Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh yes, uh Senator from Carol County. Uh yes, uh Senator from Carol County.
• I think they're up Carol County Chamber.
• </c> only the head of the Queen Anne County only the head of the Queen Anne County 911<00:16:24.240><
• </c><00:24:47.520><c> of</c> authorizes the Maryland Department of authorizes the Maryland Department
• In addition, it modifies the authorization and requirements related to the authority awarding grants

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in the county gets to elect their county commissioners.
• County gets to elect their county commissioners.
• Ada and Canyon County.
• I'm only about a half mile into the county, and so... ...I traverse both counties frequently and see
• Our county sheriffs and our counties are neutral on this bill.

Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present, approved the March 31 journal, and moved through committee reports, gubernatorial messages, and House messages before taking up several bills on final reading. Among the measures considered were House Bill 930 on campaign finance, House Bill 949 on consolidating the STEM Action Center with the Workforce Development Council, House Bill 950 providing a one-time appropriation for a consultant to support Medicaid review work, House Bill 952 revising the Secretary of State’s budget, Senate Bill 1444 for public school support, House Bill 940 revising Idaho Digital Learning Academy policy, Senate Bill 1438 funding the IDLA budget, House Bill 516 on parental rights and education, and House Bill 897 on the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption. The chamber also received and referred additional bills, including House Bill 968 and several appropriations and committee reports. House Bill 930 passed after debate centered on campaign finance transparency, separate campaign accounts, limits on investments, and requiring self-loans over $1,000 to be deposited into campaign accounts. Supporters said it would improve accountability; opponents questioned enforcement and warned against weaponizing campaign reporting. House Bill 949 passed with discussion of consolidating STEM and workforce functions, shifting funds and staff, and reducing administrative costs. House Bill 950 passed as a one-time $200,000 appropriation for a consultant to assist the legislature’s Medicaid review panel. House Bill 952 passed with a small reduction to the Secretary of State’s ongoing general fund budget. Senate Bill 1444 passed despite objections that the school budget underfunds district health insurance and shifts costs to local districts; supporters emphasized federal fund authority and other budget adjustments. House Bill 940 passed after extensive debate on narrowing IDLA’s mission, ending state support for certain uses, limiting elementary and online participation, and reducing enrollments and costs. Senate Bill 1438, the companion IDLA appropriation bill, also passed after debate over the size of the cut, the use of the Public Education Stabilization Fund, and whether the budget should include a cap on enrollments; supporters said it matched the policy changes in House Bill 940, while opponents argued it was too restrictive and could harm students’ access to courses. House Bill 516, dealing with parental rights and education and teacher-union-related payroll and activity restrictions, passed after a lengthy and sharply divided debate over whether it protected taxpayer dollars or unfairly targeted educators and unions. House Bill 897, as amended, was then taken up for final consideration on the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption, with the sponsor explaining that the bill narrows the exemption to internal server equipment and limits it to 20 years in response to changing data-center trends and water-use concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our sixth bill is Senate Bill S7261A by Senator Fahy: an act to amend the County Law and the Administrative
• providing a real property tax exemption for certain volunteer auxiliary police officers in Suffolk County
• bill is Senate Bill 9973 by Senator Griffith: an act in relation to the effectiveness of certain county
• amend Chapter 213 of the Laws of 2024 amending the Correction Law relating to the use of certain county
• In action, the county law in relation to the effectiveness of certain county tribal detention agreements

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The local government committee met for its fifth meeting of the year and considered 15 bills, with the chair noting there may be one more meeting to finish the agenda. Members present included Senators Baskin, Fahy, and Rolison, and the committee moved through the bills with brief motions and seconding throughout. The committee reported several measures, including bills on making housing a state policy, directing a study on real property tax saturation, requiring notice to adjacent municipalities for certain zoning changes, authorizing the Town of Huntington to alienate park land for the Huntington African American Museum, requiring CPR training for 911 dispatchers and call takers, allowing the Johnson City School District to create an insurance reserve fund, incorporating the New Hartford Volunteer, Exempt Firefighters, Benevolent Association, creating a Suffolk County real property tax exemption for certain volunteer auxiliary police officers, and extending various local finance and public authorities provisions. One bill, S4504 by Senator Griffo, which would prohibit unfunded state mandates on municipalities and school districts and create a Mandate Review Council, was reported to the Education Committee, with the chair noting opposition. Several bills extending the effectiveness of local finance-related laws were reported to the Finance Committee, including measures on statutory installment bonds, installment loans, refunding bonds, and Environmental Facilities Corporation powers. The committee also reported a bill on county tribal detention agreements and another on base adjusted proportions in the Real Property Tax Law. During discussion of the 911 CPR training bill, members noted an amendment was being worked on to require the training every four years. Most bills were reported unanimously or with no recorded opposition, and the meeting concluded after the final bill was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m an assistant county attorney at the Merrimack County Attorney’s Office.
• , or within any county.
• I'm an assistant county attorney in Merrimack County.
• I'm an assistant county attorney in Merrimack County. I am opposed to this bill.
• I’m an assistant county attorney in Merrimack County.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to Scurry County, Pecos County, Deaf Smith County, 1,000 megawatts. Do you see that?
• Solar—we're going to Scurry County, Pecos County, Deaf Smith, 1,200 megawatts.
• Jack Wharton County, Duval, Brown, all the way down to Matagorda, Bastrop, Colorado County, Fayette County
• , Bastrop, Colorado County, Fayette County.
• County fire code. Yes.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a K-12 district in Pierce County.
• Pierce County legislators collectively identified this work as a priority for significant county-wide
• in a four-county area of eastern Washington.
• I'm Ramona Hattendorf with the Arc of King County.
• As the host county for the state capital, Thurston County Superior Court serves as the Capitol Court

Bills: SB5998

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't even require the physician to be in the same county. Think about that.
• So I'm proud to co-author this. This is your second round.
• We only have 3,800 people in our whole county of Garza County.
• So I'm proud to co-author this.
• We only have 3,800 people in our whole county of Garza County.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , former Washington County Commissioner with us.
• I would like to introduce my favorite president of Farm Bureau from Idaho County, Eric Forsman.
• He's served as a former county commissioner for 10-plus years. He's worked on many projects.
• for all taxpayers. authorized for all taxpayers.
• The author is Earl Taylor Jr. Having cited the source, under the rules the Senator may read.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard a prayer and pledge, approved the corrected journal, and received communications including a temporary substitute appointment for District 20. The chamber also received and referred several memorials, committee reports, and House messages, including House bills 551, 526, and 544 and House Joint Memorial 11. Numerous visitors were recognized in the gallery, including Idaho Farm Bureau members and other guests. In the 10th order, the Senate confirmed several gubernatorial appointments after debate and roll-call or voice votes. Brett Thomas was confirmed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, Erica Malman to the Idaho Personnel Commission, Michael Kennedy to the Idaho Judicial Council, and Representative John Weber to the State Insurance Fund Board. The appointment of Dr. Karen Cabell was held for one legislative day, and Robert Cuyo’s appointment was also held for one legislative day. The Senate also adopted House Joint Memorial 10, which urged Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to favor sugar over artificial sweeteners in school nutrition standards; supporters argued sugar is a real food and important to Idaho’s economy. During first reading, the Senate introduced a slate of bills covering transportation, veterans, state employment, retirement, housing, land use, and the parental choice tax credit, along with House bills and memorials sent over from the House. In second reading, several bills were advanced to the third reading calendar. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 1233, the Constitutional Courts Act, which would bar state courts from enforcing religious or cultural law that does not conform to the U.S. and Idaho constitutions. Supporters said it simply reaffirmed constitutional supremacy, while opponents raised concerns about targeting religion, legal risk, and constitutional challenges. The bill failed on a 15-19 roll call vote, with one absent and excused. The Senate then moved to miscellaneous business, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• As an example, no county had enough social workers, several counties had none, and no county had enough
• County are. In a county of over 10 million people, the two hotspots in L.A.
• , Orange County, or LA County; they're viewing the system as a whole.
• In Butte County, Orange County, or LA County, they're viewing the system as a whole, and we feel a responsibility
• , in Siskiyou County, or any other county, it's going to help the system as a whole.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1053 authorizes the County Board of Supervisors of any county affected by a disaster declared by the
• I want to thank the author for this bill. Thank you.
• I have one question for the author.
• I want to thank the author for bringing this forward.
• I want to be considered as a principal co-author, if you would allow me.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have two suspense items that will have author presentations.
• The authors for the remaining suspense bills have waived presentation.
• Karen Lang, on behalf of the Delta Counties Coalition, which is the five counties ringing the Delta:
• Again, I ask for your authorization.
• Senate Bill 962 is simply an authorization.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and will be rescheduled. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures on the agenda were taken up briefly with public testimony, then moved to suspense without objection. Two bills received fuller presentations. SB 872 by Senator McNerney would create a fund to support repairs to Delta levees and State Water Project canals, with testimony from Restore the Delta, State Water Contractors, and numerous water agencies and coalitions emphasizing flood protection, water reliability for 27 million Californians, protection of state assets, and long-term infrastructure costs. Committee members noted the importance of the investment and the likelihood it would be considered in the final suspense decision; SB 872 was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize CDCR to use blue emergency lights on parole vehicles, with supporters from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association citing the line-of-duty death of a parole agent and the need for a low-cost, discretionary safety tool. The bill was also moved to suspense. SB 950, dealing with coverage for FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, was discussed as having a minimal near-term fiscal impact, though members noted costs could rise if new treatments emerge. The committee asked the author to consider a sunset amendment, but the bill received a do pass motion and was approved on a 7-0 vote, then placed on call for additional members. The remaining bills taken up, including SB 870, SB 1120, SB 888, SB 904, SB 986, SB 1029, SB 1186, SB 895, SB 1004, SB 1123, SB 909, SB 945, SB 1037, SB 953, SB 1001, SB 1188, SB 1407, SB 967, SB 1135, SB 1136, SB 988, SB 1069, SB 1000, SB 1024, SB 1179, SB 1025, SB 1040, SB 1081, SB 1091, SB 1131, SB 1138, SB 1146, SB 1279, SB 1158, SB 1401, SB 1162, SB 1293, SB 1334, SB 1382, SB 1397, SB 1178, SB 1414, SB 1214, SB 1218, SB 1257, SB 1265, SB 1286, SB 1322, SB 1337, SB 1340, SB 1276, SB 1358, and SB 1412, were moved to the suspense file without objection, with a few witnesses registering support or opposition on selected measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• For those of you that may not be familiar with District 14, it touches Klickitat County, Yakima County
• For those of you that may not be familiar with District 14, it touches Klickitat County, Yakima County
• Today, nearly 3,000 cases in Yakima County Superior Court...
• Please authorize the Ninth Superior Court Judge for Yakima County so that we can right-size our bench
• I'm a senior deputy prosecuting attorney in King County.

Bills: HB2095, HB2500, HB2412, HB2595, HB2354, HB2597

Keywords: public safety, vulnerable users, pedestrians, protected classes, transportation, charitable organization, charity, nonprobate transfer, beneficiary designation, life insurance, retirement account, payable on death, POD account, transfer on death, TOD, financial institution, insurance company, transfer agent, estate planning, donor intent

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have testimony in support from Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member
• We also have testimony in support from Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member
• We also have testimony from the Kauai Office of the Mayor, the Office of the County Clerk, Maui County
• We also have testimony from the Kauai Office of the Mayor, the Office of the County Clerk, Maui County
• Finally, HB 228, relating to license plates, which authorizes counties to adopt rules for the use of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:22.880><c> Good</c> Prosecuting attorney county. Good Prosecuting attorney county.
• </c> county, and communities. county, and communities.
• </c> and county. and county. Good<00:47:21.280><c> morning.</c> Good morning. Good morning.
• </c> ethics commission or an authorized ethics commission or an authorized county<00:58:56.960><c> ethics
• </c> county ethics commission, I mean board. county ethics commission, I mean board.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to thank the gentlelady from Westmoreland County and the gentleman from Montgomery County.
• This bill provides for the State Workers' Insurance Fund investment authority.
• SWIF's current investment authority in equities is...
• The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Venango County, Representative James.
• On that question, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Montgomery County.

Keywords: Scheduler, 973, house, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and first handled routine business including postponing approval of the prior journal and confirming a quorum. Several committee reports were adopted, including measures from Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Tourism and Recreation and Economic Development, Appropriations, Rules, Commerce, and Environmental and Natural Resource Protection. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 531, designating June 2026 as Scoliosis Awareness Month, after testimony from Rep. DeLosier and discussion of a constituent’s experience with severe scoliosis; the resolution passed 201-1. The House then adopted a series of additional resolutions and bills, including Diaper Need Awareness Week, a study on PANS/PANDAS, 717 Day, Little League World Series Week, and a resolution commemorating America 250 in Pennsylvania. It also passed bills on Sunshine Act agenda notice changes, veteran death notifications, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, township audit deadlines, first responder memorials, road transfers, parole board succession, and restrictions on HOA limits for rooftop solar. The solar bill drew multiple failed amendments on HOA voting rules, native plants, energy-source discrimination, and net metering; one amendment on indemnification for elected officials at special events was adopted. In final passage votes, the House approved legislation to prohibit NDAs related to data centers, with debate centered on transparency and local control; it passed 171-31. The chamber also passed bills allowing Pittsburgh school administrators to collectively bargain, requiring hunting and trapping education options in schools, expanding SWIF’s equity investment authority, and scheduling metatomidine as a Schedule 3 controlled substance. The Counseling Compact bill and a parole-record privilege bill both passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the House signed those measures for presentation to the Governor. The session ended with referrals of new bills to committees, a motion to adjourn, and adjournment until July 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think Ada County—we have a couple hundred state prisoners in the Ada County Jail.
• jails. 13 in county jails.
• We have about 1,213 inmates who are currently in the county jail. Take, for instance, Ada County.
• What does it cost for Ada County that, Take, for instance, Ada County, what does it cost for Ada County
• counties that look at it as a potential revenue, the other counties are looking at this as a cost to

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee met jointly with Senate Finance and House Appropriations to review the Idaho Department of Correction budget, beginning with an agency overview from Legislative Services analyst Noah Peterson and then testimony from Director Bree Derrick. Discussion focused on the department’s overall funding mix, declining balances in dedicated funds such as inmate labor and probation/parole receipts, vacancy management, and the impact of the governor’s holdback exemption. Members also asked about software and technology costs, the Hepatitis C Fund, replacement items, and why some positions remain vacant or are held open as a budget strategy. A substantial portion of the meeting covered the department’s major divisions and cost drivers. In state prisons, county/out-of-state placement, community corrections, community-based substance use disorder treatment, and medical services, the analyst and director explained enhancement requests, supplemental needs, and rising operating costs tied to inflation, population growth, and contract rates. Members questioned the inmate labor fund’s decline, the loss of work contracts, the cost and effectiveness of recidivism and transparency software, the Pocatello reentry center, body-worn cameras, RFID and drone detection technology, and the medical contract with Centurion. The department said some cuts were made or planned in response to budget pressure, including reduced spending on Recidivis and other contracts, while body-worn cameras and some public-safety tools were retained. The committee also discussed prison population pressures, county jail and out-of-state placement costs, mandatory minimum sentences, and the use of county jails as overflow. Director Derrick said the department is seeing more admissions than releases and that Idaho’s incarceration rate remains high relative to neighboring states. She also said the department is working to expand county and out-of-state options and to pursue more inmate labor contracts. Several members asked for follow-up information on staffing, contract counts, program impacts, and fund balances. The meeting then moved to the Commission of Pardons and Parole budget, where Director Christine Starr testified that commissioners are part-time but effectively work full-time, are not paid for training or all preparation time, and that turnover remains a concern. No votes were taken; the committee adjourned to resume the next day after work groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm actually a county commissioner. Oh, Commissioner.
• My name is David Fuentes, Commissioner for Hidalgo County Precinct 1 and a board member for Hidalgo County
• The Hidalgo County Drainage District manages 50% of the geographical area of the county, and we serve
• our county.
• Right now, counties can't raise drainage fees as a county in general has been a concern.

Summary: The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships. Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects. Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is authorization for $3 billion in lease revenue bond authority related to funding for courthouse
• The counties are simultaneously absorbing increased uncompensated care at county hospitals due to state
• The counties are simultaneously absorbing increased uncompensated care at county hospitals due to state
• County, Nuni Mata of Yolo County, and Mark Gordon of Butte County having diminished access to care or
• I'm from Stanislaus County.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties have lost oversight and authority with the implementation of direct access a number of years
• Counties have lost<00:07:05.360><c> oversight</c><00:07:05.840><c> and</c><00:07:06.080><c> authority
• , counties, county agencies, counties, county representatives,<00:38:00.960><c> and</c><00:38:01.200>
• </c> County had to hire over or Ramsey County County had to hire over or Ramsey County chose<00:57:38.559
• </c> at the county level in Henipin County at the county level in Henipin County and<01:09:24.080><c>

Bills: HF4421, HF1937, HF4675, HF4715, HF4684

Keywords: county cost share, economically distressed county, human services finance, substance use disorder treatment, SUD services, civil commitment, state aid, county levy, poverty threshold, tax-exempt acreage, property tax exemption, Minnesota human services, county fiscal relief, local government finance, chemical dependency, behavioral health, PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services

Transcript Highlights:

• It also, we're one of the few counties in the state that are authorized to use the tourist development
• or sub-county special taxing district decide 15% of the electors in the county or sub-county special
• Putnam County is a small rural county with 77,000 people.
• Our small counties are authorized to levy a small county surtax.
• And Miami-Dade County, there's one that only impacts Miami-Dade County.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 20, 2025, and first approved HB 4025, creating the Duke Farm Stewardship District in Lee County, on a 17-0 vote. The committee then advanced HJR 1215, which proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt agricultural tangible personal property from property tax, after extended debate about the fiscal impact on counties, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; it passed 16-1. HB 411 also passed unanimously after an amendment, extending affordable housing tax exemption treatment to certain nonprofit projects on leased land, including Habitat for Humanity projects. The committee likewise approved CS/HB 669, allowing local governments to purchase certain unrated bonds, and CS/HB 4017, codifying the Vermont Drainage District charter in Charlotte County, both without opposition. The committee also approved HJR 1039, which would let the Legislature prevent assessed-value increases for homestead properties that are improved to mitigate flood damage, and the related implementing bill HB 1041; both passed 17-0. Public testimony on these items included some opposition to the flood-related amendment, but no floor debate changed the outcome. The final major item was CS/HB 1221 by Rep. Miller, which would require local option taxes to be renewed by voter referendum every eight years, with longer terms allowed for bonded projects. That bill drew the most extensive testimony and debate, with counties, tourism groups, and local officials warning about impacts on tourism funding, infrastructure, schools, and public safety, while supporters argued for taxpayer accountability and periodic review. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a 13-4 vote.