Transcript Highlights:

• Our patient mortality rate due to suicide remains at zero, and that is just one of our outcome measures
• And part of our project here meant that we had to raise our water and sewer rates.
• Our water and sewer rates are currently at nearly double what the USDA considers affordable.
• Our sewer was rated in the top 15% on the project priority list.
• On top of that, without bonding support, utility rates are projected to increase by at least $100 per

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• 789, which strengthens California's ability to protect consumers from unreasonable health insurance rate
• However, the definition of unreasonable rate increase in state law is still tied back to federal law.
• The definition of unreasonable rate increase in state law is still tied back to federal law.
• This is a simple bill which allows for removal of the tie-back to the definition of unreasonable rate
• the ability of state regulators to review and protect consumers from unreasonable and unjustified rate

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims. On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes. The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• WHAT I'M LEARNING IS THAT IT IS RATED AS A A FIRST UNIVERSITY BUT IF YOU DIG IN A LITTLE BIT DEEPER THIS
• IS THE ONLY HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE RATED A 100.
• THE OTHER THING I AM EXCITED ABOUT IS THEY ALSO ARE RATED NUMBER 20 IN SOCIAL MOBILITY.
• THE CHAIRMAN HAS MENTIONED WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE RATED COLLEGE PISTON IN THE COUNTRY.
• INFORMATION WE ARE RECEIVING FROM THE PUBLIC MODEL AS RELATES TO INSURANCE COMPANIES REVIEWING THEIR RATE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's the county commission's The job of any county is to set the tax rate for that county.
• And 80 rate of students going on to college. So these schools have been proven to work.
• The current rate is 79 cents.
• The current rate is 79 cents. But this change.
• Well, over the last five years, the rates averaged about 98 cents per line per month.

Transcript Highlights:

• needed legislation that prohibited insurance companies from considering ESG criteria when setting rates
• Increased rates and reduced coverage from private insurers will exacerbate the cost of insurer of last
• Working rates are driven by extreme weather, fueled by climate change, rising inflation, labor expenses
• How will this bill help Texas achieve lower insurance rates when we already have premiums that have not
• ...where over-regulation and failure to allow rate increases have destroyed the private market and led

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• GOVERNOR ARE ADDED AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR ADMINISTERED FUNDS SUCH AS PAY INCREASES, CHANGES TO RETIREMENT RATES
• WE USE OUR ACTUAL EARLY DEVELOPER FOR THESE RATES TO CALCULATE THE ANNUAL PACE UPPER LIMIT BASED ON PROGRAM
• THEY ARE USED IN THE RATE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
• I CAN FOLLOW UP TO SEE IF WE ALSO RECEIVE AUDIT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BUT IN ORDER TO DEVELOP THE RATES
• THE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR THIS IS EXTREMELY LOW AND THE FACILITY FEE FOR AN OPERATING ROOM

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But not cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure,<00:15
• <00:41:06.400> of<00:41:06.560> of education, uh self-reported rates of of education
• as the essentially the same rate as the previous<01:15:46.440> school<01:15:46.680> year.
• <01:20:05.640> in had it has a strong response rate in had it has a strong response rate in
• Is there another pre-pandemic rates?

Bills: HF4213, HF4198, HF3930, HF3585, HF3451

Keywords: education finance, school funding, K-12, prekindergarten, pre-K, early childhood education, general education aid, special education, literacy aid, school meals, free school meals, school breakfast, school lunch, charter school lease aid, charter schools, nonpublic pupil aid, private school aid, transportation aid, desegregation aid, integration aid

Transcript Highlights:

• Send a message. rates when we saw a mass exodus after CO rates when we saw a mass exodus after CO when
• Do you guys understand provider rates. Do you guys understand that<01:43:19.199> hypocrisy?
• But that provider rate is going to impact them the most. It is.
• RATE IS GOING TO IMPACT them the most. RATE IS GOING TO IMPACT them the most.
• targeted rate reductions. targeted rate reductions.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 10, a resolution celebrating Lunar New Year 2026. The resolution highlighted Colorado’s observed Lunar New Year holiday, the cultural significance of the holiday to Asian-American communities, and the contributions of Asian-Americans in Colorado. Several members spoke in support, including remarks about the Far East Center, Asian-American heritage, and the importance of recognizing the holiday statewide. The chamber also welcomed a number of guests and groups for the Lunar New Year observance, including state and international dignitaries, community leaders, and lion dancers. Representative Soer and others introduced guests and offered brief remarks; the House then recessed briefly for the celebration. After returning, the House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 10 by a vote of 60 ayes, with five excused and no no votes. Following the resolution, members made announcements about committee meetings and visiting student groups, including District 6 Day, Disability Rights Advocacy Day, and several school groups at the Capitol. The House then took up third reading of supplemental appropriations bills. House Bill 1150, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Agriculture, passed on third reading. House Bill 1151, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections, prompted extended debate over prison funding, inmate care, staffing, and parole-related concerns; members argued both for humane treatment and for fiscal restraint, and discussion was still ongoing in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The CRA rating of the state is not really impacted by these programs, especially the BFA.
• <00:09:45.920> of you. um the rating the the CRA rating of you. um the rating the the CRA
• That's a little above the median according to the rating agencies, but it's a good ratio.
• That's a little above the median according to the rating agencies, but it's a good ratio.
• That's a little above the median according to the rating agencies, but it's a good ratio.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony from State Treasurer Monica Misipelli on House Bill 1042, which would increase the contingent credit limit for the BFA. She explained that under RSA 66 the state’s debt capacity is capped at 10% of unrestricted revenue, and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is not direct debt. She said the state currently has about 65% of its capacity used, roughly $120 million of remaining room, and that raising the BFA contingent credit limit from $200 million to $450 million would reduce that capacity. She noted the state’s debt-to-revenue ratio is about 4.2%, that the state’s credit rating is not immediately affected by the guarantee program unless the state actually has to assume the liability, and suggested unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Peace Development Authority, could be reviewed in the future. Members asked whether a credit guarantee affects bonding ability like actual debt, what the usual debt level is relative to the statutory cap, and whether the increase would crowd out future capital borrowing. Misipelli answered that guarantees are included in the formula and do affect available capacity, though the current ratio remains manageable. She also said she had been using a $120 million benchmark for capital budget planning and was now modeling $130 million in future state debt. When asked whether the full $250 million increase was necessary, she deferred to the BFA, saying the question should be answered by the agency. James Key Wallace, executive director of the New Hampshire BFA and interim commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs, then testified in support of the bill. He said the request was driven by larger project costs over the last several decades, with construction inflation causing guarantees to be used up in bigger chunks, and by the fact that the BFA has been close to its current cap. He said the agency does not use taxpayer funds, has never had a payout on a guarantee in nearly 35 years, and requires collateral, reserves, and an 80% loan-to-value buffer. He told members the Senate had a similar bill to raise the limit to $400 million and that the BFA considered that range acceptable. In response to questions, he said a smaller increase such as $150 million would cover known transactions but might not provide enough runway for future opportunities, and he confirmed the bill was brought at the BFA’s request. He also said businesses consider housing availability when deciding whether to locate in New Hampshire, since housing and workforce are key location factors. At the end of the work session, the chair closed House Bill 1042 and opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage of pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Nagel began introducing the bill and asked for copies of the treasurer’s debt-capacity report, but the transcript cuts off before any further action on HB 241.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did we budget anticipating that we would have a much lower vacancy rate?
• Did we budget anticipating that we would have a much lower vacancy rate?
• That rate has to be approved by the federal government that we charge.
• That rate has to be approved by funding.
• But if as the federal rates that that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, I shall read what it says under the title of bill: To increase the annual rate of base pay
• Beginning on the first day of the applicable pay period, the annual rate of basic pay for each career
• Actually, it's a fairly decent interest rate back to the trust fund, back to Social Security.
• That's a real problem because our interest rates go up.
• interest rates are higher. interest rates are higher.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and go on to that the retention rates and go on to that next<00:08:24.120> slide<00:08:24.440
• of those who the um satisfaction rate of those who participated<00:32:23.159> um<00:32:23.480
• And Senator Lieske, I want to be clear that those ratings aren't a rating on the second draft, nor do
• we interpret it as a rating on the second draft.
• service rate this would result in a rate service rate this would result in a rate cut<02:02:11.400

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The provider wellness program was aimed at addressing health care worker burnout and increased rates
• works collaboratively with other care providers and their organizations in the shared goal to reduce rates
• shared<00:01:22.640> goal<00:01:22.880> to<00:01:23.040> reduce<00:01:23.439> rates
• <00:01:23.759> of<00:01:23.920> provider shared goal to reduce rates of provider shared
• goal to reduce rates of provider burnout<00:01:25.200> and<00:01:25.520> associated<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Public Health Law in relation to federally qualified health center rate adequacy.
• Rate adequacy. Really straightforward and necessary, in my view. Is rate reform? Salute.
• Rate reform. No, it's fine. You got it. You got to sneeze. You got to sneeze.
• It is rate reform for federally qualified health centers around the state.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health considered a series of health-related bills, many of which were reported favorably. Among the measures approved were SB 999, which would restructure Medicaid reimbursement for early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment services for children with IEPs or disabilities; SB 1816, lowering the state definition of elevated blood lead levels to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter; SB 1911A, extending due process protections for health care professionals when insurers terminate or fail to renew them; and SB 3105, allowing reciprocity for out-of-state medical cannabis patients. The committee also advanced SB 4589 on federally qualified health center rate adequacy, SB 4955B on Medicaid Inspector General audit procedures, SB 9196 to ban new for-profit hospices, SB 9237 expanding the definition of family for certain foster care health facility services, and SB 9275 requiring Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care and prohibiting related discrimination. Several of these bills were sent to Finance, while others were sent to First Reading or Higher Education as noted. The committee also discussed SB 2625, which would expand pharmacists’ authority to prescribe, administer, and dispense medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. One member raised concerns about expanding scope of practice without coordination with primary care or a holistic review of patient conditions, and indicated opposition; the bill was nevertheless referred to Higher Education. SB 5056B, requiring the Department of Health to examine heat vulnerability and heat-related deaths, prompted discussion about whether the bill should explicitly require recommendations for prevention; the sponsor said the idea was to gather data and that recommendations could be added, and the bill advanced with some reservations. Other measures included SB 7460, reauthorizing a maternal infant care centers pilot program using an existing $350,000 appropriation, and SB 9388, requiring public notice and engagement when a general hospital closes or shuts down a psychiatric, mental health, or substance use unit. The hospital closure bill drew discussion about relocations and whether moves that shift services to a new site would trigger the community engagement process; the sponsor said they would. Most bills were approved by voice vote, with some members voting no or without recommendation on certain measures, and the committee adjourned after reporting the bills onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• For one year, it lowers the beverage tax rate on domestically manufactured beer from 48 to 40 cents per
• But the last section I want to talk about is Section 16 relating to the setting of a millage rate in
• trying to and being told they cannot do, due to a mathematical impossibility related to the rollback rate
• You can raise a millage up to 110 percent by two thirds, but if the millage rate is zero, that is where
• does separate reporting and I'm sure you can continue having a separation between the corporate tax rate

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, today I can announce that the high school graduation rate for the 2024-25 school year was 92.2
• That is the highest graduation rate in Florida history.
• And the results have been positive, as witnessed by the recent announcement of historic rate decreases
• for citizens' homeowners insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing for rate reductions for
• Insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing for rate reductions for both homeowners and auto

Summary: The Florida House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After opening formalities, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the appointment of a committee to notify the Governor that the Legislature was ready, the chamber recognized special guests and then received Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis. In his address, the Governor reviewed what he described as seven years of major accomplishments in Florida, emphasizing fiscal restraint, tax relief, economic growth, education reforms, environmental restoration, disaster response, public safety, and immigration enforcement. He highlighted a larger rainy day fund, reduced debt, record job and business growth, universal school choice, higher teacher pay, Hope Florida, Everglades restoration, stronger hurricane response, and tougher laws on crime and illegal immigration. He also warned about property tax burdens, called for a constitutional path to property tax relief, urged informed consent in medical policy, and raised concerns about artificial intelligence. The Governor pointed to several bills already filed and urged lawmakers to send him legislation eliminating DEI in local government, further discouraging illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking the spread of Sharia law. He closed by asking the Legislature to continue advancing his agenda. After the address, the joint session voted to dissolve.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, today I can announce that the high school graduation rate for the 2024-25 school year was 92.2
• That is the highest graduation rate in Florida history.
• And the results have been positive, as witnessed by the recent announcement of historic rate decreases
• for citizens' homeowners insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing for rate reductions for
• ... ...insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing for rate reductions for both homeowners

Summary: The transcript is of a Florida Legislature joint session convened to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the House and Senate were received, a committee was appointed to notify the Governor that the joint session was ready, and the Governor and First Lady were introduced. The Senate President presided, a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were offered, and the joint session then recessed to await the Governor’s arrival. Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record over the past seven years. He highlighted fiscal restraint, larger reserves and rainy-day funds, debt reduction, tax cuts, business and job growth, school choice expansion, education reforms, higher teacher pay, civics initiatives, environmental restoration efforts in the Everglades, hurricane response improvements, public safety and immigration enforcement, and opposition to DEI and other ideological policies. He also urged lawmakers to send him bills on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and addressing what he described as the creep of Sharia law. The Governor additionally called for property tax relief through the constitutional amendment process and for legislation emphasizing informed consent in medical decision-making. He warned about risks posed by artificial intelligence and said new technologies should align with American values. No substantive votes were taken on policy matters during the session; after the Governor’s remarks, the joint session adopted a motion to dissolve.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, today I can announce that the high school graduation rate for the 2024-2025 school year was
• That is the highest graduation rate in Florida history.
• And the results have been positive, as witnessed by the recent announcement of historic rate decreases
• for citizens' homeowners insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing for rate reductions for
• ... ...insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing for rate reductions for both homeowners

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the customary opening, prayer, pledge, and motions to notify the Governor, the Governor and First Lady were received and the Governor delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record and outlining priorities for the coming session. The Governor highlighted what he described as major accomplishments over the past seven years, including stronger state reserves, debt reduction, tax relief, economic growth, school choice expansion, higher teacher pay, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response improvements, public safety measures, and immigration enforcement. He also discussed affordability concerns, especially rising local property taxes, and urged lawmakers to pursue a ballot measure for property tax relief. He called for legislation on informed consent in medical decisions, regulation of artificial intelligence, and bills already filed on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law. No substantive votes were taken on legislation during the address. After the Governor concluded, the joint session approved a motion to dissolve, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These two bills, especially SB 23, combined with the 6.8 pennies of school district tax rate compression
• in HB 3 since 2019, will reduce the statewide average tax. ...will reduce the statewide average tax rates
• The freeze values simply put were the taxable value of the home times the tax rate at the time for school
• doing since Prop. 1 passed with 87% of the vote is we've increased an exemption or decreased the tax rate
• to the exemption and... ...in at a low freeze, the fact that we're adding to the exemption and tax rate

Bills: SB23, SJR85

Keywords: homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes. Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs. The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4194 by Leo Wilson relating to the calculation of the no new revenue tax rate for taxing unit for
• Lauderback, relating to authorizing certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax, the applicability and rates
• Reynolds relating to the authority to impose municipal sales and use taxes authorizing an increase of the rate
• increases in that appraised value of the property for subsequent tax years based on the inflation rate
• appraised value of the property for subsequent tax years based on inflation and population growth rates