Transcript Highlights:

• It helps their bonding percentage.
• So it allows school districts to be able to maybe borrow more money against their bonding.
• Sometimes they use the Chapter 100 bonds, and so they would also fall into this category.
• Any Chapter 100-owned property that way would be included in the bonding capacity then. Right.
• But they wouldn't be able to use that property then to pay off that bond.

Committee: House Legislative Review

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> particularly in relation to the bonding particularly in relation to the bonding bill<00:05:13.240
• bonding bill could address?
• So the minority has one say, and this is it, the bonding bill.
• </c><00:07:30.479><c> I</c> and then we can do the bonding bill.
• I and then we can do the bonding bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• existing Florida law regarding traditional commercial assets, such as non-digital currency, stocks, bonds
• Thus, Florida routinely adopts UCC articles. ...such as non-digital currency, stocks, bonds, loans, and
• Is that specified in your bill, that limitation on the nexus?
• I worry about how that is really limiting opportunities for workers.
• It will limit the ability of employees to increase their earnings.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted. The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1827 modernizes the system by increasing the small claims limit for business to $15,000 per case,
• It includes nonprofit organizations with no limitations.
• These time limits are based on false assumptions that people who receive CalFresh do not work or need
• It limits both people's food assistance and their health care through Medi-Cal.
• reporting on whether bond-funded programs achieve their intended goals.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It repeals the bond language that's currently in statute and replaces that with a fee to be collected
• How much was the bond that was required by these groves? Uh, $50,000 dollars.
• If the bond covers property that was used to commit a crime, they're no longer valid, and most of the
• And had we pushed forward on the bond issue, the more that we Called those bonds, the more expensive
• So the fee is an annual fee, as was the bond.

Bills: HB3011 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3881 , HB3519 , HB3522 , HB3530

Committee: House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, personal use permit, manufacturing, excise tax, Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, alternative nicotine products, vaping, regulations, manufacturing standards, packaging requirements, penalties, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute limits the scope of the bill at the request of the Texas Public Charter School Association
• In-school suspensions will still have no time limit, but the committee substitute requires a placement
• Is it just limited to reporting under Chapter 37? Yes.
• Because, as we know, public schools have to pass a bond in order to have every time they want to take
• But like our public schools, they'd have to pass a bond in order to do so.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got Senate bond initiatives.
• All right, the bond initiatives are ordered to the capital budget subcommittee.
• We've got Senate bond initiatives.
• We've got Senate bond initiatives.
• Take care. right, the bond initiatives are uh right, the bond initiatives are uh ordered<00:02:44.480

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is up until the last couple of years with the ARPA investment, that was very, very limited spend
• to invest here, but we need to go on with eyes wide open that there are competing demands for the limited
• to invest here, but we need to go on with eyes wide open that there are competing demands for the limited
• It needs those left and right limits.
• It needs that left and right limits.

Committee: House Subcommittee on Appropriations - General Administration

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've never been a barrier to bonding bill.
• Are you expecting any strings attached to passing a bonding bill?
• And we need to do a bonding bill this And we need to do a bonding bill this year.<00:02:42.800><c> So
• Um, Senate Democrats have announced their bonding target of 1.35.
• </c> October. any of these bonding October. any of these bonding discussions,<00:09:27.920><c> has</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to hold people to those time limits.
• from state ARPA funds, and we expect up to $2 million from that 3M settlement, but we've already bonded
• That was funded through enterprise fund-paid bonds. Well done.
• The Mass PFAS Act contains provisions to limit... ...and protecting our firefighters.
• Some of these diagnoses could have been prevented if we'd acted sooner to limit harmful exposures.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief. A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist. The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities. Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have raised the speed limit.
• And what is the speed limit in Jericho? That's 45. 45 and the speed limit on 77 outside of Jericho?
• And how long is the speed limit 45 miles an hour? How many miles?
• And what is the speed limit in Jericho? That's 45. 45 and the speed limit on 77 outside of Jericho?
• Then when you get onto the city limit, that's another 45.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings. For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds. The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability. A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I remember correctly, as an agency, the limitation was like 2%.
• They put limitations on us.
• They put Several limitations on it as well.
• We do have the bond initiative we're earning interest on.
• So the Armore home bond is embedded in our appropriations.

Committee: House A&B Health Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the statute of limitations has passed? the statute of limitations has passed?
• :05.679><c> that</c> statute of limitations and then um that statute of limitations and then um that
• </c> very end of the statute of limitations very end of the statute of limitations says<00:32:27.440>
• :18.879><c> is</c> statute of limitations is statute of limitations is &gt;&gt; show<00:34:19.440><c>
• </c> have an extended statute of limitations have an extended statute of limitations on<00:35:14.960>

Bills: HB20 , HB2612 , HB2404 , HB2459 , HB2194 , HB1880 , HB2284 , HB1969 , HB2458 , HB1546 , HB2161 , HB1721 , HB1641 , HB2137 , HB1782 , HB2360 , HB1965 , HB1897 , HB1513

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, mortgage, debt, secured transactions, real property, Hawaii Revised Statutes, cooperative associations, electric utility cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, mutual help, food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• these bonds, to review how good of these bonds, to review how good of stewards<00:00:53.840><c> we</c
• <c> sold</c><00:33:07.279><c> on</c><00:33:07.519><c> a</c> bond issue is being sold on a bond issue
• </c> asked for your approval of this bond asked for your approval of this bond issuance. weather.<00:
• And we did ask bond council on this one.
• </c> facility construction commission bonds. facility construction commission bonds.

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:49 Approval of Minutes 02:06 Information Items 03:48 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 14:38 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 18:50 OFM – Ky Infrastructure Authority 26:40 OFM – Cabinet for Economic Development 31:50 Office of Financial Management 40:40 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 41:25 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and a quorum call, then the committee approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff reported several informational items, including University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, school district debt issues, leasehold improvements, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System bond allocations. The committee then approved a line-item appropriation increase of $350,000 in federal funds for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Cumberland Forest Conservation Program, along with two Department of Military Affairs projects: the Ashland Readiness Center window replacement and the MATES HVAC replacement at Fort Knox. It also approved four larger maintenance-pool projects without further action: HVAC and smoke evacuation work at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, HVAC and hot water tank replacements at Oakwood, a Green Bank energy-savings performance project across state facilities, and roof replacement at Lake Barkley Lodge. Members asked about the prison project, the roof procurement process, and whether minority-owned firms receive special bidding preference; staff said capital projects are awarded through open low-bid procurement with qualification and warranty requirements, and that minority participation is preferred but not a bidding criterion. Two lease modifications were approved for Franklin County agencies: an expansion and renovation for the Auditor of Public Accounts and a downsizing and renovation for the Kentucky Workers Compensation Funding Commission. The committee also approved Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including a Monticello sewer loan, several Cleaner Water Program grants and reallocations, and a House Bill 1 water grant that required no action. Members questioned engineering costs and were told the KIA board reviews technical details and anomalies before approval. Finally, the committee approved six economic development grants: one EDF grant for V Simple in Jefferson County and five KPDI EDF grants for projects in Breckinridge, Erlanger, Todd, and Washington counties. The last action item was approval of Western Kentucky University’s up-to-$10 million general receipts revenue bond issue for athletic facilities. An informational Kentucky Housing Corporation multifamily bond item prompted concern from members about rising per-unit costs for affordable housing, and they requested further explanation from the housing corporation at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bonds.
• There is an increase to the SR 520 bond authorization of $500 million, and it repeals some older bond
• Authorization of $500 million, and it repeals some older bond authorizations.
• We will now move on to Senate Bill 6225, authorizing bonds for transportation funding.
• I just wanted to recognize our staff as we passed this budget and the bond bill.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met in executive session to brief and act on three measures: proposed substitute Senate Bill 6005, the 2006 supplemental transportation budget; proposed substitute Senate Bill 6225, authorizing transportation bonds; and engrossed substitute House Bill 2508, relating to the Office of Independent Investigations. Staff first reviewed eight amendments to SB 6005, including technical corrections and several funding changes for ferry service, rail projects, transit electrification, and other transportation programs. The committee then adopted all eight amendments, rolled them into the bill, and advanced SB 6005 with a due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. For SB 6225, staff explained that the bill would authorize additional transportation bonds, including $1.1 billion in general bonds backed by gas tax and vehicle-related revenues, $400 million for potential cost increases on Move Ahead Washington projects, and a $500 million increase in SR 520 bond authorization, while repealing some older bond authority. With no amendments offered, the committee advanced the bill with a due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. The committee also considered engrossed substitute House Bill 2508, which would clarify the scope of authority of the Office of Independent Investigations and add public disclosure and privacy provisions. The committee moved the bill without recommendation to the Ways and Means Committee. Members concluded by thanking staff for their work on the budget and bond package before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• But unfortunately, in my opinion, what that does is that then limits us to an event sponsored by one
• But unfortunately, in my opinion, what that does is that then limits us to an event sponsored by one
• But unfortunately, in my opinion, what that does is that then limits us to an event sponsored by one
• But unfortunately, in my opinion, what that does is that then limits us to an event sponsored by one
• Maybe there needs to be some cap on fees that limits it to cover costs of the institution.

Bills: HF4479 , HF4368 , HF4889

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State

Transcript Highlights:

• So, unfortunately, I will have to limit testimony just a little bit.
• Adults in jail get bond and preliminary hearings.
• That is very much limited by how much staff we have on hand and how long we can retain them.
• When that bond that should be safe and blessed by God is broken and beyond repair.
• I understand time is very limited this morning. I will be here.

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bond are when you issue bonds through a state agency.
• </c> definition of bond. Mhm. definition of bond. Mhm.
• This definition of bond is only specific to the bonds issued by the New Hampshire BFA and combined with
• It's called a conduit bond. May I follow up?
• Um, since we passed that definition of bond, uh, we actually passed that exact definition.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing that I hope we do is a bonding bill.
• </c> thing that I hope we do is a bonding thing that I hope we do is a bonding bill.<00:13:21.600><c>
• We we can bond for about a billion bill.
• </c> people in order to get get a bonding people in order to get get a bonding bill<00:13:49.120><c>
• 53.440><c> no</c><00:13:53.600><c> more</c> policy bonding and hopefully no more policy bonding and hopefully

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After 2029, beginning in 2030, the state would have a new permanent tax limit.
• The Governor proposed a 50% limit at the May Revision.
• So it is more of a limit than in current law, but not as much of a limit as in the May Revision.
• And I'm proud that even within those limitations, which we all had, we have before us...
• Also, thank you for advancing the B-Home Soon California proposal and the several... ...limit.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts. Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings. Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.