Transcript Highlights:

• We've come up with a solution that allows us to fix some of the legacy issues with the aggregate used
• So because there's a lot of other time-limited programs out there and it may not make sense to require
• So because there's a lot of other time-limited programs out there and it may not make sense to require
• So because there's a lot of other time-limited programs out there and it may not make sense to require
• So because there's a lot of other time-limited programs out there and it may not make sense to require

Bills: HB0111 , HB0112 , HB0122

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• appreciating the legislators and in expanding access to higher education in regions of the state with limited
• Our voter-approved $800 million bond positions us to grow our facilities in tandem with program expansion
• That's why we do have a bill out there for a bond, but there are needs at campuses to be able to serve
• much closer than a couple of hours, but still seems to be far away from an access standpoint, very limited
• difficult decisions to ensure that the negative impact on our operational needs and strategic goals is as limited

Transcript Highlights:

• Also note that we had to bond our LTFM dollars out to address HVAC issues, so those are tied up until
• Also note that we had to bond our LTFM dollars out to address HVAC issues, so those are tied up until
• Also note that we had to bond our LTFM dollars out to address HVAC issues, so those are tied up until
• that we had to bond our ltfm dollars<00:10:28.279><c> out</c><00:10:28.560><c> to</c><00:10:28.720><
• </c> one of those that's very heavily limit one of those that's very heavily limit limited<01:21:15.639

Bills: HF957 , HF877

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We will have invited testimony limited to five minutes per witness.
• That would basically, if they chose to be annexed, reduce our city limits by one half.
• If you're outside the city limits of Granbury, you don't pay Granbury.
• My assumption was that these were not even in the city limits.
• And as you know, if you're a limited-purpose jurisdiction, you cannot be taxed.

Bills: SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1579 , SB1708 , SB1844 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB1921 , SB1951 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2406 , SB2407

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• And as much as the pushback that I got, Joe, the bond that you and I created outweighed it, brother.
• The bond that you and I created outweighed it, brother.
• But the reason why is because, you know, the first, I always tell people, when you have term limits,
• President, this bill is intended to create clarity on when the statute of limitations would toll when
• It streamlines the bail bond application and appointment process by eliminating redundant requirements

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then devoted most of the first part of the meeting to a farewell-style recognition of Senator Joe Gruters. Senators from both parties offered extended remarks praising his loyalty, political instincts, family involvement, and work as a legislator and as incoming Republican National Committee chair. Gruters responded with remarks about his background, including overcoming a childhood speech impediment, his service in the Legislature, and major policy efforts he highlighted such as alimony reform and the undergrounding of utilities. A ceremonial gift was presented to him recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety/immigration bill, and the Senate adopted a motion to spread his remarks upon the journal before recessing briefly. After the recess, the Senate returned to regular business. No committee reports, governor’s messages, House messages, or reconsideration matters were reported. The chamber then moved to third reading and temporarily postponed CS/CS/CS/SB 354, relating to blue ribbon projects. The next bill, CS/CS/SB 1758, relating to public assistance, was taken up, and Senator Gaetz explained that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system previously discussed by the Senate. Debate was about to continue when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking ahead and our bonding<00:14:48.000><c> uh</c><00:14:48.480><c> proposals</c><00:14:49.279><c>
• will</c><00:14:50.079><c> prioritize</c> bonding uh proposals will prioritize bonding uh proposals will
• Um, you had mentioned previously that um your department is considering a bonding request uh relating
• What are you thinking in regard to a bonding request for prison expansion?
• In the end, um, a dis bond facility.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• That's it, and there's really no dollar limit; basically, if they qualify for SBA financing, they can
• as legislators, need to be careful about bringing in out-of-state contractors and them not being bonded
• millions of dollars that have been spent in this community to the contractors—if it's in the village limits
• Hopefully your pictures are better than mine, but it went right to the limit.
• We have done quite a bit as far as to limit the debris, the logs, the burnt logs, and all of the stuff

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• bonds and general obligation bonds.
• Prior to that, they only had the authority to get what's called public activity bonds.
• So, next year creates a little bit of an oddity about picking the dates, and we're pretty limited.
• We were limiting debate. That's why I make the flock camera now.
• taxes, less regulation, and individual freedom. ...limited government and low taxes, less regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 283, Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, favorable amendments, Amendment 1.
• I believe the sponsor of this bond bill and program is going to stand up as well to tell you a little
• I believe the sponsor of this bond bill and program is going to stand up as well to tell you a little
• I believe the sponsor of this bond bill and program is going to stand up as well to tell you a little
• </c><00:50:53.640><c> programming</c> do some limited programming do some limited programming to<00:50

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have a limited amount of volume in that basket or in that bucket.
• this something outside of that bond funding?
• >> This is from the bond funding, Mr.
• But then in the descriptor, it pretty much limits it to right around Louisville.
• it to right around much limits it to right around Louisville.<01:18:26.400><c> Now,</c><01:18:26.640

Summary: The committee first approved the September 19 meeting minutes and then took up a deferred University of Kentucky personal services contract amendment for guardianship services. UK officials explained that the contract covers court-appointed guardians for patients who cannot make medical decisions and are not eligible for state guardianship, with the work funded by UK Medical Center agency dollars rather than the general fund. Members questioned the large increase in the not-to-exceed amount, the number of cases, the hourly billing structure, and whether there are safeguards to prevent unnecessary costs or reimbursement issues if a patient later has resources. UK said the increase reflects shifting work from a prior firm, anticipated new cases, a move from a monthly fee to hourly billing, and the need for a second firm because one prior attorney died and another firm has had difficulty appearing in court promptly. The committee ultimately approved the contract, while Senator Thomas said he would vote aye but urged future review of attorney fee limits and broader guardianship statutes, which he described as outdated and inconsistent. The committee then deferred three Office of Energy Policy memorandum of agreement items to the November 2025 meeting without objection. After that, it approved the remaining agenda items, including the contract lists and deferred items not separately selected for review. The final major item was a University of Kentucky personal services contract related to fundraising and philanthropic outreach. UK representatives said the contract supports marketing and donor engagement efforts to grow the university’s endowment pipeline and philanthropic support. The transcript cuts off before the committee finished its questions or took final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• So line 8 says all residential facilities will be limited to two stories.
• So that's that two-story limitation. Rep.
• 01:23:59.760><c> course</c><01:23:59.920><c> the</c><01:24:00.239><c> profound</c><01:24:00.639><c> bond
• </c><01:24:01.040><c> between</c> and of course the profound bond between and of course the profound
• bond between service<01:24:01.840><c> dogs</c><01:24:02.159><c> and</c><01:24:02.440><c> individuals<

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 94, which would prohibit municipal amendments to the state building code and move New Hampshire toward a more uniform statewide code. Senator McConi and several supporters, including the Josiah Barlo Center for Public Policy, the State Fire Marshal, the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, argued that local variations create confusion, raise housing costs, and make compliance harder for builders operating in multiple towns. The Fire Marshal said the goal is a single state building and fire code with only limited administrative amendments at the local level, not technical changes, and noted that municipalities could still seek exceptions through the Building Code Review Board if needed. The chair explained that a similar House bill was already moving forward with fire code and administrative amendment language, and members agreed that retaining SB 94 would avoid conflicting bills. The committee then voted to retain SB 94 by roll call, 13-0, with no minority report. The committee then took up Senate Bill 30, which would designate the Virginia opossum as New Hampshire’s state marsupial. Senator Fenton presented the bill as a light-hearted measure inspired by Chesterfield School fourth graders, who had submitted written testimony and supported the idea. Members discussed the bill in a humorous but mostly supportive way, with one member objecting that it trivialized the legislature, while others said it could help engage students in the legislative process. The committee voted ought to pass on SB 30, 11-2, and agreed to place it on consent with no minority report. Later, the committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 95, concerning youth camp cabins and state fire/building codes. Senator McConi said the bill would exempt new residential cabins in youth recreation camps from sprinkler requirements and allow them to omit electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems, while requiring any such systems that are present to comply with state code. He said the measure was intended to resolve recurring interpretation problems that have caused expense and uncertainty for camp owners, and he praised work with the Fire Marshal’s office to reach a workable compromise. Representative Schmidt asked about cabin sizes and whether larger cabins with multiple occupants would still be safe; the senator explained that camps typically use counselors, drills, and supervision, and that the people behind him could answer more detailed questions. The transcript cuts off before the hearing concludes or any vote is taken on SB 95.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also less cash that, when you start looking at your bond capacity, that's less cash that you're
• puts you in a position to understand when you're making those decisions on capital outlay and that bond
• And the Constitution does not limit the use of excess, while the Constitution has six items that I'll
• And as you can see, the remaining three is retiring the fees of bonds, funding for capital outlay projects

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met on March 10, 2026, for a series of informational presentations rather than bill hearings. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the state’s tax structure, the 2024 third special session tax reform package, and the Revenue Estimating Conference process. They explained the move to a 3% flat individual income tax, a 5.5% flat corporate income tax, the higher standard deduction and retirement-income exclusion, the repeal of several deductions and credits, the repeal of the corporate franchise tax, and the expansion of the sales tax base to certain digital goods. Staff also walked through tax exemption data, showing the size of exemptions relative to collections, and discussed forecasted revenue gaps in the out years, including the effect of the scheduled sales tax rate reduction and the return of transportation-related revenues to their prior dedication. Members asked about declining mineral revenues, digital sales tax collections, corporate collections, and the impact of tax credits and exemptions. Division of Administration and Legislative Fiscal Office staff said lower oil and gas prices, long-term production declines, and the timing of corporate payments were major factors in revenue trends, and that it will take at least another year or two of tax returns to fully understand the reform’s effects. They emphasized that corporate collections are still below the $600 million threshold that affects the state general fund and Revenue Stabilization Fund, though the forecast remains $900 million. The committee also discussed surplus and excess revenues, the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending, and how current-year and prior-year balances are allocated under the constitution. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the relationship between Ways and Means and Appropriations. Chairman McFarland stressed that new fiscal-note bills can force cuts elsewhere if revenue is not available, and urged members to coordinate early with fiscal staff before advancing costly legislation. Members also asked how pending constitutional amendments on teacher pay and inventory tax might affect the budget; staff said the teacher stipend proposal is not currently funded in the executive budget and that the inventory tax proposal would mainly affect local governments and any reimbursements from the Revenue Stabilization Fund if approved. The committee then heard from Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bouchoux, who reported strong results from recent reforms, including $92 billion in capital investment, 37,000 new jobs, a record year of announcements, a top-10 corporate tax climate ranking, and a pipeline of 189 active projects representing nearly 42,000 potential jobs and $280 billion in potential investment. Members praised LED’s work and discussed the need to pair economic development with workforce training, infrastructure, and predictable tax policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also means less cash available for bond capacity and projects, because he will not have the money
• today is that it puts members in a position to understand the decisions they make on capital outlay, bond
• And the Constitution does not limit the use of excess, while the Constitution has six items that I'll
• And as you can see, the remaining three is retiring the fees of bonds, funding for capital outlay projects

Committee: House Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:51.960><c> on</c><01:11:52.080><c> central</c><01:11:53.120><c> office</c> limitations on central
• office limitations on central office administration administration administration expenses<01:11:56.560
• 20:47.560><c> is</c><01:20:47.920><c> exceeds</c><01:20:48.400><c> certified</c><01:20:48.800><c> limits
• ,</c> rate that is exceeds certified limits, rate that is exceeds certified limits, to<01:20:49.280><
• , but does not exceeds certified limits, but does not clarify<01:20:53.640><c> what</c><01:20:53.840>

Summary: The committee of conference first resolved House Bill 158, which concerns public inspection of absentee ballot lists. The Senate explained a revised approach that removed the broader bill language and instead directed the Secretary of State to review absentee ballot data after each general election for patterns such as common addresses and to report findings to the committees of jurisdiction. The House agreed to the Senate position, and the conference committee voted unanimously to concur. The committee then took up House Bill 281, dealing with a sortable electronic voter checklist. Members debated the Senate’s removal of language that would have included the absentee ballot mailing address when different from the voter’s registration address. Concerns were raised that releasing mailing addresses could expose where voters are not home and could affect overseas and military voters. The committee also discussed a related form for election officials who personally know a voter, including how long the form would be retained and whether it would be subject to public records law. After further discussion, the House agreed to the Senate changes with an additional requirement that the form be signed, and the committee voted to proceed with the amended Senate position. House Bill 317, concerning verification of a person’s identity by a supervisor of the checklist without identification, was also discussed at length. The Senate’s version preserved the ability for election officials to identify people they know, but required a signed form under penalty of perjury and added a nursing home-related provision. Members described the measure as balancing community-based identification with tighter documentation, and a House witness described local problems with inconsistent ID checks and concerns about voting in nursing homes. The House sought one additional change requiring the nursing home verification form to be signed, and the Senate accepted that addition; the committee then voted to move the bill forward on the consent calendar. The conference committee next considered House Bill 340 on electioneering by public employees. The chair presented a replace-all amendment that tied the definition of electioneering to existing law, added a prohibition on expressly or primarily political surveys, and created a civil penalty of up to $1,000 alongside the misdemeanor penalty. Members discussed clarifying when the misdemeanor versus civil penalty would apply and which categories of public employees were covered. After caucus, the Senate agreed to the House’s replace-all approach with the clarifying changes, and the bill was closed. The committee also resolved House Bill 1062 by agreeing to strike a sunset clause from the Senate version authorizing random audits of citizenship qualifications, and it began discussion of House Bill 1187 on the filing window for special-election candidates, where the House proposed requiring local election officials to arrange a filing time on the same day or next business day after being contacted.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is narrowly tailored, time-limited, and includes built-in accountability through the fiscal review
• The veterans have a pretty unique bond and on how they kind of like to take care of each other.
• So I just wanted to say I do appreciate that with the age limit because I don't think we do that enough

Summary: The House Revenue and Finance Committee met to consider House Substitute 1 for House Bill 386, which would create a temporary Delaware income tax deduction for qualified tip income from tax years 2027 through 2029. The sponsor described it as relief for service workers in restaurants, salons, and similar tipped occupations, with a deduction of up to $15,000, income-based phaseouts, a refundable credit for lower-income workers, and a sunset for later review. Committee members raised questions about the resident/non-resident language, the fiscal note, and whether the Department of Finance could implement the change; Finance said the department could administer it and expected only modest administrative costs, while the Comptroller’s office said the bill would reduce general revenue. After a brief recess to review updated language, the committee took public comment, but no one testified. A motion to release the bill failed to receive enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it to seek additional signatures. The committee then considered Senate Bill 219, which would phase in an increase in the military pension income exemption from $12,500 to $25,000 by tax year 2029. The sponsor argued the measure would help attract and retain military retirees, citing economic return estimates, workforce benefits, and support from all 21 Senate co-sponsors. Some members supported the bill as a way to reward service and bring in long-term residents, while others questioned whether the exemption should be income-based rather than available to all military retirees, including those with substantial second careers. The Department of Finance said it could operationalize the bill and that the non-resident language was unnecessary because the subtraction is already picked up in the non-resident code section. Public testimony from veterans’ organizations strongly supported the bill, emphasizing that the exemption can influence retirement decisions and help veterans and their families stay in Delaware. A motion to release the bill also failed to get enough votes, and the chair said she would walk it for signatures before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will be the only crossing in the city limits designed to withstand a 100-year flood event.
• So we explored the idea of doing general obligation bonds. Our total cap is about $10 million.
• The problem is it's not in the city limits, and so actually the state of Arizona will likely get about

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee heard presentations focused on district needs and infrastructure priorities in LD7, including a video and testimony on the East Wilford Road Extension in Show Low and Gold Canyon/Lost Dutchman Days. Show Low officials, Navajo County leaders, and the city manager described the road extension as a shovel-ready project that would improve traffic flow, provide a new bridge over Shoal Creek/Show Low Creek designed for a 100-year flood, and create a critical alternate emergency route for evacuations and access to Summit Healthcare. They emphasized past flooding and wildfire evacuation concerns, the project’s regional importance, and the city’s local financial commitment, including $7.56 million already pledged. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1272, which appropriates $5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 for the state match for the Douglas Port of Entry, contingent on a $678 million federal GSA award. Senator Gallen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff said the project would support trade with Mexico, create jobs, improve border security, and help modernize port operations; they also noted a September 2026 deadline and that the city has already secured $20 million of the needed $50 million match, with additional funding still being sought. Testimony highlighted the port’s economic impact, the city’s small tax base, and the potential for federal and private investment leverage. After questions from members about safety, timelines, private participation, and local contributions, the committee voted to return SB 1272 with a due pass recommendation. The motion passed 6-0, with one member absent; Representative Bolt explained his yes vote by citing the bill’s importance to commerce, economic development, and border security.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just ask you to limit it for right now to one. Question and one follow-up.
• Know are going to have higher service needs if we're not increasing the budget, so we're going to be limited
• There's bonding. That's how you Build infrastructure capacity.

Committee: House Appropriations and Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Senator Mesnard, that's a point well taken, and I'm sure also, you know, their ability to pass bonds
• Not complying with program requirements limits these schools' ability to enhance school safety personnel
• requested related to that salary and benefit for the counselor. not complying with program requirements limits

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• GIVING US A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PALM PROJECT BEFORE ENDING THE PODIUM OVER TO JIMMY COX, FLORIDA BOND
• THAT'S WHO'S USING THE CASH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SO PALM IS ALIVE BUT THE FUNCTIONALITY RIGHT NOW IS LIMITED
• WE ACTUALLY HAVE ONE TOMORROW AND THURSDAY, ALL DAY LONG SESSIONS WITH OUR LIMITED GROUP OF TESTERS RIGHT

Transcript Highlights:

• David Bond with Everytown for Gun Safety here in support.
• David Bond with Everytown for Gun Safety, here in support.
• All right, I'll get going because we're on time limit. Thank you.
• All right, I'll get going because we're on time limit. Thank you.
• in CDCR and it's even more limited in a county jail setting.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several authors presenting measures focused on probation, prison conditions, public safety, diversion, and infrastructure theft. Early in the hearing, AB 1816 by Assembly Member Davies proposed allowing courts to extend probation for up to one additional year for people convicted of registrable sex offenses who have not completed required treatment. Supporters, including the Chief Probation Officers of California, argued the bill would improve rehabilitation and public safety by allowing treatment to be completed; opponents, including public defenders and civil liberties groups, said existing revocation tools already address noncompliance and warned the bill was vague and would prolong supervision. The bill was later moved on call with an aye recommendation. The committee also heard AB 2593, which would prohibit non-medical staff from interfering with prescribed care for incarcerated patients; it drew broad support from medical, disability, public defender, and justice reform groups and passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 1927 and AB 2502, was adopted without controversy. The committee then considered AB 1538 by Assembly Member Krell, which would bar elected or appointed officials from using political power for retaliation. Support came from a student activist and the California News Publishers Association, with additional support from education, law enforcement, and civil liberties groups; no opposition testimony was offered, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2584 by Assembly Member Flora, as amended, would narrow civil liability for lawful defensive force; supporters framed it as protecting self-defense, while one opposition witness objected on behalf of labor and justice groups. The chair noted concerns about eliminating civil liability but still recommended aye, and the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 2217 by Assembly Member Zbur would rename and expand the LEAD diversion program as “Alternatives to Arrest,” broaden eligible offenses, and continue grant funding for local diversion efforts. Supporters emphasized reduced recidivism and service connections, and the bill was moved on call to Appropriations. Later, the committee took up AB 1941 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would create an organized metal theft offense and a statewide data-sharing system to address copper theft and damage to public infrastructure. Supporters from utilities, cities, transit, telecom, and law enforcement described widespread outages, costly repairs, and public safety risks; opponents argued the bill would deepen criminalization and racial disparities and that non-carceral solutions were preferable. The author and supporters responded that the bill was needed to address repeated thefts that leave communities without lights, power, or 911 service, and the measure passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2499 by Assembly Member Gibson sought stronger protections for incarcerated people and workers from extreme heat and inadequate ventilation in state prisons. The bill was backed by incarcerated workers, family members of a woman who died from heat-related causes, and a wide coalition of public defender, civil rights, and prisoner advocacy groups. Members spoke emotionally about prison conditions and the need for humane treatment, and the bill passed to Labor and Employment with strong support.