support from veterans advocates and food banks, no opposition, and were approved to Appropriations.
Finally, SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, while preserving Title 10 activations and mutual aid arrangements. The author and the California Public Defenders Association framed it as a safeguard for state authority and civil rights; there was no opposition, and it was sent to Public Safety. After the main votes, the committee later completed the held rolls and reported the bills out, then adjourned after thanking veterans and attendees.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have invited testimony beginning with the Texas Secretary of State, Texas Department of Public Safety
- , the Texas Association of Election Administrators, the County and District Clerks Association of Texas
- ... and outside the state of Texas.
- Those four pieces, they have their new Texas by Texas account, basically. right where you can go in and
- by the Texas Secretary of State.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 11th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Diego would prefer that he have control of the power of the district lines, just like in Florida and Texas
- About 30 years ago, she got a call in Dallas, Texas: a little baby boy, born to a teenage mother, victim
- About 30 years ago, she got a call in Dallas, Texas: a little baby boy, born to a teenage mother, victim
- On more than one occasion, according to his letter, the Governor's Department of Finance contacted his
- On more than one occasion, according to his letter, the Governor's Department of Finance contacted his
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Nine - Tuesday, April 28
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Further introductions of special guests, gentleman from Texas. Mr.
- Maybe it's the largest county in the state of Missouri, Texas County, Sheriff Scott Lindsay.
- County in the state of Missouri, Texas County, Sheriff Scott Lindsay, and they are to your right, to
- services in the IEP of a child with a disability just occurs because of a violation of the student code
- Something that's... ...more cost in just being able to show what their finances are, something that's
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 58th day by roll call vote, 123-1. Members also introduced a number of special guests, including physicians, sheriffs, students, interns, and a police chief, before moving to third reading and perfection of bills.
House Bill 1758, dealing with permanent daylight saving time in Missouri, was debated at length. Supporters said it would end the twice-yearly clock changes and argued it could benefit children, productivity, and quality of life. Opponents warned it would create darker morning commutes, safety concerns, and health issues tied to circadian rhythms. The bill passed third reading by a vote of 107-31 with two present.
The chamber then perfected and printed House Bill 3329, which repeals expired or unused tax credits, and House Bill 3405, which clarifies that SALT/pass-through entity provisions are deductions rather than tax credits for Department of Revenue processing. Both bills were described as cleanup and efficiency measures, with supporters emphasizing accountability and reduced manual work at DOR; both moved forward without opposition in committee and were approved on the floor.
Finally, House Bill 2426, a parental rights bill, drew extensive debate and an amendment. The bill would elevate parents’ rights in education, medical, privacy, and related decisions to a fundamental-rights standard and add provisions on school records, recordings, evaluations, and certain health-care decisions. Critics argued it was overly broad, could interfere with school operations and existing protections, and might create problems in areas such as IEPs, truancy, and medical consent; supporters said it simply codified and strengthened parental authority. House Amendment 1, focused on IEP procedures and requiring parental consent for major changes, was adopted 98-25 with six present, and debate on the underlying bill continued.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 5th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is our housing.
- In Texas, there is no location requirement to close on a home.
- I'm with Texas Appleseed and here testifying in opposition.
- Texas was the last state to allow home equity lending.
- My region of Texas continues to grow at an exceptional rate in South Texas as we continue to add population
Bills:
HJR40
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 31st, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- conversations I've had with senators as this bill was moving, as I had conversations with the Senate Finance
- That bill provides relative to the 2024 Regular Session and retroactivity of certain ethics code provisions
- That bill provides relative to the 2024 Regular Session and retroactivity of certain ethics code provisions
- We had a technical error in the plumbing bill as it pertained to the plumbing code, so I'd make a motion
- We just missed some of the Texas statute that we adopted on the floor.
Bills:
HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HR275, HR276, HR279, HR282, HR286, HR289, HR292, HR295, HR302, HR319, HCR112, HR307, SCR59, SCR61, SCR62, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR54, SCR55, SCR64, SCR75, HCR79, HCR104, HB75, HB410, HB719, HB750, HB944, HB1098, HB1220, HB1252, HB359, HB210, HB468, HB1117, SB382, HB368, HB552, HB732, HB870, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB149, SB208, SB274, SB300, SB312, SB387, SB389, SB401, HR74, HB998, HB901, HR20, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB123, SB237, HB36, HB42, HB74, HB119, HB159, HB258, HB259, HB302, HB414, HB459, HB848, HB956, HB1017, HB1028, HB1095, SB217, SB283, SB469
Keywords:
oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- Item one discusses the Texas Energy Fund.
- to the Texas Energy Fund to $10 billion.
- Lastly, item 4, the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor, um, Texas Nuclear Energy Fund and Texas Nuclear Energy
- So the Texas Energy Fund.
- The Texas Energy Fund is a program that that's currently underway by the state of Texas, but expanding
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 11, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- You did say that we're not in fear right now of whether or not we will have enough finances to be able
- And so what we've seen in other states, such as Texas, Ohio, and New Hampshire, many states are rapidly
- By establishing a strategic cryptocurrency reserve, Florida can join other states like Texas in diversifying
- Doing my research for this bill, yes, I saw that Texas was the first one to purchase Bitcoin, and also
- bill creates mandatory discounts for property mitigation measures that exceed the Florida Building Code
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee met to hear and vote on several bills, with all measures reported favorably. The first major item was PCS for HB 175 on payment stablecoins, which would create a Florida regulatory framework aligned with the federal GENIUS Act so issuers can choose state regulation instead of federal licensing. Members asked extensive questions about how stablecoins differ from other digital assets, whether Florida would need federal approval, and what impact the bill would have on the Office of Financial Regulation; the sponsor and OFR said the state framework would mirror federal standards and that any workload increase was currently indeterminate. The PCS passed unanimously after testimony from OFR and the Florida Blockchain Business Association in support.
The committee then approved CS for HB 961, which streamlines electronic signature requirements for salvage titles and certificates of destruction, and HB 1415, a DFS stablecoin pilot program allowing certain stablecoins to be used for licensing and regulatory fees. HB 1415 was amended to remove authority for a Florida coin, limit the pilot to established stablecoins with at least $1 billion market cap, and require secure custody through a public depository or custodial bank. Members discussed how any interest or revenue would be used, with sponsors saying the pilot was still exploratory and intended mainly to cover program costs. Both bills passed favorably.
HB 1039, establishing a state cryptocurrency reserve, also passed after a strike-all amendment moved administration of the reserve from the CFO’s office to the State Board of Administration and tightened eligibility to cryptocurrencies with a $100 billion market cap over the prior 12 months. Supporters argued the bill would create a framework for future diversification and investment in established digital assets, while several members raised concerns about volatility, reporting frequency, and the meaning of new terms such as qualified liquidity provider and secure custody solution. The committee also passed CS for HB 951 on penny rounding for cash transactions, with an amendment clarifying cash transaction definitions and treating money orders and gift cards like credit-card transactions for rounding purposes.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- He really got our finances in this state straightened out. He's a retired three-star general.
- It ensures that the Florida Building Code is consistent with the international code as it relates to
- So what is the reason for why do they need to be exempted from building codes?
- These are unique facilities and very technologically unique, and the Florida Building Code currently
- These are unique facilities and very technologically unique, and the Florida Building Code currently
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 80, the Parks Preservation Act, which would define state park purposes around conservation-based recreation and public access, prohibit uses such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and hotels, require more public notice and advisory input on land management changes, and mandate reporting on park spending and maintenance backlogs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with conservation groups, youth advocates, and other members of the public backing stronger protections for state parks. The bill was reported favorably.
Members then approved SB 200, directing DEP to develop a statewide waste reduction and recycling plan, and CS for SB 496, which clarifies that timeshare facilities are governed by Chapter 721 and only need annual board meetings. CS for CS for SB 1404, dealing with illegal gambling, was amended to add reporting requirements, tighten penalties, preempt local gambling legalization, and create a process for vetting certain machines and veteran-service-organization gaming questions; the bill drew significant concern from veterans groups and others over vague machine definitions and the need for clearer standards, but it was still reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 622 to allow pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities across horse-racing classes.
The committee next approved CS for CS for SB 712 after adopting a strike-all and amendment that covered synthetic turf rules, change-order timelines, public works scoring, elevator and alarm contractor issues, mass timber code updates, pool and spa contractor scope changes, spaceport building-code exemptions, and solar/energy-storage inspection provisions. Support came from timber, construction, and industry groups, while pool contractors objected to parts of the scope changes. The committee also reported favorably CS for CS for SB 1742, a major condominium reform bill that pauses reserve funding after milestone inspections, expands financial flexibility, adds disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, and increases data collection and oversight; members from both parties praised the sponsor’s work on condo issues.
Finally, the committee approved SB 1574 on renewable natural gas infrastructure and SB 1580 authorizing DEP coastal resiliency public-private partnerships. It also passed CS for SB 1760, which requires certain public officials and agency leaders to meet Florida residency or proximity requirements. The last bill, SB 820, would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office; while supporters said it would permanently support faith-based and community organizations and improve coordination, several senators raised concerns about church-state separation, the office’s ties to Hope Florida, and whether codifying it could make the program more political. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So the ERCOT grid or the Texas grid. is 90% of the Texas electric load. 75% of the land, more than 1,200
- To now, we have X number of new jobs in Texas, new businesses in Texas.
- Texas, right?
- And Texas is a.
- University of Texas? Well, that's what I said.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee REVISED: Oklahoma Broadband Office added Jan 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
A&B Finance Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- , the reason I picked up on that is because last year was my first year not being the chairman of finance
- To my right, I have Brian Walters, who's working in our finance office.
- I brought with me Brian Walters from our finance team in case there's any. specific questions that you
- That's what we expect to get, and that's higher than states like Colorado, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana
- Because I don't believe you should be punished because of your zip code.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- How important is that to the State of Texas citizens? Great question.
- You are seeking to amend section 660002 of the Utilities Code.
- If it's a Texas company, you want to make sure it remains a Texas company.
- This violates long-standing Texas policy regarding property rights.
- Not only in Texas, but Texas is unique, we say that often.
Keywords:
broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, this is required by Century Code Section 54-27-27.
- This is on fiscal irregularities required by Century Code Section 54-14-03.1.
- I've heard reports in Pennsylvania and Texas and California of over 100,000 well bores that are abandoned
- I've heard reports in Pennsylvania and Texas and California of over 100,000 well bores that are banned
- I'm the school finance officer with the Department of Public Instruction, and I'm here to provide some
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, this is required by Century Code Section 54-27-27.
- This is on fiscal irregularities required by Century Code Section 54-14-03.1.
- I've heard reports in Pennsylvania and Texas and California of over 100,000 well bores that are abandoned
- I've heard reports in Pennsylvania and Texas and California of over 100,000 well bores that are banned
- I'm the school finance officer with the Department of Public Instruction, and I'm here to provide some
Summary:
The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request.
The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap.
The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, this is required by Century Code Section 54-27-27.
- This is on fiscal irregularities required by Century Code Section 54-14-03.1.
- I've heard reports in Pennsylvania and Texas and California of over 100,000 well bores that are abandoned
- I've heard reports in Pennsylvania and Texas and California of over 100,000 well bores that are banned
- I'm the school finance officer with the Department of Public Instruction, and I'm here to provide some
Summary:
The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast.
The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest.
Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Ways & Means Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, we have over 100 firefighters in Texas actually helping with the Texas response.
- The color coding on the bar charts indicates which agency the spend is from on this graph.
- Again, the color coding shows the breakdown by agency.
- And second, allowing for phased design, development, financing, and construction of the pumping plants
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods.
The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions.
Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (02/06/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um but I campaign finance question.
- <01:54:38.639>
guide In America, these religious codes guide In America, these religious codes - I ask Texas, Minnesota, and elsewhere.
- is basically it's a guide it's a code is basically it's a guide it's a code for<02:14:18.400>
- The interpretation code of behavior.