Transcript Highlights:

• Wright to the State Capitol and congratulating the Placer County Sheriff's Office on 175 years of dedicated
• After spending 16 years in prison, David received his college degree, dedicated his life to uplifting
• After spending 16 years in prison, David received his college degree, dedicated his life to uplifting
• present House Resolution 109, recognizing April 27, 2026, as a day we honor the excellence and dedication
• They have dedicated their work with pride and dignity.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Majority Leader Garcia secured suspension of rules for several procedural matters, including allowing guests in the chamber, moving AB 2568 Johnson out of Appropriations to the second reading file, and setting SB 73 Cervantes for a Public Safety Committee hearing; the rule-suspension motion passed 41-14. The floor also recognized several guest groups, including Placer County Sheriff Wayne Wu and Undersheriff Shane Wright for the sheriff’s office’s 175th anniversary, students from John Muir Charter Schools, youth art contest winners from the 24th District, the Oak Ridge High School cheer team, and students from Casa Grande High School. The Assembly then moved through the daily file, passing and retaining numerous second- and third-reading items. Two resolutions drew floor debate and were adopted by voice vote after coauthor roll calls: ACR 176 by Assembly Member Elhawary, declaring April as Second Chance Month, and HR 109 by Assembly Member Schiavo, recognizing California’s janitorial and cleaning workforce. Supporters of ACR 176 emphasized rehabilitation, reentry barriers, and the importance of second chances for formerly incarcerated people, while also noting the need to remember victims and survivors. Supporters of HR 109 highlighted janitors’ role in public health and the often unseen nature of their work, with members sharing personal experiences in janitorial and service jobs. The Assembly also adopted ACR 119 by Assembly Member Ta, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 51st anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Speakers described the trauma of the Vietnamese refugee experience, honored those lost during and after the Vietnam War, and praised the contributions of Vietnamese Americans in California. After additional items were passed and retained on the third reading and consent calendars, the House announced its schedule and adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her remarkable talent and dedication earned her wide recognition as one of the city's most gifted seamstresses
• Her remarkable talent and dedication earned her wide recognition as one of the city's most gifted seamstresses
• Her remarkable talent and dedication earned her wide recognition as one of the city's most gifted seamstresses
• Her remarkable talent and<00:03:56.799> dedication<00:03:57.360> earned<00:03:57.599>
• > her<00:03:57.760> wide and dedication earned her wide and dedication earned her wide recognition

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened and quickly adopted several organizational resolutions: Senate Resolution 1 notifying the House that the Senate was in session, Senate Joint Resolution 2 appointing a committee to notify the Governor, and Senate Joint Resolution 3 appointing a committee to escort the Governor to the joint session. The chamber also recognized Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and later adopted a resolution honoring the life of Dorothy Lee “Dot” Hatcher, mother of Senator Kirk Hatcher, after it was read at length. Senators offered personal remarks of condolence and support to Senator Hatcher and his family. The Senate then agreed, without objection, to allow bill introductions throughout the day until 4:00 p.m. It adopted Senate Joint Resolution 5 by Senators Jones and Sessions, which recognizes Pineywoods cattle as an official heritage cattle breed of Alabama. The resolution was taken up immediately and passed by voice vote. Additional floor remarks welcomed new Senator Matt Woods, thanked family members in attendance, and recognized Trip Gudger and the new chief of staff, Connie Row. The chamber also noted that the journal would remain open until 4:00 p.m. for first readings and then recess until the next day, with the session adjourned by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is remembered for his courage, sacrifice, and community dedication.
• Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez was a proud and dedicated United States Marine.
• Money is dedicated in two different directions.
• Money is dedicated to the Texas Mobility Funds, so people can go through the process of getting their
• The intent was to not make people have to go down there, but the constitutionally dedicated revenue streams

Bills: HB647, HB791, HB1242, HB1729, HB2003, HB2029, HB2061, HB2775, HB3751, HB4804, HB3611

Keywords: driver's license, vision correction, medical verification, Texas Department of Public Safety, renewal fees, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates, license plate, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Transportation Code, general revenue fund, With Loyal Hearts, Catholic school, private school, religious school, school spirit plate, commemorative plate

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the 45-minute training, only two to three minutes were dedicated to recognizing signs of maltreatment
• Of the 45-minute training, only two to three minutes were dedicated to recognizing signs of maltreatment
• Of the 45-minute training, only two to three minutes were dedicated to recognizing signs of maltreatment
• > recognizing<00:10:45.000> signs<00:10:45.360> of<00:10:45.480> Mal dedicated
• to recognizing signs of Mal dedicated to recognizing signs of Mal treatment<00:10:47.560> Additionally

Bills: HF1346, HF1169, HF1276

Keywords: mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• that this is a opportunity for all of our communities to place healing and to recognize the hard dedication
• and to recognize to place healing and to recognize the<00:01:58.880> hard<00:01:59.120> dedication
• and<00:01:59.960> work<00:02:00.200> of<00:02:00.320> our the hard dedication
• and work of our the hard dedication and work of our farmers farmers farmers and<00:02:02.160> the

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership throughout the season, embodying the values of dedication
• ... perseverance, teamwork, and leadership throughout the season, embodying the values of dedication
• also recognizes the contributions and support of the varsity cheer and palm teams whose spirit and dedication
• Bill Van Dyke, the 38th Adjutant General of Arizona, and a distinguished leader who dedicated nearly
• And we have an individual who has dedicated their life to the college for a number of years who has passed

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She and Mark and Gilbert dedicated their lives to make a difference.
• They dedicated their lives to make a change.
• She and Mark and Gilbert dedicated<00:22:48.880> their<00:22:49.040> lives<00:22:49.960
• > to<00:22:50.080> make<00:22:50.240> a dedicated their lives to make a dedicated
• They dedicated their lives difference.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Wolgamott delivered a farewell address reflecting on his eight years in the Minnesota House and the meaning of public service. He described his path to the Legislature, thanked colleagues and staff, and emphasized the House as a place where members are trusted to make a difference for their communities. He also spoke about the importance of maintaining a humane, family-friendly, and respectful workplace, especially for staff and members’ families. He highlighted several policy areas he was proud of, including bipartisan COVID-19 workers’ compensation protections for frontline workers, efforts to reduce the special education cross subsidy, and changes to teacher pensions. He also noted bonding and local projects in St. Cloud, such as road improvements, the Herb Brooks Hockey Center, and the Children’s Museum of the MAC. Throughout, he framed these accomplishments as examples of persistence and collaboration across party lines. The address also included extensive thanks to his wife, daughters, legislative assistants, higher education staff, sergeant-at-arms, maintenance crew, chief clerk’s office, and former and current colleagues, including a tribute to former Speaker Melissa Hortman and the Horton family. He closed by reading the Prayer of St. Francis and thanking the people of St. Cloud and the House. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the speech.

Transcript Highlights:

• TO EARN THE PURPLE STAR SCHOOL DESIGNATION A SCHOOL MUST MEET CRITERIA SUCH AS HAVING A DEDICATED MILITARY
• THIS BUT ALSO WE WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DEDICATED
• WE CELEBRATE AND HAVE A DEDICATED SPACE ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBPAGE WITH ALL THINGS PURPLE STAR ON THE
• YES EACH SCHOOL HAS A DEDICATED STAFF MEMBER AND EVEN THE SCHOOLS THAT ARE NOT DESIGNATED AS PURPLE STAR
• FOR THE SUBCOMMITTEE WORK ON THE PURPLE STAR PROGRAMS AND THANK YOU TO THE DISTRICTS AND SCHOOLS DEDICATING

Transcript Highlights:

• His selflessness and dedication were evident every single day.
• Deputy Garcia was a dedicated public servant, and his loss is felt deeply by his family, friends, and
• This designation will stand as a permanent tribute to Deputy Garcia's dedication to our community and
• Officer Condonosa dedicated his life to service.
• I'd like to express my gratitude to Representative Turner for his hard work and dedication in crafting

Bills: HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road

Transcript Highlights:

• Museum and the National World War II Museum, on the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail dedicated
• Museum and the National World War II Museum, on the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail dedicated
• that I was explaining earlier, just to study the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail dedicated
• For their exemplary and dedicated service on Teacher of the Year Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.
• Whereas excellence in teaching is the result of commitment, dedication, inspiration, patience, creativity

Bills: SR134, SR135, SR136, SR137, SR140, SR141, SR142, SCR75, SCR77, SCR12, HB75, HB1199, HB221, HCR89, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, HCR58, HB9, HB177, HB181, HB198, HB202, HB223, HB225, HB387, HB398, HB457, HB459, HB540, HB591, HB616, HB766, HB775, HB783, HB797, HB895, HB906, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1052, HB1057, HB1076, HB1100, HB1139, HB1155, HB1160, HB1182, HB1186, HB1220, HB1222, HB1223, HB1224, HB1228, HB1231, HB1245, HB1256, SCR3, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB426, SB435, SB487, SB488, SB523, SB56, SB163, SB341, SB504, SB322, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR31, HCR47, HCR41, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB386, HB392, HB431, HB441, HB559, HB664, HB685, HB715, HB741, HB822, HB856, HB908, HB980, HB990, HB999, HB1010, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB27, HB143, HB205, HB259, HB267, HB288, HB308, HB403, HB405, HB414, HB417, HB478, HB546, HB548, HB555, HB557, HB609, HB670, HB672, HB740, HB779, HB786, HB796, HB812, HB848, HB915, HB917, HB921, HB930, HB933, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1187, HB1195, HB1230, HB316, HB511, HB799, HB1039, HB12, HB66, HB145, HB167, HB196, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB256, HB291, HB326, HB352, HB401, HB430, HB433, HB434, HB448, HB456, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1038, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB17, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB271, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB750, HB759, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1018, HB1036, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB441, SB449, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB149

Keywords: SR134, Senate Resolution 134, Isaac Herzenberg, Metairie Park Country Day School, Country Day, javelin, track and field, Class 2A, state championship, high school athletics, student athlete, Louisiana Senate commendation, honorary resolution, sports recognition, University of Nebraska, Baton Rouge, LSU Bernie Moore Track Stadium, sportsmanship, collegiate athletics, condolence resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• to our office. a family member of my chief of staff and someone who is very much beloved and has dedicated
• , who joined his wife of 65 years in heaven exactly one year ago today, after a long, happy life dedicated
• His dedication to the Texas A&M University system and the state of Texas has set a high standard for
• of revenue and allocation of accrued interest of dedicated revenue. an exemption of unappropriated money
• HB 4530 by Romero-Williams, Dedication and Management of Water Rights, placed in the Texas Water Trust

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• The remaining 702 cities do not have any dedicated IT staff and on average only have about a total of
• The remaining 702 cities do not have any dedicated IT staff and on average only have about a total of
• cities do not have any it dedicated cities do not have any it dedicated staff<00:10:38.760> and
• that do have dedicated staff?
• I think, based on your testimony, this is meant indeed for cities without dedicated staff.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida's child welfare program is dedicated to protecting and caring for abused and neglected children
• The department acknowledges the hard work and dedication as well of our colleagues, outlined within it
• Florida's child welfare program is dedicated to protect Florida's child welfare system.
• The department is dedicated to this population.
• Oftentimes need a lot of attention and a lot of dedication.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee held its first meeting of the term and heard introductory remarks from the chair, vice chair, ranking member, and members, who broadly described their interest in child welfare, mental health, aging services, homelessness, and agency accountability. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including child welfare, mental health and substance abuse safety net services, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, elder services, and child support, and introduced the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as the first agency panel for the term. DCF presented an implementation update on HB 7089, a 2024 law aimed at increasing accountability and transparency for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies that deliver most child welfare services under contract. The department said the bill was prompted by forensic examinations that found problems such as noncompetitive procurement, related-party transactions, excessive executive compensation, and weak financial oversight. DCF described new contract requirements and monitoring tools covering board governance and annual training, conflict-of-interest disclosures, financial penalties for noncompliance, fidelity bond requirements, limits on direct service provision by lead agencies, related-party procurement rules, procurement thresholds, real-property approvals, compensation caps, expanded public reporting, and a new Future of Child Protection and Funding Work Group. DCF reported that some lead agencies had completed required board training, others were still on schedule, and two agencies exceeding the direct-service threshold had been referred to the Auditor General. Members asked DCF about the reasons for the bill, the impact on children, the work group’s regional representation, aging-out youth, the Embrace Families transition, board training requirements, and whether enforcement actions had been taken. DCF said the bill was intended to protect funds for children and families and improve oversight, and clarified that the Central Florida lead agency contract was awarded through competitive procurement rather than an absorption. DCF also said the board training was designed to be meaningful but not overly burdensome, with timing left partly to lead agencies as they implement the new requirements. The committee then heard from two CBC leaders, who generally supported the accountability goals of HB 7089 and said their agencies had already addressed most of the new governance and disclosure requirements. They reported that board training had been completed or was being scheduled, but both agencies said the fidelity bond requirement has been difficult or impossible to obtain in the market as written, though they were able to secure the separate performance bond. The CBC witnesses also warned that recruiting providers is increasingly difficult, especially for higher-acuity children and group-home placements, due to limited provider supply, regulatory burden, insurance costs, and rising risk. They said these pressures are contributing to budget deficits in some areas and urged lawmakers to consider the funding model, insurance and indemnification issues, and the risk of overregulation reducing provider participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:59.120> and without Michael's dedication and without Michael's dedication and expertise
• I yield back. service and dedication to public safety. service and dedication to public safety.
• tireless work and dedication. tireless work and dedication.
• unwavering dedication. unwavering dedication.
• Please dedication to our way of life.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both divisions dedicate<00:09:55.160> uh<00:09:55.560> are<00:09:55.760> dedicated
• c><00:09:56.320> to<00:09:56.400> the dedicate uh are dedicated to the dedicate uh are
• The ceremonial dedication for this building was held in April of this year.
• The ceremonial dedication for this building will be held on July 21st of this year.
• > for<00:35:52.840> this The uh ceremonial dedication for this The uh ceremonial dedication

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, and court facility projects. AOC leaders said they do not anticipate problems balancing the outgoing biennium or fiscal year 2026, and explained that the budget changes were driven by the need to reduce costs while preserving required constitutional, court-rule, and statutory services. They also said the new filing fee increases authorized by HB 504 took effect that day and are expected to generate up to $5 million, while the reorganization is projected to save about $3 million in general fund dollars. The bulk of the presentation focused on a major reorganization of the Office of Statewide Programs, which includes specialty courts, family and juvenile services, and pretrial services. AOC said the plan eliminates 170 positions and creates 109 new ones, mainly by reducing middle-management layers, expanding regional service delivery, and cross-training staff. Officials said 110 employees had already been offered or accepted placements, 24 had chosen voluntary separation, and the final number of employees leaving remains fluid until the process concludes around August 1. They emphasized that specialty court programs were not eliminated, but state-funded treatment court contracts and behavioral health liaison positions were removed, with treatment costs shifted to Medicaid or participants where appropriate. Members asked about the process, staffing impacts, specialty court participation, juvenile services, and how AOC will monitor the changes. AOC said the reorganization was developed by leadership, HR, and legal staff under direction of the Chief Justice and approved by the Supreme Court, and that it is intended to improve efficiency and frontline support rather than reduce services. They said specialty court participant levels are being watched closely, that CDW services will continue to use outside providers for programming, and that the agency will keep judges and stakeholders informed as the new structure goes into effect. No votes were taken, and the committee did not approve minutes because a quorum was not present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Infrastructure funding is being discussed this session, including the dedicated funding.
• Additionally, 82% of respondents supported dedicating a portion of annual tax revenues or fees. to fund
• It would include a significant appropriation and dedicated, consistent funding on an basis.
• TAG is a statewide association of groundwater districts and other groundwater professional dedicated
• I spent half my life dedicated to developing new water resources.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To move from theory to action, Burnsville Eagan Savage formed a dedicated district attendance team.
• It's a long-haul commitment to shifting school culture through the dedicated attendance teams.
• through investment in a dedicated through investment in a dedicated attendance<00:41:52.720>
• Windham's success is a testament to the power of a dedicated attendance coordinator.
• 20:58.239> have Dedicated funding ensures students have Dedicated funding ensures students have

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to just quickly introduce my very competent and dedicated staff.
• I would like to quickly introduce my very competent and dedicated staff.
• I wanted the public who's listening to have that figure, so it's $11.9 billion dedicated? $11.2?
• Since there were no dedicated staff at the time, OCA was tasked with facilitating its creation.
• Since 1971, JPCA has been proudly receiving grant funds dedicated to judicial education.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, our caucus is singularly dedicated to doing a couple of things: single-subject bills and making Minnesota
• 01:51.080> caucus<00:01:51.520> is<00:01:51.680> singularly<00:01:52.240> dedicated
• So, our caucus is singularly dedicated So, our caucus is singularly dedicated to<00:01:53.000>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: A House Republican Caucus member described the state of Minnesota as “fraudulent” and “expensive,” arguing that the state is leading the nation in fraud-related headlines and that taxpayers are being burdened by higher taxes, fees, and spending. He said the caucus sees affordability and fraud prevention as its main priorities, along with pushing single-subject bills and strengthening oversight through the Legislative Auditor and the fraud committee. He said the caucus is focused on rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse and believes ordinary constituents want answers about whether reported fraud numbers are real and how they affect them. He suggested that pressure near the end of session and the upcoming election could lead some DFL lawmakers to support more “reasonable” anti-fraud policies. Asked what he hoped to hear from the governor’s State of the State address, he said he wanted Governor Walz to take responsibility for the fraud problem, saying he had not yet heard a full acknowledgment of responsibility from the governor’s office. He also characterized the governor as a lame-duck leader trying to shape his legacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements requiring a DED a dedicated requirements requiring a DED a dedicated fund<00:44:48.240
• <01:58:07.239> fund the same sort of it's a dedicated fund the same sort of it's a dedicated
• That represents a dedicated fund that represents the 4.2-cent gas tax increase that was dedicated to
• Why need a dedicated fund?
• I mean this all these special dedicated I mean this all these special dedicated funds<03:24:11.760

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.