Video & Transcript : 'forest reserves' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in effect, this new proposed spending proposal for the budget year would come from reserves.
- We don't think that's a good approach—spending more on reserves at a time of very strong revenues.
- We recommend that the Legislature use this time of really booming revenues to put money into reserves
- So it'd be easier to analyze this if it was: this is a loan loss reserve program; this is an interest
- Both programs are funded through application fees and then reservation fees.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals related to the state’s housing and homelessness reorganization. On the first item, administration and Finance staff described technical adjustments to move administrative positions and resources between the California Housing and Homelessness Agency, HCD, and Cal ICH, plus authority for a chief deputy director at the new Housing Development Finance Committee. The LAO recommended approval but asked for clarification on funding for the chief deputy position. Several senators questioned whether the staffing shifts would reduce Cal ICH’s capacity and whether adding communications support and a new executive position was appropriate absent new housing funding; the item was held open.
The second item proposed a new $100 million CalHFA Disaster Rebuilding Fund, with $56 million General Fund and $44 million in existing National Mortgage Settlement funds, to help disaster-impacted homeowners access construction financing through tools such as a loan loss guarantee and interest rate buy-downs. CalHFA said the fund would help close the gap between insurance proceeds and rebuilding costs and would work through approved lenders. The LAO raised concerns about the lack of alternatives analysis, the broad delegation in the trailer bill, and the General Fund cost. Senators pressed for more detail on the estimated number of homeowners served, lender and homeowner eligibility, equity safeguards, and the role of the Legislature in program design; the item was held open.
The third item was trailer bill language for HAP Round 7, including accountability metrics, pro-housing designation requirements for certain large cities and counties, local match requirements, and a mechanism to recapture unspent funds. HCD said the proposal would streamline reporting by using one consistent set of system performance measures and would phase in the new requirements. The LAO questioned the timing, the burden of pro-housing designation, the size and source of the local match, and whether the proposal conflicted with the Legislature’s prior goal of getting funds out quickly. Several senators criticized the added requirements and the lack of new funding, while others said the proposal could improve accountability and reduce administrative burden by reusing existing plans. The item was also held open.
The fourth item began a proposal to reduce local development impact fees on state-funded affordable housing projects, framed as a condition on competitive multifamily funding rather than a statewide mandate. The presentation started but the transcript cuts off before questions or action on that item.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Eight - Tuesday, May 12
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And unfortunately, that's reserved for the dais, and apparently not for the chamber.
- It actually creates a better pathway for us and our farmers to get at conservation dollars and reserve
- when Congress authorizes and reauthorizes spending around USDA land conservation and conservation reserve
- What you can put into a reserve program and then how does the land have to stay inside that reserve program
- and what can you do with the land inside that reserve program?
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 129-0 vote. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize Law Enforcement Week, discuss personal health and family matters, and honor colleagues, spouses, interns, and guests in the gallery, including students, community members, and a visiting governor from Uzbekistan. The chamber also received Senate messages on House Bill 1871 and House Bill 2818, and fiscal review committee reports recommending passage of several deferred bills, including Senate Bills 953, 1470, and 1871, and House Bill 1940.
The House agreed to conference requests on Senate Bills 835 and 1111 and on Senate Bill 1020, the latter a Department of Revenue bill focused on customer service and inspection language. Senate Bill 977 and 1011, dealing with limits on international organizations and foreign law, drew extended debate. Supporters argued the bill would protect Missouri from foreign or international mandates and foreign laws that conflict with constitutional rights, while opponents said such bodies already lack authority in Missouri and warned the bill was unnecessary, politically motivated, and could create problems for forum non conveniens and private arbitration. The bill ultimately passed 99-45.
House Bill 1470, revising legislative research and statutory publication procedures, was amended on the floor to remove privacy-sensitive provisions and change a state auditor duty from mandatory to permissive; a later amendment to alter committee composition was defeated 50-94. The bill then passed 148-1. House Bill 1940, the newspaper/public notice bill, was adopted and finally passed 142-1 with two present. House Bill 1871, an elections administration bill, was also taken up with debate over added Senate language, including campaign finance and election testing provisions; discussion continued near the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown before the excerpt ended.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 4th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll reserve my remarks for the final passage. Further remarks? Hearing none.
- I'll reserve my remarks for the final passage. Further remarks?
- I'll reserve Mayor Rikes for the final passage. Further remarks? hearing none.
- I'll reserve Mayor Breaks for the final passage. Further remarks?
- I will reserve my remarks on the striking amendment and reserve my remarks for final passage.
Bills:
SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2340, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624
Keywords:
tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects
Summary:
The Senate received messages from the House transmitting several signed bills, then moved through a series of second- and third-reading actions on multiple measures. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508, clarifying the scope and authority of the Office of Independent Investigations, was advanced to final passage without objection and passed 44-4. Senators supporting it described it as a technical housekeeping bill aligning statute with current practice, while noting it had broad support from law enforcement groups and the ACLU; opponents raised concerns about overlapping investigations and authority.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408, which dedicates a share of sales tax revenue from the stadium area to the South Downtown/Pioneer Square community preservation and development authority, was amended by a Ways and Means striking amendment declaring an emergency and then passed 47-1. Supporters said it would fund earthquake reinforcement, preservation, and community development in a historic district, with reporting and sunset provisions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500, dealing with resale certificates for common interest communities and homeowners associations, was amended to clarify disclosure and litigation provisions and passed 39-9. Substitute House Bill 1570, allowing collective bargaining for certain employees enrolled in academic programs at public institutions, failed an amendment to remove the emergency clause and then passed 29-19; supporters framed it as recognition of student workers’ organizing rights, while opponents warned it blurred student and employee roles.
The Senate also passed Substitute House Bill 1390, repealing the Community Protection Program and directing participants into other developmental disability services, after rejecting a series of amendments that sought to preserve sex-offender-related restrictions, add assessments, damages, or prosecutorial review. The bill passed 29-20 amid sharp debate over whether the program was coercive and outdated or necessary to protect vulnerable people and communities. Other bills passed included Substitute House Bill 2114 on defective license plates, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2471 on collective bargaining if the NLRB is unavailable, House Bill 1069 on bargaining over supplemental retirement contributions for Department of Corrections employees, House Bill 2441 expanding medical premium reimbursements for surviving spouses of line-of-duty deaths, and Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710 adding preclearance requirements under the Washington Voting Rights Act; the voting rights bill drew opposition over local control and litigation concerns. The transcript ends during the roll call on final passage of Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1710.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I have reservations about taking the amendments, and I appreciate an opportunity to really lay them on
- These developments have not been able to replenish their operating reserves.
- to stabilize these projects by authorizing HCD to permit developers to transfer excess operating reserves
- Unfortunately, forward progress is at risk of stalling due to both the lingering operating reserve losses
- Allowing affordable developers to shift excess operating reserves from one project to another in their
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development heard a long agenda focused mainly on housing production, higher education facilities, homelessness, and permitting reform. Early items included AB 6, which would direct HCD to convene a working group on allowing three- to ten-unit “missing middle” housing to be built under the Residential Code rather than the Building Code; AB 48, a higher education bond proposal that would fund campus repairs, modernization, disaster recovery, and student/employee housing; and AB 76, which would clarify a Chula Vista university innovation district exemption so the project can include academic buildings and housing without conflicting with surplus land rules. Supporters emphasized affordability, cost savings, student housing needs, and access to education, while members raised questions about implementation, affordability requirements, and project scope. The committee later took votes on these items, with AB 6, AB 48, and AB 76 all moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations.
Members also heard AB 595, which would create a state homeownership tax credit pilot to support affordable for-sale housing. The author and supporters argued that California’s homeownership rate is at historic lows and that the bill would help close racial wealth gaps by financing homes working families can buy. The committee approved AB 595 and sent it to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including several other housing-related bills, was also approved unanimously.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1165, the California Housing Justice Act of 2025, which would require ongoing state investment and a financing plan to address homelessness and housing affordability. The author and witnesses described the scale of homelessness, the limits of one-time funding, and the need for sustained, accountable funding streams. After testimony from housing advocates and people with lived experience, the committee passed AB 1165 on a 10-0 vote to Appropriations.
Finally, the committee heard AB 609, a CEQA reform bill that would create a simplified exemption for qualifying infill housing projects in already developed areas. Supporters framed it as a targeted way to reduce delays and costs for housing near jobs and transit, while opponents from environmental justice, labor, and tribal groups warned it could reduce public participation, weaken protections for disadvantaged communities, and create consultation concerns for tribal cultural resources. The author said the bill would not change zoning or affordability tools and would continue to work with opponents on amendments. The bill was moved forward after extensive discussion, with members noting ongoing negotiations on tribal consultation and labor concerns.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, we'll reserve the right for you to close and start the public testimony. Good.
- I respectfully reserve the right to close. Okay, thank you.
- We'll proceed down the public testimony and reserve the right for you to close.
- I respectfully reserve the right to close.
- Not hearing any, we'll reserve the right to close and start down the public testimony.
Keywords:
fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- I do believe that we have a witness here on the bill and would ask to reserve my right to close.
- I respectfully reserve the right to close. Okay. Thank you.
- We will proceed down the public testimony and reserve the right for you to close.
- I respectfully reserve the right to close.
- Not hearing any, we'll reserve the right to close and start down the public testimony.
Keywords:
fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (12:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I will agree that the initiative power is a power reserved to the people of Florida.
- propose the revision or amendment of any portion or portions of this Constitution by initiative is reserved
- Is reserved to the people, provided that any such revision or amendment, except for those limiting the
- It's not reserved to out-of-state fraudsters. It's not reserved to special interests.
- It's reserved to the people of our great state of Florida.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Walton County Deputy Will May, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for April 3, 2025 was adopted, and CS/HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, with several companion Senate bills substituted and passed: SB 36 (Florida statutes adoption act), SB 42 (general reviser’s bill), SB 40 (deleting inoperative statutory provisions), and SB 38 (renaming references from the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to the Division of Criminal Investigations). All of those passed unanimously or near-unanimously.
The House also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to electronically send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection order documents. Members discussed whether judges needed to direct transmission and whether there were fail-safes if clerks did not comply. HB 615, on electronic delivery of notices between landlords and tenants, was amended to strengthen tenant protections and passed 108-0. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements, and HB 1145 on workforce education also passed, with HB 1145 receiving 100 yeas and 4 nays. HB 649, removing the paper supervised protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists, passed 77-30 after structured debate.
A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill adds a $1 million bond requirement after 25% of required signatures are collected, requires petition handlers to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, imposes background checks and training for paid circulators, shortens petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increases penalties, adds signature revocation notices, and creates additional criminal penalties and enforcement provisions. Supporters argued the changes were needed to address fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make citizen-led amendments much harder to qualify. Numerous amendments were offered, including proposals to remove sensitive personal information from petition forms, soften deadlines and penalties, change validation thresholds, and alter the estimating conference process; most failed, though one amendment clarifying who pays for background checks was adopted. The transcript ends during continued debate on an amendment to strike most of the bill and prohibit public funds from being used to advocate for or against constitutional amendments.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Services (3-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so I'm going to vote yes with some reservations. Senator Carol. I.
- Um, so I'm going to vote yes with<00:10:44.560><c> some</c><00:10:44.880><c> reservations.
- </c><00:10:45.600><c> Some</c> with some reservations. Some with some reservations.
- Some reservations.<00:10:46.640><c> Thank</c><00:10:46.880><c> you,</c> reservations.
- Thank you, reservations. Thank you, Senator<00:10:48.480><c> Carol.</c> Senator Carol.
Summary:
The committee first took up administrative regulations, found no concerns, and then passed House Bill 389 with a favorable expression by a 9-0 vote. HB 389 was described as a cleanup bill for the CASPER prescription monitoring program: it clarifies that practitioners must have active CASPER accounts, exempts charitable health care providers from e-prescribing requirements, allows sharing CASPER data with certain federal entities such as military-base providers, and updates references to hydrocodone’s Schedule II status. The sponsor said there was no expected fiscal impact.
The committee then passed House Bill 392, also by a 9-0 favorable expression. HB 392 would streamline payment for non-elective medical care for patients in state mental facilities when the facility cannot provide the needed treatment, allowing care in community-based settings and payment to those providers. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve efficiency and would not have a fiscal impact on the cabinet.
House Bill 501 was next and likewise passed 9-0 with favorable expression. The bill would allow pharmacists, in their professional judgment, to refill certain prescriptions for up to 180 days when a physician has died, while excluding controlled substances and preserving pharmacist discretion to require follow-up care. Senators raised concerns that the bill does not require patients to seek a new provider during that period, but supporters said the longer window addresses rural provider shortages and access delays.
The committee then heard House Bill 495, as amended by a committee substitute. The substitute would prohibit Medicaid services and managed care organizations from covering cross-sex hormones above normal levels and gender reassignment surgery. Testimony on the bill was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers including a former senator, psychologists, advocates, and legal and social work representatives arguing that conversion therapy is harmful, that the substitute would deny medically necessary gender-affirming care, and that the measure could increase suicide risk and litigation. One witness from the Family Foundation of Kentucky spoke in favor, arguing the executive order on counseling limits free speech and that counseling should not be restricted by government. The transcript ends during testimony, with no final committee vote on HB 495 shown.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, AEN-WLA-EDT, AEN-GVO, AEN DEFER, AEN, AEN-EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, reservations. And Senator Awana is excused. Chair, you have four in favor.
- Of the members in attendance, anybody voting reservations?
- >> Reservations. >> Uh, reservations for Senator Rhoads and Senator DeCoite and Senator Richards.
- Chair votes aye noting the excuse of Senator Tedani and that members are voting with reservations.
- Any members voting no reservations.
Keywords:
workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation
Summary:
The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers.
The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG.
The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And local school district reserve caps remain triggered in 2026-27.
- We think the Proposition 98 reserve is prudent.
- So we'd recommend you deposit at least as much into the reserve as the Governor proposes.
- It is a measure that we can take to... ...the reserve further.
- Yeah, there's nothing intrinsically special about $10.3 billion or an 8.3% reserve.
Summary:
The committee heard an overview of the May Revision’s Proposition 98 changes for K-12 and community colleges. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, full payment of the prior settle-up, and larger deposits into the school rainy-day fund. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF updates were reasonable, but urged caution about the settle-up approach and recommended using more of the available funding to protect ongoing programs and build budget resilience. Members focused heavily on the size of the proposed $3.9 billion settle-up, the $10.3 billion reserve deposit, declining K-12 enrollment, and how much of the new funding should be ongoing versus one-time.
The committee then reviewed the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described the May Revision’s higher SCFF COLA, additional funding for enrollment growth, a student support block grant, apprenticeship adjustments, and continued funding for deferred maintenance, Calbright, Common Cloud, and credit for prior learning. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended prioritizing the statutory COLA increase, noted that more than half of districts are already above current-year growth targets, and said the new adult learner demonstration project should be rejected because districts already have tools to support similar services. Members also discussed a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall, which Finance said was discovered too late for the May Revision and would need to be addressed later.
Finally, the committee took up the proposed implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the California Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career to build eligibility and data systems, along with trailer bill changes to set up state approval processes. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, that California lacks the needed infrastructure, and that the state will need emergency regulations, data linkages, and ongoing funding beyond the one-time proposal. The LAO agreed that some initial funding is needed but warned that the amounts and ongoing costs remain uncertain and that the Legislature should carefully draft the trailer bill language. Members asked about timing, other states’ actions, and how the state would ensure the program is ready for students and institutions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then, with those revised transfer amounts, the ending balance in the reserve is about $10.3 billion
- And local school district reserve caps remain triggered in 2026–27.
- We think the Proposition 98 reserve is prudent.
- So we'd recommend you deposit at least as much into the reserve as the Governor proposes.
- Yeah, there's nothing intrinsically special about $10.3 billion or an 8.3% reserve.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- With reservations? Chair, your recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
- With reservations? Chair, your recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
- </c> no any members voting with reservations no any members voting with reservations reservations<01:
- With reservations? Chair, your measure is adopted. Thank you.
- With reservations? Chair, your measure is adopted. Thank you.
Summary:
The House Health Committee held its first hearing of 2025, with Chair Greg Takayama and Vice Chair Representative Leoy opening the meeting and outlining housekeeping rules, including a two-minute limit for testifiers and Zoom etiquette. The committee first heard HB 303 on health care preceptors. The Department of Health, Department of Taxation, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and several health care organizations supported the bill, saying the existing preceptor tax credit program has been successful and that expanding eligibility to additional professions and students would help address workforce shortages. In response to questions, the Department of Health said the annual tax credit cap is $1.5 million, about 650 to 670 credits are currently used each year, and the bill applies only to unpaid preceptors. The committee then moved on to HB 441, which would raise cigarette taxes. The Attorney General, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, Hawaii Public Health Institute, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and others supported the measure as a way to reduce smoking, especially among youth, and to support tobacco control and cancer-related programs. Opponents, including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance and the Cigar Association of Hawaii, argued the tax is regressive and unreliable as a revenue source. The Department of Health noted the last cigarette tax increase was in 2011, and one witness urged a larger increase than proposed. No vote was taken on either bill in the portion of the hearing provided.
The committee also heard HB 557 on telehealth. The Department of Health supported the bill so long as it did not displace executive budget priorities, and the Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency and Hawaii Primary Care Association supported it. HPCA said the bill would conform state insurance law to recent Medicare changes expanding audio-only telehealth coverage beyond mental health services, and it emphasized access for rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities. HMSA opposed the bill as written, saying it strayed from the intent of Act 107 and that audio-only telehealth should remain limited because of quality-of-care concerns, though it supported continued access and asked for a different amendment approach. A telehealth provider also testified that payment disparities limit provider expansion and that audio-only access remains important for patients with serious illness. The hearing ended in the excerpt before any committee action or vote on HB 557.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- When he started—just briefly—when he started, we had a few hundred million dollars in reserve.
- We're sitting here today with almost $3 billion in reserve.
Summary:
The meeting opened with remarks recognizing Representative Lane Jean for his 12 years as chair of the Joint Budget Committee and praising his leadership, mentorship, and role in helping build the state’s reserves. Vice Chair Representative Johnson and others thanked him for his service and noted the significance of the leadership transition.
The committee then took up its only item of business, House Bill 1002, the General Appropriation Act. There were no questions on the bill, and a motion to do pass was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.
Members were informed that the committee would reconvene the next day at 9 a.m. to assign bills to committees only, with no other actions planned, and that the chamber would return to session at 10 a.m. The meeting was then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Any voting with reservations? present. Any voting with reservations?
- Any voting with reservations?
- Uh yes, reservations? Any no votes? One.
- Any voting with reservations?
- </c> reservations? Any no holds? Uh Mr. reservations? Any no holds? Uh Mr.
Bills:
SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032
Keywords:
foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken.
The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed.
For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties.
Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, our federal government now has a Bitcoin strategic reserve, believe it or not.
- You know, our federal government now has a Bitcoin strategic reserve, believe it or not.
- So, uh, as I reserve, believe it or not.
- are number one state's cash reserves are number one safety,<00:59:31.359><c> number</c><00:59:32.040
- or the rainy day states cash reserves or the rainy day fund,<01:16:52.480><c> but</c><01:16:52.800><
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not stop a consumer from reserving a condominium that's in development.
- You can take a non-binding reservation that allows the consumer to reserve the spot, pick their colors
- I've been in condo projects where they've underestimated the condo fees to set up a reserve.
- You can take a non-binding reservation that allows the consumer to reserve the spot, pick their colors
- </c><00:42:18.480><c> or</c> when there's insufficient reserves or when there's insufficient reserves
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here to testify on House Number 4909, An Act Relative to the Reserve Time of Public Safety Personnel
- requires the Salem Retirement Board to grant creditable service without member payment for prior reserve
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 18th hearing of the 194th General Court, with the chair noting the meeting was livestreamed and that testimony would be limited to three minutes. Members also reminded the public that written testimony could be submitted by email or mailed to the committee by February 3, 2026. Committee members present included the chair, Vice Chair Natalie Higgins, Ranking Member Dave DeCoste, Senator John Keenan, Senator Mark Montigny online, and Senator Brady joining later.
The main bill discussed was legislation titled An Act Establishing Creditable Service for Eligible Police Officers and Firefighters, supported by Michael Armano, a Lawrence Fire captain. He argued that candidates who were delayed or bypassed in hiring due to administrative error or improper influence should be allowed to buy back lost retirement time if later vindicated, saying the bill would restore fairness without affecting the rights or seniority of current employees.
Senator Joan Lovely also testified in support of House 4909, An Act Relative to the Reserve Time of Public Safety Personnel in the City of Salem. She explained that the bill would require the Salem Retirement Board to grant creditable service without member payment for certain prior reserve, permanent, intermittent, or call service for Salem police and fire personnel who joined the retirement system on or before February 11, 2020. She said the measure has support from the Salem Retirement Board, the mayor, and the city council. No committee questions were raised, no votes were taken on the bills during the hearing, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- costs for services provided by any rural hospital that is located on a federally recognized Indian reservation
- costs for services provided by any rural hospital that is located on a federally recognized Indian reservation
- allowable costs for services provided by any rural hospital located on a federally recognized Indian reservation
- that would begin July 1, 2026, and relates only to ...reservation that would begin July 1, 2026, and
Bills:
SB6194, SB5963, SB5909, SB5826, SB5988, SB5872, SB5879, SB5834, SB5835, SB5905, SB5832, SB6177, SB5970, SB5994, SB6047, SB5647
Keywords:
SB 6194, Washington Medicaid, medical assistance, fee-for-service, managed care, rural hospital, Indian reservation, tribal hospital, federally recognized Indian reservation, Indian Health, hospital reimbursement, Medicaid payments, inpatient services, outpatient services, psychiatric unit, health care access, rural health, tribal health, safety-net hospital, RCW 74.09
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for hearing my reservations about House Bill 2360 today. So my name is Dr.
- Thank you for hearing my reservations about House Bill 2360 today. So my name is Dr.
- So, to be clear, I have signed in on this bill because I have some reservations about students who don't
- So I just, my reservation is if this bill were to move forward, I would like to see a detailed protocol
Keywords:
firearm violations, education, student discipline, school policies, safety measures, albuterol, asthma, inhaler, rescue inhaler, respiratory emergency, school nurse, student medication, self-administration, anaphylaxis, public schools, private schools, charter schools, tribal compact schools, K-12 health, medication policy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I reserve the right to call. Thank you, Representative Cunningham.
- I reserve the right to close. All right, thank you, Representative Cunningham.
- With that, Chairman Van Dever, I reserve the right to close. Thank you. Senator Cunningham.
- We have several witnesses, and I reserve my right to close. Thank you, Representative Schaffner.