Transcript Highlights:

• LIMIT AND THIS IS TO OPT IN TO THE EXISTING EXEMPTION THAT EXISTS.
• Because we're not exempting greenhouse gases for power generation.
• It is the other forms that we are exempting from the calculation.
• BECAUSE, WE'RE NOT EXEMPTING GREENHOUSE GASES FOR POWER GENERATION.
• IT IS THE OTHER FORMS THAT WE ARE EXEMPTING FROM THE CALCULATION.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment. A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery. In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:31.680> for there's no sales tax exemption for there's no sales tax exemption for construction
• Senator Nelson. include the sales tax exemptions for the include the sales tax exemptions for the um<
• um are automatically sales tax exempt um are automatically sales tax exempt for<00:38:56.960>
• eligible for the sales tax exemptions.
• <00:40:13.599> for there is a sales tax exemption for there is a sales tax exemption for building

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the definition of bona fide farm families, which are exempted, is one of the exemptions.
• <01:04:37.160> again<01:04:37.319> the definition exemptions again the definition exemptions
• it's one of um which are Exempted it's one of exemptions<01:04:42.720> uh<01:04:42.839> also
• <01:04:43.200> the<01:04:43.319> bill<01:04:44.279> exempts exemptions uh also
• the bill exempts exemptions uh also the bill exempts entities<01:04:45.160> that<01:04:45.319

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:27:30.960> of<01:27:31.760> um about the exemption of um about the exemption of
• You don't get the exemption.
• you fall under this this farming exempt you fall under this this farming exempt exemption.<04:30
• Again, no definition of what exemption.
• has the exemptions for guardian dogs, has the exemptions for guardian dogs, but<04:46:58.080> do

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee held an open work session on HB 1766-FN, a bill addressing cruelty to livestock, and focused on proposed language changes from the Department of Agriculture. Assistant State Veterinarian Nathan Harvey, speaking for the commissioner, explained concerns about the term “imminent danger,” arguing that the bill should allow seizure based on probable cause when an animal is starving or has a life-threatening condition, rather than tying action too closely to whether the owner is arrested. The department also proposed language on “extreme suffering” that would require euthanasia if the cost of treatment would exceed the allowable reimbursement amount under AGR rules, though members immediately raised concerns about using a dollar limit to require euthanasia. The department further suggested clarifying who may participate in investigations by allowing the state veterinarian or a designate, and noted that the current draft could be read too narrowly. Members discussed the $5,000 emergency care cap in the rules, with Josh Marshall confirming it is an aggregate emergency veterinary care limit. Several legislators said they were uncomfortable changing the bill from “may” to “shall” euthanize, arguing that treatment costs vary widely by species and condition and that a fixed monetary threshold could be too rigid. Representative Bixby also raised a separate concern that the bill’s language may be broader than intended and could apply to all animals rather than livestock only. The department agreed the bill should be limited to livestock and suggested using existing statutory definitions or adding a new section to make that clear. The discussion also turned to humane societies and other organizations that might investigate complaints or board seized animals. A representative from a humane organization said the groups with expertise in care often also have expertise useful to investigations, and that removing them entirely could be impractical because only a few facilities in the state can provide boarding. Members and witnesses explored alternative language that would allow for-profit and nonprofit organizations to participate in either the investigation or the care of livestock, but not both, to avoid conflicts of interest while preserving needed expertise. No votes were taken; the work session ended with agreement to consult the Office of Legislative Services and the department to refine the bill before the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the 20%, 10%, you know, exemption in the bill.
• in the 20%, 10%, you know, exemption in the bill.
• Um, do your calculations include those exemptions or— >> Good, great question.
• > be<01:10:33.600> administered exemptions would need to be administered exemptions would
• They call them exemptions or credits.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Don Mayhew: What this bill boils down to, very simply, is that right now we give an exemption
• Another speaker: It's only their military pay that will be exempt from having to file on it.
• So then that way, that would exempt them from having the state income tax withheld over in Illinois.
• You're exempt from state income tax. Can you point to where that is?
• So we already gave them that full exemption on every single dollar earned in military service.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alabama has provided exemptions for solid waste service at your house all the way back in 1969 for those
• They do not qualify for the exemption because veterans are left out of that.
• Alabama has provided exemptions for solid waste service at your house all the way back in 1969 for those
• They do not qualify for the exemption because veterans are left out of that.
• because veterans are left out exemption because veterans are left out of<00:12:21.680> that.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Expanding the number of exempt positions will ensure that sheriffs can fill these essential roles more
• As mentioned, this seeks to increase the number of exempt positions from 10 to 18 for counties with a
• Using our own as an example, the San Antonio Police Department at present has 10 exempt positions for
• They probably have about 100 employees, and they have 10 exempt positions.
• What other positions would you include in this exemption? So I think...

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And second, why do you need the exemption?
• If we don't get the exemption, how does that affect the availability of... Space for storage.
• Rule in 2010, they excluded OCHFOR exemptions for Class VI injections.
• So, all the other well classes are allowed to have or apply for OCHFOR exemptions, except for Class VI
• Congress can address it and direct the EPA to amend their rules and allow for exemptions for Class VI

Transcript Highlights:

• think you've uh seen from that exemption think you've uh seen from that exemption under<01:02:52.480
• <01:03:06.559> subdivision subdivision uh the exemption subdivision subdivision uh the exemption
• It's more around the um, good cause exemption that you were talking about.
• The good cause exemption um in to you.
• and look through for the an exemption and look through for the an exemption specific<01:14:23.679

Bills: HF3797, HF3780, HF4068, HF3935

Keywords: long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have taken... ...exemptions medically, and so we have taken that under advisement, and the
• you know, a specific standardized form for us to review it and see that the person could meet an exemption
• are subject to the rule where they can only be eligible for three months out of 36 unless they are exempt
• Rule C is the recovery audit contractor exemption rule.
• It is a state plan amendment that we put in with CMS to exempt us from the recovery audit contractor

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed a series of agency rules and related requests. The Department of Corrections and Post-Prison Transfer Board reported quarterly updates with no questions, and several Commerce rules were approved, including repeals tied to the minority business enterprise and women-owned business enterprise programs and the Consolidated Incentives Act because they were superseded by Act 116 or duplicative of statute. The Insurance Department’s new rule for online marketplace guarantee providers was also approved, with Airbnb used as an example of the type of platform covered. The Department of Education presented an update to the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program to align payment milestones with Act 502 of 2025, and DFA presented a rule implementing a new tax credit for Arkansas rice used in beer and sake production under Act 874 of 2025. Members asked about verification of grain bills and whether the credit was broadly available; DFA said the rule tracks the statute and requires producers to submit the grain bill with their return. DHS then presented a SNAP rule implementing federal changes from Public Law 119-21, including raising the able-bodied adult without dependents age limit to 64, changing treatment of dependents and exemptions, and adjusting energy assistance income treatment; the rule was approved despite one public comment. Later, DHS Medical Services amended the Medicaid Rehab Hospital Manual to allow rehab hospitals to operate psychiatric units and bill Medicaid for those services, and also secured approval for a recovery audit contractor exemption because Arkansas law bars contingency-fee contractors and the state already has other program integrity safeguards. The Board of Public Accountancy’s rules implementing Act 428 of 2025 were approved after discussion of a new CPA licensure pathway requiring a bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience, changes to substantial equivalency for out-of-state CPAs, and removal of a government/not-for-profit coursework requirement. The committee also approved the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from certain reporting requirements, retained all 18 DAPSAF rules under a review of Group 3, filed outstanding 2023-session rulemaking updates, and adjourned after filing monthly updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• My other question surrounds keeping travel information exempt from the public.
• We were discussing the governor's travel plans, and they were exempted from public.
• My other question surrounds keeping travel information exempt from the public.
• We were discussing the governor's travel plans, and they were exempted from public.
• My other question surrounds keeping travel information exempt from the public.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills, along with a block of gubernatorial confirmations. Senate Bill 572, by Senator Harrell, updated ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” would include foster parents and foster children; the Commission on Ethics supported the change as a recommendation, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414, by Senator Bracey Davis, would have allowed campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, but the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance and temporarily postponed it. The committee also heard Senate Bill 500, by Senator Avila, which would provide FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices through the election and transition period. Senators raised questions about definitions, current protections, and public disclosure of travel information; despite some opposition over taxpayer funding, the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, required candidates to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship when qualifying for office; testimony from a dual citizen criticized the bill as unnecessary and stigmatizing, while supporters framed it as transparency. The bill also passed favorably. Chair Gates then presented CS for SB 92, creating whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge, including remedies for retaliation; the Commission on Ethics supported it and it passed favorably. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments en bloc. Finally, Senate Bill 564, by Senator Yarborough, would allow registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; testimony from a supervisor of elections and advocacy groups supported the civics benefit, a senator asked about how it would interact with existing community service requirements, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law requires tax preparers to register with the California Tax Education Council, but exempts
• The Tax Preparation Act only exempts those licensed in California; however, under the Accountancy Act
• The Tax Preparation Act only exempts those licensed in California; however, under the Accountancy Act
• To address this, SB 788 updates the existing CPA exemption under the Tax Preparation Act to clarify that
• To address this, SB 788 updates the existing CPA exemption under the Tax Preparation Act to clarify that

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several bills, including SB 788 by Senator Niello, which clarified that CPAs and CPA firms, including employees and out-of-state CPAs authorized to practice in California, are regulated by the California Board of Accountancy rather than subject to Tax Preparation Act registration requirements. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative regulation and confusion; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 351 by Senator Cabaldon, aimed at strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules as they relate to private equity and hedge fund involvement in medical and dental practices. The author and physician supporters argued that private equity can interfere with clinical decisions and patient care, while opposition from the American Investment Council said the bill could sweep in legitimate business practices and requested a narrow amendment. The bill passed to Judiciary. SB 312 by Senator Umberg was heard next and would require health certificates for imported dogs sold in California to be submitted to CDFA and made publicly available, with supporters describing it as a transparency and consumer protection measure to combat puppy mills and misleading online sales. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Agriculture. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 291, SB 387, SB 517, SB 602, and SB 773, all moving to their respective committees. The meeting ended after additional roll calls and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We strongly urge that the bill be amended to exempt voter-approved debt.
• You said that, uh, referred to exemption, exempting voter-approved debt, and I think what you made reference
• The bill as written does provide some exemptions. I'm seeing down here in subdivision E.
• And I raise that because you had suggested making some exemptions.
• And I was wondering, hearing those, do you think those address the exemptions that you were... hoping

Bills: SB512, SB1024

Keywords: SB 512, Texas Finance Code, money transmission, money services business, money transmitter, money transmission licensee, terms of service, consumer protection, civil penalty, attorney general enforcement, account closure, refund of balance, financial services regulation, payments industry, fintech, prepaid accounts, remittance, licensee compliance, local government debt, municipal finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and you don't want to just exempt that one position?
• Yeah, and actually all our positions are exempt. Okay, I see.
• <00:44:21.119> what like to have all positions exempt what like to have all positions exempt
• <00:44:29.880> that<00:44:30.079> one don't want to just exempt that one don't want
• be included in the exemption thank you be included in the exemption thank you for<00:47:34.480> your

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and deaf property tax exemption and deaf property tax exemption reimbursement<03:21:28.239> fund
• the religious land use exemptions. the religious land use exemptions.
• The committee fielded a exemptions.
• The ways and means exempt status.
• of the u language around tax exemption of the u language around tax exemption for<05:14:19.600><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you can make what are called exempt you can make what are called exempt gifts<00:22:18.320> so
• should be uh eligible for exemption should be uh eligible for exemption under<00:34:21.560> Section
• That’s where it can bite. costs of attending that is exempt from costs of attending that is exempt from
• <01:11:30.000> from for organizations that are exempt from for organizations that are exempt
• <04:16:36.600> for that into a homestead exemption for that into a homestead exemption for

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability. Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption. Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that is exempt is a church parsonage.
• make it so they're no longer tax exempt make it so they're no longer tax exempt what<01:03:16.480
• that's claim claiming the tax exemption that's claim claiming the tax exemption then<01:04:34.279
• Why are these organizations tax exempt? They're clearly profitable.
• I'm against tax exempt status for I'm against tax exempt status for corporations<04:59:42.680> that

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on HB 650, a housekeeping-style bill from the Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds. Testimony explained that the bill would remove references to two already-repealed dedicated funds, split the state parks dedicated fund so Cannon Mountain winter activities would be tracked separately from the rest of the parks system, and place a $1 million cap on the robotics education fund so excess money would revert to the general fund. Supporters said the changes were mainly administrative but would improve accounting and avoid timing issues; committee members asked about a typographical error in the bill text and whether the measure was more than housekeeping. The committee later voted 16-0 to recommend HB 650 ought to pass, and then placed it on the consent calendar. The committee also opened a public hearing on HB 585, which would revise the property tax exemption for religious organizations. Representative John Janigian, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to help small churches and other religious groups that own parsonages or worship buildings but no longer have a resident pastor, allowing them to rent space or use property for church purposes without losing the exemption so long as the money is used for church operations, maintenance, or outreach. He described his Salem church’s parsonage being taxed after it was no longer occupied by a pastor, and said the bill would prevent similar burdens on small congregations. Former Representative Betty Gay testified in support, describing prior assessor actions in Salem that taxed church land and buildings very aggressively, while a Municipal Association representative testified in opposition. Committee members raised questions about how terms such as “regularly recognized and constituted denomination” would be defined, whether the bill could be applied consistently to larger denominations with multiple parishes, and whether legislative research should review past treatment of similar cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we will put both of exemptions?
• And then the PTE, and that's a property tax exemption.
• . exemption. exemption.
• It becomes exempt at that point.
• Becomes exempt at that point. Uh to pay. Becomes exempt at that point.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So currently, data centers get exemptions from TPP.
• We are not addressing the state tax exemption for data centers.
• And this would say that virtual currency is exempt from that kind of taxation, which is ludicrous.
• tax exemption for data centers.
• What we need to be doing is removing that tax exemption for data centers. How do you vote?

Keywords: 1182, all