Transcript Highlights:

• So our public airports are funded by a fuel tax.
• That tax is to maintain the airport.
• So our public airports are funded by a fuel tax.
• That tax is to maintain the airport.
• You know, your taxes are X, whatever that is, right?

Committees: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development , House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The committee took up several agriculture-related bills and heard testimony on each. HB 715 by Representative Dezotel would require aerial applicators using public airports or landing fields to carry radios and transponders for safety; after a technical amendment was adopted, the bill was reported favorably. HB 663 by Vice Chairman Travis Johnson would update the board makeup of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District by removing certain ex officio members and reducing the board from 24 to 23; amendments were adopted and the bill was reported favorably. HB 717 by Representative Schamberhorn would increase and clarify labeling requirements for cell-cultured food products, including a larger, more visible font size; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably with support from committee members and witnesses. The committee also considered HB 834 by Representative McMahon, a local-control bill on animal shelters and stray animals. A large amendment package of 23 amendments was adopted, revising hold periods, ownership transfer rules, local government discretion, liability protections, and the role of nonprofit or designated shelters. Testimony from the author, Police Jury Association representatives, and Michelle Hall emphasized that the bill is intended to fix a legal gap so shelters can transfer ownership to adopters, while preserving local control and limiting liability for good-faith actions. The bill was reported favorably with amendments. The committee then heard from Louisiana 4-H and FFA student leaders, who described how those programs developed leadership, public speaking, and agricultural career goals. Members responded with personal reflections and praise for the programs’ impact on rural youth and future agricultural leadership. Finally, the committee took up sunset review legislation: SB 349 to recreate the Department of Agriculture and Forestry was reported favorably, and SB 350, a technical change to the Louisiana Soybean Association/soybean board structure, was also reported favorably. Commissioner Mike Strain then began a lengthy presentation on the department’s functions, programs, boards, and commissions, but no further action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> um uh around wind production tax um uh around wind production tax incentives<00:18:27.840><c> which
• Whether it's property taxes, whether that's sales tax on energy, billions of dollars that this body puts
• Whether it's property taxes, whether that's sales tax on energy, billions of dollars that this body puts
• </c><00:31:14.960><c> sales</c><00:31:15.279><c> tax</c> property taxes, whether that's sales tax property
• taxes, whether that's sales tax on<00:31:15.760><c> energy,</c><00:31:16.640><c> billions</c><00:31:

Summary: The committee heard House File 76, as amended by the adopted A1 amendment, and the chair moved the bill to be re-referred to the general register. The bill would limit the amount investor-owned utilities can charge ratepayers for executive compensation, capping recoverable pay for the top 10 executives at the governor’s salary. Representative Greenman argued the measure would protect customers from paying for lavish executive pay and said it would not affect what executives are paid, only what can be recovered from ratepayers. She cited recent Public Utilities Commission action and ongoing rate cases as evidence the issue is real and recurring. Supportive testimony came from a Minneapolis resident describing financial hardship and rising utility bills, a local worker who said customers have no choice of utility provider and should not fund monopoly executive pay, and advocates from the Energy and Policy Institute and Utility Reform Now, who said ratepayers should not subsidize excessive compensation and that the bill is a targeted reform. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy opposed the bill’s premise by defending the current regulatory process. Their representatives said the PUC already reviews executive compensation in rate cases, generally allows only limited recovery, and has used that process for decades. Xcel also emphasized its affordability programs and said executives help secure savings and investments for customers. Members discussed whether the legislature should set a bright-line rule or leave the issue to the PUC. Representative Greenman said the bill is needed because the PUC process can take years and the legislature should establish a clear standard for all investor-owned utilities. Some members supported the bill as a response to an affordability crisis and the lack of consumer choice, while others said the legislature should focus on broader energy-cost issues and existing regulatory tools. The committee did not take a final vote on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was moved for re-referral to the general register.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was an increase to the fuel tax by six cents, and it inflates 2% a year.
• collect, or a combination of sales tax and the fare box that they have.
• So if you purchase that, you now have to be charged sales tax or add on a sales tax.
• Is that exempt from sales tax?
• taxed.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee began with a transportation budget and revenue overview from Haley Gamble and Brian Moore. They reviewed the 2025-27 adopted transportation budget, noting $15.5 billion in expenditures, with the Department of Transportation making up the largest share. They said the 2025 session’s new revenues, including the fuel tax increase and other fee changes, allowed the committee to move from projected structural deficits to a balanced four-year plan, while preserving major programs such as culverts, ferry timing adjustments, highway preservation, and local maintenance funding. They also discussed updated revenue forecasts, including a modest downward revision in fuel consumption and uncertainty around some revenue sources, but said overall revenues remain stronger than previously projected. Committee members asked for more detail on dedicated funds, regional fuel tax patterns, and whether preservation needs could be supported through bonding. The committee then heard a remote presentation from Dr. Jessica Chichino of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on traffic safety trends and countermeasures. She described the group’s “30 by 30” goal to reduce traffic fatalities 30% by 2030, citing increases in deaths for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and comparing U.S. fatality rates unfavorably with other high-income countries. Her presentation emphasized speed management, impaired driving enforcement, safer roadway design, and pedestrian protections such as lower speed limits, speed cameras, traffic calming, roundabouts, better lighting, and pedestrian beacons. She also highlighted research showing that larger vehicles increase pedestrian risk and discussed Bellevue pilot projects using smart signal technology that reduced near misses. No action was taken on the presentation. In the final work session item, Barb Chamberlain of WSDOT and Justin Leighton of the Washington State Transit Association discussed potential transit and active transportation grant programs that had been proposed but not enacted in 2025. Chamberlain explained how new grant programs require runway time, staff capacity, and clear program design, and contrasted “projects first, funding after” with “funding first, projects after” approaches. She addressed the proposed Senior Transportation Emphasis Program and regional trails/cycle highways concepts, noting questions about eligibility, scoring, and how such projects would fit with existing active transportation and preservation work. Leighton reviewed the state’s transit grant portfolio and argued that a transit safety and security grant could help agencies fund operator barriers, lighting, shelters, behavioral health support, and non-uniformed security staff. He also raised concerns about sales tax treatment of security contracts, staffing shortages, federal uncertainty, CDL non-domicile issues, and long procurement timelines for buses. The committee asked questions about definitions, program purpose, and implementation challenges, but did not take any votes or formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the set-aside amount from severance tax bond dollars, but... And that works for the...
• No property tax revenue, no TRT revenue, nothing.
• And we're doing it responsibly, using existing ASECIA funds with no new taxes.
• Tax assessment map.
• Rather than paying taxes, they're not going to make some money on these líneas.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's see, do you have any questions on that, as far as the tax protest goes?
• The first item that you touched on, Kendra, was the tax protest. This is a property tax exemption.
• Yes, you're protesting the assessor's or the treasurer's property tax bill.
• It also sets policy for counties as far as taxes go.
• We lost about 92,000 acres to back taxes, so we had to sell plenty of our property to pay those taxes

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I mean we're not looking to raise taxes.
• </c><00:07:56.800><c> by</c><00:07:56.960><c> another</c> Taxes and fees were raised by another Taxes
• increases nor tax cuts.
• </c> Senate DFL agreed to neither tax Senate DFL agreed to neither tax increases<00:20:38.559><c> nor
• </c> increases nor tax cuts. increases nor tax cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Sarah" "You're sick or need care, uh, and your employer pays half of the payroll taxes."
• Taxes. Will it be going to jobs? Okay. But going to Taxes first? I think it should end in Jobs.
• Verbaton, would you like to move that Senate File 2360, as amended, be approved and re-referred to Tax
• approved and uh as amended be um approved and re-referred<00:20:07.120><c> to</c><00:20:07.440><c> tax
• </c> re-referred to tax to the tax committee? re-referred to tax to the tax committee?

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Relative to tax policy as well in Massachusetts, right?
• How the business community views our tax policies.
• of millions in tax revenue for the Commonwealth each year.
• of millions in tax revenue for the Commonwealth each year.
• And your tax at an 80 to 90 percent tax rate because there's an IRS code called 280E, and you can't deduct

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public FY27 budget hearing at Barnstable Town Hall, with opening remarks emphasizing the Cape and Islands’ seasonal infrastructure, housing, transportation, workforce, and digital needs. The hearing began with testimony from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, which outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s budget priorities for job training, apprenticeship, youth employment, reentry programs, and unemployment insurance modernization. The secretary highlighted proposed funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, YouthWorks, reentry workforce development, and services for young adults with disabilities, along with a proposal to streamline youth work permits. Members also discussed the unemployment trust fund, the COVID assessment on employers, rising unemployment, and the need to improve DUA customer service and claims processing. Committee members asked about job seeker barriers such as child care, housing, transportation, and out-migration of young workers, as well as how to keep Cape Cod graduates and seasonal workers in the region. The administration said its strategy is to pair training with broader affordability investments and to expose students to career pathways earlier, including through middle school, early childhood STEM, YouthWorks, pre-apprenticeships, and Building Pathways. Senators and representatives also raised concerns about regional funding disparities, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, and the administration said it is reviewing MassHire funding and service equity through a policy committee and statewide workforce board. On unemployment assistance, officials reported major improvements in wait times and claims processing, but said they are still working through backlogs and staffing challenges while maintaining program integrity. The committee then heard testimony from the Executive Office of Economic Development. The secretary described House 2 as a fiscally restrained budget with no new taxes or fees, while preserving core programs and using the Mass Leads Act tools to support competitiveness. EOED’s proposal included funding for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, social enterprise operating grants, regional economic development organizations, the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, Community Workforce Partnerships, Pathmaker, advanced manufacturing training, life sciences, innovation vouchers, AI initiatives, small business assistance, and tourism and live theater support. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation also testified on its FY27 request, focusing on consumer protection, licensing, banking, insurance, and public safety regulation. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:26.720><c> after</c> that's the revenue that we tax after that's the revenue that we tax after
• And the transition is separate from the tax rate, and I am of the belief that at a 45% tax rate they
• And the transition is separate from the tax rate, and I am of the belief that at a 45% tax rate they
• So, and the transition is separate from the tax rate, and I am of the belief that at a 45% tax rate they
• </c><00:26:50.960><c> rate</c> just had disagreements on the tax rate just had disagreements on the tax

Summary: The committee first heard Representative Sweeney present and defend the budget amendment legalizing video lottery terminals (VLTs) and setting a 30% tax rate, with 65% of the tax going to the state and 35% to charities. He argued the lower rate was needed to encourage operators of historic horse racing (HHR) machines to convert to VLTs, saying the higher 45% rate would discourage adoption. He walked through revenue projections for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, estimating significant increases in state and charity revenue as machines transition over time, and said the amendment was designed to expand charitable gaming revenue overall. Several members questioned the assumptions behind his projections and the basis for his analysis, including why his independent research differed from the governor’s and Lottery Commission’s estimates. Sweeney said his figures were based on research into other states and conversations over many years, and he maintained that a 45% tax would likely result in no VLT adoption. Members also debated whether the transition costs for operators would be quickly recouped and whether the state’s share should be larger. One member emphasized that the committee was effectively choosing between a lower operator share and a higher state share, while Sweeney argued the 30% structure would produce revenue for everyone. The committee then moved to other revenue items on the tracking sheet. It voted 7-0 to accept the Lottery Commission’s revised base revenue estimates. Members also discussed an amendment to repeal the local option requirement for Kino games, which would expand Kino availability and was estimated to generate additional lottery profit in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. That amendment drew opposition from members who said local control was an important part of the original Kino policy and that removing it would override municipal decisions. The committee also noted that the VLT/HHR revenue item had already been adopted and was being revisited only to confirm the associated revenue estimates.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fail to extend the enhanced premium tax fail to extend the enhanced premium tax credits,<01:08:28.000
• credit through the state income tax year 2034.
• House Bill state income tax year 2034.
• credit through income contribution tax credit through income tax<02:11:10.079><c> year</c><02:11:10.320
• </c> tax year 2030. tax year 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• rates and they had to lower the amount of taxes.
• That was basically then-Governor Bush's tax relief. program.
• And by the way, that's tax relief.
• , you're providing real tax relief, and number two, you're helping your schools and your property. tax
• Cities, this is your tax base. declining educated workforce.

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I mean, the statutory program set up tax credits, and to the extent the tax credits were funded
• I mean, they're tax credits. I realize there's a tax credit, defer a tax obligation.
• But I give to private things, and I file it and I get a tax credit, or a tax reduction.
• Private things and I file it and I get a tax credit, or a tax reduction.
• We use our taxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is still a tax to them. This them. It is still a tax to them.
• We'll just ask for more taxes and get those fees, those taxes that identify as not fees, those taxes
• that identify as not taxes, but really are taxes."
• ><c> not</c> fees, those taxes that identify as not fees, those taxes that identify as not taxes,<02:
• </c> taxes, but really are taxes." taxes, but really are taxes."

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> about how a bill that can change the tax about how a bill that can change the tax code<00:11:54.560
• </c><03:52:15.279><c> to</c> the very government they pay taxes to the very government they pay taxes
• tax increase next year. Okay.
• </c> everyone's taxes go up. everyone's taxes go up.
• A state is doing a provider tax.

Bills: HB1804 , HB1642 , HB1621 , HB1634 , HR789 , HR787 , HB1816 , HB3490 , SB160

Keywords: 7(a) loan program, Small Business Administration, SBA, small business lending, loan brokers, loan consultants, referral agents, loan intermediaries, fraud oversight, transparency, reporting requirements, loan fees, referral fees, interest rates, business financing, small business loans, lender oversight, application assistance, Congressional reporting, small business

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:30:45.159><c> and</c> the state so we uh collect taxes and the state so we uh collect taxes and
• </c> wage reports from employers those taxes wage reports from employers those taxes that<01:30:48.719
• quarterly tax and wage reports they're paying<04:52:56.280><c> the</c><04:52:56.520><c> tax</c><04:52
• </c> their Federal Unemployment uh tax their Federal Unemployment uh tax obligation<04:53:05.558><c>
• </c> their federal unemployment tax their federal unemployment tax obligation<04:55:17.718><c> um</c>

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• for the tax credit.
• for the tax credit.
• This one just has the tax credit, the obsolete tax credit piece, correct? That is correct.
• This one just has the tax credit, the obsolete tax credit piece, correct? That is correct.
• income tax deduction.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 123-0. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize National Police Week, honor fallen officers, and offer extended tributes to departing colleagues and a departing representative, followed by numerous introductions of special guests, interns, students, and visiting groups from schools and universities. The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports before taking up House Bill 1839, 2921, and 3015 together. The sponsor described the measure as a technical correction to online age-verification language related to pornography, and members noted the bill had already passed the House and Senate overwhelmingly. The House concurred in Senate Amendment 1 by a vote of 104-30, then adopted the conference/TAFP motion and finally passed the package 112-25. Members next considered House Bill 2596 in conference committee. The sponsor explained the bill as a small-business health plan measure that also included a negotiated amendment expanding private insurance coverage for contraception from a six-month to a 12-month supply, while removing Senate-added blood pressure cuff language and adding a severability clause. After debate about the process and policy, the House adopted the conference report 120-26 and then third-read and passed the bill 119-27. The final major item was Senate Bill 905, creating the Missouri Ranger training program to allow school districts, if they choose, to place specially trained personnel with narrow law-enforcement powers in schools. Debate focused heavily on school safety, local control, funding, training, and whether armed personnel in schools would help or harm students. Supporters argued it would provide an optional, low-cost safety tool, especially for districts without school resource officers; opponents argued it would escalate fear, resemble a prison environment, and fail to address mental health and other root causes. The House moved the previous question, adopted the amendment, and continued debate on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair Avila: GOOD AFTERNOON, THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND TAX WILL NOW COME TO ORDER.
• Collins: THE BILL IS THE MOTOR VEHICLE PACKAGE, IT BRINGS FLORIDA INTO COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL TAX
• WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PROPERTY TAXES WERE CAPPED AND INCENTIVIZE FOLKS TO ELEVATE THEIR HOMES.
• THE TWO BIGGEST FORECAST CHANGES WERE SALES TAX AND EARNINGS ON INVESTMENT.
• THAT GENERATES TAX COLLECTIONS.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so do you feel like there is any risk to doing tax increment financing?
• When property taxes are distributed, if you've taken out the property taxes from something that is actually
• Our chief concerns include and center on the tax increment financing proposal.
• Our chief concerns include and center on the tax increment financing proposal.
• I understand the concerns of the tax increment financing.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 draft business plan, with testimony from the authority, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and the High-Speed Rail Inspector General. Chair Cortese framed the hearing around the project’s recent changes: a new CEO, revised delivery strategy, proposed station and scope changes in the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment, the loss of major federal funds, and the authority’s push for private investment and ancillary revenue. He also raised concerns about financing risks, the proposed changes to the initial operating segment, and the Inspector General’s finding that the draft plan may be missing required statutory elements. Authority CEO Ian Chaudhry said the project is now in a more disciplined phase, citing major construction progress in the Central Valley, near-completion of right-of-way and utility work, and plans to begin track and systems procurement. He said the authority expects the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment to be completed around 2032-33, with broader Phase 1 service later, and argued that design optimization, direct procurement, and public-private partnerships could reduce costs and attract private capital. He also described plans for ancillary revenue from real estate, broadband, energy, and logistics, and said the authority is discussing station locations and value-capture tools with local governments rather than locking them in yet. Several senators questioned the legality and practicality of tax increment financing, utility relocation authority, transparency, and whether the project’s revised scope still meets high-speed rail standards and public expectations. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the draft plan assumes major statutory changes, including changes to station locations and scope, and warned that the plan’s cost and schedule estimates depend on assumptions that may not materialize. LAO said the plan lacks transparency because it does not clearly disclose the assumed station changes, and it questioned whether even the shorter segment can be delivered within existing funding once borrowing costs and other risks are included. The office also noted uncertainty around future greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues and said ancillary revenues are not yet credit-worthy for financing. The Inspector General’s office said the draft business plan does not appear to meet several statutory requirements, including requirements added in AB 377, and reiterated that the final plan must address those omissions. Chaudhry said the authority would respond to the OIG’s findings in the final business plan and committed to resolving the compliance issues before final adoption.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nobody likes to pay tax, me either.
• But for this instance, we would be increasing tax. You know.
• I see this is another line item on your property tax statement.
• In fact, for what it's worth, I'll give some tax advice.
• , Is 15.3% of self-employment tax.

Bills: LB815A , LB838A , LB912A , LB972A , LB1126A , LB962A , LB1114 , LB921 , LB937 , LB803 , LB803A , LB1032 , LB1032A , LB1075 , LB1075A , LB889 , LB878 , LB933 , LB304 , LB304A , LB1096 , LB1096A , LB1165 , LB1165A , LB958 , LB958A , LB762 , LB1187 , LB966 , LB929 , LB962 , LB753 , LB788 , LB913 , LB1055 , LB1195 , LB429 , LB721 , LB722 , LB727 , LB743 , LB745 , LB749 , LB778 , LB787

Transcript Highlights:

• Percent hotel occupancy tax.
• The tax is collected by a Shreveport-Bossier Tourism Bureau.
• Just to clarify, this is not a new tax.
• This is just a renewal of a tax that was already put in place, correct?
• It clarifies how tax revenues should be collected.

Summary: The House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee heard and advanced a series of local and statewide measures. SB 430 would renew, every 12 years by voter approval, the Shreveport-Bossier hotel occupancy tax that supports tourism and sports-related entities; SB 286 updates the New Orleans Downtown Development District statute by clarifying its status as a political subdivision, streamlining tax collection, removing staggered board terms, and clarifying bond-election boundaries; SB 198 requires government projects in historic districts to follow local historic district guidelines for new construction; and SB 172 expands a planning-commission provision so smaller municipalities can waive certain subdivision formalities and costly studies in limited family land-split situations. Each of these bills was described as largely technical or permissive, with supporters emphasizing efficiency, local control, or reduced costs. The committee also advanced SB 439 to add pre-screening for esophageal/Barrett’s esophageal cancer for firefighters and fire service employees, with firefighters’ representatives explaining the test can detect pre-cancerous cells and prevent later, more serious cancer. SB 458 would allow a local tax for a proposed St. Tammany Parish Inspector General/ethics entity to be allocated and, if excess remains, transferred to the district attorney’s office; members discussed the parish-wide referendum process and the connection to state-required funding obligations. SB 447 changes Bossier City Police Department promotional seniority and civil service classification from competitive seniority to promotional seniority, and SB 281 expands the Baker Economic Development District boundary to include additional commercial areas near the airport and support blight removal and growth. Additional measures moved favorably included SB 385, which changes appointments to the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association board and allows City Park to opt out of certain state insurance coverage because it carries private insurance; HR 84, which urges Shreveport to create an interest-free loan program for TSA agents at the regional airport during federal shutdowns; and SB 417, which adds two members to the St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A board. In each case, the committee heard brief testimony from sponsors and local officials or advocates, asked clarifying questions, and then approved the bills without objection. One member, Representative Murray, recused himself from the City Park bill because of his board membership. The committee then took a short recess, noting a few remaining bills would be deferred if sponsors did not appear.