Video & Transcript : 'Ms. Mejia' :

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MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The senator from the third Bristol and Plymouth, Ms. Duneer, Ms.
  • The Senator from Third Bristol and Plymouth, Ms.
  • O'Shea and Ms. Tiffany Marie Horne. Ms.
  • Irene O'Shea and Ms. Tiffany Marie Horne.
  • Irene O'Shea and Ms. Tiffany Marie Horne.
Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two resolutions: one commending the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston for Caribbean Week and another recognizing Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week. The chamber also acted on several committee reports and House petitions by suspending rules and referring matters to committees as recommended. The Senate then took up several House bills and, after suspending the rules, ordered them to a third reading: sick leave banks for Anna C. Contaris of the Trial Court, Kendra Winner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Carlos Borges of the Department of Correction, as well as a bill authorizing the town of Lexington to grant 10 additional wine and malt beverage licenses for on-premises consumption. Later, the Senate passed to be enacted a bill increasing the membership of the select board of the town of Mattapoisett, sending it to the Governor. During the session, Senator Feeney recognized the Rolling Warriors Volt hockey team of North Attleboro, along with coaches, families, and supporters, celebrating their first U.S. gold medal at the North American Volt Hockey Championship and their upcoming World Cup appearance in Sweden. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Irene A. O'Shea and Tiffany Marie Horne, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, November 17, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms.
  • Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms.
  • Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms.
  • Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms.
  • Ms.
Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted an emergency preamble for Senate No. 2799, establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education employee. The chamber also adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring the Warren Public Library on its 150th anniversary. Several local bills then advanced, including Senate No. 2509 on filling mayoral vacancies in New Bedford, House No. 4171 on vacancies among town meeting members in Milford (as amended), and House No. 4233 amending the Charter of the City of Malden, which was passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor. Senate No. 2799 was also passed to be enacted. The Senate adopted a committee report extending the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure’s reporting deadline to March 5, 2026. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition concerning the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code to the Committee on Financial Services. Multiple Senate orders were then adopted setting expedited procedures for Ways and Means consideration of several bills, including campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees (Senate No. 507, new draft 2898), property tax bill shocks (Senate No. 1933, new draft 2899), municipal tax relief (Senate No. 1935, new draft 2900), property tax deferral (Senate No. 2713, new draft 2901), a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption (Senate No. 2036, new draft 2902), and honoring Blue Star Families (Senate No. 2903). The Senate also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and dispense with printing a calendar. At the close of business, members moved to adjourn in memory of Mary Ann Lomba of Dorchester, with remarks noting her community service and family, and the motion prevailed. The Senate adjourned in her memory.
AL
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Special Session 2026 May 7th, 2026

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms. Coleman. Ms. Coleman-Madison. Mr. Elliott. Ms. Figures. Mr. Givan. Mr. Gudger. Mr. Hatcher. Mr.
  • Ms. Weaver. Mr. Williams. Mr. Woods.
  • Ms.<00:02:17.160><c> Coleman.</c> Ms. Coleman. Ms. Coleman. Ms.<00:02:18.560><c> Coleman-Madison.
  • </c><00:02:21.160><c> Ms.</c> Ms. Coleman-Madison. Mr. Elliott. Ms. Ms. Coleman-Madison. Mr.
  • Ms.<00:03:02.440><c> Weaver.</c> Ms. Weaver. Ms. Weaver. Mr.<00:03:04.360><c> Williams.</c> Mr.
Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer and pledge led by Todd Russell of ALCAP, followed by roll call showing 32 senators present, establishing a quorum. Senator Wagner moved to excuse absent senators and to dispense with reading the previous day’s journal; both motions were adopted without objection. No bills were introduced during the bill introduction segment. Under committee reports, the Committee on County and Municipal Government reported House Bill 1 favorably by a vote of 6 yeas and 3 nays. The bill concerns primary elections and would authorize a special primary election for congressional districts affected by a federal court ruling, require the governor to call such an election under certain conditions, set an election calendar, and address qualification of affected candidates. The title was read, and the bill received second reading and was placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. After committee reports concluded, Senator Gudger moved to adjourn until 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, and the Senate adjourned by voice vote. Before adjournment, the presiding officer recognized special guests in the gallery, including fourth graders from Springville Elementary, guests of Senator Bell.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice May 19th, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Ms. Moore.
  • Thank you, Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred. The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.
FL
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 12, 2025 - 10:15 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
Summary: The subcommittee heard a lengthy presentation on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ I-Connect system, based on an ILAB assessment of the platform’s performance and requirements. ILAB said the system provides useful centralized records, reporting, compliance support, and audit trails, but users described it as cumbersome, outdated, and inefficient, with excessive manual entry, weak navigation, limited notifications, no mobile app, poor printing/export options, and performance issues. ILAB also said the original 2013-era requirements were too high-level and that only a portion of the requirements could be verified, with some features de-scoped or never implemented. Their recommendations included better integration with electronic health record systems, improved performance monitoring, electronic signatures, OCR, and more modern export and verification tools. Public testimony from providers and advocates echoed those concerns. A support coordination provider said the system is nicknamed “I Disconnect,” described problems with EVV/GPS sign-ins, lengthy support plans, lack of a phone app, and possible HIPAA concerns. Another advocate said the system should have preserved family access to records and criticized the need for providers to use workarounds and additional software. APD staff said the agency has spent about $19.7 million through FY 2023-24, has regular build updates under the current contract with WellSky, and uses an internal help desk and vendor ticketing process to triage bugs versus enhancement requests. They said some issues are handled case-by-case, critical tickets have SLAs, and the agency is working on interoperability and other requested improvements. Members questioned whether the system should be fixed or replaced, whether the original contract and SaaS arrangement were sufficient, and whether the state received value for the money spent. APD said the system went live in phases and that all functionality was in place by June 2024, while ILAB and members noted significant technical debt and unresolved gaps. The committee also discussed record retention, provider access to records after a consumer changes providers, and whether federal funding or compliance could be affected. The meeting ended with broader budget remarks emphasizing completion over expansion, stronger upfront planning for technology projects, and more accountability before funding new systems or major enhancements.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session May 21st, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Ms. Bonta.
  • Thank you, Ms. Rubio.
  • Thank you, Ms. Irwin.
  • Thank you, Ms. Bonta.
  • Thank you, Ms. Patel.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/23/26

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms.<00:15:24.360><c> Stuckey.</c> Ms. Stuckey. Ms. Stuckey.
  • But as Ms.
  • But as Ms.
  • But as Ms. Levinson Falk and Senator But as Ms.
  • Ms.<01:00:50.360><c> Sieversen.</c> Ms. Sieversen. Ms. Sieversen.
Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs Mar 31st, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Ms. Baker.
  • Ms. Smith, thank you.
  • Thank you, Ms. Smith.
  • Thank you, Ms. Hannah. Mr.
  • Thank you, Ms. Farris. We also have, to provide information if needed, Ms.
Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs
Summary: The committee met on March 31 with a quorum present and heard three bills by Representative Bacala. House Bill 205 sought to increase compensation for election commissioners, with the author and several clerks of court and commissioners testifying that pay had not changed in 19 years despite greater responsibilities, longer hours, and additional training tied to election security and new voting systems. To avoid a state fiscal note, the committee adopted amendment set 2855, which removed the base pay increase and instead allowed parish governing authorities to provide a supplemental payment of up to $100 for commissioners in charge and those who complete instruction. The bill was then reported favorably. House Bill 67 addressed protected information for certain public officials and aligned the rules for clerks of court with those already applied to the Secretary of State’s office. The author described it as a technical correction to prior legislation governing what personal information may be published or removed. Stephen Procopio of PAR raised broader concerns about transparency, possible constitutional issues, and inconsistent treatment of information depending on the source, suggesting the law may need a larger review. The committee did not amend the bill and reported it favorably. House Bill 73 would allow local public bodies to vote by electronic voting machine, so long as the vote is publicly displayed, instead of being limited to voice votes. Bacala said the change was intended to clarify that electronic in-place voting is permissible and does not affect quorum, proxy voting, or remote participation. Representatives asked about whether members and the public must be able to see the vote and whether the bill changed existing procedures; the author said it did not. Support came from local government associations, and the bill was reported favorably.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Mar 26th, 2026

Judiciary

CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jul 8th, 2025

Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Motion by Ms. Ortega. Is there a second? Seconded by Ms. Pellerin. Secretary, please call the roll.
  • Moved by Ms. Pellarine. Is there a second? Seconded by Ms. Irwin. Secretary, please call the roll.
  • Ms. McKinnor, it is regulated under AB 45, Ms. Aguirre-Curry's bill from a few years ago.
  • Ms. Irwin? Ms. Irwin? Do we have all your votes? Yeah, we do. Okay. Okay.
  • Ms. Irwin? Ms. Irwin? Do we have all your votes? Yeah, we do. Okay. Okay.
Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection
Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard several bills focused on AI, health privacy, digital assets, and cannabis enforcement. SB 69 by Senator McNerney would create an AI-focused team within the Department of Justice to build expertise on civil rights, public safety, and consumer protection issues tied to AI; supporters said California needs in-house technical and legal capacity, and the bill drew no opposition. SB 81 by Senator Arreguín would codify hospital and health-facility protections limiting immigration enforcement access and disclosure of patient citizenship status absent a judicial warrant; nurses, immigrant-rights groups, hospitals, labor, and many local and advocacy organizations supported it, while no opposition was heard. SB 97 by Senator Grayson would update California’s digital financial assets law with technical clarifications developed with DFPI, industry, and consumer groups; it was described as a consensus bill with no opposition. SB 243 by Senator Padilla would regulate AI companion chatbots by requiring disclosures, limits on addictive engagement, and crisis-response protocols for self-harm or suicidal ideation, with a private right of action; the bill was strongly supported by the mother of a teen who died by suicide after interacting with a chatbot, while TechNet, CalChamber, CCIA, EFF, and CJAC opposed it over scope, definitions, First Amendment concerns, and cost. SB 378 by Senator Wiener would let consumers seek civil penalties against online marketplaces that advertise illicit intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products; supporters argued it would protect public health and the legal cannabis market, while hemp and tech groups warned it could sweep in lawful hemp products and needed narrower definitions. After quorum was established, the committee voted all five bills out: SB 69 passed 14-0, SB 81 passed 11-3, SB 97 passed 13-0, SB 243 passed 11-1, and SB 378 passed 13-0.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/18/26 - Evening Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, maybe Ms. used in every precinct. So, maybe Ms.
  • Thank you, Ms. Freeman. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Freeman. Uh<00:37:34.800><c> Mr.
  • Um, would Ms. Freeman be willing to ask Ms.
  • Ms.<00:47:20.400><c> Freeman.</c> Ms. Freeman. Ms. Freeman.
  • </c> Ms.<00:49:31.400><c> Freeman.</c> Ms. Freeman. Ms. Freeman.
Summary: The committee first took up HF 2526 and received a walkthrough of the DE1 amendment from nonpartisan staff. The amendment revised the bill’s gift and ethics provisions by defining local government and public safety officer, narrowing covered mental health or wellness services to those provided by a qualified mental health professional and tied to recovery from a traumatic event, excluding luxury services or events as determined by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, and allowing local governments to adopt additional gift restrictions. It also added a bribery-related provision for gifts made with intent to influence a public safety officer. Members noted the language had been worked on by Representatives Duran, Vernig, and Freiberg, and the DE1 was adopted unanimously. HF 2526, as amended, then passed to the floor on a voice vote. The committee then turned to HF 3722, which would remove deceased voters from the state voter registration system. The bill author argued that deceased voters should not remain on the rolls and that removing them would clean up the voter list. Secretary of State staff testified in opposition, saying deceased voters are already kept in a separate deceased status, not on active rolls, and that retaining the record helps flag suspicious activity and preserves voter history in case of administrative error. A second testifier described a real case in which a deceased voter’s retained record helped election officials identify and investigate a fraudulent ballot. After discussion, the committee tabled HF 3722. Finally, the committee heard HF 3723, which would require additional verification for absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voters. Supporters said the bill would help ensure ballots are not sent to people who have died or moved out of state. Secretary of State staff opposed the bill, saying most voters are already verified at registration, that the proposed checks would duplicate existing procedures, and that additional verification could create delays or false rejections. A testifier also objected to the bill’s effective date, saying it would take effect only days after absentee voting begins. The sponsor argued that voters remain on the permanent list indefinitely and that periodic verification is needed because people move or die; the committee did not reach a final vote in the portion provided.
ID
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Mar 10th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • So let's begin with Ms. Brooke Dupree.
  • Ms. Figuero, please call the roll.
  • Ms. Figuero, please. Alternates, let's go ahead and vote on this one then. Ms.
  • Ms. Poloni. Mr.
  • Ms. Bisharat, please continue. Mr.
Summary: The committee first considered Idaho Transportation Department budgets. It approved additional dedicated and federal funding for Transportation Services, Division of Motor Vehicles, Highway Operations, and Contract Construction and Right-of-Way Acquisition, including money for deferred maintenance, airfield improvements, replacement items, IT hardware, roadside tree removal, highway operations, and a capital transfer for right-of-way and construction. The committee also adopted several pieces of language, including reappropriation authority and accounting-correction language for ITD, and all of these items received due pass recommendations. The Department of Agriculture budget was then reviewed. The committee approved a FY 2026 supplemental for invasive species/quagga mussel treatment and a separate deficiency appropriation for pest monitoring and control. It also approved FY 2027 enhancement funding for replacement items and IT hardware, along with reappropriation language for the Resilient Food Systems Grant. The State Liquor Division budget followed, and the committee approved funding for inflation adjustments, replacement items, and IT/security equipment, but rejected proposed language directing the division to report on energy and utility rebates after the Senate failed to support it. Next, the committee took up the Secretary of State’s budget. Members debated a substitute motion that would have reduced the office’s base budget and added a voter pamphlet appropriation, but that substitute failed. The original motion then passed, funding a one-time voter pamphlet appropriation and an internal personnel transfer, while leaving out the office’s IT replacement request. The Secretary of State testified that additional cuts would slow business filings and election-related work, noting the office had already absorbed a significant rescission. Finally, the Office of the State Public Defender budget was considered. The committee approved funding for six additional trial attorney positions, data migration and storage, ITS replacement items, and health benefit costs, with the agency explaining that its recent transition and high fill rate made the standard health-benefit calculation inaccurate. The meeting concluded with notice of the next day’s budget-setting agenda and adjournment.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Education 2ND REVISED Apr 28th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Chair, with your permission, I'd like to have Ms. Frazier address the committee. Ms.
  • Chair, with your permission, I'd like to have Ms. Frazier address the committee. Ms.
  • Chair, with your permission, I'd like Ms. Meadows to address the committee. Ms.
Committee: Senate Education
Summary: The Extended Education Committee met to consider a long slate of gubernatorial nominations and reappointments to education-related boards and commissions. The committee heard brief introductions from sponsoring senators and remarks from nominees for the Oklahoma Lottery Commission, State Board of Career and Technology Education, Regional University System of Oklahoma, State Board of Education, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, the Secretary of Education, several university and college boards, the Oklahoma Student Loan Authority, the State Textbook Committee, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the Langston University board, among others. Many nominees emphasized their backgrounds in public education, higher education, business, agriculture, health care, or community service, and several acknowledged family members or institutional leaders present in the room. A few nominations drew questions or discussion. John Wesley Nofire was asked about working with the State Board of Education and about the social studies standards process, and he explained the board followed statutory public-comment procedures and made changes before final adoption. Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin received supportive comments from multiple senators, who praised his data-driven approach and urged that he be retained by future administrations. Michael McElroy, Brian Beller, Christopher Franklin, Dr. Michael Peck, and others also answered questions about the role of their boards and their experience with the institutions they would oversee. The committee voted on each nomination, with most receiving unanimous approval and a few passing with one or two dissenting votes. Notable vote totals included David McKenzie and Michael McElroy passing 9-2 and 10-1 respectively, while the rest of the nominees generally passed 8-0, 9-0, 10-0, or 11-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members for their work on the large number of executive nominations and announced that the committee was adjourned for the year.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Business meeting to consider pending calendar business; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:30 am

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms. Hyde-Smith. Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Hoven, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Wyden. Ms. Cantwell, Ms. Serrano, Mr.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Business meeting to consider the nomination of Arielle Roth, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Keywords: state policy, governance, legislative processes, public concerns, policy improvement
Summary: During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Natural Resources and Environment May 6th, 2026

Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms. Winn. We're going to take up Senate Bill 229. Ms. Winkler, could you please read that in?
  • Ms. Winkler. Yes, sir.
  • Thank you, Ms. Winkler.
  • Thank you, Ms. Winkler.
  • Ms.
Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • If Ms.
  • We're going to try to go ahead and get Ms. Mayhorn back up. Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
  • Ms.
HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Thu Apr 16, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 45

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms. Amato? >> Here. Ms. Belatti? >> Present. Mr. Chun? >> Here. Ms. Cochran? >> Here. Mr. Evslin?
  • Ms. Grandinetti? >> Here. Ms. Hartsfield? >> Here. Mr. Hashem? >> Here. Mr. Hussey? >> Here. Ms.
  • Ms. Iwamoto? >> Here. Ms. Kahaloa? >> Here. Ms. Kapela? >> Here. Ms. Kokubun Leong? >> Here. Mr.
  • Ms. Lowen? >> Here. Ms. Martin? >> Here. Mr. Matayoshi? >> Here. Ms. Matsumoto? >> Present. Mr.
  • Ms. Poepoe? >> Here. Mr. Quinlan? Ms. Rhoads Oda? Mr. Ratcliffe? Mr. Sayama? Mr. Shimizu? Ms.
Bills: SCR48 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR62 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR147 , SCR179 , SCR182 , SCR59 , SCR54 , SCR180
ID
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Jan 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ms. Jessup will give an overview of the hearing process. Ms.
  • Then Ms.
  • Chair, and Ms. Wolfe. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and Ms. Wolf.
  • Chair and Ms.
  • Ms. Ory. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Ory. Sorry, Wolf, Ms. Wolf.
Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee opened the session with roll call, confirmed a quorum, and introduced new members, staff, and pages. Co-chairs and staff then reviewed JFAC’s role as the legislature’s main budget committee, the committee’s daily schedule, and the resources available through legislative staff, the impact team, and the newly released 2026 Legislative Budget Book and related budget tools. The committee received a detailed briefing from the Division of Financial Management on the JFAC calendar and then from Governor’s Budget Director Lori Wolf on the governor’s FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget recommendations. Wolf said the budget is balanced but tight, relying on a mix of ongoing reductions and one-time actions rather than reserve fund transfers. Major budget actions included a 3% ongoing reduction across most state agencies, reversions of certain one-time balances to the general fund, no recommended pay increase for state employees or teachers, and higher employee health insurance costs. The budget also proposed reductions or policy changes in Medicaid, virtual school funding, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, and some transportation and water-related funds, while preserving funding for public safety, education, water, and transportation priorities. Members questioned the assumptions behind the budget, especially the projected ending balances, the use of one-time transfers, the impact of rising health insurance costs on employees, the effect of Medicaid cuts on services and cost shifts, and the rationale for reductions to online education and IDLA. Several members also asked about the proposed federal tax conformity changes, including the timing of implementation and the treatment of Idaho’s existing R&E tax credit. Wolf said the conformity estimate was based on Tax Commission analysis and that the administration was not recommending use of the budget stabilization fund. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee concluded by noting that the Economic Outlook Committee would meet later in the week and that JFAC would continue budget hearings the next day.