Transcript Highlights:

• And so we calculate our O&M costs.
• We calculate our O&M costs using labor costs for train operators, dispatchers, and those are the people
• It’s one of those items that the FTA comes through and makes sure that we’re using a calculation.
• And so that value-of-time calculation will go into the calculation of the impacts of the toll rates on
• That value-of-time calculation will go into the calculation of the impacts of the toll rates on the trucking

Summary: The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections. Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement. The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is something that is calculated annually and paid to the hospitals.
• so for the private hospitals in the state of Arkansas, we do an inpatient and an outpatient UPL calculation
• It's calculated every year.
• It's calculated every year.
• I believe it's driven by our state planning calculations.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what we're talking about, ladies and gentlemen, is doing a simple calculation. ...and that calculation
• Is one of those elements of that equation the certainty that this limit brings to that essential calculation
• Presently, there are exemptions in the tax rate calculation for special districts, hospitals, jails,
• The rent calculation for one cent of value on our tax roll is equivalent to 2.2 million dollars.
• Whatever the inflation rate is, we get no TRE, no calculations, no whatever.

Bills: SB9, SB 9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit, school assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• few or no doctors certified to do an impairment rating, which this committee knows is vital to calculating
• manner in which they are collected, are not included in the overall tax burden for purposes of calculating
• Other states, such as California, would not consider these new surcharges when calculating their retaliatory
• Other states, such as California, would not consider these new surcharges when calculating their retaliatory
• Other states, such as California, would not consider these new surcharges when calculating their retaliatory

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The writing assessment is not currently part of the school grade calculation because, in this latest
• demonstrating a passing score, promotion to fourth grade, meeting graduation requirements, and calculating
• So the value-added model, or VAM, has been calculated for a number of years.
• So the value added model or VAM has been calculated for a number of years.
• remains, that end of the year assessment still remains the most appropriate data point for the use of calculating

Summary: The Senate Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education received a Department of Education presentation from Deputy Commissioner Juan Copa on Florida’s K-12 assessment system, including FAST progress monitoring, end-of-course exams, science, writing, alternate assessments, English language acquisition testing, and VPK progress monitoring. Copa reported year-over-year gains in ELA and mathematics, noted that end-of-course and science results also improved, and explained how assessment data are used for school grades, third-grade promotion, graduation requirements, and other accountability measures. He also reviewed the independent study required by SB 1048, which recommended keeping PM3 as the primary accountability measure, proceeding cautiously on further test-length reductions and remote testing expansion, and using PM1/PM2 only as supplemental evidence in limited cases. Committee members focused on whether the new system is improving student outcomes enough, what supports teachers and schools need to use the data effectively, and how Florida compares nationally. Chancellor Dr. Burns said the department is emphasizing implementation of the new standards, high-quality instructional materials, coaching, professional learning, collaboration, and school improvement support, and also pointed to resiliency education standards and mental health supports. Copa said Florida’s latest NAEP results remain mixed but still generally outperform the nation in some grades, while members pressed for more information on best practices, other states’ approaches, and how districts are using the data. Several members requested follow-up information, including the independent review report, breakdowns of PM1/PM2/PM3 results by grade and subgroup, details on VPK outcomes by provider type and full-day versus half-day programs, and data on use of the CLT versus SAT/ACT for graduation concordant scores. The committee also discussed third-grade retention outcomes, computer-based testing, district assessment calendars, and whether some districts still administer additional local testing. No votes were taken on legislation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, by calculating rates for grades, no individual student can be identified.
• And if you could add, because currently CDPH in their calculations don't include IEPs and their calculations
• So I think it has to do with the way they need to make their calculation.
• So I think it has to do with the way they need to make their calculation.
• . that I'm getting is that CDPH does not include, in their total calculation, IEPs, PMEs, and private

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this is a... when that calculation... Right.
• tax rates instead of the $100,000. $40,000 homestead exemption when calculating tax rates instead of
• I think that the way we calculated the fiscal note was—we being LBB—LBB was consistent with legislative
• versus what's going... ...using what's in law at the time it's calculated versus what is anticipated
• Therefore, it wasn't a part of the GR calculations.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this is a—when that calculation... Right.
• And as it relates to, was a mistake in calculations between LBB and TEA, or who made the, who made the
• tax rates instead of the $100,000. $40,000 homestead exemption when calculating tax rates instead of
• Senator Campbell: ...using what's in law at the time it's calculated versus what is anticipated to go
• Therefore, it wasn't a part of the GR calculations.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• it's a little hard to calculate. it's a little hard to calculate.
• Uh, but I did my best to calculate.
• right, whatever swept is calculated right, whatever swept is calculated within<02:11:09.199>
• And I did a quick calculation.
• in their town. when we go to calculate in their town. when we go to calculate the<02:40:05.760><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How these treaty payments are calculated.
• If you look at the base language 97A.0157, the entire section outlines how these payments are calculated
• And then that's on the backside of this calculator here.
• We take that amount, subtract it from 1.5 million to calculate the 1854 treaty payments.
• huge memorandum of agreement that's available on that statute references on how these payments are calculated

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that calculation does not include interest.
• I think the Department of Taxation calculation assumed that individuals would not be able to take the
• 34.519> Department<00:16:34.880> of<00:16:35.000> Taxation<00:16:35.639> calculation
• the Department of Taxation calculation the Department of Taxation calculation assumed<00:16:37.680

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of tax, budget, and policy bills. On SB 325 and SB 326, the Tax Foundation testified and the committee later recommended passage with amendments. SB 721, SB 1278, and SB 1465 also drew Tax Foundation testimony focused on technical corrections and effective-date issues; SB 1278 was strongly supported by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and other restaurant and business groups, who argued the bill should extend tax relief to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because it served the same purpose as earlier COVID relief programs. A bar owner also testified in support, describing severe pandemic-related losses and lack of government assistance. The Department of Taxation asked about the estimated fiscal impact of SB 1278, which was stated to be about $16.8 million and not including interest. The committee also considered SB 1464 through SB 1470, with the Tax Foundation supporting most of the conformity and tax measures and opposing SB 1465 as unnecessary. SB 1464 was recommended for passage unamended, SB 1465 with amendments, and SB 1466, SB 1467, and SB 1470 unamended. SB 1362 and SB 1363 were deferred so the administration could explore moving funds within the existing budget instead of using emergency appropriations. SB 1044 was amended to create a condominium loan program and special fund to finance essential repairs and improve insurability of condominium properties, with loans repaid over 20 years and the fund eventually sunsetted. The committee also acted on several other measures: SB 533 was amended to remove an appropriation and require a local investor-owned utility to support schools affected by a planned public safety power shutoff program; SB 1117 was amended to define electric motorcycles and prohibit operation by those under 18; SB 1186 was amended to move a food-production working group to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and remove an appropriation; SB 1391 was amended to require a one-to-one match of state funds with private donations; and SB 1669 was amended with committee-report language noting concerns about jurisdictional definitions and board qualifications. Later, the committee recommitted SB 933 and SB 938 to Ways and Means after adopting proposed SD1 versions. Most measures were adopted unanimously, often with members voting no with reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The language in front of you calculates, for each school district, charter school, and cooperative unit
• <00:42:19.520> Without compensatory aid is calculated.
• Without compensatory aid is calculated.
• making it not possible to calculate making it not possible to calculate fourth<00:53:45.200>
• Compensatory aid is calculated at the site level and then summed up to the district level.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just wondering<00:37:04.320> how<00:37:04.480> it's<00:37:04.640> calculated
• So I'm trying to think about how we calculate this and what we do now. beginning of time.
• trying to think about how we calculate trying to think about how we calculate this<00:41:27.760>
• equation or a formula to calculate equation or a formula to calculate what<00:42:46.079> someone's
• <00:47:26.800> I being able to calculate that out. I being able to calculate that out.

Bills: HF3676, HF3683, HF3395

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from February 19 and February 26, while skipping the February 24 minutes because of a drafting error that would be corrected later. It then took up House File 3676, a Safe at Home program bill described by Rep. Nash as arising from a constituent’s dangerous identity exposure and intended to tighten protections for participants, including allowing emancipated minors to enroll. Testimony from the Secretary of State’s office explained that the bill would clarify who may apply for a minor, require proof of guardianship, strengthen court findings before a participant’s physical address can be disclosed, increase penalties for harmful disclosure, prohibit discrimination based on participation, require state agencies to designate a Safe at Home contact person, allow use of the Safe at Home card as proof of residence for certain ID purposes, and require judge training. Members raised concerns about federal compatibility, constitutionality of court-related provisions, and the need for a fiscal note on the felony penalty. Several sections were noted as being removed or modified in a later engrossment, and the committee voted to re-refer HF 3676 to the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. The committee then heard House File 3683, which would direct the state budget forecast to include the estimated cost of fraud. Rep. Nash argued that fraud is a significant but unquantified drain on state resources and said the bill would adapt existing forecast language used for inflation to track fraud costs. Minnesota Management and Budget Deputy Commissioner Anna Mingi testified that fraud is unacceptable and that the agency works to prevent and detect it, but said the twice-yearly forecast is not the right tool for this kind of retrospective analysis. She explained that if fraud is identified, the forecast would reflect reduced spending through program integrity actions rather than a separate fraud-cost line item. The bill was moved and referred to the general register after a roll call was requested.

Transcript Highlights:

• These retirees had their pensions calculated using outdated mortality data, the combined annuity table
• retirees who made the same survivor benefit elections on or after July 1, 2004, have their pensions calculated
• administration of contributions or the acceptance of contributions in the administration of retirement, calculation
• And administration of retirement, calculation of retirement allowances, there are often errors.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables. The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes. A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in Fowler, just to keep it brief, this case deals with the calculation of interest due to plan members
• case back to the district court, noting that the only thing left to determine now is exactly how to calculate
• requested additional briefing and the submission of expert reports to help determine the interest calculation
• So, as you said earlier, it is just a matter of calculating the award, not whether or not plaintiffs

Summary: The Select Committee on Pension Policy Executive Committee approved the September minutes and received updates on two court cases, Fowler and Dolan. Staff explained that Fowler concerns interest calculations for members who transferred from Plan 2 to Plan 3 before 2002; the Ninth Circuit has already found liability, and the remaining issue is damages, which could be significant depending on the expert-driven calculation. Dolan was described as quieter, with briefing completed at the Court of Appeals and oral argument possible later this year or early next year. The committee also heard an actuarial update on the interim work plan, including planned informational briefings on month-of-death policy, a Plan 1 ad hoc COLA, and the OSA demographic experience study, which is still under external audit. Members asked whether updated fiscal notes had been prepared for two bills under study; staff said preliminary analysis had been done and full updates would come if the bills move forward. The committee then discussed how to handle the ad hoc COLA item and agreed to have staff draft a letter endorsing House Bill 1474 and any similar Senate bill for a one-year ad hoc COLA, to be brought back for full committee consideration in November. Staff reviewed the draft November and December work plan. The committee adopted the November agenda, which includes annual updates from the State Investment Board and Retirement Systems, the left one study closeout, and the ad hoc COLA action item. Members also discussed whether excess compensation and 2026 session prep should be handled by email rather than in a meeting, with general agreement to move the session prep to electronic communication and possibly handle excess compensation as an informational item, depending on availability. Constituent correspondence included several messages on climate change and Plan 1 COLAs, including support for the merger bill and COLAs in general. Jacob White of the LEOFF 2 Board reported that the board had only held an educational briefing on excess compensation and overtime, found the data limited, and took no further action. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and an adjournment vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• As of today, we have 60 members representing over 10,000 lakes, according to our calculations.
• c> to<00:09:07.240> our 10,000 lakes according to our 10,000 lakes according to our calculations
• 08.839> to<00:09:08.959> be<00:09:09.160> accurate<00:09:10.000> and calculations
• we try to be accurate and calculations we try to be accurate and that<00:09:10.279> number<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1120, the follow-up “Keep It Clean” bill from Representative Andrew Myers, which would create grant funding for local governments and organizations to improve garbage removal and related clean-water programs, especially around frozen lakes and winter recreation areas. Myers said the earlier Keep It Clean effort to enforce litter laws on frozen lakes had already reduced garbage in the water, and he framed this bill as a way to expand that success with additional resources. Testifier Robin Dwight of the Upper Red Lake Area Association and Keep It Clean Coalition described growing problems with trash and human waste on ice, said the coalition now has 60 members representing more than 10,000 lakes, and explained that local programs use dumpsters and separation systems to manage waste. Tom Johnson of the MPCA and Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers of the DNR both testified in support, saying improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real and growing problem and that the public education campaign has changed behavior on the ice. Members asked about the bill’s results and funding needs. Representative Pelz asked for more context on the coalition’s impact, and Dwight said the group has been active for about three years and recently launched a survey to gather more data on infrastructure needs for wheelhouse users. Representative Fiser asked what dollar amount would be needed, and Myers said the bill seeks general fund dollars, with a rough ideal range of one to two million dollars, though he emphasized he wanted to work with the committee on the final amount and funding mechanism. The discussion also noted a second related bill with a $10 wheelhouse fee as another possible funding option. No opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to lay over House File 1120 for possible inclusion in a future bill, and the bill was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• second finding was for the Division of Workforce Services, or DWS, which changed its methodology for calculating
• DWS changed the methodology for its calculations for both the total receivable due back from overpayments
• We recommend the state work to improve its controls over documentation and related calculations required
• Calculating the year-end estimates, allowing uncollectable accounts, and how could they make that change
• And based on our calculations, that did not seem like it was a good estimate.

Summary: The committee met to adopt prior minutes and reports from its executive and standing committees, including counties and municipalities, educational institutions, and state agencies. Those reports covered routine audit activity, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, and several state agency audit items. The committee also reviewed and adopted the State of Arkansas annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year 2025 and the related single audit report, both presented by Legislative Audit staff. The state financial report showed unmodified opinions on the state’s financial statements and described total assets of about $41.9 billion and liabilities of about $11.1 billion, along with retirement system assets of $39.9 billion and a net pension liability of $9 billion. Two material weaknesses were identified: insufficient internal controls at the Office of State Technology to monitor threats and unauthorized access, and a Division of Workforce Services methodology change for unemployment-related estimates that was not properly documented or approved. The single audit covered $12.4 billion in federal awards across 469 programs, with 16 major programs reviewed; it resulted in 33 findings, 14 with questioned costs totaling $16.6 million, and qualified opinions for the Summer EBT program, the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, and the Child Care Development Fund cluster. Members questioned agency officials in detail about the Summer EBT questioned costs, DHS unresolved findings, broadband grant documentation, cyber security controls, workers’ compensation liabilities, and child care funding and reporting. DHS explained that the Summer EBT issue involved drawing federal funds in advance rather than as benefits were redeemed, and said the process has been corrected. Broadband officials said the questioned $6.6 million reflected documentation-detail disagreements across many invoices rather than missing payments. OST officials described new logging, endpoint detection, and phishing-training efforts, and DFA and Education officials addressed specific audit findings and corrective actions. The committee ultimately moved to hold the two large statewide reports over until the August meeting for further review, with discussion continuing on whether to release some agency staff in the meantime.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I really appreciate the state treasurer coming in and giving us the debt ratio and the calculations
• that she had that this would not break that debt calculation, that the rating agencies like to see of
• Um, I really appreciate the state treasurer coming in and giving us the debt ratio and the calculations
• that she had that this would not break that debt calculation, that the rating agencies like to see of
• that she had that this would not break that debt calculation, that the rating agencies like to see of

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 241, which would provide information about alternative pain treatments rather than mandate services. Members cited support from the prime sponsor, medical organizations, insurers, and other stakeholders, and noted there was no fiscal impact. The committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to ought to pass the bill. It then took up House Bill 629, which raises a boat decal fee and dedicates the revenue to the dam maintenance fund. Members described the state’s deteriorating dam infrastructure, noting the large number of dams, the high-hazard sites, and the much larger funding need, while saying the bill would provide only a modest start. They also said boat owners generally did not strongly object to the fee. The committee voted 7-0 to ought to pass. House Bill 1042, concerning an increase in the unified contingent credit limit for New Hampshire Business Finance Authority projects, drew more divided discussion. Supporters said the higher cap would provide needed flexibility and liquidity for business development and that the state treasurer and BFA had explained the credit structure and low historical loss rate; opponents warned the increase would raise state exposure too much, too soon. After debate, the chair postponed the bill, then later returned with an amendment lowering the proposed limit from 450 million to 400 million, which the committee adopted unanimously. The committee then moved to ought to pass as amended. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1411, which would have allowed withholding payments to the federal government in response to federal actions. Members opposing the bill argued that withholding employee-related funds would be unlawful and ineffective, while supporters said it could serve as a statement and suggested interim study instead. The committee rejected the bill on a 4-3 vote and voted to inexpedient to legislate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I forgot the percentage; I think it's one-eighth, but Eric can get back to you with the exact calculation
• We've calculated that the net patient hospital revenues are about $7.5 billion.
• Separate calculation? Do you know?
• And so do we have a calculation as to what the imputed cost would be for this increase in certifications
• If we're at 14%, then you have to pay a 15% match, and that 15% match is calculated around $173 million

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we've got the calculations here.
• <00:29:12.960> we've<00:29:13.360> got<00:29:13.520> the<00:29:13.760> calculations
• Uh we we've got the calculations Yeah.
• Uh we we've got the calculations here.<00:29:15.039> Um<00:29:15.919> Representative<00
• 26 USC 25F to make clear that for in-state it is not a charitable contribution for purposes of calculating

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:03 Bills for Consideration: 3:10 Adjournment: 56:19, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 1, which would have Kentucky opt into a federal education freedom tax credit program allowing donations to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) for K-12 educational expenses. The bill sponsors said it would not use Kentucky general funds, would be administered through the Secretary of State, and would let donors claim up to a $1,700 federal tax credit for contributions to SGOs. They argued the program could support public, private, religious, and homeschool-related educational needs, including tutoring, transportation, technology, special needs services, and other school expenses. Several senators raised concerns about whether the bill would favor larger districts with more school-choice options over rural counties with only one public school, creating a two-tier system. The sponsors responded that public school districts could also create SGOs and that the federal rules limit eligibility to families at or below 300% of area median gross income. They also said the program would not reduce existing state or federal school funding, but would instead redirect federal tax credit dollars that Kentucky donors might otherwise send to other states or back to the federal government. Members asked about the structure and oversight of SGOs, including whether they must be nonprofits, how broad their missions could be, and whether funds could be earmarked for specific purposes. The sponsors said SGOs must be certified, serve at least two schools and 10 students, spend at least 90% of receipts on scholarships, and cannot be directed to a specific student, though they can be targeted to categories such as elementary students or special needs services. They also said homeschool families would need to organize through a co-op or existing approved SGO. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.