Transcript Highlights:

• THE STATUTE STILL ALLOWS FOR THE SURCHARGE TO BE MET AND OPERATING MUNICIPALITIES STILL CAN CHARGE THE
• SURCHARGE TO THE OTHER MUNICIPALITIES THEY SERVE.
• IT IS A UTILITY TAX, NOT A SURCHARGE OF 10% AND MANY OF THE COUNTIES AND CITIES IN THIS AREA ALREADY
• SP 202 DOES NOT ELIMINATE ANY OF THE SURCHARGES OR UTILITY TAX FOR ANY OF THESE FOLKS.
• IT SIMPLY COMMENDS THE STATUTE TO MAKE SURE MIAMI GARDENS RESIDENTS PAY THE SAME SURCHARGE OR RATE AS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to be mindful that expanding subsidies does increase the state costs that are ultimately paid on surcharges
• And I would like to know when we could expect to see more analysis on the surcharge impacts of the Lifeline
• We can definitely follow up with you with the amount of funding in the surcharge that ultimately goes
• people take up the Lifeline home broadband program, what are your projections of the increase in surcharges
• And I think information, including the cost and impact on the surcharge, would certainly be relevant

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also a new surcharge...
• And vehicle registration by 25%, and then also a new surcharge to EVs and also to hybrids.
• The change in that section to existing law is to account for where the new EV surcharge money goes.
• Chairman, Representative O'Rego, the new and proposed EV and plug-in hybrid surcharge in Senate Bill
• I don't so much dispute the surcharge on electric vehicles, Mr. Chairman, Senator.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So then when you're talking about waste disposal surcharge charges, you have to charge the same surcharge
• You're changing that to all appeals have no filing fee or surcharge.
• You're changing that to all appeals have no filing fee or surcharge.
• You're changing that to all appeals have no filing fee or surcharge.
• You're changing that to all appeals have no filing fee or surcharge.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 retirement provisions, focusing on Group Two/Tier B changes in pages 25-39. Jan Goodwin of the New Hampshire Retirement System and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions, but it restores certain pre-2011 benefit rules for Tier B members, including changes to average final compensation and earnable compensation, and it also addresses the annuity multiplier for years of service. Members discussed the tier structure, with Tier A referring to vested members, Tier B to those hired before 11/1/12 who were not vested, and Tier C to later hires. Several members expressed concern that the bill’s purpose was to restore Tier B benefits, not to change Tier A rules or create broader changes affecting newer hires. The retirement system flagged two likely drafting problems. First, it said a provision appears to omit a special-duty/earnable-compensation limitation in the Group Two section, which they believed was a scrivener’s error caused by moving language out of the Group One definition without adding it back for Group Two. Second, they noted the bill’s multiplier language overlaps with changes already enacted in HB 1647, which increased the multiplier for service beyond 15 years for Group Two and carried an estimated $26 million cost. The committee discussed that HB 1647 was originally broader in the House, but the Senate narrowed it to Tier B only. The actuary’s comparison of the 2023 and 2025 HB 2 versions showed the bills are close, but the 2025 version differs in funding and timing. Staff said the 2025 bill appropriates $2.5 million more per year for 10 years, and that, together with updated actuarial assumptions and a larger share of the affected tier having already retired or otherwise left service, results in a larger reduction in unfunded liability than the 2023 bill: about $98.2 million versus $68.5 million. Employer contribution impacts were described as small overall, though the 2025 bill was said to be somewhat more favorable than the 2023 version. Members also questioned why House Bill 1 only funds $5 million in the first year, and staff said that was tied to the governor’s revenue estimate and that the full funding does not begin immediately. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received testimony, asked clarifying questions, and noted that some issues would be addressed in the fiscal note worksheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• Subsection 2 creates a 50-cent surcharge per drink dedicated to funding the Ignition, Interlock, and
• an estimated $25 million annually in new sales tax revenue and $11 million more through the IID surcharge
• directly... ...and $11 million more through the IID surcharge dedicated directly to DUI prevention efforts

Bills: AB102, AB108, AB117, AB213, AB220, AB221, AB251, AB259, AB331, AB336, AB375, AB379, AB409, AB475, AB476, AB550, AB575, AB594, SB466

Keywords: emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district, paramedic, training requirements, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, special license plates, vehicle registration, custom plates, state revenue, transportation, public works, prevailing wage, custom fabrication, nonstandard materials

Bills: HF2431, HF2438, HF2783, HF1943

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 405 by Representative Blackshare, concerning nursing facilities' privilege assessments and surcharge

Bills: HB186, HB185, HB184, HB183, HB181, HB312, HB405, HB182, HB460

Keywords: Alabama budget, general fund appropriations, fiscal year 2026, state budget, appropriations act, HB186, executive branch funding, legislative branch funding, judicial branch funding, debt service, capital outlay, corrections, Medicaid, public health, mental health, transportation, education, law enforcement, tourism, veterans affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• trying to custodial arrest is what I'm trying to custodial arrest is what I'm trying to say is a ticket
• it's a ticket no but you say is a ticket it's a ticket no but you say is a ticket it's a ticket no but

Bills: SB82, SB78, SB4, SB6, SB62, SB66, SB77, SB63, SB79, SB53, SB55, HB14

Keywords: SB82, warrant recall, outstanding warrants, stale warrants, misdemeanor warrants, Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor, municipal magistrate, circuit court clerk, criminal procedure, court administration, docket cleanup, warrant audit, law enforcement notification, domestic violence, sex offense, weapons offense, deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, felony-related charges

Transcript Highlights:

• essentially prevent local government entities from imposing, again, whether it's a tax, a fee, or a surcharge
• entities, local government entities from essentially imposing, again, whether it's a tax, a fee, a surcharge
• Those initiatives are not a tax, and they're not a surcharge on the United States.
• They're not a tax and they're not a surcharge on the residents.
• It's not an additional fee or surcharge.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several environmental and infrastructure bills. SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions was presented as a tool for cities and counties to address abandoned and derelict vessels, with support from the Florida Association of Counties and favorable comments from members about the statewide problem. SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants and related pollution data; Florida Rural Water Association raised cost concerns about any move toward requiring advanced treatment without funding. Both bills were reported favorably by roll call. The committee also approved a strike-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management. The amended bill is aimed at closing a loophole in which Class AA biosolids are labeled as fertilizer or compost but are not actually sold, requiring agronomic land application only through a bona fide sale or at a permitted DEP site, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it protects water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while Florida Rural Water urged funding for utility upgrades and grant support. A lengthy debate followed on CS/SB 1628, which would prohibit governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, including related taxes, fees, cap-and-trade programs, and certain climate-related requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy planning, harm affordability and innovation, and favor fossil fuel interests. Despite strong opposition testimony from environmental and local-government advocates, the committee reported the bill favorably on a party-line style vote. The committee then advanced CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which would stop DEP from issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is within 50 miles, with an amendment applying the statutory definition of septage. Supporters said it would encourage higher-level treatment, while Florida Rural Water asked for rural exemptions; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 558 on stormwater system standards was heard with an amendment making technical changes and tying local construction and inspection standards to FDOT guidelines. The sponsor said the goal was a statewide baseline after recent flooding failures, but counties, contractors, and engineers warned the bill could preempt stronger local standards, raise costs, and create inspection bottlenecks. The transcript ends during testimony and debate on that bill, before any final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the hospitals who just don't join in 2016 are paying a surcharge because that is what is.
• So, uh, collect the surcharge for the PCF and deliver that to us.
• Then there's a PCF surcharge, which the Pinnacle actuarial team puts together, and the superintendent
• or LFC through the batch, and I'm a little bit shaky on that whole process, but they collect the surcharge

Bills: HB2240, SB896, SB2060, SB2152, SB2315, SB2544, SB2577, SB2580, SB99, SB2110, SB2115, SB2259, SB2382, SB2442, SB2485, SB895, SB2112, SB3019

Keywords: appropriations, legislative expenses, auditor, legislative reference bureau, state ethics commission, ombudsman, government transparency, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We are getting fuel surcharges from our vendor, which is Worldwide Express, which uses UPS.
• are going to start charging them the price that they would actually cost based on that new fuel surcharge
• On that new fuel surcharge, it's anywhere from $20 to $30 to, I think, $50 in some areas.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator: Well, they are if they're a ticket. Another Senator: Yes, I know. I was like, well, OK.
• diagram which shows the four historical fees, which is prepaid, wireless, landline, and equalization surcharge
• diagram which shows the four historical fees, which are prepaid, wireless, landline, and equalization surcharge
• This exceptional item would be fully funded through actual revenue collected by the equalization surcharge
• highlights the efficiency of our network and the value we provide to the community. equalization surcharge

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The surcharge to fund the program would be capped at the highest rate charged over the past four years
• Currently, it's being funded on the back of wireless consumers through a surcharge tax for everyone to
• I just want to add also that, again, this is voluntary, but also there is a cap on the surcharge.
• On January 1st, 2025, the surcharge for just the UTLS portion was 60 cents.
• And it relies heavily on telephone customer surcharges, while internet service providers and other entities

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1. The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment revises the continuation of surcharges necessary to comply with existing bond covenants
• to require that such surcharges be phased out within three years.
• to require that such surcharges be phased out within three years or be phased out upon the retirement
• So this amendment that we just took sunsets the extension of the surcharge if the revenues are bonded
• That we just took sunsets the extension of the surcharge if the revenues are bonded by 2029.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SETNA is a surcharge on telephone lines in California that funds the legacy 911 system and transition
• that it's my understanding that those dollars didn't come from the General Fund but came from a surcharge
• While it may not be a tax that funds this, it's a surcharge on their service lines for communications
• Would you also believe that half a billion dollars, whether it's General Fund or surcharge, is a large
• an independent audit of what transpired would be reasonable as far as being paid throughout this surcharge

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under decoupling, there's an annual true-up that triggers either a credit to ratepayers or a surcharge
• Under decoupling, there's an annual true-up that triggers either a credit to ratepayers or a surcharge
• Yes, the true-ups led to surcharges that were greater than what was originally charged to the customers
• And the billion dollars, so that that is just, The billion dollars, so that is just those extra surcharges
• It was a factor of an under-collection and then a surcharge applied.

Summary: The committee heard several energy and water affordability bills, with extensive testimony on SB 254 by Senator Becker, SB 541 by Senator Becker, SB 453 by Senator Stern, SB 292 by Senator Caballero, and SB 473 by Senator Padilla. SB 254 was presented as a broad utility affordability package addressing short-term climate credits, a Power Fund, tighter scrutiny of rate increases and utility profits, wildfire spending, securitization of future utility costs, and streamlining. Supporters, including TURN and several environmental and public power groups, said it could lower bills and reduce long-term costs; opponents from investor-owned utilities, labor, business, and local government raised concerns about market impacts, insufficient analysis, and the breadth of the bill. The committee approved SB 254 on a 6-3 vote and placed it on call. SB 541 focused on load flexibility and using existing grid capacity more efficiently. Senator Becker described it as a transparency and planning measure to identify cost-effective load shifting and reduce peak demand, while supporters said it could improve resiliency and save money. Several CCAs and utilities opposed the bill in print or unless amended, arguing that some language implied a mandate and that the concept needed more cost-effectiveness analysis; the author said amendments would remove language dividing the state goal among retail suppliers and clarify that the bill is not a procurement mandate. The committee passed SB 541 as amended to Appropriations on a 9-1 vote and left it on call. SB 453 by Senator Stern would return unspent ratepayer-funded microgrid program dollars and was described as a way to keep the lights on and redirect unused funds. It drew support from local government and environmental groups, with PG&E expressing concern about how the bill would affect its ability to spend awarded funds. The committee passed SB 453 as amended to Appropriations on a 12-0 vote. SB 292 by Senator Caballero would require more granular outage and reliability reporting, including census-tract-level data, to better inform resilience planning after PSPS events; utilities opposed unless amended, citing duplicative reporting and regulatory overlap, but the bill passed 12-0 to Appropriations. SB 473 by Senator Padilla would require or expand water utility decoupling to promote conservation and affordability. Supporters, including water utilities, labor, business, and local government groups, argued decoupling stabilizes revenue, supports conservation, and can keep rates lower for low-use customers. The Public Advocates Office opposed, saying prior pilot data showed no conservation benefit and about $1 billion in added costs, and that the CPUC had already rejected similar requests. Committee members questioned the conservation and capital-investment effects of the different rate structures; the author and supporters argued decoupling helps utilities fund infrastructure while allowing lower fixed charges for low-use customers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on SB 473 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public higher ed, education reimbursement accounts—those are kind of some of the bigger-ticket areas
• I'm not mistaken, that means that some of the things that we have funded more recently from the surcharge
• ... ...from the surcharge could not be that we could not take money from that and put it to something

Bills: H5006, H5007

Keywords: tax revenue, state surplus, taxpayer refunds, budget growth, Massachusetts General Laws, income tax, tax reduction, state law, personal income tax, tax rates, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is a diagram which shows the four historical fees: prepaid wireless, landline, and equalization surcharge
• exceptional item request would be fully funded through actual revenue collected by the Equalization Surcharge
• That is a very big item, a very big ticket item. Thank you very much.

Transcript Highlights:

• handout is a diagram which shows the. for historical fees, prepaid wireless landline and equalization surcharge
• exceptional item request would be fully funded through actual revenue collected by the equalization surcharge
• That is a very big item, very big ticket item. Thank you. very much.

Keywords: 1184, house, all