Transcript Highlights:

• So if that happens, do we have an extra billion dollars lying around the state to come up with to pay
• for the mandated spending. ...raise taxes or cut services in order to pay for the mandated spending
• Yes, and mental health and everything else that we pay for.
• Would the savings be available, like the rate preservation fund, to help pay for the state portion of
• We pay it as we determine in each individual case. With that, I yield for questions.

Summary: The committee primarily considered House Bill 440, which would move Medicaid expansion language from the Oklahoma Constitution into state statute and send the change to voters in a special election. Supporters argued this would give the Legislature flexibility to manage the program, especially if federal Medicaid matching rates were reduced, and said it would help protect the state budget and allow future adjustments such as eligibility or work requirements. Opponents said the measure would weaken voter-approved constitutional protections, create uncertainty for more than 300,000 enrollees, rural hospitals, and providers, and could allow future cuts without another vote of the people. Members also discussed the possible fiscal impact of a federal match change from 90-10 to 60-40, with supporters saying the state could face roughly a billion-dollar annual cost and would need flexibility to avoid cuts to other services. Questions also focused on the choice of an August special election rather than the November general election, and on whether tribal governments and other stakeholders had been consulted. After debate, the committee tabled an amendment and passed House Bill 440 on a 14-2 vote. The committee then took up House Joint Resolution 1087, which would change the Avalon reimbursement program so the Legislature could manage funding levels and methodologies rather than being bound to the current structure. It passed 14-2. The committee also considered House Joint Resolution 1067, a trigger measure that would only appear on the November ballot if House Bill 440 failed in August; it would relieve the state of any obligation to fund Medicaid expansion for working adults if the federal match dropped below 90%. After adopting a committee substitute and tabling an amendment, the resolution also passed 14-2. The committee then laid over H.J.R. 1089 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in our introductory hearing, I think it was Representative Nelson, if I remember right, about who pays
• So what this does is clarify that they shall pay during that 20-year period of time, and that the...
• So what this does is clarify that they shall pay during that 20-year period of time and that the during
• the Lincoln County schools and Jerome that have a valley that has the smallest amount of ability to pay
• off bonds, pay off their levies.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the February 9 minutes by voice vote. It then introduced RS 32974, which would set a uniform school start date of the Tuesday after Labor Day. Supporters said it would create consistency for families and help tourism, while members raised concerns about impacts on rural districts, harvest schedules, fairs, and the school year ending later in the spring. The sponsor said those issues could be discussed later when the bill is formally heard. Next, the committee introduced RS 33138C1, an apprenticeship-style pathway for principals and superintendents intended to help fill vacancies, especially in rural areas. It also introduced RS 33325, creating a voluntary high school civics seal or endorsement for diplomas, with requirements tied to civics coursework and civic engagement. Members asked for follow-up information on how many schools have used similar seals and how the program is working. The committee then heard testimony and advanced House Bill 608, a clarification bill for the public school facilities cooperative fund. Sponsors said the bill would fix ambiguities in the grant process, reduce the need for districts to run repeated bonds when grant amounts are smaller than prior bond requests, clarify repayment rules, and better prioritize districts with greater need. Superintendents from Camas County, Middleton, and others testified in support, saying the current law creates confusion and can undermine community trust. After discussion about how HB 608 differs from other school facilities funding laws, the committee sent the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered and passed House Bill 636, which would allow school districts to use remaining school district facilities funds for lease-purchase agreements and related financing after required obligations are met. The sponsor said the bill would give districts another way to address construction, renovation, and maintenance needs without raising property taxes, and a West Ada superintendent testified that it would improve long-term planning and debt management. Members discussed the size and funding source of the school district facilities fund and noted broader concerns about disparities between rural and urban districts. The committee then sent HB 636 to the floor with a do pass recommendation and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're doing a great job in paying our educators.
• Florida ranks near the bottom nationally in average teacher pay.
• Florida is roughly 49th in teacher pay.
• Legislators in the audience to pay attention, get involved.
• , I would like to say we do not pay our teachers enough.

Transcript Highlights:

• Interchange fees grease the wheels of a system that pays merchants almost instantly.
• We don't mind paying processing fees. We understand there is a luxury of cards.
• However, we should not be paying processing fees on sales tax or gratuity.
• We don't mind paying processing fees. We understand there is a luxury of cards.
• The question is whether restaurants should pay interchange fees. We should.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission studying the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses held what leaders described as its last public hearing, though they said the commission would continue meeting to develop a report and recommendations. Chair Paul Feeney and other members noted the issue is complex and that they had sought testimony from a wide range of stakeholders before moving into a more deliberative phase. The commission adjourned after hearing from several in-person and virtual witnesses. Banking and card-industry witnesses, including the Massachusetts Bankers Association, the Card Coalition, the Electronic Payments Coalition, and others, argued that payment cards provide major benefits to consumers and merchants, including convenience, fraud protection, fast settlement, and broad access to electronic commerce. They warned that state-level changes to interchange rules could create a patchwork of conflicting requirements, disrupt global payment systems, and especially affect state-chartered community banks and small businesses. Several also said recent federal actions and litigation, including OCC and NCUA preemption rules and the Illinois interchange-fee litigation, have limited the practical reach of state laws. Restaurant, retail, and convenience-store witnesses pushed for relief from swipe fees, saying independent businesses operate on thin margins and pay fees on amounts that are not really their revenue, such as sales tax and gratuities. They urged transparency, the ability to surcharge, vendor compensation for tax collection, and limits on interchange or related fees. Some witnesses said merchants bear significant fraud and chargeback costs and that banks and card networks have not offered enough direct relief. Commissioners asked questions about surcharging, fee regulation, fraud, and whether industry should share more of the burden. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adjourning the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> and</c><00:04:35.440><c> county</c> paying for county roads and county paying for county roads and
• </c> have the water concerns, but they'll pay have the water concerns, but they'll pay $5<00:05:06.200
• </c> that Xcel rate payers will help to pay that Xcel rate payers will help to pay for<00:08:01.320><
• We don't just want Minnesotans to pay less.
• </c> We We don't just want Minnesotans to pay We We don't just want Minnesotans to pay less.<00:13:36.520

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Minnesota’s clean energy policy, energy affordability, and the state’s path toward its 100% clean electricity goal. The senator said Minnesota’s clean energy reputation comes from environmental concern, job creation, and lower long-term costs, noting that wind is now the lowest-cost generation source and that solar costs have fallen sharply. He said rising electricity demand has led to some increased coal use, but argued the state can still meet its 2040 clean energy target through continued renewable buildout, permitting reform, conservation, and demand response. A major topic was data centers. The senator emphasized both concerns and benefits, saying hyperscale data centers can bring substantial construction jobs, property tax revenue, and, under the 2025 law, payments to low-income energy assistance. He cited the Pine Island Google data center as air-cooled, with no water concerns, and said it will pay $5 million annually while funding 1,600 MW of wind, solar, and battery resources at its own expense. He also said Xcel’s filing projected a $1.1 billion ratepayer savings over 10 years, while urging the public to weigh both pros and cons, especially around water use and local tax impacts. The discussion also covered nuclear power and climate costs. The senator said the Senate has passed a nuclear study three years in a row and expects it to advance, while the moratorium on new nuclear plants remains tied to the Prairie Island Indian Community and unresolved nuclear waste storage. He argued Minnesota likely cannot reach its emissions goals without nuclear in the mix, though he acknowledged current nuclear is not cost-competitive and said future advanced or small modular nuclear could change that. On affordability, he pointed to climate-driven costs such as higher homeowners insurance and storm damage, and described Senate energy omnibus provisions including conservation, plug-in solar, and renewable development account projects such as a Como Zoo clean energy project. No votes were taken in the interview itself, but the senator referenced the recently announced budget deal and said he still needed to negotiate a renewable development account agreement between the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it costs them nothing, yet they don't have to pay taxes on it. So it's a subsidy.
• What I do know is if we disaffiliate 25% of the way through the year, they were only paying 25% of it
• What I do know is if we disaffiliate 25% of the way through the year, they were only paying 25% of it
• I know is if we disaffiliate 25% of the way through the year, they were only paying 25% of the annual
• This just gives the money to pay the dues. Yes, sir. That's right.

Summary: The committee resumed consideration of several amendments to fiscal bills. It adopted Senator Johnson’s amendment to Senate Bill 15, which shifts responsibility for Keep Arkansas Beautiful-related functions and roadside litter cleanup coordination toward ARDOT, with the current commissioners becoming an advisory council. The committee also adopted Representative Perry’s amendment to Senate Bill 7, lowering from 50 to 25 the employee threshold for employers to request claims data from insurers for group health coverage, aimed at helping smaller businesses and municipalities obtain more competitive insurance quotes. Representative McKinsey’s amendment to Senate Bill 41, which would have blocked a University of Arkansas at Fayetteville athletic funding transfer and imposed a one-year rider, was rejected after questions about the university’s finances and whether such a transfer had ever occurred. Senator Hester’s amendment to House Bill 1051, intended to cap online sports betting free play at 5% of gross receipts, also failed after debate over whether the proposal was properly fiscal language and whether the free-play incentives constituted a subsidy. Representative Walker’s amendment to a Save the Children appropriation, which would have converted the funding into a matching grant to encourage private donations, failed for lack of a motion. Representative Vaught’s amendment related to an agricultural tax exemption for certain tractor parts and diesel exhaust fluid systems likewise failed, with concerns raised about drafting, enforcement, and whether it belonged in revenue tax committees. The committee then added two late items: Representative Johnson’s technical correction to a physician licensure pathway bill, which was adopted to broaden qualifying underserved-area definitions, and Senator Tucker’s amendment to Senate Bill 77, which deleted a fund-transfer section and created a matching appropriation mechanism to help Arkansas TV/PBS retain affiliation and pay dues. Senate Bill 77 passed as amended, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pays the cost for drug abuse prevention programs.
• Pays the cost for gang resistance education training and curriculum.
• Pays a cost for other crime preventions, drug abuse for students and staff.
• It pays for costs associated with school climate.
• for costs associated with school pays for costs associated with school climate.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My very basic question is: how are we paying for this?
• The Republicans have no plan to pay for this.
• The Republicans have no plan to pay for this.
• Can you give us a sense of what her proposed pay-fors are? Of what her proposed pay-fors are?
• under Governor Hobbs's plan, there are pay-fors.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month, with Representative Willoughby emphasizing CPR and AED readiness. Members also welcomed students and guests from Wilcox Christian School, the Arizona State Fair Association, and other visitors. The chamber then handled routine business including attendance, journal approval, committee assignments, and first and second readings of numerous bills. The Committee of the Whole considered several measures, including HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2223, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785. Most received do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and amendments. HB 2785, a major tax conformity bill, drew the most debate: supporters said it would align Arizona law with federal tax changes, prevent taxpayers from having to amend returns, and provide certainty during filing season, while opponents argued it would create a large revenue loss and benefit corporations and the wealthy without a clear funding plan. The committee adopted the Ways and Means amendment to HB 2785 by a 31-22 division vote, and the bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation. Back on the floor, the House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2123, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785 to engrossing. In third reading, HB 2029, HB 2120, HB 2126, and HB 2131 passed, while HB 2045 failed on a 19-36 vote and then failed again on a reconsideration motion by 25-27. Members then made several personal privilege remarks about legislative process, representation, and Black History Month, and the House adjourned until the following Wednesday afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• As your income went up, you just helped pay for a little bit more of the bill.
• The co-pays and the state subsidy went down to help you.
• Right, we will not have to pay that $30 million to the federal government.
• I'm not complaining, but when you get overpaid on food... stamps, you have to pay that money back.
• Everybody in the state has been paying attention to the work that you've been doing here.

Transcript Highlights:

• We get more federal funding than we pay.
• So that means the reverse of that, paying for it. Is that agreeable to you?
• By golly, and we're going to have to come up with a way to pay for it.
• But it also has to make sense for who's paying for it and how it's being paid for.
• But the shortfalls for Medicaid and Medicare when you actually pay for a procedure.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're gonna pay the price again.
• It's paying for the child care of 8,000 children.
• It's paying a year's worth of tuition for every single freshman at UCLA.
• Illegal immigrants to pay, so that way they can stay on Medi-Cal, to $30.
• That your constituents are paying.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So thank you for paying attention. And yes, no, this is a top priority.
• So it can be a pay-to-play industry, a for-profit industry.
• their fines and fees, unable to pay what they owe the DMV, unable to pay the $1,700 fines and fees they
• That means if you're 100 percent of poverty for the IID, you pay $3 a month.
• To pay for that program, it is $5 per month, and that is within statute.

Summary: The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, road design, and the broader traffic safety system in California. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the purpose was to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on at the hearing. They emphasized the scale of the problem, including thousands of fatal and serious injury crashes each year, and framed the discussion around a Safe System approach that combines infrastructure, enforcement, education, and technology. The first panel covered current DUI law and traffic safety research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalty structure, including escalating misdemeanor and felony penalties, license suspensions, ignition interlock devices, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses such as vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and Watson murder. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, and speeding in fatalities, and state efforts such as the Safe System approach, safety corridors, and grant funding for impaired-driving countermeasures. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley SafeTREC presented research favoring systemic interventions like self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, intelligent speed assistance, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders, while noting that first-time DUI offenders account for a large share of fatal crashes. Members pressed the panelists on first-offense DUI treatment, ignition interlocks, speed governors, diversion, and whether tougher sanctions or vehicle technology would better reduce recidivism. Several senators raised concerns about repeat offenders, alcohol-use disorder, and the need for earlier intervention, while others questioned the effectiveness and cost of in-car devices. The panel also discussed data gaps and the need for better reporting and coordination between courts and DMV. The second panel, with DMV Director Steve Gordon and Judge Lisa Rodriguez, explained how administrative and court processes work in parallel: DMV receives court abstracts and can impose administrative per se suspensions quickly, while courts handle criminal cases, probation, and sentencing on a slower timeline. Both witnesses said the system is complex and paper-heavy but improving, and they acknowledged the need for better integration, clearer statutes, faster reporting, and more timely license actions to keep impaired drivers off the road.

Transcript Highlights:

• of your failure to pay would allow that. to pay upon notice and delivery of notice of your failure to
• failure to pay, results in—you know, you could still pay before the officers get there.
• If you pay the bill, none of this comes up.
• If you pay the bill, none of this comes up. But what this does is when you, clearly, pay the bill.
• If you pay the bill, none of this comes up.

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We pay for the breakfast. We don't pay for lunch.
• lunch part uh the state pays nothing<00:21:42.080><c> we</c><00:21:42.279><c> pay</c><00:21:42.520><
• for the breakfast we nothing we pay for the breakfast we don't<00:21:43.799><c> pay</c><00:21:43.960
• </c> total amount that we would need to pay total amount that we would need to pay is<00:55:36.319><c
• </c> the federal funding so I am able to pay the federal funding so I am able to pay for<01:06:52.319

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of Wellness and Nutrition presented an overview of the school meal and child nutrition programs it administers, including the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Special Milk Program. Staff explained which programs are federally funded through USDA, which have state matching funds, and how reimbursement rates are set for different programs and fiscal years. They also walked the committee through a packet showing reimbursement tables, state and federal funding totals, and eligibility data. Members focused much of their questioning on how state and federal reimbursements work for lunch and breakfast, why lunch is shown as a state match while breakfast has meal-based breakdowns, and how the department allocates funds in the budget. The department explained that lunch uses a set state match tied to federal requirements, while breakfast reimbursement is based on meals served. They also reviewed FY 22-24 funding trends, noting higher federal spending during COVID-era waivers and lower amounts as those waivers ended. A committee member asked for the data in Excel and the department agreed to provide it. The discussion also covered summer meal programs and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-run benefit program that provides funds to families; the two programs coordinate through data sharing but are not the same. Members also discussed CEP, with staff explaining that New Hampshire currently has three schools participating, that the qualifying threshold was reduced from 40% to 25% identified students, and that districts must cover the non-federal share with non-federal funds. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes things like co-pays.
• they join Medicare, and some co-pays. ...whatever monthly they join Medicare and some co-pays.
• co-pay for.
• There's a lot of ways, right, that we know that Medicare Advantage plans stop paying.
• No, no, no, no, the state pays. My mother was, no, I'm driving my mother.

Keywords: 962, all

Summary: The Complex Care Committee meeting focused first on a new Diabetes Caucus launched at the Capitol. Rep. Johnson described the caucus as a forum to educate people about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, genetic risk, early testing, pregnancy-related diabetes, and ways Medicaid policy might improve prevention and lower long-term costs. Members agreed the caucus could intersect with care management, and Carolyn Grandell of CHNCT offered to share information about current diabetes-related care management services at a future meeting. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from Alex Rigger of the Office of Health Strategy, who is moving to the Office of Policy and Management. He reviewed Connecticut health care benchmark data, including total health care expenditures, medical spending, and market-by-market trends. He said 2023 to 2024 per-capita spending grew more than 8.5% statewide and 14% in Medicaid, with long-term care accounting for about 46% of Medicaid spending and retail pharmacy also identified as a major cost driver. Members asked about enrollment changes, dual-eligible populations, Medicare Savings Program members, 340B drug pricing, and value-based payment models. Rigger explained that his office tracks alternate payment models and quality benchmarks, but does not separately capture 340B data. Discussion then shifted to Medicare Advantage, dual eligibles, and hospital discharge planning. Members said they want better data on how many Medicaid members are in Medicare Advantage plans and whether those plans shift costs back to Medicaid or affect access to care, especially for complex-care patients. Staff noted DSS does have some Medicare Advantage indicators and that CMS is developing encounter-data rules for states. Kathy Holt and others raised concerns about denials, nursing home stays, and the need to compare Medicaid spending for dual eligibles in Medicare Advantage versus traditional Medicare. The meeting ended with plans for follow-up data sharing, including Alex Rigger’s slides, the diabetes caucus materials, and a future discussion with DSS and other agencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, not pay raises, pay scales. That's what this amendment does. Any questions?
• Well, this $73 million is not going into Franklin County, and that's stuff way above my pay grade.
• And the players won't like what I'm about to say, but we do not need to be paying them.
• Of that, $10 million goes to the pay plan.
• Then we're going to use the $70 million to pay for the 52,000 students. Is that correct?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, leave requests, and routine business, including reading gubernatorial approval letters for several recently enacted acts. Members also recognized guests in the chamber. The body then took up a motion to send House Bill 1034 back to the Joint Budget Committee, which passed, with Representative Jean explaining the bill would be revised to remove pay raises and address cybersecurity and bank fees later. On the red and budget calendars, the House passed House Bill 1103 to increase the homestead property tax credit by $75, with supporters noting it would be the fourth straight annual increase and total $300 per household over four years. The chamber also adopted amendments to House Bills 1007, 1022, 1036, and 1064, then passed Senate Bill 76, a $2 million appropriation for county extension office capital improvements. Several appropriation bills were then considered in batches and individually, with mixed results: House Bills 1005, 1051, 1089, 1090, 1093, and Senate Bills 8, 10, 16, 20, 23, 36, 43, 55, 58, 63, 67, and 30 passed; House Bills 1023, 1035, 1053, 1066, and Senate Bills 41 and 59 failed; Senate Bills 10 and 24 were initially passed over for later consideration. A major portion of the meeting focused on Amendment 1 to House Bill 1100, the RSA/one-time funding package. Representative Jean outlined increases for corrections, state police, LEARNS/freedom accounts, Medicaid, vehicle purchases, and other set-asides, plus a proposed $300 million economic development reserve for a confidential project with clawback provisions. The amendment drew extended debate: supporters argued it could bring major job creation and broader economic benefits, while opponents criticized the secrecy, size of the subsidy, and opportunity cost. The amendment ultimately passed 54-36-3. The House then adjourned until 1 p.m. the next day after announcements about upcoming budget and House Management meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• It just puts it back to us that we continue to make sure growth is paying for itself.
• So they're paying for that growth that they're causing.
• So they're paying for that growth that they're causing on the current system. Follow-up, Mr.
• We are the ones who pay those impacts.
• You don't have the growth to pay for growth. You don't have the growth to pay for growth.

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard several bills related to fire districts, impact fees, and housing. House Bill 765 would allow partial annexation and merger of fire districts/departments to better align boundaries and improve efficiency; fire chiefs and city representatives supported it as a fix to problems created by prior law, and the committee sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 766 would streamline the process for fire and EMS districts to adopt development impact fees by reducing the number of required hearings and agreements; supporters said it would save time and attorney costs while preserving public input, and it also passed the committee with a due pass recommendation despite some concern about public visibility. House Bill 797, a cleanup bill to ensure fire district sub-districts retain representation, also passed unanimously to the floor. House Bill 767, which would allow fire districts to use up to 50% of development impact fees for replacement fire apparatus, drew the most debate. Fire chiefs argued it was needed because apparatus costs have risen sharply and growth is wearing equipment out faster, while the Idaho Home Builders Association opposed it as a departure from the intended use of impact fees and a potential step toward broader fee expansion. Several senators said the bill was a response to funding pressures created by House Bill 389, but a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee prevailed, so HB 767 did not advance. The committee also considered House Bill 760, a workforce housing bill that would expand an existing property tax exemption for affordable housing projects, allow nonprofit/for-profit partnerships, and let local governments opt in. Supporters said it would help finance workforce housing without state general fund money and preserve local control; senators noted it could still add pressure on local services, but the bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's taking right now they pay 6.75%. It's taking that percentage down to 2.75%. >> Okay.
• So, contractors are gonna be paying less. >> Yes. Well, no, ma'am.
• They're still paying the 6.5, but out of that 6... they're still paying 6.75%.
• But we're designating what they pay, that 2.75%, will go to construction education. >> So, they're paying
• </c> &gt;&gt; So, they're paying the same amount. &gt;&gt; So, they're paying the same amount.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 9 February, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You are either going to be paying for it.
• But we have corporations in our county that pay 62 percent of our ad valorem taxes.
• Homeowners pay property tax, homeowners insurance, and utility taxes.
• Right now less than one percent of corporations pay the corporate income tax.
• I ask you all please pay attention. I asked about do we know what people really want?

Transcript Highlights:

• We're determining whether insurance is going to pay for that service.
• Would have more control over what they were paying.
• It's about whether you pay your bills on time. I've had an example of a surgeon.
• They just pay their bills on time, but they don't have a credit card.
• That they use in credit scoring is your credit card—whether you pay your bill on time, how much you pay

Bills: HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury