Transcript Highlights:

• And then we're going to subtract your state income tax and your federal income tax.
• And if I go past certain eligibility thresholds, certain income thresholds, I no longer have access to
• You're still going to have that income limit.
• And if I go past certain eligibility thresholds, certain income thresholds, I no longer have access to
• Certain eligibility thresholds, certain income thresholds, I no longer have access to that benefit.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas Workforce Connections and the Department of Commerce about a package of nine federal waivers submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor under WIOA and Perkins. The officials said the waivers would give Arkansas more flexibility over governance, funding, affiliate centers, and program rules, and that the state expects a response by August 29. They said the package is modeled more closely on Louisiana’s approved waivers than on states with more denials, and outlined a possible transition plan if approved, including a transition committee, policy changes, board training, staffing, and follow-up legislation. Members asked about whether the waivers would affect services for people with disabilities; the officials said not directly, because the waivers focus on WIOA Titles I and III rather than vocational rehabilitation under Title IV. The committee then focused on “benefit cliffs” and work disincentives in safety-net programs. Researchers from the Georgia Center for Opportunity and the Alliance for Opportunity explained how earnings loss rates from taxes and benefit phaseouts can exceed 50%, 75%, or even 100%, making additional work or promotions financially unattractive. They presented Arkansas-specific modeling showing multiple cliffs and stacking effects across SNAP, Medicaid/CHIP, LIHEAP, WIC, reduced-price lunches, child care, and housing assistance, and argued that child care and health coverage create some of the largest disincentives. They suggested policy options including SNAP demonstration waivers, child care subsidy redesign, TANF outcome-based funding, Medicaid premium assistance and health savings accounts, and a possible small-scale pilot to test a more integrated safety net. Heather Webb of Arkansas Family Alliance and Molly Palmer of the Heart of Arkansas United Way added testimony from families, employers, and nonprofits. Webb described a working mother who lost Medicaid and a housing subsidy as her income rose, saying the cliff left her stressed despite earning more. Palmer said Arkansas’s ALICE population often works multiple jobs and still cannot meet basic living costs, and that employers report recruitment and retention problems when workers face benefit cliffs. Members asked for more data on savings and program impacts, and the witnesses said they could provide Arkansas-specific modeling and scenario analysis. The meeting ended with discussion of public-private partnerships, employer-sponsored insurance premium assistance, marriage penalties, and the need to coordinate or consolidate fragmented programs before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• changes with income.
• About half of the drivers in this sample had relatively low incomes, so half the drivers had incomes
• What it’s showing, though, is income over one year. So it’s an annual income. Okay, repeat that.
• The graph is showing annual income. The graph is showing annual income, so four quarters of income.
• There are separate thresholds for regular work and for emergency work, and there is another threshold

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session focused on ignition interlock device compliance and broader traffic safety data. Traffic Safety Commission staff described a Yakima County pilot that provides enhanced probation supervision and support for DUI offenders, reporting that compliance with ignition interlock installation rose from roughly 16%–20% before the pilot to 41% among medium- and high-risk offenders, with barriers including cost, confusion about requirements, transportation access, and communication gaps. JLARC staff presented a statewide preliminary audit finding an overall 41% installation rate, with higher installation rates among higher-income drivers and limited use of financial assistance; JLARC recommended clearer goals for the assistance program and a formal coordination agreement between the Department of Licensing and State Patrol. State Patrol also reported on a Snohomish County outreach pilot that used troopers and door hangers to contact noncompliant drivers, found many were unaware of financial aid, and identified some drivers as physically unable to drive, without vehicles, or on warrant status. The committee then received a broader traffic safety update showing that serious injuries and fatalities rose sharply in recent years before declining somewhat in 2024; impaired-driving fatalities fell 15% from 2023 to 2024, while pedestrian fatalities remained near record highs. The Traffic Safety Commission also highlighted telematics-based research showing that targeted enforcement and visible patrols can reduce speeding, and that anonymized telematics data is being used to analyze speeding and distracted driving patterns statewide and at the corridor level. Members asked about privacy, enforcement methods, and how the data are used, and staff emphasized that the data are aggregate and opt-in through insurance or similar programs. After waiving five-day notice, the committee held a public hearing on Senate Joint Memorial 8016, which asks Congress and federal agencies to treat the Fairfax Bridge closure and replacement as an emergency and to expedite federal review and remove historic-register barriers. Supporters from Wilkeson, Carbonado, recreation groups, and nearby communities testified that the bridge closure has harmed tourism, emergency response, recreation access, and daily travel. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6230, which would require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five cents in light of the federal penny phaseout; staff said the Department of Licensing fiscal note showed a $186,000 technology cost, and retail and food industry representatives supported the bill but requested amendments for permissive language, safe harbors, consumer protections, and local preemption. In executive session, staff briefed members on several bills and substitutes, including snowmobile registration fee increases, gender designation record confidentiality, salvaged title transfer streamlining, fish-barrier/utility relocation changes, emergency highway work thresholds, a Traffic Safety Commission public-health-authority proposal, special parking privilege renewal changes, parked vehicle registration enforcement, and oil tanker tug-escort requirements. No final votes or bill actions were recorded in the excerpt beyond the motion to waive notice and the completion of the public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• income income students<00:11:47.200><c> in</c><00:11:47.680><c> addition</c><00:11:48.680><c> there's
• </c> needy students if you remove the income needy students if you remove the income cap<00:15:36.079
• prioritize students below the income threshold.
• below the income prioritize students below the income threshold<00:32:11.120><c> and</c> threshold and
• I think to have an increase to take away any income level and then to put an income level as the last

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> but, uh, raises the exemption threshold but, uh, raises the exemption threshold to<00:02:30.880>
• </c> industry thresholds industry thresholds for<00:14:10.440><c> debt</c><00:14:10.720><c> service</
• meets that threshold.
• </c><00:20:37.600><c> And</c><00:20:37.920><c> then</c> somebody meets that threshold.
• And then somebody meets that threshold.

Bills: HB2241 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1696 , HB2021 , SB2135 , SB2466 , SB2727 , SB3082 , SB3097 , SB2861 , SCR100 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , SCR162 , SB2614 , SB3118 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

Transcript Highlights:

• Income family means family earning not more than 80 percent of the median household income.
• And veterans—it's veterans and low-income veterans first; you saw the bill, right?
• Veterans and then low-income. Where did you get that 80% number?
• You have to have an income of not more than 115% of the area median family income, and they also adjust
• . threshold of $50,000 and $100,000 for items such as those.

Bills: HB158 , HB714 , HB 1198 , HB1630 , HB1998 , HB3509 , HB3788 , HB3875 , HB3948 , HB3977 , HB4097 , HB4313 , HB4314 , HB4317 , HB158

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• The 500% is designed to provide broader access to families who may be just above low-income thresholds
• And then the average income, a median income in the state of Texas for a family of four is about 70.
• So you know, this is an exam, and it's only for low-income by the way. ACE is only for low-income.
• Jordan: As relates to your definition of low-income, what is your definition of low-income?
• Jordan: As relates to your definition of low-income, what is your definition of low-income?

Bills: SB 2

Committees: Senate Education K-16 , Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Just curious: was that $100,000 threshold a statutory threshold? Follow-up, Mr. Chair? Sure.
• Large travel agents with annual incomes over $250,000 pay a reduced B&O tax rate of 0.9%.
• All right, let's look at nonprofit low-income housing.
• All right, let's look at nonprofit low-income housing development.
• That economic threshold is also the reason beneficiary savings are limited.

Summary: The committee met on December 3, 2025, with a quorum present and approved the September 17 minutes. Members first voted to suspend the 2026 JLARC lodging tax expenditure report for one year, based on staff’s explanation that the report is self-reported, not verified, and less useful than State Auditor accountability audits; the motion passed. The committee also approved renaming the JLARC I-900 subcommittee to the “Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits,” while keeping the opening script noting that the performance audit process exists under Initiative 900. The committee then heard follow-up updates on two prior performance audits. The Department of Health presented a draft strategic management plan in response to findings on hospital inspections, complaints, adverse event review, and hospital data access. JLARC staff reiterated that 72% of hospital inspections were late, that DOH did not verify third-party inspection standards or review adverse event reports, and that complaint data suggested possible language-access barriers. DOH said it concurred with the recommendations, had improved on-time inspection compliance to about 49%, planned annual updates starting in July 2026, and would work on accreditation oversight, complaint-language access, and data accessibility, though members pressed for firmer deadlines and questioned the three-year timeline for language access improvements. The Liquor and Cannabis Board also reported on its cannabis market study recommendation. JLARC staff said the agency’s data were incomplete and unreliable, limiting oversight of production, recalls, tax collection, and diversion. LCB said it had improved its current CCRS system but still relied on self-reported data, and it presented a decision package for a new traceability system estimated at about $9 million over three fiscal years. LCB described a plant-tagging and serialization approach tied to production, processing, testing, and retail, but acknowledged it did not currently have sufficient staff to fully implement the system without additional funding. The committee also received briefings on JLARC’s recommendation-tracking tools and the 2024 public records reporting summary, including a high-level review of agency response rates, request volumes, costs, and litigation. Finally, JLARC presented the proposed final report on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, concluding that OPDP meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but that its mandate should be updated to better match its current capacity and focus; the committee adopted the report for distribution. The meeting then moved into the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, where JLARC staff summarized nine reviews and noted that the Citizens Commission on Tax Preference and Performance Measurement endorsed all 17 legislative auditor recommendations, with comments on seven. Early reviews discussed included natural gas transportation fuel preferences, travel agent and tour operator B&O rates, nonprofit low-income housing development, multipurpose senior centers, disabled veteran adaptive housing, and trade convention attendance, with staff and commissioners generally recommending continuation of some preferences, modification of others, and improved objectives or performance measures where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• For many families, being able to support themselves on their own income and less on income support programs
• That is really around increased income inequality.
• Income has been particularly stagnant for low-income workers over the past 40 years, which has been a
• So how do we help people get beyond that threshold?
• I would say we are just right at the threshold.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Medicaid Program it has an income Medicaid Program it has an income threshold<00:27:16.120><c> for
• In essence, this is what you are asking by removing the household income thresholds.
• In essence, this is what you are asking by removing the household income thresholds.
• In essence, this is what you are asking by removing the household income thresholds.
• In essence, this is what you are asking by removing the household income thresholds.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Just curious: was that $100,000 threshold a statutory threshold? Follow-up, Mr. Chair? Sure.
• Large travel agents with annual incomes over $250,000... Jeff, excuse me. Yes. Would you?
• Or 1.75% for those with incomes greater than $1 million.
• All right, let's look at nonprofit low-income housing development.
• One is an economic threshold, and one is... ...through two ways.

Summary: JLARC met on December 3, 2025, with a quorum present and approved the September 17 minutes. The committee first voted to suspend the 2026 lodging tax expenditure report for one year, citing the report’s self-reported nature, limited use, and the availability of State Auditor accountability audits; members also discussed introducing legislation to remove the biennial report from statute. JLARC then approved renaming its I-900 subcommittee to the “Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits,” while keeping the opening script that explains the committee’s work stems from Initiative 900. The committee then heard follow-up presentations on the Department of Health’s hospital oversight audit and the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s cannabis market study. JLARC staff reiterated that DOH was late on most hospital inspections, could not verify third-party inspection standards, did not review adverse event reports, and had limited public accessibility for hospital data. DOH presented a draft strategic management plan with goals to improve inspection timeliness, accreditation oversight, complaint access in preferred languages, adverse event analysis, and data reporting; it said it had improved on-time inspections from 28% to 49% and planned updates in 2026, but members pressed for firmer deadlines and expressed concern that language-access improvements could take too long. LCB staff said its current cannabis tracking system remains limited because it is self-reported, but the agency has improved processing and is seeking about $9 million over two biennia for a new traceability system; members asked about plant tagging, staffing, and whether the system would improve revenue and oversight. JLARC staff also briefed the committee on follow-up tools for tracking audit recommendations, including a new “resolved/not yet resolved” framework and improved web dashboards and landing pages. The committee then received the annual public records reporting summary, which showed 236 of more than 2,300 agencies reported, with about 484,000 requests received, 465,000 closed, and $127 million spent fulfilling requests; staff said they are working with OFM and others to simplify some reporting guidance for 2025. Finally, the committee adopted the proposed final report on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found OPDP meets statutory responsibilities but should have its mandate updated and its performance measures better tied to outcomes. The meeting ended with the start of the 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering several preferences including natural gas transportation fuel, travel agents and tour operators, nonprofit low-income housing development, multi-purpose senior centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, and several agricultural-related preferences; staff summarized whether each preference met its objective and noted where the Citizens Commission on Tax Preferences endorsed or commented on JLARC’s recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:14.000><c> equivalent</c> could have a monthly income equivalent could have a monthly income
• Um, person's income or $35 per service.
• Um CMS can wave threshold is exceeded.
• It also allows CMS to apply threshold.
• </c> they maybe don't meet the income they maybe don't meet the income requirements<01:00:03.119><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• We divided that up into these income bands to see how the installation rate changes with income.
• So half of drivers had income. One second—can we?
• First was driver income.
• be able to analyze the incomes of those drivers.
• costing $2,700 is 10 percent of their income.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on January 7, 2026, approved the December minutes, and adopted an amended work plan. Staff proposed moving the drug take-back program sunset review up to 2026 and delaying the thermal energy network pilot review to 2028, which would free capacity for new studies. Members also discussed active bills that would eliminate two recurring JLARC reports, including one on lodging tax revenue data collection, and the committee adopted the work plan without objection. JLARC staff then outlined new performance measures for the committee itself, covering effectiveness, efficiency, and quality. The measures include member and legislative satisfaction surveys, presentations to other committees, recommendation follow-up, staff retention, on-time report delivery, peer review results, and national recognition. Members praised the effort and did not take formal action, treating the measures as an ongoing process. The committee also heard a proposal to improve JLARC’s review of tax preference performance statements by adding a standard rubric in fiscal notes to assess whether a metric matches the policy objective, is measurable, uses reliable data, and allows enough time for evaluation. Members supported the pilot approach. Staff also described planned changes to public records reporting guidance, including opt-outs for low-volume metrics, better validation, targeted outreach to nonreporting agencies, and a survey of records officers. Two preliminary reports were presented. On ignition interlock devices, JLARC found that only 41% of drivers with a requirement had installed a device, with installation rates rising sharply with income; financial assistance reaches only about 11% of users, and JLARC recommended clearer program goals and stronger coordination between the Department of Licensing and State Patrol. On the drug take-back program, JLARC found that the fee structure tied to operator expenditures limits the Department of Health’s ability to recover oversight costs and recommended public reporting of oversight spending and a statutory change to better align fees with actual costs. Agency representatives generally agreed with the findings, described current coordination and administrative changes, and said they would consider the recommendations. No formal votes were taken on the reports, which will return in final form later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• One, create an income tax in 2029.
• It does not relate to an income tax. It does not distribute income.
• It does not relate to an income tax. It does not distribute income, the revenue from that tax.
• At that time, it imposed an income tax with...
• President, this income tax is unnecessary.

Bills: SCR8410

Summary: The Senate considered engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346, a major tax package creating a new income tax on high earners, providing tax reductions and credits, and funding various spending priorities. A point of order was raised that House amendments exceeded the bill’s scope under Senate Rule 66, focusing on new provisions affecting sales and use taxes and business and occupation taxes. The President ruled the amendments were within scope, finding they were tax reductions similar to those already in the Senate-passed bill, and the Senate then took up the motion to concur in the House amendments. Members debated the House changes at length. Supporters said the amendments improved the bill by expanding the Working Families Tax Credit, adding exemptions for diapers and over-the-counter medicines, bringing forward some tax relief, preserving business loss carryforwards, and adding funding or intent language for items such as Fair Start for Kids, K-12 investments, local government replacement funding, and universal school meals. Opponents argued the bill remained unconstitutional or unfair, criticized the income tax structure and inflation indexing changes, objected to the gambling-loss deduction and limits on charitable deductions, and said the bill’s promises on public defense, education, and other priorities were not secured in the body of the measure. On a roll call vote, the Senate concurred in the House amendments by a vote of 27-21, with one excused. The Senate then passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6346 as amended by the House by the same 27-21 vote, and the President signed the bill in open session. The chamber also received several messages from the House announcing signed bills, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those older people or the people who are who have the income issues and have the eligibility issues
• States that are poorer than us that have a lower per capita income than Oklahoma have a SNAP benefit
• I did not have enough income in order to pay everything I needed to pay to raise a family.
• And so, I believe it's 10 to 15% overhead on the, or they're allowed up to that threshold for administrative

Bills: HB3312 , HB3700 , HB2981 , HB2961 , HB3016 , HB4478 , HB4326 , HB3025 , HB3710 , HB4125 , HB2951 , HB3082 , HB4142 , HB4106 , HB1752 , HB3268 , HB4440 , HJR1067 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1149 , SB1167 , HJR1024 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176 , HB3419 , HB3748 , HB4335 , HB3057 , HB3279 , HB4428 , HB3420 , HB3040 , HB4140 , HB1638 , HB3298 , HB4113 , HB1082 , HB4301 , HB3269 , HB3587 , HB4226 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB3278 , HB3996 , HB4236 , HB4352

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Bills: HB3312 , HB3700 , HB2981 , HB2961 , HB3016 , HB4478 , HB4326 , HB3025 , HB3710 , HB4125 , HB2951 , HB3082 , HB4142 , HB4106 , HB1752 , HB3268 , HB4440 , HJR1067 , SB1144 , SB1145 , SB1146 , SB1147 , SB1148 , SB1156 , SB1157 , SB1158 , SB1159 , SB1161 , SB1162 , SB1163 , SB1164 , SB1165 , SB1166 , SB1149 , SB1167 , HJR1024 , SB1174 , SB1175 , SB1176 , HB3419 , HB3748 , HB4335 , HB3057 , HB3279 , HB4428 , HB3420 , HB3040 , HB4140 , HB1638 , HB3298 , HB4113 , HB1082 , HB4301 , HB3269 , HB3587 , HB4226 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB3278 , HB3996 , HB4236 , HB4352

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Bills: SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8, retail license, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Industries, testing and labeling, third-party laboratory, product safety, public health

Bills: SB1323 , SB1863 , SB1932 , SB1950 , SB1956 , SB1970 , SB1599 , SB1312 , SB1776 , SB1858 , SB1985 , SB1302 , SB1809 , SB1401 , SB2053 , SB1503 , SB1553 , SB1427 , SB1642 , SB1421 , SB1837 , SB1566 , SB1567 , SB1794 , SB1484 , SB1557 , SB1564 , SB1591 , SB1395 , SB1456 , SB1562 , SB1613 , SB1983 , SB1550 , SB2065 , SB2152 , SB2159 , SB2172 , SB2110 , SB2111 , SB2114

Keywords: memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing, legal representation, corporate liability, aviation, aircraft, surveillance, regulations, fees, Oklahoma statutes, memorial, highway designation

Transcript Highlights:

• By asking the wealthiest income earners in our state to pay a portion of their income to support our
• Florida does have a corporate income tax, although they don't have a personal income tax.
• What assurances can you offer Washingtonians that you won't lower the threshold on interest tax and income
• tax on low-income earners.
• There's not support in the legislature for enacting an income tax on low-income people.

Summary: House and Senate Democratic leaders, joined by Speaker Laurie Jinkins and House Finance Chair April Berg, introduced a “Millionaire’s Tax” proposal and framed it as a way to reduce Washington’s reliance on sales tax and B&O tax while raising revenue from the state’s highest earners. They said the bill is a starting point and will continue to change through negotiations with the governor, business groups, local governments, and lawmakers. The leaders also said the proposal is intended to support education, health care, public safety, and tax relief measures such as sales tax exemptions on hygiene products, an expanded working families tax credit, a larger small business tax credit, and an early end to the B&O surcharge. The governor had already said he could not support the bill in its current form, which the sponsors said surprised them because they had spoken positively with him the day before. They said the bill will not be the same by the time it reaches his desk and that they expect continued talks to address his concerns, including more money for small business relief and the working families tax credit. They also defended the bill’s structure, saying it mirrors the state capital gains tax, uses Washington’s capital gains definition, and includes credits intended to prevent double taxation for pass-through businesses and others already paying B&O or related taxes. Much of the discussion focused on criticism from Republicans and outside groups that the proposal amounts to a marriage penalty or could drive away high earners and tech businesses. Democratic leaders rejected those concerns, saying the tax applies only to income above $1 million, that the first million is taxed at zero, and that the state would still compare favorably with other income-tax states. They said about 30,000 taxpayers would be affected and estimated the bill would raise roughly $3.5 billion, with about 5% dedicated to county public defense costs. They also said the bill is not subject to cutoff because it affects state revenue, and that the Senate public hearing is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Ways and Means, with the House expected to hear the Senate version later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will only affect 13 districts that will hit the excess spending threshold."
• As a former school board chair, I can tell you districts fight hard to stay under the threshold.
• I am representing a city that has a significant number of fixed-income seniors.
• This is going to help low-income seniors stay in their homes longer.
• Low-income seniors stay in their homes longer. The excess spending mechanism is imperfect.

Transcript Highlights:

• other things, and this would allow a student to work in that program at the school and earn some income

Bills: HR244 , HR245 , HR246 , HR247 , HR248 , HR249 , HR250 , HR251 , HCR101 , HCR102 , HR223 , HR224 , HR225 , HR226 , HR227 , HR229 , HR230 , HR231 , HR232 , HR234 , HR235 , HR236 , HR237 , HR238 , HR239 , HR240 , HR241 , HR242 , HR243 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR96 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR99 , HCR100 , SCR31 , SCR33 , SCR35 , SCR37 , SCR56 , SCR57 , SB171 , SB251 , SB252 , SB353 , SB367 , SB433 , SB461 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , HB66 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB454 , HB455 , HB484 , HB513 , HB603 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB766 , HB793 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB940 , HB947 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1215 , HB1228 , HB1251 , HB1252 , SCR2 , SB26 , SB28 , SB29 , SB30 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , SB233 , SB326 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB89 , HB341 , HB451 , HB456 , HB579 , HB595 , HB621 , HB818 , HB841 , HB1064 , HB1101 , HB1191 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , HCR32 , HB955 , HB284 , HB617 , HB730 , HB926 , HB1125 , HB1194 , HB1203 , HB798 , HB998 , HB1084 , HB1223 , HB646 , HB824 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB59 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB911 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89 , SB68 , SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution