Transcript Highlights:

• That is a pay raise bill.
• I'll yield for any questions. the with the last pay raise we did, um, the with the last pay raise we
• We are increasing the pay from 50% of your retired pay up to 65%.
• from 50% of your retired pay up to 65%. from 50% of your retired pay up to 65%.
• I mean, yes, the argument... paying into the system. Uh but but paying into the system.

Keywords: Education - Room 216, January 6, 2026; 12:45 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee welcomed three new members and elected Senator Brian Rhodes as committee secretary by acclamation. It then took up three education bills. Senate Bill 2001, a $2,000 across-the-board pay raise for teachers, teacher assistants, and certain higher education instructors, was explained as a partial step that could be increased later if more funds become available. The bill also included language to prevent school districts from offsetting state raises for teacher assistants by reducing local supplements. After no questions, the committee adopted a motion that the bill be reported. Senate Bill 2003, which expands the program allowing retired individuals to return to teach, drew the most discussion. The bill broadens eligibility beyond retired educators, raises the retirement-pay percentage from 50% to 65%, shortens the required break in service from 90 days to 45 days in most cases, removes the critical-shortage-area limitation, and allows retirees to teach in any district. Senator Hill offered and the committee adopted an amendment to clarify that the retiree must be receiving a PERS retirement allowance. Members debated possible effects on the retirement system, but the bill was ultimately reported. Senate Bill 2002, dealing with public school district transfers, would remove the sending district’s ability to veto a student’s transfer to another public district. Senator Hopson offered a single amendment, adopted by the committee, to allow receiving districts to charge a reasonable fee, require transfer notice by March 15 absent good cause, and preserve MHSAA’s authority over extracurricular eligibility. Members discussed transportation, equity, and athletic recruiting concerns, and the amendment was clarified to leave the fee amount to the receiving district’s board. After the amendment, the bill was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• You pay attorney's fees, and you pay professional fees. It's already in the statute.
• If you don't pay for it in one place, you pay for it in another.
• to be paying property taxes.
• to be paying property taxes. dollars extra than the impact fee, but now he's going to be paying property
• You’ve got to pay any damage you don’t repair.

Bills: HB5489, HB5695, HB5699, SB291, SB292

Keywords: impact fee, moratorium, local government, Texas legislation, infrastructure funding, municipal utility district, eminent domain, bonds, assessments, infrastructure, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Harris County, Municipal Utility District, territory exclusion, debt service taxes, property taxation, condemnation, property acquisition, real property, appraisal reports

Transcript Highlights:

• I I pay is.
• continue to pay what you currently pay. continue to pay what you currently pay.
• still pay a$140. still pay a$140.
• easy pass, you pay 95%. easy pass, you pay 95%.
• how how is they can't pay? how how is they can't pay?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused first on SP 492, a bill intended to give the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services authority to lease or license property for housing and related uses. Major General David Mikolitis testified that the bill is aimed at addressing affordable housing for junior enlisted service members, especially those assigned to Pease Air National Guard Base who currently face long commutes because of the Seacoast housing shortage. He said the most likely uses would be converting limited barracks space in Pembroke or Stratford into apartment-style or extended-stay housing, and possibly allowing office/co-op space for federal civilians, though he emphasized the primary purpose is housing for junior ranks. He also said any development would likely be done by a private developer through an RFP, with costs borne by the developer rather than the department. Committee members asked about whether the bill could apply to commercial uses, how taxes would work, whether revenues would go into the general fund, and whether the concept could be expanded statewide. Mikolitis said the intent was housing only, not commercial development like a Starbucks, and that any developed property would be taxable locally rather than remain tax-exempt. He said revenues would go into a dedicated Veteran Services Property Fund and be used for facilities, not the general fund. He also explained that the department has about 20 armories statewide but sees only a few viable locations for this concept, mainly Pembroke, Stratford, and possibly one other site, because the goal is to serve personnel within roughly a 45-minute drive of Pease. He noted that a proposed seven-acre parcel near Pease had already been approved by the Pease Development Authority but still needed FAA approval, and he was not optimistic about using that land for housing because of contamination and redevelopment costs. Committee discussion ended with members indicating support for OTP, but the chair said the vote would have to wait until 11 o'clock and then closed the work session on SP 492. The committee then opened a work session on SP 627 and heard testimony from Jim Jelbert, owner of CJ Bus Lines and chair of the legislature’s transportation council, who spoke in support of the bill. Jelbert argued that the measure would allow New Hampshire to raise tolls and generate significant revenue for the 10-year highway plan without directly taxing citizens, and said the money could address congestion and safety problems, including work on I-93 in Manchester and other statewide projects. He estimated the bill could generate substantial revenue over time and said toll credits could help leverage federal matching funds. He also said improved roads would benefit businesses like his by reducing vehicle wear and improving efficiency. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SP 627 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what the exclusion means is that federal Medicaid dollars cannot pay for or cannot be used to pay
• I own land and I pay taxes.
• Do they just pay the county then?
• Do they just pay the county then?
• So if that was in private hands, that's the bill they pay, is what a private landowner would pay.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those that are paying rent are paying higher rent and are subsidizing the person who's not paying rent
• to pay for that? to pay for that?
• <00:08:27.199> the<00:08:27.440> bills paying so that they can pay the bills paying
• evicting the person who's not paying. evicting the person who's not paying.
• > paying<00:09:04.480> higher<00:09:04.959> rent are paying rent are paying higher

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They implicitly pay it through their rent.
• <00:54:13.880> for first of all this tax does not pay for first of all this tax does not pay
• What it concludes is that it doesn't pay for itself.
• What it concludes is that it doesn't pay for itself.
• changed the law the tax cut doesn't pay changed the law the tax cut doesn't pay for<00:58:21.480

Bills: HF4, HF173

Keywords: tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief, state surplus, fiscal forecast, wealthy taxpayers, high-income exclusion, 2026 ballot, referendum, surplus distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• They're paying the fuel tax.
• to pay something less than that.
• So that would not be paying the gas tax, or it does pay the gas tax and would not get the hybrid tax.
• you're asking to pay again.
• They didn't have to pay any of that tax. Everybody else had to pay the tax.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action. The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable. Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• how many higher income folks are paying how many higher income folks are paying into<00:35:36.839
• So that means, um, that 21% pay some—so that's, that's, or excuse me, 29% pay some.
• pay for food.
• that made sure that they didn't pay that made sure that they didn't pay income<01:15:39.159>
• for food or paying their...

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So you pay the employee, you pay the state. Yes, you do make them whole.
• This has now been shown in study after study: that people who pay with cards, if you pay with a debit
• If you pay with a credit card, you pay with more than you've got in your bank account.
• Who pays for that? Who pays the... That is the... Who pays for that? Who pays the...
• Why would the state pay that?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing focused on interchange fees, sales tax and tip processing, chargebacks, fraud, surcharging, and the broader future of payment systems. Chair Paul Feeney and co-chair Rep. Jamie Murphy opened by explaining the commission’s charge and inviting testimony from small businesses, industry groups, banks, and policy experts. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that Massachusetts tourism depends on universal card acceptance and stable interchange, and urging the commission not to disrupt the current system ahead of major events expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth. A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates describing thin margins and the burden of paying percentage-based processing fees on sales tax and tips that are not business revenue. Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others said restaurants often operate on very small profits and that processing fees on taxes and gratuities can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, and limiting repeat abuse. Commission members pressed witnesses on whether tax and tip amounts could be separated at the point of sale, and several witnesses said current consumer card systems do not transmit that level of detail. Testimony from credit union, banking, and payments representatives largely opposed state-level changes that would carve out taxes or tips from interchange, warning of compliance burdens, higher costs, reduced rewards, and possible effects on fraud protection and access to credit. Alex Verine of America’s Credit Unions and Deb Peters and Keely McEwen of the Electronic Payments Coalition said the payment system is complex, that interchange funds fraud prevention and network infrastructure, and that new state mandates could create operational and legal uncertainty. Dan Swanson argued states have authority to act and pointed to Illinois litigation and federal court rulings, while Julian Morris and Brad Popolado emphasized the benefits of card acceptance, the decline of cash, and the need to consider other payment methods and check fraud as well. Several witnesses discussed international payment systems, instant payments, and QR standards as possible future directions. The chairs and members engaged in extended back-and-forth with witnesses about whether Massachusetts could exempt sales tax from swipe fees, whether surcharging should be revisited, and whether vendor compensation or other targeted relief might be more workable than broad changes to interchange. No votes were taken. At the close of the hearing, the chairs said the commission would hold one additional public hearing date to be determined, after which members would begin developing next steps and a report.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you buy paint, you're going to pay this. If you don't buy paint, you're not going to pay this.
• So if I don't paint my house, I'm not paying this tax. If I paint my house, I'm paying this tax.
• buy paint, you're not going to pay this. buy paint, you're not going to pay this.
• <00:10:51.040> So house, I'm paying this tax. So house, I'm paying this tax.
• Now I pay way more. I have to pay for the barrels. Everything has to be in the barrel.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then again, you would have to pay, but then you wouldn't have to pay anything to the state of New Mexico
• Vice Chair, is add in 'you pay zero' if, and this would make it very clear, you would pay zero if you
• The fund pays for them, pays for their travel as well, as well as for them to be there to be trained.
• But you have to pay.
• You have to pay either through your own training, or you have to pay through a certified trainer, or

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment striking the section that would have imposed a 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales. After a recap of the bill’s remaining provisions, including a $400 million seed amount and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenue, the committee heard brief support from Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association and no opposition. The amended bill then passed on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for public works construction projects, while eliminating an exemption for certain road, highway, utility, and maintenance work. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, the building trades council, and apprenticeship advocates, argued the bill would expand training, help address labor shortages, and provide a return on public investment. Opponents from utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico said they already operate federally approved in-house training programs, warned the bill would raise project costs, and argued some trades have no accessible approved programs. Members questioned how the bill would interact with existing in-house programs, whether rural contractors and nonunion firms would be affected, and whether the state-approved fund and federal highway training requirements could conflict. A proposed amendment to exempt projects of $50 million or less was introduced but tabled. After extensive debate, the committee voted 6-5 to pass HB 270. The meeting also included discussion of a prior procedural error in which HB 270 had been heard before being properly assigned, which the chair said rendered that earlier action void. At the end of the meeting, the committee received a brief New Mexico Department of Transportation District 3 presentation on district projects, budget, and construction status.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were initially able to get them to agree to pay Cynthia the higher wage with back pay.
• We were initially able to get them to agree to pay Cynthia the higher wage with back pay.
• If it's consumer-directed, there's a representative pay, or not pay, a rep-authorized representative
• If it's consumer-directed, there's a representative pay, or not pay, a rep-authorized representative
• Instead of us paying for two, we just enhance the pay that we are giving to that individual.

Bills: HF3797, HF3780, HF4068, HF3935

Keywords: long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• I, I pay... Oh, I can't tell you what I pay for a bus in New Hampshire.
• continue to pay what you currently pay. continue to pay what you currently pay.
• easy pass, you pay 95%. easy pass, you pay 95%.
• how how is they can't pay? how how is they can't pay?
• I pay four bucks. Yes, I could get a Maine E-ZPass and pay 95 cents, but I don't.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , what did I pay to the schools, what did I pay to cities, what did I pay to water management districts
• Those taxes pay the police officers. They pay the firefighters.
• They pay the parks and rec employees. They pay for the new swing sets at the parks.
• In Fernandina, 6% of our parcels pay zero tax, and 10% pay less than $10 a year.
• Our employees pay it. Our neighbors pay it. And we take our responsibilities very seriously.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes heard first from city representatives through the Florida League of Cities, who argued that property taxes are a stable local revenue source that funds core services such as police, fire, parks, public works, and stormwater work. Casey Cook emphasized that cities are optional governments with widely different tax bases and service levels, that exemptions shift the burden to fewer taxpayers, and that transparency already exists through TRIM notices, public budgets, and local hearings. Sarah Campbell of Fernandina Beach, T. Michael Stavris of Winter Haven, and Stephen O’Kee of Port St. Lucie described their budget processes, the share of general-fund revenue coming from property taxes, reserve policies, debt and capital planning, and the impact of inflation, minimum wage increases, and personnel costs. They all said local governments need predictable revenue and that any property tax changes would require careful consideration of replacement funding or service reductions. Members questioned the city panel about whether homebuyers are clearly informed about city versus county taxes and services, the role of HOAs, how many lobbyists cities employ, reserve levels, average salaries, and whether utility revenues are used only for utility purposes. The panel said TRIM notices, realtor listings, and city websites provide tax information; HOAs generally do not provide emergency services; lobbyists help local governments track Tallahassee legislation; reserves vary by city and fund; and utility revenues are generally restricted, though some cities use limited transfers. Members also asked about revenue replacement if ad valorem taxes were reduced or eliminated, and the panel said options would likely include user fees, service cuts, or other local revenue shifts. The chair also asked about public safety consolidation, and the response was that such decisions are local and may shift costs rather than create true savings. The committee then heard from county representatives after an overview by the Florida Association of Counties’ Davin Suggs, who framed counties as shared partners with the state and emphasized the gap between rising market values and the shrinking share of taxable value after exemptions and assessment limits. He said counties face a mismatch between revenue based on taxable value and expenses driven by real-world costs, and noted that most counties either held millage steady or lowered it without reaching rollback rates. He also highlighted that property taxes are only one part of county revenue, with charges for services and intergovernmental revenue often larger in some counties, and that public safety at the county level includes more than law enforcement, such as EMS, emergency management, inspections, and corrections. Deborah Manzo of Okeechobee County described a fiscally constrained rural county with limited staff, a county-supported airport, heavy reliance on property taxes for the general fund, and major cost pressures from inflation, insurance, retirement, and state and federal mandates. She said the county lowered millage slightly over recent years but still depends on multiple revenue sources and special assessments, and she flagged Medicaid, medical examiner costs, and possible firefighter workweek changes as significant concerns. Bay County Administrator Mark McQueen said his county’s budget is shaped by Hurricane Michael recovery, non-discretionary obligations, and rapid growth; he described ongoing FEMA reimbursement delays, substantial borrowing to cover disaster costs, and continuing interest expenses while the county waits for reimbursement. The county panel was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So these folks will be paying over 11% of pay for their pension plan benefit.
• <01:27:27.360> a but they'd be paying 2.88% of pay for a but they'd be paying 2.88% of pay
• Medicare that people are already paying. Medicare that people are already paying.
• We can no longer have these workers pay 11.8% of their pay.'
• pay to MSRS for paying 11.39% of their pay to MSRS for this.<02:08:25.920> That<02:08:26.159>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't pay that bill.'
• And you mentioned that we're paying interest. What rate of interest are we paying?
• interest, so I'd like to know what we're paying.
• We didn't pay them 35%. They're getting 10%.
• We didn't pay them 35%. They're getting 10.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• , when they pay, who they pay to, how their benefits are received, etc.
• who<00:13:32.640> they<00:13:32.800> pay who pays, when they pay, who they pay who
• pays, when they pay, who they pay to,<00:13:33.960> how<00:13:34.120> their<00:13:34.280
• still paying off to this day. still paying off to this day.
• that use it pay for the system. that use it pay for the system.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:36 HB 732 Discussion: 02:00 HB 732 Vote: 20:55 SB 343 Discussion: 23:39 SB 343 Vote: 28:54 SB 129 Discussion: 30:30 SB 129 Vote: 32:27, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do pay maternity separately.
• So in terms of commercial and Medicare, they pay, they tend to pay less or similar and they have less
• Does it pay more? Well, we're going to change that.
• So it's like, okay, you pay your premium out, and then you also pay co-insurance, co-payments, et cetera
• But what you think about that, that is paying, that is robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing focused first on Oregon Medicaid coordinated care organization (CCO) finances and rate setting. Oregon Health Authority staff explained how 2025 CCO financial results will inform 2027 capitation rates, including reserve requirements, subcapitation arrangements, and major cost drivers such as behavioral health, pharmacy, rural hospital costs, and dental directed payments. They said the Legislature’s added 2025 funding materially improved CCO margins and that, without it, the program would have been negative overall. Members asked about retained earnings, subcapitation, behavioral health utilization, ABA therapy, and whether outcomes are being evaluated; OHA said rate setting is actuarial and that CCOs, OHA, and other partners all play roles in monitoring efficacy and access. OHA also reviewed House Bill 4039 changes intended to increase transparency and give CCOs earlier access to rate information and reconciliation exhibits. CCO representatives then testified that the system is under significant financial pressure and that behavioral health state-directed payments, benefit changes, and federal uncertainty from H.R. 1 are reducing flexibility. CareOregon said it has lost more than $500 million over the last couple of years and is now making provider terminations and other network changes to align spending with available funding, while emphasizing that CCOs must make hard decisions about which services and providers can be sustained. Eastern Oregon CCO said rural and frontier factors, cost-based hospitals, air ambulance needs, and statewide efficiency adjustments are not fully reflected in rates, and that dental funding is especially strained. Trillium similarly warned that state-directed payments and benefit expansion pressures are constraining the global budget model and that H.R. 1 could worsen acuity and volatility. Members pressed the witnesses on who is responsible for evaluating treatment effectiveness, especially for ABA and psychotherapy, and on how utilization limits and reimbursement changes are being used to control costs. The committee then shifted to an overview of the Affordable Care Act and Oregon’s commercial insurance market. Department of Consumer and Business Services staff explained actuarial value, metal tiers, premium tax credits, medical loss ratio rules, and the main drivers of premium rates: cost trend, utilization trend, and administrative costs. They said mandates have likely added only a limited amount to premiums over the past decade, though the exact effect is difficult to isolate, and they gave examples of how high-cost, low-volume services versus broad, high-utilization services can affect rates differently. Staff also noted that Providence Health Plan and PacificSource Health Plans are withdrawing from the individual market, though consumers should still have at least three insurer options in every county and may have four in many counties. The division said it is in the middle of reviewing proposed 2027 rates and will continue its public rate review process, including hearings and written comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are people paying... Are people buying more, or are they paying more for the goods they have?
• For example, if the insurance pays 80%, you pay 20%.
• While the insurance company is paying, it does not deduct what the patient is paying, although temporarily
• You have to pay the tax. The patient cannot pay more than $20.
• co-pay to go to the emergency room?

Transcript Highlights:

• Pay was really a big issue for me.
• Pay was really a big issue for me.
• about the pay. about the pay.
• A member then asked about non-hazardous duty pay and whether the issue was pay or pension.
• We are not asking for any pay. correct. We are not asking for any pay.

Bills: HB339

Keywords: Civil Air Patrol, CAP, emergency leave, job protection, employment discrimination, leave of absence, volunteer service, emergency response, Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, state employee leave, military leave, public employees, local government employers, reinstatement rights, seniority protection, unpaid leave, Meeting Start 00:00:03 Roll Call 00:00:14 Discussion of Local Law Enforcement Issues 00:03:08 Discussion of Civil Air Patrol Employment Protections 00:50:46 Adjournment 01:06:07, 958, all