Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any fiscal impact from this section of the amendment?
• note, is my understanding. the fiscal note and that well there is the fiscal note and that well there
• the fiscal the fiscal note<00:14:21.560> and<00:14:22.040> Mr<00:14:22.279> chair
• note that on the year with a fiscal note that on the fiscal<00:14:52.440> note<00:14:52.720><
• going to come if there are some fiscal going to come if there are some fiscal um<00:18:24.600>

Bills: HF11

Keywords: Minnesota Paid Leave, paid family and medical leave, family leave, medical leave, implementation delay, premium collection, employer premiums, state payroll tax, workforce, labor, benefits administration, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer notice, seasonal employees, private plans, actuarial study, outreach and education, employee rights, reinstatement

Transcript Highlights:

• > fiscal<00:55:55.520> year increase for fiscal year increase for fiscal year 2627<00:55
• In fiscal year 2027, this is an increase of 3% over fiscal year 2026.
• payment for fiscal year 2025. payment for fiscal year 2025.
• fiscal year 2029, and the fiscal year 2027 appropriation will be available through fiscal year 2030.
• fiscal year 2027.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when we vote a bill out of a fiscal when we vote a bill out of a fiscal committee.<00:22:53.520>
• the fiscal note's done, I would think. the fiscal note's done, I would think.
• We need a fiscal note.
• We need a fiscal note. Passing a bill out without a fiscal note is not the right process.
• <00:27:05.360> Um that we don't have a fiscal note. Um that we don't have a fiscal note.

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft

Transcript Highlights:

• In fiscal year 27 only. In fiscal year 27 only.
• increases general fund in each fiscal increases general fund in each fiscal year<00:09:50.240>
• in fiscal '27 and 4774 in fiscal '28.
• <00:19:35.240> '28<00:19:36.159> and fiscal '27 and 4792 in fiscal '28 and fiscal '
• maintain their funding in both fiscal maintain their funding in both fiscal years.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have with us Jenna Hoer from Senate Fiscal and Sai Beckel from House Fiscal.
• This has a cost of $110,000 in fiscal year 26 only. fiscal year 26 um in order to provide fiscal year
• $1,618,000 in fiscal year 2024. $1,618,000 in fiscal year 2024.
• $110,000 in fiscal year 2026 only. $110,000 in fiscal year 2026 only.
• fiscal year 2028. fiscal year 2028.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• planning academic programs fiscal planning academic programs fiscal management<00:14:09.079>
• <01:03:59.720> year since fiscal year since fiscal year 2011<01:04:01.720> we<01:04
• For this year, the system had $1 million less to allocate in fiscal 2025 than in fiscal 2024.
• <01:26:02.119> 24<01:26:02.800> the fiscal 25 than we did in fiscal 24 the fiscal 25
• It also supports inflationary... spent it in fiscal year 24 and we we spent it in fiscal year 24 and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You're a fiscal note. No fiscal note, lady. No fiscal note, lady. I didn't see.
• I don't believe we all got the fiscal note. Where's the fiscal note? Where's the fiscal note?
• Engrossed fiscal note. I don't, I don't have any fiscal note on. Okay, you can proceed. Okay.
• the Legislative Fiscal Office.
• We had prepared a fiscal note.

Bills: SB83, SB135, SB143, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB261, SB276, SB295, SB450, SB465, SB506, HB1070

Keywords: human trafficking, trafficking prevention, school safety, public schools, elementary and secondary education, charter schools, mandatory reporting, victim identification, victim services, child trafficking, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, commercial sexual activity, DCFS, Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana State Police, governor's office of human trafficking prevention, counselor training, mental health professional, administrator training

Transcript Highlights:

• fiscal year 2026. fiscal year 2026.
• of $45.5 million in fiscal year 2026-27 and $10 million in fiscal year 2028-29.
• that fiscal note.
• Program of 140,000 in fiscal year 26. Program of 140,000 in fiscal year 26.
• So, thank you so very much. uh uh the fiscal staff? uh uh the fiscal staff?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about the fiscal note, we have fiscal about the fiscal note, we have fiscal staff<00:12:58.280><
• kind of match up with the fiscal note. kind of match up with the fiscal note.
• fiscal document 1.577.
• on page 14 of the fiscal note. on page 14 of the fiscal note.
• the fiscal note? the fiscal note?

Bills: HF3489, HF3393, HF3785, SF856, HF4006, HF4615, HF3919, HF4591, HF3682, HF4240

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's not in the fiscal note.
• But that's not in the fiscal note.
• When I looked at the fiscal note, I was still somewhat concerned about the fiscal note when we brought
• I don't believe we all got the fiscal note. Where's the fiscal note? $90 million.
• There’s no state fiscal impact.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 135, which would redirect a portion of wagering dedications from the sports fund to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund and remove a cap affecting that funding stream. The author and staff explained the amendment was designed to avoid any impact on the State General Fund while increasing support for early childhood education. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. Senate Bill 202, from the Secretary of State’s office, would increase the number of compensated days for parish board of election supervisors to cover additional election-related duties. Secretary Landry and election officials testified that the change was needed because supervisors now perform more work, including ballot tabulation, machine sealing, and verification tasks. The committee adopted technical and appropriation-related amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then took up several health and human services bills. Senate Bill 155 would require insurance coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed before cancer treatment; testimony from medical and dental professionals emphasized that untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and worsen outcomes. After adopting amendments to narrow the fiscal impact, the bill was reported favorably as amended, with discussion of a possible subject-to-appropriation amendment to be worked out later. Senate Bill 237, a major DCFS reform bill, drew extensive testimony and debate over child welfare oversight, mandatory reporter training, law enforcement coordination, and the bill’s large fiscal note. The committee adopted amendments, including a subject-to-appropriation provision, and reported the bill favorably as amended after emotional testimony from supporters and former DCFS employees. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465 on prompt-pay insurance reform after an amendment reduced the fiscal note to zero; Senate Bill 261 on unclaimed property after a substitute bill was adopted; Senate Bill 295 on expanded coverage for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation after amendments narrowed the mandate and added subject-to-appropriation language; Senate Bill 157 providing six weeks of paid parental leave for K-12 educators and staff, also subject to appropriation; Senate Bill 276 requiring bail bond producers to certify outstanding obligations before new appointments; Senate Bill 83 on human trafficking services after removing the age-expansion cost; Senate Bill 143 on bulletproof vests after shifting funding away from a direct state appropriation; and Senate Bill 450 on school safety assessments after an amendment limited implementation to available funds and resources. In each case, the committee’s actions focused on reducing or eliminating fiscal notes while keeping the bills moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as Manfred pointed out, it's all about, in terms of our fiscal year, fiscal year 26 and 27, and then
• That is the average for fiscal year 23 and 24 actual. Fiscal year 25 was actually lower than that.
• And that money is going to get posted back to the prior fiscal year, which will be fiscal year 26 at
• I am for fiscal year 27.
• For the Millennium Trust, the proposed inflation rate for fiscal year 2027, so that's the ensuing fiscal

Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as nonrecurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, FY 2027, and the long-range outlook. The Division of Administration recommended a $113 million reduction to the FY 2026 State General Fund forecast and a $104 million reduction for FY 2027, citing weaker-than-expected individual income tax collections, softer corporate income tax receipts, and some weakness in general sales tax, partly offset by stronger motor vehicle sales tax and higher mineral-related revenues tied to oil prices. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but broadly similar forecast, with modest net increases to the general fund bottom line in the current year and next year, emphasizing caution on income and corporate taxes and more optimism on sales, severance, royalties, and some other revenue streams. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the causes of the income tax shortfall, especially withholding and refund patterns after tax changes that lowered rates. Department of Revenue officials explained that withholding tables had been set with a cushion that may be producing larger refunds, and said changing the tables could quickly reduce overwithholding, though the effect would take time to show up. Members also discussed corporate collections, the lingering effects of the franchise tax repeal, the role of settlements and audits, and the extent to which collections are voluntary versus enforcement-driven. The Department of Revenue said corporate collections still had key filing and estimated-payment milestones ahead in May and June, and that refund and audit activity related to the former franchise tax would continue for some time. The conference then adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast, the FY 2027 recurring forecast, and the long-range forecast, along with the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation. Members also adopted the incentive expenditure forecast, noting that the reported amount is only the REC-reported portion and that larger tax exemption amounts come off the top before appropriations. The Treasurer reported a General Fund cash balance of about $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and an interfund borrowing base of about $9.18 billion, saying cash levels were similar on average to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed depending on the May 16 election, and the conference adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, what triggers the enhanced penalties is either illegal re-entry after deportation or a felony
• to strict and constitutionally protected due process, requiring a conviction in a court of law to trigger

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funds provided for each of the fiscal funds provided for each of the fiscal year<00:34:29.879>
• <00:52:25.040> year<00:52:25.359> 2011 since fiscal year 2011 since fiscal year 2011
• <00:57:36.839> year settlement was for um the fiscal year settlement was for um the fiscal
• 25 than we did in fiscal 24.
• <01:14:27.440> 24 in fiscal 25 than we did in fiscal 24 in fiscal 25 than we did in fiscal

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:01.599> note are anticipating that a fiscal note are anticipating that a fiscal note
• we sending this to the floor if a fiscal we sending this to the floor if a fiscal note<00:03:17.680
• means thank you Cher long the fiscal means thank you Cher long the fiscal analyst<00:03:26.120><
• Well, I don't believe we brought bills to the floor without fiscal notes.
• We would have the fiscal note ready, and this bill is going to be on the floor on Monday.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This fiscal note, do you want me to bring up the folks from fiscal to ask them specifically about this
• I just have a question about the fiscal note, and I don't know if there's a person from the fiscal office
• I know right now there is a fiscal note, but the amendment should clear that up and remove the fiscal
• Where I think it should be, since there is no fiscal note on it now or potential fiscal note, and then
• So on the fiscal note, explain to me what's going on with the fiscal note.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 105, which reinstates a sunset-expired TOPS Tech benefit for eligible veterans. Senator Kathy said the bill would use existing TOPS dollars, not new funding, and would help veterans stay in Louisiana and enter the workforce. After brief questions about eligibility and funding, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. House Resolution 3, by Representative Newell, asked the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study whether vacant state-owned property could be repurposed for housing and rental assistance for cost-burdened state employees. Members discussed the high fiscal note and whether the work could be absorbed in existing budgets. Fiscal staff said LHC had requested a full-time position and four part-time positions for the study, but the committee also talked about narrowing the study’s scope. Representative Marcelle moved the resolution favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. The committee then debated House Bill 189, which would extend supplemental pay to fire protection officers at the Lakefront Management Authority’s airport fire department. Representative Newell and airport representatives argued the firefighters perform specialized, hazardous ARFF duties and should receive the same supplemental pay as other qualifying public firefighters. Some members questioned whether the airport and its employees qualify under existing law and whether the supplement should be expanded further. After discussion, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, but the motion failed on a roll call vote of 8 yeas to 10 nays. Later, Senate Bill 461, concerning Office of Group Benefits coverage for certain small employee groups, was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 623, creating a three-tier permitting system for vapor products, was amended to clarify direct-to-consumer shipment restrictions and then reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1222, creating a grocery initiative grants and financial support program through LED to address food deserts, drew extended debate over whether it would amount to government-run grocery stores; supporters framed it as an incentive and grant program for private grocers, while critics raised concerns about government involvement. After amendment, it was reported favorably as amended by a vote of 16 yeas to 2 nays. Finally, House Resolution 80, directing a comprehensive fiscal audit related to Board of Regents and university system spending on certain executive budget metrics, was amended into a substitute version. Members debated whether the resolution would require universities to do additional work and whether it belonged in Appropriations at all, especially since the fiscal note had been removed. The discussion also raised concerns about the listed schools and the resolution’s purpose in light of a federal civil rights investigation. The transcript ends while the committee is still discussing the resolution and related procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• non-fiscal sections from Article 3. non-fiscal sections from Article 3.
• fiscal fiscal measures<00:03:52.920> within<00:03:53.240> this<00:03:53.400> bill.
• fiscal note together right now. Okay. fiscal note together right now. Okay.
• Chair and members, the fiscal Mr.
• the A13 removes the fiscal provisions. the A13 removes the fiscal provisions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After going back and forth and perceived fiscal notes, which I don't even agree that this is a fiscal
• And I ran three different versions of fiscal notes. I sat down in the fiscal office.
• “What is the fiscal note? The fiscal note is not significant in my opinion—any thousand a year?
• “So the fiscal note...”
• So now there is no fiscal note. What does that do to the fiscal note? Zero. It goes to zero.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 27 and first took up House Bill 175 and its companion House Bill 165, both dealing with lottery proceeds for veterans. HB 175 was amended to create a Veterans Service Grant Board within the Department of Veterans Affairs and direct $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds into a Veterans Service Grant Fund, with unused money returned to the lottery proceeds fund that supports the MFP. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, The Boot Louisiana, LDVA Secretary Charlton McGinley, and Bastion Veterans Organization, argued the grants would help veteran services, workforce placement, mental health, housing, entrepreneurship, and retention of veterans in Louisiana. Members raised concerns about drawing from lottery proceeds that traditionally support education, but the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 175 favorably as amended. HB 165, the constitutional amendment companion, was also amended for technical and ballot-language changes and then reported favorably as amended for voter consideration. The committee then considered House Bill 457, which would authorize the Louisiana Department of Health and the State Fire Marshal to set minimum housing standards for homeless shelters, group homes, and halfway homes. The sponsor said the bill responded to a state auditor recommendation and to unsafe conditions in some facilities; he also explained an amendment changing the Fire Marshal’s duties from mandatory to permissive to reduce fiscal impact and allow agencies flexibility. Some members questioned whether local standards already existed and how enforcement and funding would work, while others supported the need for statewide minimum standards for human housing. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 457 favorably as amended. House Bill 488, by Representative Brough, sought to create a Belle Chasse Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund using recurring severance tax revenues from Plaquemines Parish to help buy out the Belle Chasse toll bridge and end what the sponsor described as excessive tolls and fees. He and several local witnesses, including business owners, a YMCA representative, and a parish council member, testified that the tolling arrangement had harmed access, businesses, and quality of life. The committee adopted a technical amendment clarifying the revenue source and then reported HB 488 favorably as amended. House Bill 566, which would prohibit state funds from supporting net-zero greenhouse gas initiatives tied to the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, drew significant debate over whether it would interfere with agency funding and economic development efforts; the sponsor argued the plan lacked legislative approval and should be repudiated, while members urged caution and suggested hearing from affected agencies. The sponsor agreed to consider deferring the bill, and the committee did not advance it at that time. House Bill 603, a constitutional amendment authorizing investment of state funds in digital assets and precious metals, was discussed as a way to hedge inflation and preserve value; members asked about limits and safeguards, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then began hearing House Bill 763, a transparency measure creating a public database for settlement agreements involving state agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• fiscal note, and then we'll have Mr. Mr. fiscal note, and then we'll have Mr. Mr.
• 110,000 in the fiscal year 2627 bianium. 110,000 in the fiscal year 2627 bianium.
• questions on the fiscal note? questions on the fiscal note?
• that there was a built into the fiscal that there was a built into the fiscal note<00:21:19.280>
• <00:21:30.960> Uh fiscal. Uh Representative Bakeberg. Uh fiscal.

Bills: HF1048, HF1049, HF745, HF2210

Keywords: charter schools, education funding, revenue calculation, general education revenue, special education, school library aid, education finance, school districts, funding eligibility, compensatory revenue, task force, free meals, school funding, education equity, HF2210, school unemployment aid, Minnesota Department of Education, general fund appropriation, unemployment insurance, unemployment claims

Transcript Highlights:

• learners beginning in fiscal year 2028. learners beginning in fiscal year 2028.
• fiscal year 2029 and the fiscal year 2027 appropriation would be available through fiscal year 2030.
• to the general fund in fiscal year 2025. to the general fund in fiscal year 2025.
• fiscal year 2026. fiscal year 2026.
• in fiscal year 2027. in fiscal year 2027.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But as Manfred pointed out, it's all about, in terms of our fiscal year—fiscal year 26 and 27—and then
• That is the average for fiscal year 23 and 24 actual. Fiscal year 25 was actually lower than that.
• And that money is going to get posted back to the prior fiscal year, which will be fiscal year 26 at
• I am for fiscal year 27.
• For the Millennium Trust, the proposed inflation rate for fiscal year 27, so that's the ensuing fiscal

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the December 11, 2025 minutes. Members then recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as non-recurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, with the Division of Administration recommending a reduction of about $113 million, driven primarily by weaker individual income tax collections, softer general sales tax receipts, and a substantial cut to corporate income tax forecasts. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but still cautious outlook, and members discussed withholding rates, refund growth, corporate collections, and the effects of the franchise tax repeal and tax reform changes. After questions to the Department of Revenue about collections, refunds, enforcement, and settlements, the conference adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast. The conference then reviewed the FY 2027 recurring forecast. The Division of Administration again recommended a reduction, this time about $104 million, citing continued caution on individual income and corporate taxes, while the Legislative Fiscal Office projected a net increase of about $127 million, largely from sales tax, severance, royalties, vehicle sales tax, and other revenue streams. Members discussed the practical budget impact of the revised forecasts, including the need to reduce spending and the difficulty of funding a possible teacher stipend if a constitutional amendment fails. The FY 2027 recurring forecast was adopted. Members also adopted the long-range forecast, the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation, and the incentive expenditure forecast. The incentive discussion noted that reported incentive costs reduce available revenue before appropriations, and members raised the possibility of reviewing or capping such incentives. The Treasurer’s Office then reported that the General Fund cash balance was $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and the interfund borrowing base was about $9.18 billion, with cash positions generally similar to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed after the May 16 election, followed by adjournment.