Video & Transcript : 'counties authority' :
Page 220 of 500
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We've been in 12 different counties, most of your constituencies here.
- duties, if you will, the DMV duties, in 65 of those counties.
- duties, if you will, the DMV duties in 65 of those counties.
- There are two counties in South Florida, Miami-Dade, in Broward. of those counties, there are two counties
- We have leases signed in both Polk County at Lakeland Linder and here in Leon County at Tallahassee International
Summary:
The committee met to review agency program funding as it prepared to build the budget, hearing brief presentations from six agencies and then taking member questions. Florida Division of Emergency Management highlighted its role in response, preparedness, recovery, and mitigation, describing a largely federal pass-through budget, major technology investments, and large disaster and preparedness grant activity. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, Florida State Guard, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also summarized their budgets, staffing, and major programs, including workforce and economic development, elections and arts funding, housing assistance, transportation work programs, military readiness, state guard expansion, and highway safety and motorist services.
Members focused questions on several issues: arts and library grant funding and whether award criteria had changed; Commerce’s rural infrastructure and job growth grants and why funds were not being disbursed faster; Florida Housing’s use of SAIL, Live Local, Hometown Heroes, and SHIP funds and how smaller agencies learn about and access funding; and DOT’s work program gap between agency and governor proposals. The most extensive questioning was directed to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about long DMV lines, vacancies, overtime, staffing shortages, and the ability to shift funds between divisions. The department said staffing and pay constraints, especially in South Florida, were driving service delays and vacancy rates, and that overtime was being used because troopers were leaving for better-paying jobs.
The Florida State Guard was also questioned about its spending and procurement pace, including aircraft purchases and facilities. Its director said long procurement timelines explained the low initial spending and that obligations had risen sharply as contracts matured. Members also asked about the department’s public opposition to Amendment 3 and whether agency resources were used in that effort; the director said no contracts or purchases were made to influence the vote and said the colonel’s comments were made off the clock. The meeting ended with the chair asking agencies to respond promptly to unanswered questions, and the committee adjourned without any recorded votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations and questions.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, last week we lost longtime Lee County Judge and Members, last week we lost longtime Lee County
- Broward County, the way they work.
- In Palm Beach County, every piece of property is owned by the School Board of Palm Beach County, the
- They can be under Charlotte County School District, School District of Charlotte County, multiple, multiple
- One such bill authorized the Board of Public Instruction, akin to the modern-day county school board,
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of FSU Police Officer Cody Popple for stopping the April campus shooter. The Speaker then outlined the final week of session, noting the House had passed 253 House bills and 149 Senate bills to date, but that the 2026-27 budget would not be completed this week. The chamber also adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day.
The House took up several Senate bills on special order, largely technical or open-government measures, and passed them with little or no opposition. These included SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on the Florida Statutes and revisor’s changes; SB 7006, SB 7014, SB 7002, SB 7012, SB 7024, SB 7016, SB 7026, SB 7008, SB 7000, and SB 7004, which extended or preserved various public-records and meeting exemptions for matters such as Public Service Commission proprietary information, social media investigations, military affairs, highway safety records, cybersecurity, emergency shelter contact information, conviction integrity units, and trade secrets. Most passed overwhelmingly, though SB 7006 drew 99-8, SB 7022 on public records for exam integrity passed 101-8 after questions about testing materials and scoring rubrics, and SB 7026 on trade secrets passed 106-3.
The most substantive floor debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the emergency preparedness and response trust fund in the Executive Office of the Governor. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment to let the fund expire, arguing the money had become a “slush fund” and had been used for the Everglades detention facility rather than emergencies; several members supported her on fiscal and separation-of-powers grounds, while others said the fund is needed for rapid disaster response. The House rejected Eskamani’s amendment and then adopted a Griffiths strike-all amendment adding accountability measures, including spending limits, quarterly reporting, asset tracking, and a sunset/review provision. SB 7040 then passed 82-25. The chamber also passed CS/CS SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, CS SB 474 on military affairs, and SB 488 on Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which prompted extended questions about vehicle registration requirements, license plate frames, and foreign passport/I-94 documentation; the bill was still under amendment and debate when the transcript ended.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , Steel County, Dodge County, and Wasika County.
- The small cities around Rice County, Steel County, Dodge County, and Wasika County.
- Douglas counties.
- </c> Traverse, Grant, and Douglas counties. Traverse, Grant, and Douglas counties.
- </c> under USDA authorization. under USDA authorization.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- State Senator David Gallegos from Eddie and Lee County.
- I'm going to start with the Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) first.
- I am the lead staff attorney for the New Mexico Finance Authority.
- These include the Border Authority, the Colonial Infrastructure Board, the Spaceport Authority, among
- I just have three counties, but within that county are lots of villages and political subdivisions that
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And what this bill does is authorize the usage of four additional construction procurement methods.
- And what this bill does is authorize the usage of four additional construction procurement methods, And
- We usually do this at the end, which is a little confusing, but we're waiting on authors, so.
- My name is Peggy Price and I am from the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, District 3.
- A second county representative preserves meaningful county participation while maintaining the broader
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on July 1, 2026, and first heard SB 1055 by Senator Laird, which would authorize additional construction procurement methods for the Pajaro River levee/flood control project to speed delivery, improve quality control, and reduce costs after prior flooding and evacuations. The Nature Conservancy testified in support, and there was no opposition or committee questioning. The bill was later moved out of committee, with Republicans not voting and Assemblymembers Dixon and Tangipa voting no.
The committee also heard SB 1000 by Senator Becker, a follow-up to California’s AI Transparency Act. The bill would update content provenance and disclosure rules for AI-generated and non-synthetic content, remove a user threshold for covered systems, add privacy protections, and create guardrails for third-party licenses, with the goal of aligning California’s rules with international standards. Adobe and Google supported the measure, and it was sent out on a roll call with Mr. Ta not voting.
SB 1229, presented on behalf of Senator Allen, would limit an existing Coastal Act disaster-rebuild exemption to prevent speculative development from using the exemption to reduce public access to the coast. The Nature Conservancy supported the bill, there was no opposition, and it was moved out of committee. The committee also approved several bills on the consent and suspense calendars, and public comment included Imperial County concerns about SB 675, including board representation, implementation timing, county administrative control, and funding for mandated changes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> the</c><00:03:48.440><c> killing</c> Amends the law authorizing the killing Amends the law authorizing
- So I would strongly public authority.
- We suggest that language in Maui County.
- ,</c><00:09:24.000><c> that</c> little fire ants in Maui County, that little fire ants in Maui County
- ,</c><00:21:49.720><c> state,</c> in harmony, city, county, state, in harmony, city, county, state, public-private
Summary:
The AEN hearing on March 14, 2025 reviewed several agriculture, biosecurity, animal, and climate-related measures, but the chair announced at the outset that the committee would not have decision-making that day because quorum was not expected. Decision-making for the full agenda was rescheduled to Monday, March 17, 2025 at 1:02 p.m. in room 224. Testimony was limited to one minute per speaker.
Measures heard included HB 48 HD2 on coffee labeling and regional origin, HB 782 HD1 creating a Department of Agriculture working group to review obsolete agricultural laws, HB 980 HD1 on mongoose and feral chicken control, and HB 1237 HD1 appropriating funds for agricultural biosecurity and invasive species work in Maui County. The Department of Agriculture supported HB 48, HB 782, and HB 1237, and several industry and conservation groups testified in support of the first two. HB 980 drew strong opposition from Pono Advocacy and the Hawaiian Humane Society, who argued it raised animal cruelty and public health concerns, especially during H5N1 risks; the measure also had support from agriculture-related groups. HB 1237 received broad support, with witnesses asking for language changes to broaden coverage to additional invasive species and to better support Maui Invasive Species Committee work on little fire ants and other pests.
The committee also heard SCR 88/SR 71 on a microbial algae soil products pilot program, SCR 91/SR 74 on self-defense law changes for agricultural communities, SCR 93/SR 76 on integrating indigenous knowledge into climate policy, SCR 94/SR 77 on Maui axis deer control and venison, and SCR 103/SR 84 on a PFAS working group. Testimony on SCR 91/SR 74 came largely from ranching and agricultural interests in support, citing trespass, poaching, and safety concerns. SCR 93/SR 76 drew support from a Native Hawaiian testifier and others who emphasized stewardship, intergenerational planning, and climate resilience. SCR 94/SR 77 and SCR 103/SR 84 also received support, including from the Department of Agriculture and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply on the PFAS measure. No votes were taken.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of county attorneys. of county attorneys.
- </c><01:04:15.520><c> the</c> authorizes the flex authority for the authorizes the flex authority for
- </c> my good friend from Fremont County? my good friend from Fremont County?
- of the county central party.
- </c> member, the county uh party officers. member, the county uh party officers.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 8th, 2025 at 03:00 pm
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- for the county jail overflow.
- Do all the, you know, with this Bismarck, Burleigh County, Grand Forks, McKenzie County, and Rugby all
- Who would be covering which facilities for the county jails?
- They're all considered in the county jails.
- They're all considered in the county jails. Okay, okay.
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2399, concerning therapeutic leave days for psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs). Sarah Aker from the Department of Health and Human Services explained the current Medicaid rate-setting methodology, how occupancy affects rates, and why paying the full rate for leave days would create additional fiscal impact. Members debated whether the bill should pay the full Medicaid rate, a flat reduced rate, or a tiered rate, and discussed whether a cap or department authorization should be used to control use of leave days. The department said it was not supporting the change as it was not in the governor’s budget, though it supported family engagement in care.
After discussion, the committee settled on a compromise motion to set therapeutic leave days at a $500 daily rate and require department authorization of the number of leave days. The motion passed 6-2, with Representative Anderson voting no and the rest of the recorded members voting yes. The committee then moved on to Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation budget materials, where Michelle Zander walked through detailed population and rate calculations for women’s and men’s facilities, county holds, deferred admissions, transitional facilities, work release, and proposed reentry, man camp, and Grand Forks-related costs. Members asked about the county jail reimbursement rates and the overall pool of funds, and Zander explained the calculations and noted the proposal was roughly break-even depending on assumptions.
The committee also heard an overview of DOCR IT requests from Amy and NDIT staff, including data processing, medical modules, a new client management system, body scanners, data management tools, facility management software, medical software upgrades, college solutions, and body cameras/tasers. Staff explained that the new client management system would likely be a multi-phase project with a wide cost range based on vendor selection and scope, and that the current request was for phase one. Members emphasized the importance of better data tracking, staff safety tools, and information that could help explain programming and release outcomes to the public. The committee planned to continue with Veterans Affairs the next day and then return to Senate Bill 2015.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Current statute provides a county with the authority to enforce ordinances related to off-site impacts
- I represent Broward County.
- And Broward County has informed me that the way the bill is currently written, the county does not have
- We have Scott Howitt, Orange County Public Schools, waving in support.
- Danielle Thomas waving in support from Pasco County Schools. Thank you.
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy heard and approved two bills. First, it took up CS for SB 290, an agriculture and consumer services bill, and adopted a strike-all amendment that covered a wide range of issues: density limits for certain small municipalities, a delay in biosolids rule changes from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028, higher insurance and penalty requirements for fumigation businesses, longer payment timeframes for contractors to pay subcontractors and suppliers, restrictions on county agritourism permitting ordinances, and renaming the Bonifay Forestry Station. Senators raised concerns about the contractor penalty increase, local government preemption, and the biosolids provisions. Audubon Florida testified in opposition to the state lands and biosolids sections, while several industry and agriculture groups waved in support. The committee then voted the bill favorably, with Senator Bracey Davis voting no.
The committee next heard SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools. The bill would reduce district-level requirements in areas such as assessments, personnel, facilities, and budgeting; expand teacher apprenticeship and multi-year contracts; streamline salary supplements and testing calendars; give districts more flexibility with Title I and capital funds; update facility planning rules; and shift oversight of district-run VPK programs. Supporters from several school districts and education groups waved in favor. Senators generally supported the goal of reducing administrative burdens, though one question was raised about remedies if charter schools fail to respond directly to Department of Education inquiries. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create a more direct reporting path and reduce unnecessary layers of regulation. SB 320 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Current statute provides a county with the authority to enforce ordinances related to off-site impacts
- I represent Broward County.
- And Broward County has informed me that the way the bill is currently written, the county does not have
- We have Scott Howitt, Orange County Public Schools, waving in support.
- Danielle Thomas waving in support from Pasco County Schools. Thank you.
Keywords:
agriculture, landscape equipment, gasoline-powered, ecologically significant parcels, local government regulations, educational efficiency, public schools, district school boards, budget transparency, school accountability, instructional personnel
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first took up CS for SB 290, a broad Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment that, among other things, set density requirements for certain small municipalities, delayed biosolids-related changes from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028, required higher insurance coverage for fumigation businesses, increased fines for fumigation violations, extended the time contractors have to pay subcontractors and suppliers from 15 to 30 business days, preempted certain county agritourism permitting ordinances, and renamed the Bonifay Forestry Station. Senators raised concerns about local government preemption, the biosolids timeline, and especially the new felony penalty for nonpayment of subcontractors and suppliers. Audubon Florida testified in opposition to the state lands and biosolids provisions, while several agricultural and industry groups waived in support. The bill was reported favorably after debate, with Senator Bracy Davis voting no and Senator Jones expressing concern about the contractor penalty.
The committee then heard SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools. The bill would reduce district-level requirements across assessments, personnel, facilities, budgeting, and early learning administration; expand teacher apprenticeship pathways; create longer instructional contracts and renewable professional certificates; simplify testing and evaluation rules; increase flexibility for Title I and discretionary capital funding; and streamline facility planning and architectural requirements. School district and education association representatives waived in support. Senators Osgood and others praised the deregulation and flexibility, while Senator Bracy Davis asked about remedies if charter schools fail to respond directly to Department of Education expenditure questions. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce administrative burden while preserving accountability. SB 320 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Committee on Congressional Redistricting, Select Aug 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It now includes all Liberty County. CD 2.
- Navarro County area changes.
- Many that I have laid out have focused on Harris County primarily and there is a Navarro County area
- Members, questions for the bill author on the substitute.
- Members, any other questions, uh, for the author on the substitute?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/04/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> about their county quote social worker. about their county quote social worker.
- </c> in our counties. in our counties.
- :26:14.760><c> these</c> counties should absolutely hire these counties should absolutely hire these
- My name is Nicole Helget, and I'm a county commissioner in Nicollet County, Minnesota.
- have this sort of law, and those are Cook County, Nicollet County, Lake, and Kandiyohi.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We will start as a subcommittee, and we have authors here ready to go.
- I want to thank the author for bringing this bill forward.
- The fact that Section 24000 includes such persons as county veterinarians or county librarians who can
- I'm grateful for the author to bring this forward.
- Amanda Kirchner, County Welfare Director, is in support. Yes, Sr.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on AB 262, which would direct the new California Housing and Homelessness Agency to study the needs of pregnant people experiencing homelessness and evaluate a voluntary “Pink Alert” notification system. Supporters, including the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and a mutual-aid volunteer, said the bill would help identify gaps in housing and prenatal services for a highly vulnerable population. Members generally supported the study concept, though one senator cautioned that the “Pink Alert” name could imply a missing-person alert. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and placed on call.
Members then heard AB 673, creating the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program for 16- and 17-year-old homeless students not in a parent or guardian’s custody. The Superintendent of Public Instruction and advocates said the bill would help connect youth to housing, basic needs, tutoring, employment readiness, and mental health services, while opponents raised concerns about duplication with existing school and county services and staffing shortages. The author and supporters argued the program would fill gaps for youth who often fall through existing systems. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and was held on call.
The committee also approved AB 1575, which updates the Lanterman Act to replace the term “consumer” with person-first language for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and AB 2510, which would expand CalWORKs family reunification aid so families do not lose support when only some children are removed from the home. AB 1688, requiring broader notice when abuse or neglect is alleged in foster placements so attorneys for other children in the placement can check on their safety, also passed to Appropriations. AB 2304, “Gabriel’s Law,” requiring a child in immediate medical need to be seen by a medical professional and clarifying penalties for falsifying child welfare records, passed to Public Safety after testimony from the author, Gabriel Fernandez’s aunt, prosecutors, and a dependency lawyer who opposed parts of the penalty language. The committee then heard AB 1746 on faster county processing of CalWORKs child care requests, with support from the author, advocates, and county welfare directors who said they were still working on amendments; it was moved to Appropriations and held on call.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families & Children (3-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We're from Anderson County. I'm Brad Brisco. I'm from Anderson County.
- I'm Brad Brisco I'm from Anderson County I'm Brad Brisco I'm from Anderson County<00:01:26.400><c> all
- <c> Anderson</c><00:04:27.680><c> County</c><00:04:28.000><c> High</c> graduated from Anderson County
- </c><00:04:50.919><c> high</c> days since an Anderson County high days since an Anderson County high
- I represent the 18th District, which is all of Grayson County and a portion of Hardin County.
Keywords:
Roll Call – 00:11
Discussion on SB 181 – 01:05
Vote on SB 181 – 24:16
Discussion on HB 242 – 31:00
Vote on HB 242 – 32:14
Discussion on HB 164 – 33:26
Vote on HB 164 – 39:55, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children heard Senate Bill 181, which would require school districts to use only traceable forms of communication for staff, coaches, and volunteers when contacting students, require reporting of known private direct communication, notify parents, protect minors’ anonymity in EPSB investigations, and extend the investigation period for sexual misconduct cases to 120 days. Senator Lindsay Tichenor said the bill is meant to restore safeguards for children and families and address inappropriate private communications between school personnel and students. The committee also heard testimony from Stacy and Brad Brisco, who described allegations that an Anderson County guidance counselor had communicated privately with their daughter, encouraged her to pursue emancipation and CPS involvement, and used school channels to facilitate contact; they said the resulting abuse report was unsubstantiated and that the school system and EPSB had not acted promptly. Ashley Nation also testified in support as a survivor of educator sexual abuse, arguing that traceable communication policies are needed to prevent grooming and misconduct and that the bill does not stop communication, only makes it transparent and accountable.
Members asked questions about what counts as traceable communication and whether schools already have policies. Tichenor said traceable communication could include paper notes, email, and apps such as ClassDojo or Google Classroom, and said the bill requires a trail parents can access. She also said some districts have ethical standards but they are not consistently followed, and that state-level action is needed. Senator Denine suggested the bill should allow districts more flexibility to choose among trackable platforms, noting that some systems already use tools like Dojo and Remind; Tichenor said a floor amendment would address that concern. Senators Williams, Meredith, Mills, Wise, and others voiced support, emphasizing child safety and the need for timely EPSB action.
The committee then voted 9-0 to pass SB 181 with a favorable recommendation to the Senate floor. Afterward, the committee took up House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Samara Heavrin, which would increase transparency in the child welfare system by making Kentucky child welfare data available to researchers while preserving privacy protections. With no questions, the committee approved HB 242 as well, also by a favorable vote, and members briefly noted support for the bill and the need for better data to inform child welfare policy.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This proposal transfers authority over HMOs and county-based purchasers, or CBPs, from the Department
- This proposal transfers authority over HMOs and county-based purchasers, or CBPs, from the Department
- This proposal transfers authority over HMOs and county-based purchasers, or CBPs, from the Department
- </c> the administrative burden at the county the administrative burden at the county um<01:29:22.320>
- </c><01:30:00.560><c> And</c> county and tribal partners with. And county and tribal partners with.
Keywords:
infertility, fertility treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, assisted reproductive technology, ART, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, egg freezing, sperm freezing, reproductive health, maternity coverage, health insurance mandate, health plan benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, family planning, oncology fertility preservation, chemotherapy
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> co-authors. I'll yield to Senator Boyd. co-authors. I'll yield to Senator Boyd.
- For example, if my kids in Green County wanted to transfer to George County, the school board at Green
- </c> example, if my kids in Green County example, if my kids in Green County wanted<00:20:18.320><c>
- </c> to approve it and the George County to approve it and the George County School<00:20:24.400><c>
- Um, it's in some counties, you know, some counties have three, four.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 2 - 03/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- who</c> all of the county and county staff who all of the county and county staff who could<00:59:57.720
- . counties. counties.
- </c> control of county agencies. control of county agencies.
- </c><01:36:10.680><c> in</c><01:36:10.880><c> order</c> county or a particular county in order county
- </c> less than Scott County. less than Scott County.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Based on the experience of other cities and counties, it'll be a pretty big lift for cities and counties
- You know, in my county, Alameda County, we are not a pro-housing designation county.
- Then Alameda County would potentially lose. that then Alameda County would have would potentially lose
- So not every county would be subject to this. So not every county would be subject to this.
- Some counties have. Some haven't. Some counties have. Some haven't. Some counties have.
Summary:
The committee opened with the State Controller’s Office May Revision requests, including funding for Fiscal book-of-record stabilization, a Broadcom IDMS licensing adjustment, the California State Payroll System, ACFR reporting automation, and $3 million for unclaimed property outreach. Testimony emphasized progress on Fiscal becoming the state’s accounting book of record in July, faster ACFR publication, and the move to electronic unclaimed property claims. Members asked about the size of the unclaimed property fund and how quickly money is transferred to the General Fund; the Controller’s office said about $15 billion is held, with most excess transferred regularly, and the LAO noted the fund is the General Fund’s fourth-largest revenue source. No concerns were raised by Finance or the LAO, and the item was closed after no public comment.
The committee then heard the administration’s proposal to tax prewritten digital software and software-as-a-service, with Finance saying it would modernize sales tax treatment and raise an estimated $450 million General Fund and $560 million local revenue in 2026-27. The LAO supported modernizing the tax but suggested broader digital goods coverage and a business-use exemption; industry and taxpayer groups opposed the proposal, warning of higher costs for consumers and businesses. Members also heard CDTFA’s administrative request tied to the proposal, plus a separate CDTFA budget reduction reflecting lower operational needs; that reduction was presented as a savings item and drew positive reactions.
Next, the committee considered federal conformity for “Trump accounts,” which would align California tax treatment with federal rules for tax-deferred children’s accounts and avoid tracking burdens for families. The LAO recommended approval, and the item drew no opposition. The committee also heard a proposal to cut the first-year $800 annual business tax to $400 for LLCs, LPs, and LLPs; Finance argued it would lower startup costs and encourage new business formation, while the LAO said the benefit was not well targeted and could subsidize entities that would form anyway. Members discussed the policy tradeoff, and public commenters split between support for small business relief and concern about revenue loss.
The final major revenue item was a permanent business tax credit limitation, capping credits at the greater of $5 million per corporation or 50% of pre-credit liability, while excluding the low-income housing tax credit and personal income tax credits. Finance said it would raise significant revenue from large profitable corporations, and the LAO said it was a reasonable option but noted it would mainly affect the R&D credit and could have future implications for programs like California Competes. Public testimony was sharply divided, with business groups opposing the cap and anti-poverty advocates supporting it as a way to recapture revenue. The committee also heard FTB’s CalFile realignment request, which would return most of the direct-file-related resources to the General Fund while retaining a smaller staff to improve CalFile, and the California Arts Council’s request to reauthorize the Keep Arts in Schools voluntary contribution fund, which members and advocates supported despite relatively modest annual donations. The hearing continued with GoBiz proposals on civic media funding, CA RISE reappropriation, and a semiconductor facility reversion, with the LAO supporting the latter two and members raising questions about the civic media program’s scope, outreach, and inclusion of broadcast and ethnic media.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-06 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and small cities and counties.
- Mary Jr. of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Darla. of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
- And Palm Beach County is a better county today because of your love for Palm Beach County.
- It repeals the statutory authorization for expectant mother parking permits, authorizes FDOT to fund
- The union, TALC in Lee County.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:40.399><c> to</c><00:09:40.480><c> the</c> authority for payment withhold to the authority
- The counties have full authority to decide how they utilize rate exception when it comes to disability
- </c> for the counties.
- Some of the county for the counties.
- </c> the authors to take that or not? Yeah. the authors to take that or not? Yeah.