Transcript Highlights:

• So, that being the Case, are we preparing them for life outside the prison, you feel like, or are there
• We'll get answers before we see this again on the floor, but we will make sure that that is not the case
• So, if that is the case, would the... The author would be willing to strike that one word.
• allow the legislature to have Some say in the salary ranges of the deputy directors as had been the case
• And this is not been the case for this. Thank you for the question. Any further questions?

Bills: HB4125, HB2951, HB3082, HB4142, HB4106, HB1752, HB3268

Keywords: firearm rights restoration, nonviolent felons, Oklahoma firearm laws, gun ownership, pardon, expungement, public safety, transportation of inmates, Department of Corrections, correctional facilities, sentencing, health records, firefighters, sex offenders, employment restrictions, Oklahoma laws, bomb, explosive device, incendiary device, simulated bomb

Transcript Highlights:

• It really opened my eyes that there are not a lot of these cases, but there are some few cases that homes
• I know we refer cases over.
• Ones to make that determination because each case in each situation is so very unique.
• I don't know if they can be parties to a case. And so... And present evidence in that way.
• It's just that there are some wells that have casing that are orphaned that are just sitting there.

Bills: SB1191, SB1314, SB1319, SB1333, SB1346, SB1439, SB1509, SB1510, SB1613

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Transcript Highlights:

• In order, just so that you're aware of the work we're doing in case members of this committee or other
• In this case, this year, we wanted to take a little bit bigger step back and actually look at whether
• Again, I mostly just want you aware of these in case any particular topic catches your eye.
• I just sent one out today just to let them know what work we're doing in case that sparks anything that
• In that case, I think what we'll do is thank you for being here in person. That's very helpful.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in this case, we're talking about being honest with the customers and letting them know what they're
• In some cases, an arrest or a charge shows up, but not the outcome. the disposition of the case.
• Law enforcement does use this to solve particularly cold cases in some examples.
• , I would assume that in those situations, it's already happening, just because that's a sensitive case
• There is some case law on that, so we would be talking about licensing by the patient to MD Anderson

Bills: SB315, SB584, SB1228, SB1484, SB1860, SB1802

Keywords: DNA privacy, genetic privacy, genetic testing, genetic material, DNA ownership, property right in DNA, genetic consent, biological sample, genomics, genetic data, HIPAA, health information privacy, health care provider, research ethics, human subjects research, law enforcement DNA, forensic DNA, paternity testing, medical examiner, genetic discrimination

Transcript Highlights:

• will reduce litigation costs, reduce medical-legal costs, and reduce the number of 100% disability cases
• evaluators—that is, medical-legal evaluations—has no limit in Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund cases
• AB 1329 makes changes by aligning the medical-legal process, the QME process in fund cases, with existing
• In some cases, that may be quite self-evident. In other cases, it may be far more challenging.
• can be proved and in other cases would present quite a challenge for that worker.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Insurance met as a subcommittee and heard several bills related to workers’ compensation, insurance access, climate resilience, and farmworker protections. AB 815 would prevent social service workers who use personal vehicles to transport clients from being misclassified as commercial or for-hire drivers under personal auto policies; supporters said the current practice leads to unaffordable premiums and denied claims, while no opposition testified. AB 1329 would revise the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund to reduce litigation and medical-legal costs and lower employer assessments; insurers and business groups opposed unless amended, citing concerns about eligibility standards and the QME process, but the bill advanced after amendments were discussed. AB 1048 would allow disputed unauthorized payment reductions for medical providers to be reviewed through independent bill review; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, while opposition argued IBR is the wrong forum and existing contract dispute processes should control, though the bill also passed. AB 1236 would create a Department of Insurance grant program for climate and sustainability risk-reduction projects, with broad support from the department, environmental groups, and insurers, and it passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 1336, the Farmworker Heat Illness Prevention Act, which would create a rebuttable presumption that a heat-related injury arose out of employment when an agricultural employer fails to comply with heat illness prevention standards. Supporters, including United Farm Workers, argued the bill would help protect farmworkers amid extreme heat and enforcement gaps; opponents from the workers’ compensation and agricultural sectors said the measure improperly uses the compensation system to enforce OSHA rules and could create unclear adjudication and delay issues. Members discussed Cal/OSHA enforcement limits, undocumented workers’ reluctance to report violations, and the relationship between the bill and existing workers’ compensation procedures. Despite opposition, AB 1336 passed on a divided vote. The committee also took up a consent calendar including AB 1125, AB 1293, and AB 1398, which were approved together. Roll calls were held open and later completed, and the bills that advanced were sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after final votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• > they<00:07:22.960> also<00:07:23.199> have<00:07:23.440> substantial case
• Um they also have substantial case.
• :08:10.960> circumstances<00:08:11.599> of<00:08:11.759> the<00:08:12.000> case
• <00:08:12.879> So,<00:08:13.199> we the circumstances of the case.
• So, we the circumstances of the case.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Human Services, Kaiser Permanente, Department of Health, Maui wildfire disaster case
• the Department of Human Services, Kaiser Permanente, Department of Health, Maui wildfire disaster case
• the Department of Human Services, Kaiser Permanente, Department of Health, Maui wildfire disaster case
• the Department of Human Services, Kaiser Permanente, Department of Health, Maui wildfire disaster case
• of Health mayoi wildfires disaster case of Health mayoi wildfires disaster case management<00:19

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House was called to order with 47 members present. After the journal reading was deferred and there were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications, members offered several introductions recognizing visiting guests, including tourism and hospitality representatives, Kahakai Elementary School students and staff from Kona, a Portuguese delegation from the Luso American Development Foundation, and other constituents and aides. The chamber then moved to floor presentations. House Resolution No. 84 was presented, commending the United States Air Force Reserve Command 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron Medical Operations Flight for humanitarian service providing mental health support after the Maui wildfires. Representative Perck moved adoption, Representative Cochran seconded, and the resolution was read into the record describing the unit’s work with state and nonprofit partners to distribute supplies and support survivors’ emotional recovery. The House adopted the resolution by voice vote, and the motion carried. Following the presentation, the House recessed briefly so members could congratulate the honorees. When the House returned, there were no resolutions for action, and announcements included the Women’s Legislative Caucus Easter basket drive, recognition of Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund visitors, birthday greetings, and a reminder that substantive resolutions were due by 6:00 p.m. The House then voted to keep the journal open until 6:00 p.m. for resolution introductions and adjourned into recess until 12:00 noon Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• As an almost 20-year practicing attorney myself, I would never hold you to the time frame that cases
• I'm going to tell them in my cases it's going to be three to four years to get a case to the end line
• In these types of cases, based on your experience and history, how long does a dispute between us and
• As an almost 20-year practicing attorney myself, I would never hold you to the time frame that cases
• I'm going to tell them in my cases it's going to be three to four years to get a case to the end line

Summary: The committee received a briefing from AHCA Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer and Florida Healthy Kids CMO Ashley Carr on implementation of HB 121, which was enacted in 2023 to expand Florida’s KidCare/CHIP eligibility from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level and replace the sharp premium “benefits cliff” with a tiered premium glide path. Sponsor Rep. Bartleman described the bill as a bipartisan effort to help working families keep children insured while moving toward economic self-sufficiency. The presenters explained that the program remains a joint federal-state structure, with Medicaid unchanged and the bill affecting only the CHIP-related portions of KidCare. AHCA said implementation has been delayed by federal CMS actions. The agency reported that CMS first rejected a state plan amendment approach, then required revisions to the premium tiers under a new maintenance-of-effort interpretation, and later issued a new interpretation of continuous 12-month eligibility that would prevent disenrollment for nonpayment of premiums. AHCA said it submitted an 1115 waiver, but negotiations over special terms and conditions reached an impasse, and the state has filed litigation challenging CMS’s interpretation. Members asked about the cost of litigation, the effect on future bills, the review process for CMS documents, disenrollment and reenrollment rules, and whether any additional legislative action is needed; AHCA said no further state action is needed at this time and that the key issue is the pending federal litigation. Several members and the sponsor emphasized the need for immediate implementation and asked about possible interim relief. AHCA said current coverage remains in place under the preexisting program, that there is a 30-day grace period for premium payment, and that reenrollment does not require a penalty or back payment, though coverage is not active during lapsed periods. The committee also heard public comment from Nicholas Hessing of the Children’s Services Council of Broward County and the Florida Alliance of Children’s Councils and Trusts, who supported HB 121 and said the expansion could make about 17,600 additional children eligible in Broward County alone. The meeting ended with Rep. Bartleman thanking staff and expressing hope that the new federal administration would allow the program to move forward, and the chair adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there have been cases when the reports can take several months.
• When you look at these case files, adoptive families receive $400 a month for the adoption subsidy.
• Therefore, when you look at getting these case files finished, the cost savings is astronomical.
• Requests for the case file with community-based care and SSCCs are coming in, and all of this is so up
• After that case with that placing agency, the family opted not to move forward.

Bills: SB500, SB1522, SB1137, SB1266

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Transcript Highlights:

• The juvenile cases in that system.
• Currently, access to information in juvenile cases is limited to the prosecutor, the child's parents,
• For juveniles, paying counsel, as well as assisting attorneys on the case as well.
• To make sure that they are appointing counsel to an attorney who is well qualified to handle that case
• What we should be doing is getting to the root cause that led the kid to run away in each of these cases

Bills: HB1821, HB1822, HB1943, HB3882, HB4263, HB4476, HB4628, HB4631, HB4885, HB4923, HB5461, HB5483, HB5525

Keywords: juvenile records, sealing, privacy, criminal justice, youth rehabilitation, legal procedures, juvenile court, record sealing, nondisclosure, age jurisdiction, criminal justice reform, juvenile board, compensation, Winkler County, juvenile justice, county funding, grants, career education, technical programs, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• Because what will happen court case.
• 54:48.800> life case, there's a second life case, there's a second life that's<00:54:52.160>
• Thanks. this drug does in case you didn't this drug does in case you didn't understand<00:59:38.160><
• case, I'm absolutely opposed to this. case, I'm absolutely opposed to this.
• be the case.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:08:15.760> of the years uh we have had um cases of the years uh we have had um cases of
• So we have many cases right Illinois.
• I think it's 2:1 or in any case it's is.
• But that in one case it would be 17%.
• But in my case, order that was issued.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:53:10.880> over a staff attorney I brought a case over a staff attorney I brought a case
• an instance where you might have a case an instance where you might have a case worker<00:58:56.960
• However, in tax appeal court, there is a case called Alfred v.
• However, in tax appeal court, there is a case called Alfred v.
• However, in tax appeal court, there is a case called Alfred v.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that is something that we would have to look at on a case-specific basis.
• So isn't it the case, so far as you know, that the legislature amended Section 92?
• Isn't that the case?
• It also, in many cases, transitions from a fixed rate to a variable rate.
• And case in point is this week's heat wave.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• All your cases clerks happy in court. All your cases flow<00:37:41.680> good.
• I know what you're saying, that if you make the work, you could stop a case or you could put a case on
• I know what you're saying, that if you make the work, you could stop a case or you could put a case on
• You could stop a case or you could put a case on the calendar. Oh, I tell you something though.
• You could stop a case or you could put a case on the calendar. Oh, I tell you something though.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 29 members present. The chamber adopted routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be taken up throughout the day. The Committee on Banking and Insurance reported Senate Bill 269 favorably with a substitute, and the bill was placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. The Senate also welcomed several guest groups in the gallery, including homeschool families, Blount County leaders, and the Alabama Iron and Steel Council. A series of resolutions were introduced and adopted immediately. Senator Stewart’s Joint Resolution 64 honored Joanne Blackman Bland, recognizing her role as a young freedom fighter on Bloody Sunday and later work in voting rights and economic development. The Senate also adopted Joint Resolution 65 congratulating Maplesville High School on its 2025 Class 1A state football championship and Joint Resolution 66 honoring the long-standing partnership between Quebec and Alabama. The Senate then took up local legislation and several calendar bills. Senate Bill 319 for Shelby County, House Bill 460 and House Bill 459 for Henry County, and House Bill 467 regarding the city of Tuscumbia were all advanced and passed, with certification motions adopted where required. The Rules Committee reported Senate Resolution 67, setting the special order calendar, which the Senate adopted. The special order calendar included bills on corrections, services evaluation, retirement benefits, the Growing Alabama Act, health, vessels, homestead exemption, the National Guard, the state port, early childhood education, tourism investment, pardons and paroles, and health-related matters. Under the special order calendar, the Senate passed House Bill 274 on Department of Corrections unmanned aircraft systems, Senate Bill 317 creating the Commission on the Evaluation of Services, House Bill 159 cleaning up retirement provisions for certain circuit clerks, Senate Bill 289 revising the Growing Alabama Act, and House Bill 182 requiring military education to count toward EMS licensure. The chamber also considered House Bill 254 on vessel inspections, with discussion focused on limiting law enforcement stops and boarding of vessels for safety or marine sanitation inspections absent another reason; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, in some cases, Wyoming does not have enough wildlife to meet the needs and demands of
• not<00:03:43.519> have<00:03:43.760> enough cases, Wyoming does not have enough cases
• There are potentially more eligible landowners than there are permits in some cases.
• However, the other side of that is talking to Senator Hicks's point of like a case-by-case approach,
• However, the other side of that is talking to Senator Hicks's point of like a case-by-case approach,

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, you know, being the municipal association, you're probably more familiar with the case law
• The Simplex case and then the Ocean something case that is not coming to my mind at this, and a great
• case out of Portsmouth that is also eluding me.
• I think if there's, again, the case I just referenced was a planning board case, but it was the same
• Without state intervention, we don't believe that it is necessary in this case either.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in our dockets at the PUC, we hire consultants, you know, uh, in rate cases.
• Um, in our dockets at the PUC, we hire consultants, you know, uh, in rate cases.
• We just you know, uh, in in rate cases.
• There are cases where people are looking at this throughout the country.
• There are cases where people are looking at this throughout the country.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a case-by-case basis based upon each petitioner's action.
• It's<00:40:39.200> a<00:40:39.359> case<00:40:39.520> by<00:40:39.760> case
• c><00:40:40.160> basis<00:40:40.640> based<00:40:40.960> upon It's a case by case
• As well, um, and also I think currently they can go through the contested case process, contested case
• through the contested case through the contested case process<01:56:31.520> contested<01:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the case?
• Is that the case?
• We have a case where the agency said, 'Oops, we really want that lapse extension.
• That’s another case of where the agency is requesting to change the title of the projects.
• <01:17:01.000> there laps extension in there in case there laps extension in there in case

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.