Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any appetite this session to address that looming deficit we see in the planning years in fiscal
• Is there any appetite this session to address that looming deficit we see in the planning years in fiscal
• 00:09:58.160> planning<00:09:58.560> years<00:09:58.880> in<00:09:59.120> fiscal
• we see in the planning years in fiscal we see in the planning years in fiscal year<00:09:59.680>
• play games. >> I thought it was really nice during MMB's November forecast how they made a special note

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Danny Garrett called the meeting to order and noted that a quorum was present.
• So, um, there's no fiscal note on this bill? >> No, sir. >> Really, this is a ...
• <00:16:24.000> note<00:16:24.240> on >> Okay.
• So, um, there's no fiscal note on >> Okay.
• So, um, there's no fiscal note on this<00:16:24.560> bill. this bill. this bill.

Bills: HB517, HB520, HB233, HB354, HB517, HB520, HB233, HB354

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1119 has no fiscal impact, but it will certainly impact your districts with the much-needed mental
• No fiscal note or anything, other than going forward after these two bailiffs retire.
• No fiscal note or anything, other than going forward after these two bailiffs retire.
• HB 3526 by Capriglione, relating to fiscal transparency for bonds issued by local government entities
• There's no fiscal note. I move passage. Question occurs on passage to engrossment.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I made a note there. I think that's a great idea. Thank you, Cheryl. Thanks so much.
• The amendment, would you like to speak to that note? All right.
• You'll note that a fiscal note has been passed to this bill with a cost of 0.
• And Chair Mueller, you'll note that fiscal notes being passed to this bill with a cost of 0 house file
• at the specific type of conduct, this noted that kcp report.

Bills: HF3489, HF3990, HF3825, HF3826, HF3827, HF3822

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• We support the hiring of instructional coaches, but also want to note that interventionists in schools
• developing shared literacy standards for teacher prep and alignment of coursework by the end of this fiscal
• This is part of a broader Alignment of coursework by the end of this fiscal year.
• We support this bill, but we also want to note that there is no appropriation attached to it, and the
• Chairman, and on the second page of it, about the under fiscal implications, down towards the bottom

Bills: SB29, SB37

Keywords: SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I see staff; fiscal staff doesn't know at this point. If you'd like to go ahead. Mr.
• We did have some grave concerns about the treaty open season language and the fiscal impact of the bill
• Additionally, we would need to come back because the department cannot hold By future legislatures to any fiscal
• I would just note that from what I'm hearing, we may as a state not want to enter into this based upon
• If a stormwater person, as I noted in my letter, was at a conference and a vendor booth talked to them

Transcript Highlights:

• In the last fiscal year, across all lines of insurance, our rate reviews saved consumers over 87 million
• We analyze roughly 1,300 of these a year. triggered in fiscal year 24 more than 200 changes to benefit
• million dollars out of the money. money that Commissioner Brown was talking to you about so far in fiscal
• Note that on page 15 that the rate filing history shows one rate increase of 5% implemented since Hurricane
• Note that Vice Chair Vo is here.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, so that fiscal item is to transfer $2 million.
• > is<00:23:42.240> really side that you noted is really side that you noted is really interesting
• Uh, for the notes, my name is Daryl Tenny.
• Noted. Thank you. >> And if you could email us that when you have it.
• Noted. Thank you. >> Yeah. Noted. Thank you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes from September 26. Senator Gray then raised the idea of creating a continuing subcommittee or recurring agenda item on palliative care and hospice, noting that the issues are evolving and suggesting the committee revisit the idea in coming months. The bulk of the meeting focused on Department of Health and Human Services updates. Officials described contingency planning for SNAP amid the federal shutdown, including a USDA notice that November benefits may not be fully funded, letters to participants warning of possible delays, and coordination with the New Hampshire Food Bank and local pantries. They said New Hampshire serves about 42,000 SNAP households, with average benefits around $300 a month, and that the department is also preparing to transfer funds for a special fiscal committee meeting. WIC was discussed separately: officials said WIC benefits had been extended through November 7 using additional USDA funds, but that some community agency-based WIC services may need to pause while money is redirected to food benefits. Officials also outlined New Hampshire’s rural health transformation grant application under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, describing a potential five-year, up-to-$1 billion opportunity focused on critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, and EMS. Members asked about transportation, workforce, and nursing retention; officials said transportation is included in the proposal, housing is not, and workforce supports may include lower tuition or awards but not loan repayment or traditional scholarships. They also said the final application would be submitted in early November and that priorities would be adjusted depending on the eventual federal award. Finally, Medicaid director Henry Lipman gave a quarterly postpartum coverage update. He said postpartum coverage is now nearly universal nationwide, and in New Hampshire 2,351 women had used the benefit through May 2025. He reported that mental health services were the most frequently used postpartum service, followed by preventive care, substance use disorder treatment, and cardiovascular-related care, and noted that Medicaid women have experienced a disproportionate share of maternal deaths. Committee members asked about rural distribution and the share of women receiving mental health services, and Lipman said the department would follow up with additional data. The meeting then moved into the annual update on New Hampshire’s 10-year mental health plan, with staff describing progress toward a more integrated continuum of care and improved data infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• leadership and to be fiscally leadership and to be fiscally responsible<02:43:56.160> by<
• House fiscal uh Svig and Ben Johnson.
• note.
• note.
• note.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But in that fiscal... ...morning, but I think it kind of piggybacks off Representative Nelson's question
• , but in that fiscal irregularities report we got in the morning, it seems like DHS always has 70 staff
• You noted the Rural Health Transformation Program, staffing, and consultants in your report.
• So this one is actually for federal fiscal year 2025.
• And then on that note, I think Maybe it would be good to get an update from corrections.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just a quick note on my background as someone who's spent almost a decade studying American politics
• One other note on my background, I come to the position after 15 years of public service on the federal
• And then lastly, just a quick note on some successes in the form of data products recently produced by
• And then just a brief note on the status of the state's data strategy. So the state...
• And then lastly, I'll just have a quick note on the transparency website.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee held a series of informational briefings on information management and technology issues. It first heard from ACLU representatives on data privacy, who argued that Oregon should strengthen protections against private data brokers, government purchases of personal data, reverse warrants, automatic license plate readers, and local police surveillance. They urged data minimization, limits on data sales and retention, and broader transparency and accountability measures. Members asked about practical uses of license plate readers, state sales of data, and how Oregon’s approach compares with other states; the presenters said similar proposals have been adopted elsewhere, including data minimization in Maryland and a state version of the Fourth Amendment Is Not for Sale Act in Montana. The committee then received a detailed update from the Department of Administrative Services and Enterprise Information Services on licensing system modernization for 14 boards and commissions with the most immediate need. DAS said it is seeking a shared procurement approach through an RFP that would create either one scalable system or two tiers of systems, depending on agency needs and security requirements, with contracts expected by September. Committee members emphasized the need for a more unified, user-friendly statewide login and service experience for businesses and residents, and raised concerns about small agencies “figuring it out on their own” without sufficient cybersecurity or technical expertise. EIS said it is overseeing the investment review, security and architecture review, and future implementation planning, and noted that multiple agency requests may still come back to the legislature in the next session. The committee also discussed a revised cybersecurity incident notification concept. Staff explained that the earlier bill had raised stakeholder concerns, so the co-chairs directed further interim work with the Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council and other local government and K-12 stakeholders. The goal is a narrower, voluntary “911-style” notification process that would let public bodies alert peers and potentially receive assistance after cyber incidents; a temporary voluntary process is being tested now, with a work group developing language for possible 2027 consideration. Finally, the committee heard updates from the new state chief data officer on data governance, data sharing, geospatial work, and the state transparency website, followed by a briefing on data centers from NCSL and the Technology Association of Oregon. The data officer described efforts to expand data inventories, data governance plans, data literacy, and interagency sharing, along with statewide aerial imagery, geospatial standards, and the open data portal. The data center discussion focused on national and state trends, including rapid growth in data centers, rising electricity and water demand, and legislative responses such as new rate classes, reporting requirements, and cost-allocation rules to protect ratepayers. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also noted a lot of gaps in service types, particularly evidence-based services for kids that have
• I just wanted to make a final note. Thank you all for your support.
• Please note, this is a picture of my child.
• So it's through fiscal year 28, which is how long you all have to make the billion here.
• There won't be a disbursement until fiscal year 28, which is when the current money will expire.

Bills: SB5, SB6, SB8

Keywords: physician residency, healthcare, rural communities, medical education, appropriation, education, medical school, New Mexico, construction, behavioral health, funding, mental health services, general fund transfer, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator, this being the last day of the fiscal year, doing our first extender here, can you enlighten
• >> SENATOR, THIS BEING THE LAST DAY OF THE FISCAL YEAR, DOING OUR FIRST EXTENDER HERE, CAN YOU
• [Applause] Senator Gianaris. >> Madam President, I should note that there were other members from Queens
• >> MADAM PRESIDENT, I SHOULD NOTE THAT THERE WERE OTHER MEMBERS FROM QUEENS PARTICULARLY THAT ALSO

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report advancing several bills directly to third reading, including Senate Print 9630, an appropriations extender for government operations, and Senate Print 9631, an extender related to Part U1 of Chapter 61 of the Laws of 2023. The chamber then moved to the controversial calendar and debated the first extender, with Senator O’Mara questioning what the bill covered, how much funding it extended, and the status of budget negotiations. Senator Krueger said the extender covered about $1 billion for payroll and certain payments for agencies including Health, Law, OPWDD, and Veterans Services through April 7, and described the budget talks as still unresolved, with no announced follow-up Joint Budget Conference Committee meetings or table targets. She also discussed utility affordability proposals, including a three-year moratorium on A.I. and crypto data/storage facilities and support for green energy and low-income ratepayer relief. O’Mara argued the lack of urgency and absence of written proposals on climate and utility costs was concerning. Both extender bills were then passed, with the first receiving 59 ayes and the second passing 46-13 after debate over its two-year duration. The Senate then adopted the resolution calendar, excluding two items initially, and took up two resolutions. Resolution 1821, sponsored by Senator Ramos, recognized Farmworkers Day and highlighted the essential role of farmworkers, the history of organizing for farmworker rights, and concerns about immigrant workers facing fear and retaliation; Senator May added support, noting the importance of farm labor to dairy production and food supply and the impact of deportation fears on farms in her district. The resolution was adopted. Resolution 1823, sponsored by Senator Zellner, proclaimed March 20, 2026 as Behavior Analysis Day in New York, recognizing applied behavior analysis and its benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, education, healthcare, and other fields; it was also adopted. The chamber also welcomed a group of students from Queens visiting Albany, with Senator Comrie speaking about the importance of civics education and government engagement. After the introductions and acknowledgments, there was no further business, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT SOUNDS LIKE IT WOULD BE A NEGATIVE FISCAL IMPACT.
• UP. >> THAT IS IT THANK YOU. >> Chair: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> IT SOUNDS LIKE WE DO KNOW THE TOTAL FISCAL
• MAN, MY NOTES HERE SAY THIS CONCLUDES THE COMMITTEE AGENDA. ONE CAN DREAM.
• THEIR THOUGHTS ON THIS LEGISLATION -- I JUST HAVE A FEW NOTES THAT I WILL GO THROUGH QUICKLY.

Transcript Highlights:

• It should be noted that there was a skeletal survey done on this child and there was no indication of
• Representative Rizzo: With respect to Area Agencies on Aging or AAA oversight and fiscal controls, it
• This committee substitute provides consistency, Representative Rizzo: enforcement, fiscal accountability
• Your concerns are noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we begin, I have a few housekeeping notes to cover.
• Please note that any written testimony submitted to the committee is considered public comment and may
• This bill will have minimal fiscal impacts because local governments have the authority to charge planning
• This bill will have minimal fiscal impacts because local governments have the authority to charge planning

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 30, 2025, for a regular order hearing on a large slate of bills. After opening remarks and quorum, the committee approved a consent calendar in two motions: one for bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another for unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. The committee also deemed the suspense calendar approved without further discussion. Several housing and shelter-related bills were presented. AB 1061 by Quirk-Silva would allow SB 9 duplex and lot-split provisions to apply in historic districts, with limits to protect individually listed historic sites and maintain street-facing appearances; California YIMBY supported the measure. AB 750 by Quirk-Silva would strengthen oversight of homeless shelters by requiring posted resident-rights information, standardized reporting, and penalties for noncompliance, including possible withholding of state funding. AB 712 by another member would increase penalties for public agencies that violate state housing law and bar indemnification demands against applicants when agencies break those laws; it was described as part of a fast-track housing package. The committee then took public comment, dominated by extensive opposition to AB 928. Dozens of individuals, many identifying with poultry, feed, gamefowl, agricultural, or related organizations, testified against the bill, saying it would harm their livelihoods, culture, religious practices, or constitutional rights and could kill birds. A few speakers also testified on other bills, including support for AB 1337 and AB 804 and opposition to AB 1337. After public comment concluded, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to note that Mr. Strohmeyer is not here today. He has a fever and is at home, so Ms.
• I think it's notable, given the fiscal challenges facing the state, that you were able to address emergent
• Chair and members, for the record, Ken Savory, nonpartisan House Fiscal.
• As was noted in committee when we first talked about this individual house file before it was rolled

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• In fiscal year 2024, the federal government spent $6.9 trillion, accounting for 24% of the nation's gross
• I might have dreamed it; maybe that's your staffer's notes. It could well be.
• That was duly noted what you said. So good morning, Chairman Schwartner, members.
• This is fiscal concern 101. Yes, sir. Not zero. So we've narrowed that down to the extremities.

Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842

Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information

Transcript Highlights:

• Nauman here for fiscal questions, members. And Senator Wicklund, if you want, we have Ms.
• <00:03:51.640> And for fiscal questions, members. And for fiscal questions, members.
• Chair, members, Bjorn Arnison, Senate Counsel, Research and Fiscal Analysis.
• Fiscal Analysis. Fiscal Analysis.
• So $9 million of that is paid in state fiscal '27, and the remaining $1 million is paid in state fiscal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please note that the chairs, at their discretion, can further limit time for testimony or increase it
• I have some notes.
• As others have noted, there are many in Massachusetts who, um, As others have noted, there are many in
• It should be noted that crowdfunding campaigns have a very poor record of success.
• For the record, I note that only half of the committee showed up for today's hearing.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on 16 bills, with the chairs noting a busy legislative day and asking speakers to keep testimony brief. The committee first heard testimony on Senate 860/House 1405, the Medicare for All bill, with Sen. Jamie Eldridge and many advocates, clinicians, municipal officials, and patients arguing that a single-payer system would make care a right, reduce administrative waste, lower costs, and protect residents from rising premiums, medical debt, and hospital closures. Several speakers cited the Steward hospital crisis, affordability problems, and polling or ballot questions showing public support for single-payer coverage. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then took testimony on S. 863, a bill on non-opioid options for chronic pain. Pain specialists, patients, and advocates said the bill would improve care coordination for MassHealth members, expand access to non-opioid medications, require provider education, and collect data on chronic pain. Testifiers described long delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma toward pain patients, and the need for multidisciplinary care and transportation support. Again, the committee heard testimony only and took no action. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1360/S. 869, which would prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in health care. Disability advocates, clinicians, and patients described being denied or delayed care, pressured into DNR orders, or treated based on assumptions about quality of life rather than medical facts. Speakers referenced COVID-era crisis standards of care, discriminatory metrics, and personal stories involving canceled procedures, inadequate accommodations, and poor treatment in hospitals. Committee members thanked speakers for their testimony and said they would review the bill and its implications, but no vote was announced. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1399, an individual Medicare marketplace option for municipal retirees, where supporters said it would give cities and towns a lower-cost alternative for retiree health benefits through HRAs and individual Medicare plans. The hearing then returned to Medicare for All testimony, with additional supporters repeating arguments about cost, access, municipal budget pressure, and the need for global budgeting and universal coverage. The transcript ends with continued testimony and no recorded committee vote or final action on any bill.