Transcript Highlights:

• Also presenting with me today, Major General Miguel Aguilar, the Adjutant General of the New Mexico National
• Primarily funded through a mix of state general fund and federal dollars.
• Thank you again, General, for. Being here with members of your team. We really appreciate it.
• I'll let the General get into what the details of exactly what that is.
• Now, the General. Thank you. Good afternoon, members of the committee.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So you should have one packet in front of you, and then a little handout with kind of an overview of
• Attorney General, go ahead. Good morning, Mr. Chair, members of the committee.
• into this sort of global arms race for lack of a better way of describing it.
• State, Commissioner of Public Lands, Attorney General, State Auditor and State Treasurer, is there an
• of February.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• 4 of the General Appropriation Act.
• So they can't magically get five additional percent of general fund or expand their general fund budget
• Five percent is really that maximum, and it's all of the other funding sources outside of general funding
• general fund appropriation to the Department of the Environment.
• We pay the bills out of the general fund.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• of the generating<01:27:19.120><c> facility.
• . it kind of generation New Hampshire. it kind of open<01:32:02.880><c> it</c><01:32:03.040><c> up.
• invest in distributed generation up to 6% of peak load.
• of statute, because in the case of a gas-fired generation plant it may not always exceed 60%.
• generators to operate at a minimum level of efficiency and meet minimum levels of emission standards

Summary: The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern. The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee. Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section, nurturing the next generation of Vermont attorneys.
• </c><00:09:22.160><c> of</c> practiced before three generations of practiced before three generations
• </c> which is generally a violation of the which is generally a violation of the judicial<00:26:22.400
• </c> with members of the General Assembly. with members of the General Assembly.
• > General</c><00:37:53.359><c> Assembly</c> Members of the General General Assembly Members of the General

Transcript Highlights:

• In December, the 15 operating riverboats generated adjusted gross receipts of $167,842,315.
• In December, the 15 operating riverboats generated adjusted gross receipts of $167,842,315.
• During December, the four racetrack facilities combined generated adjusted gross receipts of $26,895,154
• I'm Assistant Attorney General Catherine Langua, appearing on behalf of the Division.
• Board members, I'm Assistant Attorney General Catherine Langua, appearing on behalf of the Division.

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and received a revenue report showing continued growth across several gaming sectors. State police reported December riverboat AGR of $167.8 million, Caesars New Orleans revenue of $283,602, racetrack slot AGR of $26.9 million, video gaming net device revenue of $67.1 million, retail and mobile sports wagering totals of $24.7 million and $373 million respectively, and daily fantasy sports gross revenue of about $4.8 million. The board noted increases in year-to-date revenues and fees in multiple categories, including the impact of Bally’s Baton Rouge landside opening and gains in the Shreveport-Bossier and Lake Charles markets. The board then approved a second temporary certificate of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel through February 28, 2026. AVS and the Attorney General’s office reported that most life-safety deficiencies had been corrected, including repair and successful testing of the emergency generator system, but a final verification blackout drill still needed to be completed. The extension was granted to allow AVS to complete that inspection. The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises, Inc. for late filing of annual forms and fees required for its Type 6 video draw poker license. In the final item, the board heard Thomas Rasko’s appeal of a revocation decision involving his non-key gaming employee permit. After argument from both Rasko and the Division, the board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking the permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally speaking, the list of facts that the claimant must include in the claim is unchanged, but the
• Generally speaking, the list of facts that the claimant must include in the claim is unchanged, but the
• This amendment requires the Attorney General to meet and confer with the subject of an investigation
• The amendment authorizes the SIJ, upon petition of the Attorney General, to issue an order directing
• It requires the Office of the Attorney General to publish an annual report of how many of these civil

Summary: The committee heard Substitute Senate Bill 5520, which revises Washington’s wrongful conviction compensation law. Staff said the bill changes the proof standard for filing claims, expands treatment of Alford pleas, requires the Attorney General to concede qualifying claims in most cases, includes civil detention in compensation calculations, changes attorney fee provisions, and extends filing deadlines. The prime sponsor and supporters from the Washington Innocence Project and exonerees said the bill would reduce unnecessary relitigation and improve access to compensation, while one witness argued it would broaden eligibility and state costs. The bill was not acted on in the excerpt, but testimony was taken and questions focused on the term “actually innocent.” The committee then heard Senate Bill 5536 on property division in dissolution and legal separation cases, which would direct courts to consider real-estate sale costs, homelessness risk, and housing needs when dividing property and liabilities, and would clarify enforcement of real property orders. The sponsor said the bill is meant to make property divisions more equitable when one spouse must keep and later sell the family home. No public testimony was taken on the bill in the excerpt. In executive session, the committee considered Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5925 on Attorney General civil investigative demands. Members debated and voted on many amendments; most Republican-sponsored amendments were rejected, but Amendment 279, limiting use by the Criminal Justice Division, and Amendment 273, requiring consultation with local law enforcement in matters that may involve criminal violations, were adopted. The committee then passed the bill out with a do pass as amended recommendation by a 7-5 vote. The committee also heard and advanced Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6002 on automated license plate readers, adopting a striker and then passing the bill out 7-5 as amended, with members emphasizing privacy protections, retention limits, and limited law-enforcement uses while some members urged broader operational flexibility. Later, the committee took brief public testimony on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6086, which would let Administrative Office of the Courts security staff conduct threat assessments and expand Supreme Court bailiff authority; witnesses described rising threats to judges and court personnel. It also heard Senate Bill 5868 to add one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties, with local officials citing caseload growth and budget strain. Senate Joint Memorial 8006, urging restoration and expansion of the limited license legal technician program, drew support from a paralegal and victim advocate who said it would improve access to justice for domestic violence survivors. Finally, the committee considered Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5993 on medical debt interest rates, which would lower the interest cap on new medical debt and prohibit interest in certain circumstances; the bill was moved out of committee with a do pass recommendation in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:03.639><c> our</c> this generation of wealth to date our this generation of wealth to date
• Homeownership has felt out of reach for generations.
• The creation of a new revolving fund at MHFA would be the start of a self-generating housing system that
• The creation of a new revolving fund at MHFA would be the start of a self-generating housing system that
• The creation of a new revolving fund at MHFA would be the start of a self-generating housing system that

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• The General Fund makes up about 20% of the Enforcement Division budget; approximately $3 million of that
• general fund reductions million of general fund reductions contained<00:29:39.000><c> in</c><00:29:39.120
• ><c> off</c><00:30:37.000><c> of</c> the gener the revenue generated off of the gener the revenue generated
• :25.120><c> Revenue</c> also note that part of that Revenue also note that part of that Revenue generation
• The majority of the proposals are not from the general fund.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the expressions that shall be shown of harmony with the general character of the day that is
• She is a third-generation New Mexican, a professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law, and
• Speaker, General Lady, could you address that concern for me? Of course, Mr.
• To introduce newer generations, especially young professional generations of those.
• Especially young professional generations of those that wish to have a seat in this house because of

Bills: HB145 , HB164 , HJR6 , HR1 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB166 , HB295 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HB99 , HB206 , HB213 , HB270 , HJR5 , SB104 , SB193 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Transcript Highlights:

• If we're going to appropriate it for the general operations of state government, I think we ought to
• If we're going to appropriate it for the general operations of state government, I think we ought to
• If we're going to appropriate it for the general operations of state government, I think we ought to
• He said that if it can come out of the general fund, he'd be happy to have somebody amend that.
• Chairman, members of the committee. Thank you. Committee, any questions for the general?

Bills: HB0026 , HB0042 , HB0067 , HB0069

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committee. Deputy Attorney General Kevin Tong.
• Thank you. support of this um the general idea for support of this um the general idea for this<00:14
• , so all the revenues that are being generated are probably all off of the state leases or revocable
• Fund, and we generate about a million dollars a year off of those revenues.
• </c> container special fund instead of container special fund instead of General<01:03:36.960><c> funds

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated. The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on the right-hand side of this page, you see all the the different units that our formula generates
• Of teachers that you need in secondary education, which is generally more expensive to serve.
• Generally, mobility is also tied to some level of instability at home. And so those things.
• However, school districts generally aren't aware of how much money those students are generating in the
• Superintendents, PED work very closely as well as their office of special education and their general

Committee: House House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Deputy Attorney General Alyssa C. on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General.
• </c><00:10:41.560><c> the</c> general Alyssa c on behalf of the general Alyssa c on behalf of the Department
• </c><00:10:43.079><c> we</c> Department of the Attorney General we Department of the Attorney General
• of the Attorney General recommendation of the Attorney General in<00:20:01.440><c> their</c> in their
• <c> Department</c><01:41:15.000><c> of</c> Attorney General of the Department of Attorney General of

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused. The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided. The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is also a link on the front page of the General Court website to guide the public there for all
• link on the front page of the uh General<00:03:57.840><c> Court</c><00:03:58.200><c> website</c><00:03
• of 26 in the general fund at the end of 26 in the middle<00:10:51.279><c> of</c><00:10:51.399><c> a<
• 30th of about $113 million in the general fund.
• the general fund reductions lead to an equal amount of loss of federal funds, for those reasons and

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• when you generate it and again when it hits the grid off of a battery.
• What kind of project, energy generation project, is not recovered through rate base?
• To me, this looks like kind of a nonprofit generation model. Is that fair?
• There's been a lot of talk today about new nuclear power generation.
• You can sort of figure out generally what your return is going to be. It's understandable.

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• You pull money out of the general fund, there's this huge list of projects that aren't on MnDOT's to-do
• You pull money out of the general fund, there's this huge list of projects that aren't on MnDOT's to-do
• You pull money out of the general fund, there's this huge list of projects that aren't on MnDOT's to-do
• You pull money out of the general fund, there's this huge list of projects that aren't on MnDOT's to-do
• ><c> general</c><00:15:05.040><c> fund,</c><00:15:05.440><c> there's</c> money out of the general fund

Summary: House Republicans held a Transportation Committee press event to promote several bills they said would make driving cheaper and transportation more innovative. The main measures discussed were House File 3526, which would reduce vehicle tab fees; House File 3513, which would legalize automated driverless vehicles with regulatory guardrails; and a bill to consolidate metro-area bus operations and reduce administrative overhead and subsidies. They also said other transportation-related bills, including a school bus stop-arm clarification and a distracted-driving bill, were scheduled for the House floor on Monday. Representative Patti Anderson argued that Minnesota vehicle registration fees have become unaffordable, citing examples of high costs for newer and older vehicles, and said the state should roll fees back to pre-2023/2024 levels. On automated vehicles, Republicans said the bill had been revised after concerns from committee members, MnDOT, and stakeholders, adding a weight limit to avoid autonomous trucking, accessibility provisions for wheelchair users, a U.S.-based support person requirement, a labor/economic/congestion study, and tighter permitting. They said the bill should advance to the next committee and rejected delaying implementation for further study. On transit, Republicans said the metro has too many separate bus systems and that consolidation would save taxpayer money by cutting redundant service and administrative costs. They cited high per-ride subsidies and claimed combined reserve funds and reduced waste could save tens of millions of dollars. In questions, they defended using general-fund dollars for transportation, said the system benefits all residents, and argued that autonomous vehicles and related industries would create new opportunities even if some driving jobs are displaced. No formal votes were taken in the press event, though the speakers said they expected committee action on the automated-vehicle bill and that other bills would move to the floor or other committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, the only technology that is capable of doing backup for a period of time is diesel generators
• Right now, the only technology that is capable of doing backup for a period of time is diesel generators
• These costs reflect one quarter of an AAG.” “Attorney General for enforcing violations of the act.
• It shows an estimated impact to the Attorney General of $158,000 General Fund-State and $189,000 total
• It shows an anticipated impact to the Department of Commerce of $187,000 General Fund in fiscal year

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice rule and then heard House Bill 2521 on firearm background check fees. Staff explained that the bill would remove the $18 fee cap and allow Washington State Patrol to set fees based on actual program costs, which could be about $33 to $35 per check. Supporters said the change was needed to keep the background check system operating and avoid delays and layoffs; opponents argued it would burden lawful gun owners and amount to an unconstitutional tax or barrier to a constitutional right. No vote was taken in the hearing. Members then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language-accessible public programs, which would direct the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines, address interpreter and translator shortages, and require agency implementation reporting. Testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the need for consistent access for limited-English-proficient residents and the benefits for schools, families, and state services. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2479 on wage recovery, which would create a wage recovery fund to provide partial advance payments to low-wage workers with meritorious unpaid wage claims and adjust wage penalty provisions. Employers, labor advocates, and legal services representatives largely supported the bill as a bipartisan, worker-protection measure funded by penalties rather than the general fund. The committee next took up Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy tax incentives, which would replace existing property tax and excise tax provisions with a new state and local renewable energy excise tax structure and related grant programs for local governments and tribes. Counties, utilities, developers, and tribal representatives generally supported the bill’s goal of stabilizing tax treatment for renewable projects, though several witnesses said they wanted amendments to address rates, timing, and late-stage project impacts. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5932 on alternative jet fuel incentives, which would change the timing and duration of existing tax preferences; supporters said it would provide certainty for emerging sustainable aviation fuel projects, while one refinery sought clarification and a broader county threshold. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, directing the Department of Agriculture to monitor food system performance and develop a statewide food security strategy. Agricultural groups, grocers, anti-hunger advocates, and farmers supported the bill as a coordination effort to improve food access, affordability, and supply chain resilience. The committee then heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903, which would create a statewide low-income energy assistance program through the Department of Commerce; supporters said it would address growing unmet need and complement existing utility programs, while opponents said it did not address the root causes of rising energy costs. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2416 on waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2515 on large energy-use facilities (data centers), both of which drew mixed testimony centered on balancing emissions, ratepayer impacts, reliability, and environmental or tribal concerns. No final votes were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In higher education, the University of California has $129.7 million one-time General Fund deferred.
• General Fund in 2026-27 and ongoing for the continuation of the program.
• general fund in 2026-27 and ongoing for the continuation of the program.
• We are, of course, concerned about the use of a billion dollars from GGRF to the General Fund and the
• One piece of new information, and I'll be done: the 14 general presidents of all of the unions that you

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the final three-party budget agreement and related trailer bills, with the Department of Finance outlining the major budget bill and omnibus measures. Finance described a package built around balancing the state budget amid economic uncertainty, preserving core health and safety-net programs, and making significant ongoing reductions in some state programs. The budget bill included major items such as shifting $1 billion from the General Fund to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for Cal Fire, funding universal transitional kindergarten, deferring some UC and CSU funding, supporting foster care and homelessness programs, providing Proposition 36 implementation funding, and achieving Medi-Cal savings through changes to benefits and eligibility. The committee also heard that votes on the budget bills were expected later in the week and the following Monday. Finance then walked through the trailer bills, including health, human services, early learning, education, resources, energy, transportation, labor, housing, tax, public safety, courts, general government, cannabis, and energy-related measures. Notable provisions included a Medi-Cal enrollment freeze for certain adults, new premiums and benefit changes for some immigrants, child care COLA changes, education funding for literacy, teacher support, universal meals, and community college student support, as well as resource and climate measures affecting Cal Fire staffing and energy permitting. The housing trailer bill drew the most discussion, with provisions on CEQA streamlining, a vehicle miles traveled mitigation banking program, a renters’ credit trigger, and a six-year moratorium on new residential building standards. Members also discussed a film tax credit expansion, cannabis enforcement funding, a tribal police pilot program, and changes to tax policy, including military retirement income exclusions and wildfire settlement payment exclusions. Committee members largely praised the staff and the budget process, but several raised concerns and asked detailed questions, especially about the housing trailer bill’s new wage standards, tribal consultation provisions, and possible effects on prevailing wage protections. Finance explained that the housing language was intended to set wage floors for market-rate projects receiving CEQA streamlining, with different county-based tiers and a notwithstanding clause preserving existing prevailing wage laws. Members also questioned the size and timing of funding for the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, Clean Cars for All, Proposition 36, and the film tax credit expansion. Other members highlighted support for public safety, veterans’ tax relief, child care providers, housing production, and higher education, while some expressed concern that the budget’s policy changes were being negotiated too quickly or without enough stakeholder input.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were four PacifiCorp sites that had coal generation plants on them, and ultimately one of those
• And I understand the heavy lift involved in getting us from this small amount of generation today to
• You know, as you all are aware, the backbone of our economy rides on top of generation and transmission
• Is that some way on a spreadsheet, or what is the state of North Dakota, a state of Wyoming's general
• I'm generally not a huge fan of committee bills.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee