Video & Transcript Research : 'refund'
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AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Jan 16th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- you look into some details on that first page, there we see the bottom line individual income tax refund
- Some details on that first page there we see the bottom line individual income tax refunds, as well as
- our corporate income tax refunds.
- That is a decline based on the corporate income taxes, which had slightly higher refunds than expected
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Council meeting began with approval of the December 2025 minutes and a presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research on the December revenue report. Dr. Carlos Silva said gross collections were about $4.02 billion, up slightly from the prior year, and net available for distribution was also above last year but down modestly from the previous month because of higher-than-expected corporate income tax refunds. Members asked about corporate tax trends, tariffs, and inflation, and Silva said it was too early to call the corporate decline a trend and that tariff effects would likely show up mainly in sales tax collections.
The council then adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee Subcommittee, Administrative Rules, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, PEER, Review, State Insurance Program Oversight, and Personnel. The PEER report drew the most debate because of a Department of Agriculture grant tied to Perry County and Central Arkansas Water; members discussed whether removing the Perry County portion would affect the grant’s competitiveness, and the report was ultimately adopted with the item included. The Review Subcommittee also heard questions about a BDO contract for the rural health transformation program, with DFA explaining that the contractor would manage the program while state agencies would make funding decisions consistent with the state’s application.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Education Freedom Account appropriation tied to LEARNS. Senators and representatives debated whether the program helps families or diverts money from public schools, with supporters arguing it funds students and choice and opponents arguing it is costly, vulnerable to fraud, and harms public school funding. Department of Education officials said roughly 28,000 private school students and 17,500 homeschool students were participating, that EFA students must submit standardized tests annually, and that the requested $32 million was to cover existing participants. After multiple substitute motions and extended debate, the body rejected a motion to strip out the $32 million and then adopted the report and related motions. The meeting ended after routine approvals of additional agency items and adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight May 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So it ended up resulting in a refund to taxpayers.
- What was the total amount of that refund that was provided?
- So it ended up in resulting in a refund to taxpayers.
- What was the total amount of that refund that was provided?
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on proposals to reform California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or rainy day fund, ahead of the May Revision. Members and witnesses reviewed how Proposition 2 (2014) changed reserve rules, including mandatory deposits, a 10% cap on the fund, and limits tied to the Governor’s declaration of a budget emergency. LAO staff explained that California’s revenues are highly volatile, that current reserve rules are complicated by interactions with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit, and that under current law reserves would cover only about one-third of funding shortfalls in a benchmark scenario over 50 years.
The LAO presented its report recommending a larger reserve target, including raising the cap to 50% by 2055 and pairing that with either broader, more flexible deposit rules or a simpler approach that deposits all excess capital gains. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exempt BSA deposits from the state appropriations limit, while Assembly Member Valencia presented ACA 1, which would make similar changes and was described as an evolving proposal. Testimony generally supported saving more during boom years, but differed on how much to hardwire into the Constitution versus leave flexible, and on whether to broaden the deposit formulas beyond capital gains.
Public witnesses and committee members raised additional issues, including whether reserve reforms should also address debt repayment, the treatment of unemployment insurance fund debt, and whether the Gann limit should be adjusted to better allow reserve growth. Supporters argued that stronger reserves would protect Californians from cuts during downturns and help the state weather volatility and federal funding threats. Some advocates warned that reforms should not come at the expense of current public needs, while taxpayer representatives cautioned against turning the BSA into a pass-through account that weakens constitutional spending limits. The hearing ended without a vote, with the committee chair noting the complexity of the issue and adjourning after public comment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee Member: Is it refundable?
- Chairman Gleason: So as the rule is currently written and proposed, 80% of it would be non-refundable
- Chairman Gleason: 20% would be refundable.
- Chairman Gleason: And I do believe that we will have to look at making that part refundable.
- I sit here right now, I agree that having a financial commitment that is not Chairman Gleason: Refundable
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests.
The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers.
Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Ways & Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee Member: Is it refundable?
- Chairman Gleason: So as the rule is currently written and proposed, 80% of it would be non-refundable
- Chairman Gleason: 20% would be refundable.
- Chairman Gleason: And I do believe that we will have to look at making that part refundable.
- I sit here right now, I agree that having a financial commitment that is not Chairman Gleason: Refundable
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 9, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- NO DAILY LIMITS AND NO REFUND POLICY. THERE IS NO STATE OVERSIGHT.
- IT WILL REQUIRE A REFUND TO THE CUSTOMER FOR THE FIRST VIRTUAL CURRENCY TRANSACTION.
- THEN THE REFUND MUST TAKE PLACE IN 72 HOURS. MEMBERS, THIS IS A HOT TOPIC.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- thing to do would be to add a committee substitute that makes those of us who paid this poll tax a refund
- My hope with the committee substitute that includes a refund, that would send a message to the rest of
- Now, I'm asking today for the refund, not for me; it's for my donors.
Keywords:
voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And so far we haven't had any of our programs And so far we haven't had any of our programs have to refund
- student completes all the requirements and gets a job offer, will they have to get a job offer to get a refund
- , or can they just get a refund if they complete the requirements?
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and heard four bills. CS/HB 1145 on workforce education clarified that public charter schools may receive CAP grant funds, expanded the number of college system money-back programs from three to six, and standardized eligibility rules while allowing institutions some flexibility. Supporters said it would help students access career training without adding new funding in the bill. The committee also heard CS/HB 1079, which expands dropout retrieval program eligibility to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and is not engaged in education, while resolving statutory conflicts about program structure; some members raised concerns about FERPA, student privacy, and third-party funding, but the bill was reported favorably despite one no vote from Rep. Valdes.
The committee then considered HB 251, which would designate January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a response to rising antisemitism and emphasized education, remembrance, and opposition to hate. Testimony came from a Miami-Dade school board member, a student, and other supporters, and members spoke strongly in favor of the measure. The bill was reported favorably with no opposition.
Finally, the committee heard CS/HB 261 on middle and high school start times. The bill revises the earlier mandated later-start-time law by allowing districts to comply through a report to DOE detailing start times, planning efforts, public input, and impacts, rather than requiring immediate uniform implementation. Supporters from small school districts, Miami-Dade, PTA, and other organizations said the change preserves the health goal while giving districts flexibility to address transportation, dual enrollment, athletics, and staffing constraints. Members debated the need for parental involvement and detailed reporting, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a unanimous vote.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Regulated Industries Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- HOMEOWNERS AND AGREEMENTS FROM CONTRACTORS BY MANDATING THOSE WHO RECEIVED PROJECTS WHO HAVE RESCINDED AND REFUND
- AND REFUND THIS DEPOSIT WITHIN 30 DAYS UNLESS ANY MONEY IS EXPENDED ON THE PROJECT.
- SUPPORT THE ENHANCED CONSUMER PROTECTIONS REGARDING UNREASONABLE PROJECT DELAYS AND MANDATING TIMELY REFUNDS
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
05/06/2026 - Joint Legislative Budget Committee
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- line, does that $331 million or $332 million of actual, does that include money held in reserve for refunds
- , or are the refund reservations excluded from that dollar amount?
- general fund, so it would be net of any amounts that are held back in reserve for the allowance for refunds
- embedded some of the other elements, the Homestead and the Disabled Veteran Program, as well as renters refund
- Disabled veteran and homestead tax credits are also shown, as well as renters refund, for a total in
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- line, does that $331 million or $332 million of actual, does that include money held in reserve for refunds
- , or are the refund reservations excluded from that dollar amount?
- general fund, so it would be net of any amounts that are held back in reserve for the allowance for refunds
- embedded some of the other elements, the Homestead and the Disabled Veteran Program, as well as renters refund
- Disabled veteran and homestead tax credits are also shown, as well as renters refund, for a total in
Summary:
The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request.
The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap.
The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 5/14/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> So there's a $125 million in this upcoming fiscal year for a homestead tax refund.
- So this will accelerate the refund, money getting out the door to help people with the rising property
- ><00:02:44.680>
homestead <00:02:45.640>tax for a homestead tax for a homestead tax refund - 47.760>
this <00:02:47.959>will <00:02:48.280>accelerate <00:02:48.880>the refund - So this will accelerate the refund.
Summary:
House leaders and members discussed a budget agreement centered on preserving Hennepin County Medical Center, with speakers saying the deal provides $705 million total for HCMC and related hospital support. They said $205 million would go directly and exclusively to HCMC, with a $500 million reserve fund available next summer for hospitals meeting narrow eligibility criteria tied to medical assistance and uncompensated care, plus a $30 million uncompensated care fund and increased Medicaid rates for critical access hospitals. They also said the agreement includes a task force to develop a long-term solution for HCMC and new governance provisions, including a professional hospital board, mediation requirements, and continued reporting on public dollars.
The leaders also highlighted other parts of the budget deal, including $1.2 billion in bonding for infrastructure, $125 million for a homestead tax refund that would increase the homestead credit by 12% for qualifying homeowners, and $75 million for county IT modernization with additional ongoing funding and a possible future surplus allocation. They said the agreement preserves three-month Medicaid retroactive coverage for one year despite federal changes, provides $10 million for food banks and food shelves, and includes $12.5 million for school-linked mental health grants, $3.8 million for mobile crisis grants, and $5 million for anonymous threat reporting systems in public and private schools.
Members also said the deal does not change existing law on the ballpark tax, which remains tied to Target Field bonds and other statutory obligations, and that NLX and Blue Line transit funding would only redirect to reserve accounts if those projects do not move forward. They said the agreement also includes memorial provisions for former Speaker Melissa Hortman, including a $200,000 appropriation to Helping Paws, renaming Highway 610 as the Hortman Memorial Highway, a memorial garden, and a work group on a Capitol complex state park proposal. In response to questions, leaders said they were frustrated that comprehensive gun violence prevention and some other issues were not included, and they said the session would end with an orderly finish after several long days of final work.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to see that refund amount that we just adopted go from 25% back up to the 50%.
- I'd like to see that refund amount that we just adopted go from 25% back up to the 50%.
- like<00:14:56.639>
to <00:14:56.800>see <00:14:56.959>that <00:14:57.440>refund - I'd like to see that refund precedent.
- I'd like to see that refund amount<00:14:58.160>
that <00:14:58.399>we <00:14:58.560>
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then something that has been a more recent trend is we built into tax refundability in our tax credits
- But now, building into the new tax refundability, which is also part of the net operating loss and some
- liability that we, the California budget and the taxpayers, are now obligated to pay because under the refundability
- rules, corporations can also get a tax refund just like individuals can now from the state's treasury
- So I think it's important to understand what the tax liability of the refund is.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 108 May 2nd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:29:32.399>
tax <02:29:32.800>credit EAC, a refundable child tax credit EAC, a refundable - tax your your refund. tax your your refund.
- year in taxpayer bill of rights refunds. year in taxpayer bill of rights refunds.
- <03:36:46.000>
to excess must be normally be refunded to excess must be normally be refunded - And um we actual refundable tax credit.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 30, 2026, and then moved through a series of announcements and introductions, including recognition of guests from Aurora Public Schools, remarks about International Workers Day and Law Day, and several social announcements about food events and a Cinco de Mayo potluck. The chamber also heard a brief recess and then proceeded to third reading business.
The first major action was House Joint Resolution 10:30, sponsored by Representatives Gonzalez and Joseph, which designates a portion of Colorado Highway 14 in Weld County as Mono and Matt Road in memory of Eduardo Mono Hernandez and Matthew Garcia, two Greeley Central High School student-athletes killed in a 2014 crash. Sponsors and supporters described the resolution as a permanent tribute to the young men and to the Greeley community. The resolution passed overwhelmingly, 62-0, with three excused.
The House then considered Senate Bill 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, and Senate Bill 124, concerning information related to the automated protection order notification system. Both measures passed on third reading, each by a vote of 43-19 with three excused. The chamber also laid over Senate Bill 43 until Monday.
Finally, the House took up House Bill 1421, which would prohibit certain compensation arrangements in the legal profession and create the Colorado Legal Practice Integrity and Fee Sharing Prohibition Act. Supporters argued it would prevent private equity from influencing law firms and protect client-focused legal judgment, while opponents raised concerns about separation of powers, the judiciary’s role in regulating lawyers, and possible effects on rural legal services and consolidation. One member requested and received an excusal from the vote due to a potential conflict. The debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown for the bill in the excerpt.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Local Government - 05/05/2026
Local Governments
Transcript Highlights:
- Ryan: an act to amend Chapter 629 of the Laws of 2005 amending the Local Finance Law relating to refunding
- We'll have a great day, and I will see you. finance law relating to refunding bonds in relation to extending
Summary:
The local government committee met for its fifth meeting of the year and considered 15 bills, with the chair noting there may be one more meeting to finish the agenda. Members present included Senators Baskin, Fahy, and Rolison, and the committee moved through the bills with brief motions and seconding throughout.
The committee reported several measures, including bills on making housing a state policy, directing a study on real property tax saturation, requiring notice to adjacent municipalities for certain zoning changes, authorizing the Town of Huntington to alienate park land for the Huntington African American Museum, requiring CPR training for 911 dispatchers and call takers, allowing the Johnson City School District to create an insurance reserve fund, incorporating the New Hartford Volunteer, Exempt Firefighters, Benevolent Association, creating a Suffolk County real property tax exemption for certain volunteer auxiliary police officers, and extending various local finance and public authorities provisions. One bill, S4504 by Senator Griffo, which would prohibit unfunded state mandates on municipalities and school districts and create a Mandate Review Council, was reported to the Education Committee, with the chair noting opposition.
Several bills extending the effectiveness of local finance-related laws were reported to the Finance Committee, including measures on statutory installment bonds, installment loans, refunding bonds, and Environmental Facilities Corporation powers. The committee also reported a bill on county tribal detention agreements and another on base adjusted proportions in the Real Property Tax Law. During discussion of the 911 CPR training bill, members noted an amendment was being worked on to require the training every four years. Most bills were reported unanimously or with no recorded opposition, and the meeting concluded after the final bill was approved.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- action on behalf of a property owner to challenge an impact fee, and provide for the recovery of a refund
- action on behalf of a property owner to challenge an impact fee, and provide for the recovery of a refund
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, mostly advancing them to the full Senate. Senate Bills 1079, 1243, 1504, 1851, 1879, and 2237 were each reported favorably with recommendations to do pass and be printed, and then placed on the local and uncontested calendars without objection. Senate Bill 1504 and the other uncontested measures passed by unanimous or near-unanimous committee votes.
The committee also considered Senate Bill 1921 and Senate Bill 1883 with committee substitutes. For SB 1921, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill to the Senate with a recommendation that the original bill not pass but the substitute do pass and be printed; it was then sent to the local and uncontested calendar. For SB 1883, members adopted a substitute that would require independent audits of impact fees, allow the Attorney General to sue on behalf of property owners challenging impact fees, provide for refunds, and repeal a substantial-compliance notice provision in the Local Government Code. That substitute was reported favorably, with one nay recorded.
No other business was raised, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- so sections 8 and 10 of Article 1 all relate to the renters credit, formerly known as the renters refund
- so sections 8 and 10 of Article 1 all relate to the renters credit, formerly known as the renters refund
- so sections 8 and 10 of Article 1 all relate to the renters credit, formerly known as the renters refund
- <00:10:47.920>
under known as the renters refund under known as the renters refund under chapter - and note the effective claim that refund and note the effective date<00:14:06.040>
for <00:14:
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members, you have in front of you House File 1833, and this is a refundable sales and use tax
- <00:03:06.640>
uh fou 1833 and this is a refundable uh fou 1833 and this is a refundable uh - By providing a refundable sales tax, sales and use tax exemption on construction materials, this bill
- sales tax sales and use tax a refundable sales tax sales and use tax exemption<00:04:53.240>
on - My bill is to construct a Delano ice rink, and it's a refundable sales tax exemption for construction
Keywords:
sales tax, education funding, construction, Aitkin Public Schools, tax exemption, refundable credit, HF148, use of force training, deadly force, peace officer training, police training, law enforcement, POST Board, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, scenario-based training, de-escalation, defensive tactics, force-on-force training, stress management, officer wellness
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman: Is it refundable?
- Chairman Gleason: So as the rule is currently written and proposed, 80% of it would be non-refundable
- , 20% would be refundable.
- Now... in terms of refundability and tiering according to load size, we'd be supportive of making sure
- You know the issue of whether it's refundable or not. But where are the gaps?