Video & Transcript : 'zero tolerance' :
Page 261 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/16/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- If you look at Mission Zero, I'll give that as an example.
- In the past year, we've also been an integral part of, you may be aware of or heard of, Mission Zero
- Mission Zero is the Department's effort to eliminate ED boarding of individuals who are awaiting our
- I am proud to say that on four occasions recently, we have achieved a queue of zero adults waiting in
- </c> one of the initiatives of mission zero one of the initiatives of mission zero does<01:30:59.440>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Youth Sports Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- government to create a grant funding program for organizations and/or facilities to access low- to zero-interest
- government to create a grant funding program for organizations and or facilities to access low to zero
Summary:
The Massachusetts Youth Sports Working Group held a public hearing and working group meeting to review and approve prior meeting minutes, then consider final recommendations from its subcommittees. The group unanimously approved the minutes from the April 27 public hearing and the April 7 working group meeting. It then discussed and adopted a health and safety protocol recommendation that broadens the state’s authority to set youth sports protocols beyond concussions to include injuries and other health risks, including weather-related issues such as heat, and potentially emergency action planning. The discussion noted testimony from athletic trainers supporting expanded concussion protections, heat rules, and event-specific emergency response planning.
The group also approved two recommendations from the subcommittee on parents, money, sports, and facilities. The first would direct the state agency overseeing youth sports to ensure facilities and organizations do not ban parents or family members from recording youth sports events, in response to concerns about private entities restricting filming and requiring paid streaming services. The second would direct the agency to work across state government to create a grant program offering low- to zero-interest capital funding for organizations or facilities that meet youth sports access benchmarks, with members emphasizing equitable access and responsible use of public resources.
After the votes, the chair opened the floor for any additional topics and public testimony. No members of the public chose to speak, though attendees were invited to submit written testimony by email. A working group member asked whether the subcommittees had completed their work, and staff said no further subcommittee work was anticipated, with the next meeting expected to focus on the final report. The meeting then adjourned by unanimous roll-call vote.
AR
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Commerce and Economic Development Oversight REVISED: SB1101 and SB1966 - Added Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Declare the vote with nine I, zero nay. We would declare your bill out of committee.
- All are counted for it, declare the vote: 11 aye, zero nay.
Summary:
The committee first laid over SB 1101 and SB 1813, then heard and advanced SB 1966 and SB 80. SB 1966, presented by Chairman Johns, was amended with a PCS to incorporate the House’s Memorial Roads and Bridges language after a House-Senate coordination issue; the committee adopted the PCS and passed the bill out unanimously, 9-0. SB 80, presented by Representative Clay Staires, was also amended with a PCS and described as a cleanup bill removing several outdated turnpike provisions; members noted it reflected a negotiated consensus, and it passed unanimously, 11-0.
After the bill votes, the committee received a required informational presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Director Marshall Votes explained that Commerce administers the grant, keeps 5% for oversight, and passes 90% to 17 community action agencies serving all 77 counties. He said the program currently manages about $8.9 million, served about 33,000 low-income families last year, and leverages that funding into more than $250 million in broader community impact through services such as employment support, housing, transportation, education, health, and childcare.
Members asked about Commerce staffing and oversight, and Votes said a small team of a few employees handles planning, monitoring, training, and compliance for CSBG alongside other programs. Committee members thanked Commerce for its work and emphasized the importance of the program for rural communities and all 77 counties. The meeting ended with expressions of appreciation and adjournment.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, by your vote of eight ayes, zero nays, you have recommended the measures in the mass motion
- Members by your vote of eight, aye, zero nays.
Summary:
The committee considered several Senate bills for whether they were constitutional and in proper form. Senate Bill 1018 would add Sharia law to Arizona’s definition of foreign law and bar its enforcement when it would conflict with constitutional rights or state or federal law. The Rules Attorney flagged potential Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause problems, citing the Oklahoma Sharia-law case, but the committee still recommended the bill by a 5-3 vote.
Senate Bill 1075 would restrict conveyances of real property to hostile foreign governments or their agents unless approved by a new state commission. The Rules Attorney warned it may be preempted by federal foreign-affairs authority and conflict with federal law governing foreign investment and national security. The committee nevertheless recommended it by a 5-3 vote. Senate Bill 1095, which bans gender transition procedures for minors and also restricts referrals for those procedures, was described as consistent with recent Supreme Court precedent on the underlying ban, but the referral restriction raised First Amendment concerns under Ninth Circuit case law; it was also recommended 5-3.
Senate Bill 1635 would address alerting someone to an imminent law-enforcement arrest effort, with the Rules Attorney saying it was generally consistent with free-speech principles but suggesting clearer drafting around arrest-warrant execution and surveillance language. It was recommended 5-3. The committee then took up a large mass motion covering many additional Senate bills and several Senate Concurrent Memorials, which the Rules Attorney said were all constitutional and in proper form; that package was approved unanimously, 8-0, and the meeting adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote of seven ayes, zero nays, and one absent, you have recommended the measures in the mass
- By your vote of seven ayes, zero nays, and one absent, you recommend that the measures in the mass motion
Committee:
House Rules
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/11/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Four ayes, three nays, zero not voting. Final vote of four ayes, three noes, zero not voting.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Law Efficiency approved the minutes from February 18 and March 4, 2026, then took up House Bill 2122 and House Bill 2184, while holding House Bill 2910. HB 2122 would tighten and clarify reciprocity or endorsement requirements for professional registration with the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration, including requiring a valid out-of-state license or national council credential and allowing professional engineers to qualify based on four years of experience rather than four years after licensure. Supporters described it as a cleanup measure and noted it would facilitate reciprocity, including with the United Kingdom; there was no opposition, and the committee voted 7-0 to recommend do pass.
The committee then considered a strike-everything amendment to HB 2184 dealing with disposition of fetal remains and related funeral, death certificate, and transit-permit requirements. The amendment would extend the filing timeline for death certificates from seven calendar days to 14 business days, require a disposition transit permit in certain cases involving unborn children under 20 weeks or under 350 grams, clarify parental authority for minor decedents, and set abortion-clinic form and permit exemptions. Testimony in support came from individuals who described personal miscarriage experiences and said the bill would provide grieving families dignity and the option to arrange burial or disposition; one witness said the terminology should be changed from “unborn child” to “fetal remains.”
The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then voted on HB 2184 as amended. One member explained a no vote as being tied to the bill’s wording and said they hoped to work with the sponsor on language changes; another member supported the bill as written and opposed changing the terminology. The final vote was 4-3 in favor, and HB 2184 received a do pass as amended recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 02/24/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, Bill number 2032A, an act amending the Public Authorities Law in relation to establishing the zero-emission
- Bill 2032A is for a previously owned zero-emission vehicle rebate program, up to $2,000 for a used Tesla
Committee:
Senate Energy And Telecommunications
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, considered a lengthy agenda of energy- and utility-related bills. The committee discussed measures on utility outage penalties for combination utilities, a NYSERDA-backed electric landscaping rebate program, stronger utility storm response compliance, a study on utility reporting of late payments to credit agencies, a used zero-emission vehicle rebate program, alternative fuels along the New York State Thruway, a property tax exemption for energy-related utility real property, a NYSERDA pilot microgrid at Glenwood Houses, a prohibition on PSC approval of certain utility rate increases, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, a usage monitoring program, and a bill on denial of increased utility rates and charges.
Several bills prompted questions about who would pay for the programs or penalties, with sponsors and staff repeatedly stating that fines would be paid by utilities and that many programs would be funded through NYSERDA or existing appropriations, though members raised concerns about whether ratepayer funds or system benefits charges could be used. The electric landscaping rebate bill drew extended debate over whether its equipment definitions could allow companies to use battery equipment charged by generators, while the microgrid pilot and used EV rebate bills were defended as investments to improve reliability, lower peak costs, and build a secondary EV market. Senator May spoke in support of the Glenwood Houses microgrid and the related investment rationale.
Most bills were advanced after motions and votes, often with some no votes or without-recommendation votes. The committee reported several measures to third reading, including the utility outage penalties bill, the utility storm response bill, the utility rate increase restriction bill, the usage monitoring program, and the denial of increased utility rates and charges bill. Other bills were advanced to the Finance Committee, Budget and Revenue Committee, or Local Government Committee, including the electric landscaping rebate program, the used EV rebate program, the alternative fuels bill, the tax exemption bill, the Glenwood Houses microgrid pilot, and the sustainable aviation fuel tax credit.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- particularly in this first year of implementation, the counties wouldn't have an estimate, so they would put zero
- particularly in this first year of implementation, the counties wouldn't have an estimate, so they would put zero
Summary:
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on February 17, 2026, and considered two rule approval requests. Vice Chairman John Weber presented RS 33364, which concerns administrative rules for the State Tax Commission. The committee moved to introduce the RS and send it to the second reading calendar, and the motion passed by voice vote. Representative Jeff Ehlers then presented RS 33397, a follow-up to last year’s legislation on rate-regulated utilities. He explained that the proposal adjusts reporting and payment timing so counties have usable estimates for budgeting and to avoid shifting costs onto other taxpayers. Members asked about the meaning of “investment” in the bill and the fiscal note, and Ehlers said those details could be addressed in the full hearing. The committee voted to introduce RS 33397, also by voice vote.
After the action items, the committee recognized page Creighton Barker for his service. Members read a letter of recommendation praising his professionalism and contributions to the committee, and presented him with a signed card and an Idaho State Capitol hoodie. Barker thanked the committee and said the experience had been eye-opening and enjoyable, and he planned to attend the University of Idaho to study agribusiness after graduating. One member attempted a question about income tax policy, but the chair ruled it out of order. The committee then announced it would not meet the following day and adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Federalism
Senate Federalism Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Five ayes, two nays, and zero not voting.
- Members, by your vote of five ayes, two nays, and zero not voting, you've given SB 1683 a do pass recommendation
Summary:
The Federalism Committee approved the minutes from February 9, 2026, and then heard only one bill on the agenda, SB 1683, an emergency measure. The bill would broaden Arizona’s restrictions on foreign adversary involvement in real property by extending the ban to leasing and other current or future interests, lowering the “substantial interest” threshold from 20% to 5%, prohibiting foreign adversaries from installing or accessing equipment or data on Arizona property, and making violations a Class 5 felony. It also targets attempts to evade the law through intermediaries, shell companies, partnerships, or trusts, and requires certain utilities, telecom providers, critical infrastructure owners, and government agencies to notify state authorities if they suspect prohibited arrangements.
Retired Lt. Col. James Rusty Mitchell testified in support, saying the bill would strengthen protections around military training areas, especially near Luke Air Force Base, and help Arizona stay ahead of foreign adversary efforts to acquire land near sensitive installations. Committee members questioned the breadth of the bill, the reduction in the ownership threshold, and how terms such as “acting in support of a foreign terrorist organization” would be defined. Travis Schulte of the Department of Emergency Affairs said the bill relies on federal statutory definitions and referenced federal investigative resources.
The vice chair moved SB 1683 for a do pass recommendation. After discussion, the committee voted 5-2 to advance the bill. Senators supporting the measure emphasized national security concerns, while the dissenting senator said the bill was too broad, could sweep in unrelated transactions, and raised concerns about vague definitions and potential impacts on protest activity and First Amendment rights.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Federalism
Senate Federalism Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Five ayes, two nays, and zero not voting.
- Members, by your vote of five ayes, two nays, and zero not voting, you've given SB 1683 a do pass recommendation
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 21st, 2026 at 08:30 am
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Vote of eight yeas, zero nays, zero absent. Senator Klein. Well, good morning, Madam President.
Keywords:
SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call establishing a quorum of 45 members present and two absent. The chamber received certification from the Secretary of State and the governor’s executive order calling the special session to address funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program and to act quickly to accept and appropriate federal funds.
The main action was adoption of the procedural rules for the extraordinary session. Senator Klein explained the proposed rule changes, which were designed to speed up consideration of bills during the short session, including limits on bill introduction, same-day second reading and final passage, elimination of standing committees for the session, creation of a Joint Policy Committee and Joint Appropriations Committee, and authorization for remote testimony and limited remote participation. The procedural committee’s report on these rules was adopted without opposition.
The Senate also adopted reports naming members to the Joint Policy Committee and Joint Appropriations Committee. Announcements noted that the Senate Employment Committee, Joint Policy Committee, and Joint Appropriations Committee would meet later that morning, that the Senate would not reconvene at 4 p.m., and that a Highway Patrol presentation on legislator safety would be held. The Senate then moved through the listed orders of business and recessed, planning to meet in joint session with the House before adjourning until Thursday, January 22, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 10th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And zero nays. The bill is passed and its title is agreed to. The clerk will close the roll.
- There being 134 ayes and zero nays, the clerk will take the roll.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) Apr 9th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- After everyone had registered, there were 12 for this bill, zero against, and zero on. So it's.
Bills:
SB227 , SB269 , SB407 , SB463 , SB527 , SB547 , SB1283 , SB1380 , SB1383 , SB1511 , SB1640 , SB1784 , SB2069
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
Keywords:
school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, healthcare policy, vaccines, exemptions, religious beliefs, public health, workplace violence, healthcare facilities, definition expansion, safety regulations, health and safety code, health insurance, anesthesia, pediatric dental services, coverage, medical necessity
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a member of the Vision Zero Task Force for the Boston Region MPO.
- I'm on the Vision Zero Task Force.
- comment as both a resident and parent in Somerville and as a member of the Boston Region MPO, Vision Zero
- It has been shown, I believe, actually Dan Albert, another member of the Vision Zero Task Force, spoke
- It has been shown, I believe, actually Dan Albert, another member of the Vision Zero Task Force, spoke
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing.
A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment.
Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, there are zero FTPs.
- There is zero general fund, but in the dedicated fund, there is $68,900 more being requested for appropriation
- Roll call shows 35 ayes, zero nays, zero abstentions.
- The roll call shows 32 ayes, 3 nays, and zero abstentions.
- Roll call shows 32-I, 3-Nay, zero abstinous, a majority having voted in the affirmative, House Bill No
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard prayer and the pledge, approved the journal, and received committee reports and messages from the Governor and House. Several bills and resolutions were moved through the calendar, including committee referrals, enrollments, and transmittals of already-passed measures. The chamber also received new first-reading bills, including appropriations measures and policy bills on elections, education, and endowment land leases.
On the floor, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 117 recognizing Idaho’s ties with Italy and the opening of an Idaho office in Italy. The resolution was supported with remarks about historical Italian immigration to Idaho and wartime cooperation involving Italian POW labor in Idaho agriculture. The Senate also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 30, which directs the Medicaid Legislative Review Panel to study and provide guidance on implementing comprehensive Medicaid-managed care; that measure passed by roll call, 20-10 with one absent.
The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, adding a new joint rule to limit the number of bill drafts and RSs a legislator may bring in a year, with exceptions for budget bills, amendments, trailer bills, interim committee legislation, and leadership-approved exceptions; it passed 35-0. The chamber also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 115 urging federal action on pelican impacts to Idaho fisheries, and Senate Resolution 120 honoring State Police K-9 Kimber for her service. Later, House Bill 723 on child care licensing and protections for children in residential care facilities passed 32-3 after debate focused on abuse prevention, unannounced inspections, and a bill of rights notice for children.
In the afternoon session, the Senate passed several appropriation bills, including Senate Bills 1380, 1381, 1382, 1383, 1384, 1385, and 1386, covering the Endowment Fund Investment Board, Idaho State Lottery, Fish and Game, Veterans Services, Public Utilities Commission, Industrial Commission, and Pardons and Parole. Most were described as enhancement or maintenance budgets funded largely through dedicated or federal funds, with debate emphasizing small hardware purchases, program restorations, and agency operating needs. Senate Bill 1382 for Fish and Game passed 23-12, and House Bill 848, the legislative branch appropriation bill, was brought up for consideration as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- foreign direct investment into California, and I would agree that that is less of an issue, maybe not a zero
- I'm not going to say zero concern, because no matter what design you create with the corporate income
- of being forced into hunger, there's Another 5 million at risk of being forced into hunger, there's zero
- Tesla paid zero in taxes, yet benefits from the California infrastructure and the educational institutions
- Tesla paid zero in taxes, yet benefits from the California infrastructure and the educational institutions
Summary:
The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the Water’s Edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Chairs opened by framing the issue as a review of whether current rules fairly and sufficiently tax foreign subsidiary income, given profit shifting concerns, budget pressures, and the long history since Water’s Edge was adopted in the 1980s. The first panel from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Franchise Tax Board explained the mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and the Water’s Edge election, and provided filing data showing Water’s Edge filers are a small share of returns but account for a large share of corporate tax liability. FTB witnesses said the agency already administers both methods and could handle a shift to mandatory worldwide reporting with education and outreach, though revenue estimates are difficult because foreign affiliate information is not directly available.
Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, administrative burden, industries with more profit shifting, revenue uncertainty, and whether companies would leave California. LAO and FTB witnesses said pushback from foreign governments was plausible, but they did not expect major business flight because California’s tax is largely based on sales rather than physical presence. They also said worldwide reporting could reduce profit shifting but might increase revenue volatility and litigation risk. A second panel of academic and tax policy witnesses argued that Water’s Edge is a loophole that rewards aggressive tax planning, that worldwide combined reporting would better capture income tied to California, and that modern federal and international rules such as NCTI/GILTI, CAMT, and Pillar Two reduce compliance concerns and make a return to worldwide reporting more feasible. They also said California’s current system can create selection effects and may under-tax large multinationals.
In the next panel, a California Budget and Policy Center witness urged eliminating the Water’s Edge election, calling it a costly loophole that benefits large global corporations over smaller domestic businesses and deprives the state of billions in revenue that could support health care and other services. A Silicon Valley Leadership Group witness gave historical context for why Water’s Edge was adopted and began outlining concerns about compliance, double taxation, and the risk of overreaching beyond income truly connected to California. No bill was voted on or advanced; the hearing was informational only, with members using the testimony to weigh the policy trade-offs and possible transition periods if the Legislature were to change the current rules.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And then on 104, It shows a request of zero on the previous year; it's $24 million in the subsequent
- historically for prevention and treatment for SUD, several line items following that, where those have been zeroed
- As we discussed, the next eight cores have been reduced to zero.
- As we discussed, the next eight cores have been reduced to zero.
- This was the core that was reallocated into the larger HCBS core, so that's why this shows zero in the
Committee:
House Budget
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Several line items following that, where those have been zeroed.
- As we discussed, the next eight cores have been reduced to zero.
- As we discussed, the next eight cores have been reduced to zero.
- This was the core that was reallocated into the larger HCBS Corps, so that's why this shows zero in the
- This was the core that was reallocated into the larger HCBS Corps, so that's why this shows zero in the
Committee:
House Budget
Summary:
The committee heard the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services present its FY 2027 budget request, with Director Sarah Wilson and budget staff describing the department’s mission, major divisions, and the impact of federal funding shifts, especially the FMAP change that will shift costs to general revenue. Wilson emphasized prevention, public health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and data modernization, while several members praised the department’s responsiveness and cost-cutting efforts. The discussion repeatedly focused on lapses, excess authority, and the department’s stated practice of spending federal and other funds before general revenue where possible.
Members asked detailed questions about local public health agency support, nutrition programs, rural health and primary care, newborn screening, the state public health lab, and the department’s use of flexibility and reallocations. There was extended discussion of substance use disorder funding: the department explained that some funding is being reduced in its own budget because transfer authority is being added for the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections, while some other SUD-related lines are actual reductions. Members also questioned tobacco prevention and cessation cuts, maternal and infant health programs, fetal infant mortality review, and minority health initiatives, with staff explaining program purposes and noting that some reductions were tied to excess authority or to moving programs to other departments.
The committee also reviewed specific operational items such as the Health Initiatives Fund transfer, debt offset escrow for loan repayment defaults, donated funds authority, emergency preparedness, environmental health, health informatics, HIV/STI/hepatitis services, local public health incentives, and the COVID/ARPA authority reductions. Several members requested follow-up information on vacancies, lapse trends, grant spending plans, and program details. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the chair recessed briefly and the hearing continued with additional budget testimony.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- shows in FY27 that there was $30 million for other financing uses, but then this year it's showing zero
- The coming year, it's showing zero. Can you help me? What is that? Yeah, that. Mr.
- So really this year will be recognized at the end of the fiscal year, and that's why it shows zero right
- LFC recommendation: zero. Executive recommendation: $2 million.
- Data center infrastructure: LFC recommendation: zero. Executive recommendation: $5 million.
Committee:
Senate House Appropriations & Finance
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State, the State Land Office, the Attorney General, and the State Auditor. The Secretary of State said its requested general fund budget of $15.88 million was intended to maintain baseline operations, replace lost federal cyber and election support, and address a 12% vacancy rate. Officials warned that the House recommendation still left major gaps for election security, tabulator replacement, campaign finance system upgrades, overseas and military ballot services, ballot tracking, and a new tax lien filing system. Senators pressed about the election fund, county burdens, and the risk of underfunding election administration; the office said the House had provided $15 million for the election fund for the primary and another $15 million for the general election, but not enough for operations or all capital needs.
The State Land Office said it was satisfied with the House budget action and had no additional request. Staff described the office’s record revenues, low vacancy rate, clean audits, and proposed new positions tied to forestry, economic development, petroleum, geothermal, and royalty compliance work. Senators asked about long-term revenue trends, forest thinning and biomass opportunities, and bookkeeping around the land maintenance fund; the office said the new positions were intended to generate revenue and support land management, including fire mitigation.
The Attorney General’s office presented a budget built around a 0% general fund increase, greater use of the Consumer Settlement Fund, and $4.5 million in special/extraordinary litigation funding. The AG emphasized active litigation and investigations involving consumer fraud, Medicaid fraud, federal funding cuts, Meta and other technology platforms, AI and child safety, gaming compacts, tobacco, and possible litigation over abandoned uranium mine cleanup. Senators asked about scam enforcement, the structure of settlement funds, and whether the office could take on uranium-related litigation; the AG said the office could prepare a litigation budget but warned such efforts would require sustained funding. The State Auditor said the House budget added only modest increases while the office faced about a 40% vacancy rate, difficulty recruiting auditors, and a shrinking pool of public accounting firms, creating risks for constitutional audit responsibilities.