Transcript Highlights:

• Consumer standards for the indexing of the pricing?
• You know, I think it's a consumer price index, but maybe my co-sponsor could help me out on that.
• , and we had to have a revenue estimate in December in order to start placing the budget.
• And so we have to have a revenue estimate.
• We can't come up with the revenue estimating number. Okay. And Mr. Chair and state auditor.

Bills: HB2 , SB145 , SB143

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 143, which would raise caps on certain agriculture fees so they can keep pace with inflation. Senator Woods explained that the bill only adjusts fee ceilings, not automatic increases, and an amendment was adopted to tie the caps to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the U.S. Department of Labor. There was no public support or opposition testimony, and the bill was then passed on an 8-0 do-pass vote, with several members excused. The committee then took up Senate Bill 145, which would change the state audit system by raising thresholds for smaller local public bodies and creating a statewide federal single audit for state agencies. The State Auditor and DFA said the bill was intended to streamline audits, reduce delays, and align New Mexico with federal rules and other states, but multiple CPA and audit witnesses opposed the statewide single-audit concept, warning it could reduce transparency, weaken accountability, and increase the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Committee members pressed for clarification on how the audit structure would work, which agencies would be covered, and whether DFA or independent auditors would conduct the work; the sponsors said amendments were needed to clarify the bill and remove problematic language, including the appropriation and references to gifts and donations. The committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation language and then continued questioning without taking final action in the excerpt. The final portion of the meeting shifted to the House Bill 2 budget presentation. Committee members reviewed the Senate Finance version of the budget, which included about a 2.7% increase in recurring spending, 30% reserves, and major investments in health care affordability, early childhood, public education, housing, clean energy, water, and agriculture-related priorities. Members asked about water testing needs, water settlement funding, career technical education funding, and the contingency fund/disaster reserve structure. The presenters said some items still needed technical work and that additional adjustments would be made before final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so at least the only estimate that has been provided to me at least is the estimate from the city
• So at least the only estimate that has been provided to me at least is the estimate from the city of
• </c><00:14:13.120><c> that</c> &gt;&gt; um so at least the only estimate that &gt;&gt; um so at least
• from the city of the estimate from the city of Minneapolis<00:14:16.639><c> on</c><00:14:16.880><c>
• If there's a price tag that isn't measured in dollars, but in unrelated policy changes, we won't pay

Transcript Highlights:

• One has a price of $100; the other has a list price of $150.
• of $100 the other one has a has a price of $100 the other one has a list<00:35:09.960><c> price</c><
• 00:35:10.160><c> of</c> list price of list price of $150<00:35:12.320><c> they're</c><00:35:12.880><c
• </c> just simply lower their prices just simply lower their prices now<00:36:28.359><c> drug</c><00:36
• <00:53:44.240><c> of</c> price of price of drugs<00:53:46.119><c> senat</c><00:53:46.480><c> rest</c>

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they're coming to us because of price versus availability. Okay.
• Some are reopening because they're getting new estimates from their contractors, and they want to come
• Some are reopening because they've gotten new estimates from their contractors, and they want to come
• That have lower-priced homes are, folks that have higher prices, have more ability to, for example, secure
• Because the price of insurance will skyrocket for everyone else in the state.

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• We estimate that the wide adoption of ADUs for average homeowners.
• We need to produce 22,000 homes by 2035 to stabilize home prices and rents, but stabilizing prices that
• We estimate that the initial $50 million...
• And we estimate that initial $50 million in the creation of 1,500 new rental units.
• What's a sales price? What's a sales price to meet certain bands?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing opened its second hearing of the session with remarks from Chairs Haggerty and Cyr emphasizing that the hearing was a broad look at Massachusetts’ housing crisis rather than a single bill. They highlighted topics including zoning, permitting, rental assistance, public housing, homelessness prevention, and housing production. The first witness, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, reviewed implementation of the Affordable Homes Act and the state’s new housing plan, citing a 1.6% vacancy rate, a projected need for 222,000 new homes over 10 years, and ongoing efforts such as ADUs by right, fair housing enforcement, eviction record sealing, seasonal communities planning, and new funding for affordable housing, public housing, and the Momentum Fund. He also discussed infrastructure support for municipalities, technical assistance for ADUs, and concerns about possible federal funding cuts. Committee members questioned the secretary about ADU financing and technical assistance, the likely unit yield from the Affordable Homes Act, infrastructure barriers in suburban and rural communities, public housing waitlist management, supportive housing, and federal budget risks. MassNAHRO then testified that public housing authorities are facing rising operating and capital costs, a statewide waitlist nearing 300,000, and uncertainty over federal Section 8 and HUD funding. Witnesses described recent state support for operating subsidies, capital improvements, vacancy turnover teams, and resident service coordinators, while warning that proposed federal cuts could sharply affect voucher issuance and agency operations. CDAC’s executive director Roger Herzog described the agency’s role as a quasi-public source of early-stage financing and technical assistance for nonprofit housing developers, noting its loan capital, supportive housing bond programs, home modification loans, and preservation work under Chapter 40T. He said CDAC has helped produce or preserve more than 55,000 units and stressed the importance of patient capital and preservation tools. CHAPA CEO Rachel Heller urged the committee to focus on production, preservation, planning, and political will, supporting goals for affordability, supportive housing, and homeownership, and endorsing policy changes such as YIGBY, clearer site plan review rules, stronger fair housing funding, and more support for vouchers and public housing. MassHousing then outlined its financing role, including mortgage lending, down payment assistance, the Community Climate Bank, and the Momentum Fund, while noting that permitting delays, capital gaps, and possible federal changes could affect production. Members also asked about transparency, prevailing wage compliance, and a recent internal restructuring related to diversity and business engagement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Huge, huge differences in the pricing. And so we can see that In the pricing.
• It’s still the prices. The old studies around, “It’s the price, stupid,” it’s still the prices.
• It’s prices.
• But you’ll also sometimes have cash prices or list prices.
• Price transparency.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. impact from the revenue estimate but is impact from the revenue estimate but is something<
• Revenue does explicitly say the estimate Revenue does explicitly say the estimate is<00:18:30.880><c>
• M, would that change the revenue estimate making that change?
• </c><00:47:44.160><c> in</c><00:47:44.319><c> that</c> Revenue estimate in that Revenue estimate in that
• This story is not rare as land prices continue to go up.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• You did mention price gouging.
• of prices above costs.
• My analysis of the gas price, what makes up the gas price that we pay at the gas pump on a daily basis
• And so what we're looking at is whether, for example, in the 2022 price spike, prices or margins rose
• For example, in the 2022 price spike, prices or margins rose above taxes and fees that are imposed by

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard presentations on six budget-related issues and took no votes; all items were held open for a future hearing. The first item concerned funding for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254 and Proposition 4. GoBiz and IBank requested nearly $26 million over five years and 10 limited-term positions to evaluate and finance eligible transmission projects. The LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted many implementation details remain unresolved. Senators questioned how the program would lower ratepayer costs, how funds would be protected, and whether the full requested amount was necessary; the administration said the financing strategy is still being developed and that consultants are needed. The committee then discussed trailer bill language to redirect $22 million in General Fund money from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026, and to use roughly $70 million in CalSHAPE interest for ratepayer relief through ELRP or an equivalent program in 2027-28. CEC and CPUC staff said DSGS and ELRP are reliability tools, not PSPS programs, and explained that DSGS had enrolled over 1,000 MW and was expected to have about $52 million available for 2026. Senators and the LAO raised concerns about ending a successful DSGS program, the complexity of transitioning customers to ELRP, and whether CalSHAPE funds should instead continue school HVAC and plumbing projects. Public commenters largely supported extending CalSHAPE and continuing or expanding DSGS rather than shifting funds to ELRP. The subcommittee also heard on petroleum market oversight under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested about $1.67 million and a small permanent staffing increase to implement new inventory, resupply, and market analysis duties. Senators pressed the agencies on gasoline price spikes, refinery maintenance, price gouging, and the status of the transportation fuels transition plan, which staff said would be released in draft form soon. Public testimony supported DPMO’s work and called for continued oversight of gasoline pricing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional budget proposals: resources to implement AB 1207’s changes to the California climate credit, funding for a study of large electrical loads such as data centers under SB 57, and staffing for AB 825’s regional market participation requirements. The LAO said the AB 1207 request may go beyond the statute and urged the Legislature to decide whether it wants a simpler or more complex climate credit redesign. Senators questioned the cost of the work, the need for ongoing staffing, and how ratepayer interests would be protected. The CPUC said the work is needed to adapt to changing load patterns, electrification, data center growth, and potential regional market participation. Public commenters also supported DPMO funding, CalSHAPE, and DSGS, and some urged the Legislature to keep DSGS at the CEC rather than shift funds to ELRP.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think the estimate is it's caused about $180 million of damage in our state.
• And 6347 is estimated to reduce revenues by $45 million.
• It's just part of the overall selling price of the property that they will pay REET on.
• It's just part of the overall selling price of the property that they will pay REET on.
• It's just part of the overall selling price of the property that they will pay REET on.

Summary: House Finance met on February 26 and heard several tax and housing-related bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6343 would extend the deadline to apply for a property tax exemption for improvements to single-family homes damaged by natural disasters, with sponsors citing recent flooding and the need to help displaced homeowners in multiple counties. Local officials from Kent and Algona testified in support, describing flood damage and ongoing recovery needs. The bill was heard but no vote was taken. Senate Bill 6347 would roll back the higher estate tax rates enacted in 2025, while leaving the higher exemption amount in place. Committee staff said the bill would reduce revenue to the Education Legacy Trust account by about $44.8 million starting in fiscal year 2027 and about $389.9 million over the 2027-29 biennium. Supporters argued the higher rates could harm family businesses and encourage wealthy residents to leave; opponents said the bill would mainly benefit very large estates and would worsen budget pressures by reducing funds for education and child care. Public testimony was mixed, and the bill was heard without action. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6244, which would extend a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products stored in Washington for out-of-state sale until 2038. The sponsor and a logistics witness said the exemption helps farmers get products faster, supports regional distribution, and improves competitiveness; staff said the revenue impact would be small. Finally, Senate Bill 6114 would define “fixture” and “affixed” for real estate excise tax purposes to make tax treatment of attached property clearer, and Senate Bill 6027 would broaden allowable uses of several local affordable housing funding sources, including rehabilitation and operations of existing housing, rental assistance in some counties, and expanded uses for Affordable Housing for All grants. Both of those bills drew support from state and local housing officials and advocates, and the committee adjourned after the hearings with no recorded votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second substitute Senate Bill 5981 relates to the federal 340B drug pricing program.
• We want to sell them at a higher price. You are being asked to approve the...
• We want to sell them at a higher price. You are being asked to approve this.
• The estimated markup for 340B prescriptions is 700%.
• TAP Hartley plans will see an estimated 4.7% increase per claim.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several health-related bills. SB 5904 would restrict nursing titles such as RN, NP/ARNP, and LPN to licensed human people and prohibit non-human entities, including AI chatbots, from using those titles. The sponsor and nursing advocates said the bill is meant to prevent confusion and protect public trust, while preserving the use of AI as a support tool. SB 5877 would add a $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and access HealWA resources; supporters said it closes a technical gap and aligns CAAs with other medical professions. SB 5185 would create a pilot pathway for certain international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full primary care licensure; supporters from the medical commission, physicians, and IMG advocates said the program has worked well, has shown no patient safety issues, and could help address workforce shortages. The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 6210, which would let the Health Benefit Exchange adopt additional market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, including standards aimed at preserving access and affordability in underserved counties. Supporters, including the exchange, OIC, consumer advocates, tribal representatives, and patient groups, said the bill is needed to respond to federal policy changes, rising premiums, and disappearing coverage in places like San Juan County. Opponents from carriers and employer groups argued the timeline is too fast, the criteria are too discretionary, and the bill could reduce competition and raise costs. The committee then heard SB 5981, which would strengthen protections and reporting requirements for the federal 340B drug pricing program and limit manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and data requests. Hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates said the bill protects safety-net care and rural access, while manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would expand a program that already raises costs and lacks transparency. In executive session, the committee took action on SB 5917, related to Department of Corrections distribution of abortion medications, rejecting five proposed amendments and then advancing the bill on a 10-6 vote with three excused. The committee also advanced SB 5988, which concerns Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities, on a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we could directly influence those who are complaining right now about gas prices, the price
• is a House staff estimate at about $8 billion.
• is a House staff estimate at about $8 billion.
• There are some estimates. They're in dispute.
• This is an estimation. This is a possibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, obviously, they have a lot more vehicles, but we use that percentage, and we are estimating about
• Those are our estimates.
• When Minnesota did this, they estimated around the same, and they went way over that.
• And it sounds like the price tag isn't a concern.
• Price has never been asked about on a plate.

Summary: The conference committee on Senate Bill 2133 met to resolve the remaining disagreement over fees for a proposed blackout specialty license plate. The Senate held to a $25 annual fee after dropping an initial $15 fee, while the House argued for $10 or, at most, $20, saying the plate does not support a cause and should be priced to encourage use. Members also discussed whether the plate should be treated like other specialty plates and whether any revenue should be dedicated to a specific purpose, but no particular cause was identified. The Department of Transportation testified that the $25 annual fee would go into the highway distribution fund, the same as personalized plate fees, and explained that the fund is distributed to the state, counties, and townships. DOT estimated the blackout plate could be very popular, projecting about 10% of eligible vehicles and motorcycles might choose it, based on experience in Minnesota and other states. Members noted that Minnesota saw strong demand even with higher fees. After discussion, the committee moved and adopted the Corey amendment setting the annual fee at $25. The roll call showed support from the Senate chair and Senator Paulson, with Representative Johnston voting no and Representatives Casper and Hendricks voting yes. With the amendment adopted, the committee reached agreement and adjourned, with Senate and House members designated to carry the report forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• The conversation previously was about the question of retail prices, and retail prices are difficult
• Therefore, it won't raise gas prices, and it can reduce or avoid gas price spikes at moments of acute
• gouging or colluding to manipulate prices.
• About 20% is what the estimate is.
• Preventing oil companies from price gouging consumers is the way to protect consumer prices from oil

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift. CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund. CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we see prices increasing in a matter of months when projects are delayed.
• And then the consumer with beef prices, it's a lot... ...and all of this adds to it.
• Prices just go up, and we’re trying to mitigate that.
• And estimate how much brackish groundwater an aquifer can hold.
• The first question we're asked is, what will the price of water be?

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> National and Regional carbon pricing National and Regional carbon pricing mean<00:02:25.239><c>
• </c><00:04:00.920><c> mechanisms</c> and Regional carbon pricing mechanisms and Regional carbon pricing
• </c><00:04:52.080><c> signal</c> it belongs without a price signal it belongs without a price signal
• Prices are rising.
• , whether it's RPS pricing or, um, or Reggie pricing, that type of thing.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> food prices? food prices?
• </c> the increased price would be 30 cents. the increased price would be 30 cents.
• and a credit card price.
• </c> those prices.
• But those are the prices those prices.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• and the insurance price.
• And then it also does take that price that you pay and apply it towards your deductible.
• and the insurance price.
• It was originally estimated at $17,000 that it would cost.
• It was originally estimated at $17,000 that it would cost.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, the December estimate from last year projected. .
• It can't stay up for the price it is.
• Those high oil prices don't necessarily end up in the general fund.
• Corporate income tax, This is an estimated tax on your earnings.
• And you know what we missed is maybe extremely high oil prices.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so we're going to have to rely on our financial estimate, which is not ready yet.
• And then, of course, you would have something to base your revenue estimate off of.
• </c><00:24:34.400><c> Um,</c> estimate, which is not ready yet.
• Um, estimate, which is not ready yet.
• </c> something to base your revenue estimate something to base your revenue estimate off<00:25:02.159

Bills: HB2437 , HB2461 , HB2604 , HB2605 , HB1860 , HB2001

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures focused on arts funding, public art, performing arts, and libraries. HB 2437 would appropriate funds for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artists in the Schools program; the Foundation testified in strong support, explaining that demand has increased and that additional funding would allow more schools to be served. HB 2461 would raise the ceiling for the works of art special fund and provide money for maintenance and a collections manager position; the Foundation supported it and described major conservation needs, including large-scale repairs to public artworks such as the Tadashi Sato work in Hilo and the King Kamehameha statue, as well as ongoing bronze maintenance and new commissions affected by rising materials costs. HB 2604 would create a performing arts ticket surcharge; the Attorney General and Department of Taxation raised drafting and administration concerns, while the State Foundation supported the concept. HB 2605 would create a position to coordinate specialized arts programs and therapeutic arts interventions for underserved neurodivergent populations, and the Foundation supported that measure as well. HB 1860 would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra and require annual reports; the Attorney General suggested clarifying the public purpose, and the Symphony, youth symphony, and many community supporters testified in favor, emphasizing educational, cultural, and civic benefits. HB 20001 would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the State Public Library System, Friends of the Library, and individual testifiers strongly supported it, describing libraries as essential community and educational resources. After hearing testimony, the committee took action on several bills. HB 2437 was recommended for passage with amendments in HD1, with the appropriation blanked out and the additional needed funding to be noted for Finance consideration; the vote was unanimous among members present. HB 2604 was also recommended for passage with HD1 and technical amendments, including deleting the term “Hawaii-based,” clarifying that student performances at public charter schools are exempt, aligning recordkeeping provisions with tax law, and setting an effective date of January 1, 2027. HB 2461 was deferred to decision-making on Friday, February 13. The transcript also indicates the committee moved through the remaining measures after testimony, but the excerpt ends before final votes are shown for HB 2605, HB 1860, and HB 20001.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the cost estimates are based on just like any traditional project we do—cost estimates of all
• Again the cost estimates done before.
• </c> to where we are for the estimate to where we are for the estimate &gt;&gt; and<00:14:15.440><c>
• </c><00:26:12.799><c> with</c> The lesser provided two estimates with The lesser provided two estimates
• </c> that will provide a total estimated that will provide a total estimated pumping<00:28:53.120><c>

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the February meeting minutes and several information items. Those items covered university equipment purchases, school district and transportation-related debt issuances, Northern Kentucky University’s planned construction-manager/general-contractor delivery method for the medical examiner/crime lab relocation project, a lease-space advertisement, postsecondary asset preservation allocations, and lease-law compliance reports. Members then discussed the Northern Kentucky crime lab project in more detail; staff explained that the memorandum of agreement would cover the construction portion while the lease would cover operations, and members were told the project should move forward without procurement problems. The committee approved a Kentucky Community and Technical College System project to modify the fire academy maintenance building after the related dormitory project was set aside because of major cost overruns. KCTCS said the dormitory would be about $3 million over budget, so it would not be bid; instead, the maintenance building would be expanded to add showers and restroom/locker facilities, bringing that project from $2 million to about $3.2 million. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet project for the Hardin County I-65 southbound commercial motor vehicle station relocation, with members asking about the estimate, the lack of a direct prior example, and the fact that the loadometer equipment itself would be purchased separately and was not included in the construction estimate. Finance and Administration Cabinet lease items were then considered. The committee approved a Department of Public Advocacy lease in Christian County and a Transportation Cabinet vehicle regulation lease in Kenton County, both negotiated down from initial asking prices and both including utilities. Two lease modifications were reported without action: a Department of Revenue fit-up in Jefferson County and an expanded vehicle regulation lease in Adair County. Members also approved a package of Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including four loans and six Cleaner Water Program grant reallocations, covering sewer and water projects such as MSD’s Patty’s Run flood pumping station, Paducah-McCracken County’s wastewater treatment plant, Mount Washington’s lift station replacement, and Eminence’s wastewater plant expansion. Finally, the committee heard a batch of Kentucky Product Development Initiative economic development grants and approved the action items in one vote. The projects included due diligence and infrastructure work for industrial and site-development projects in multiple counties, with local match requirements and KEDFA approvals described for each. The committee also received three line-item water grants from House Bill 1 that required no action, and the meeting ended after the grant presentations and approvals.