Video & Transcript : 'cistern program' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> um dollars have not yet been programmed um dollars have not yet been programmed for<00:31:22.360
- </c> you're clarifying then that a program you're clarifying then that a program that<01:17:15.840><c
- And you were saying every entity—so every state agency, every municipal program, every county program
- And you were saying every entity—so every state agency, every municipal program, every county program
- will</c><01:30:25.040><c> find</c> program every County program will find program every County program
Bills:
HF10
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas has a brand-new program.
- Texas has a brand new program.
- Now, as far as any voucher program or GATOR program or any other type of funding that could direct tax
- Online program, this is how it reads: for online programs where there's an equivalent on-campus program
- It's all 'program.'
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 690 by Rep. Amedee, which would prohibit education agencies and vendors from contracting with foreign adversaries, foreign terrorist organizations, or their agents, and would apply to education service providers, vendors of educational products, and some schools. Supporters argued the bill would protect school tax dollars and prevent foreign influence, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, citing similar actions in Florida and Texas. Some members raised questions about due process, how ineligibility would be determined, and whether payments would stop before appeals were resolved. A technical amendment changing “terrorists” to “terrorist” was adopted, and HB 690 was reported as amended without objection.
The committee then took up HB 1078 by Rep. Freiberg, which would allow higher education institutions to offer standalone online courses, not just online programs tied to a degree, and to offer online programs even when there is no equivalent on-campus program. LSU officials said the bill would give flexibility for professional and workforce-related courses and certificates. Members asked about tuition-setting, prerequisites, and whether non-degree students could enroll. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
HB 113 by Rep. Phelps, which sought retroactive application of the uniform 10-point grading scale to students who were ninth graders in 2023-2024, drew significant concern. Members questioned fairness, inconsistency if only some districts could recalculate grades, and the fiscal impact of retroactivity. Phelps said he had intended to capture that cohort and was willing to work with the Department of Education, but after debate the committee voted 2-9 against reporting the bill, so the motion failed.
The committee also heard HB 632 by Rep. Spell on LA FIRST data sharing. The bill would streamline how student data is shared for the state’s longitudinal data system, and amendments were adopted to remove a five-year look-back and clarify data matching and de-identification. Members debated privacy, opt-out rights, and whether the bill should require or merely allow districts to participate; concerns were raised about sharing personally identifying information and the lack of clear opt-out protections. Rep. Carlson offered an amendment to change “shall” to “may,” but later withdrew it so the bill could be deferred for further discussion. Finally, HB 1132 by Rep. Carver, carried by Rep. Carlson, was introduced to expand lab school authorization within the University of Louisiana system; an amendment was offered to limit the change to new schools established after August 1, and discussion began on that amendment as the transcript ended.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- and nearly $5.5 billion when combined with the ASES and other programs.
- This investment has improved The ASES and other programs.
- After-school programs are essential for working families. Existing investment.
- helped me—programs that provide mentorship, purpose, and real opportunities to grow.
- providing robust programming.
Committee:
House Education
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (02/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> period of the go north program period of the go north program how<00:16:01.199><c> many</c><00:16
- So again, always happy to talk about these programs.
- We will scholarship programs last year.
- Well, we this year from the program?
- </c> scholarship programs. scholarship programs. >> Very<00:30:50.559><c> good.
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee met on February 20, 2026, first approving the minutes and then adopting the consent calendar as amended, with item 26045 removed for separate consideration. The committee then heard item 26045 from the Department of Health and Human Services on the Real Health Transformation Grant for Go North. HHS explained that the first-year award is $204 million, with most funds passed through to Go North and only limited administrative and audit costs retained by HHS. Members asked about staffing, procurement, the program’s spending plan, and whether future grant amounts would be fixed. HHS said Go North will administer the grants, staffing is expected to be about 20 positions, procurements will be competitive, and future awards will depend on federal review of performance and spending. The commissioner said the money is intended to create transformative changes that must be sustainable after the grant period. The committee then approved the item.
The committee next took up regular calendar item 26041 from HHS and adopted it without discussion. It also approved two adjusted items on tab 11, FIS26028 and FIS26029. Item 26027 from the Department of Transportation was adopted as well. Item 26034 from the Department of Corrections was withdrawn, and members noted that any request for new overtime money would be closely scrutinized, especially given the tight budget and the need to explain how existing salary funds were being used. Committee staff said they would follow up with Corrections on vacancy rates, available funds, and other class lines and provide answers to the committee.
The committee then received audit presentations on the state’s college savings plans, including the Unique College Investing Plan and the Fidelity Advisor 529 Plan. Auditors reported clean opinions, no material weaknesses, no audit adjustments, and no unadjusted items requiring reporting. The State Treasurer said the plans are performing well, now total more than $32 billion in assets under management, and are expected to generate about $20 million in revenue this year, with the proceeds supporting scholarship programs for low-income students. The committee placed the audits on file and released them in the usual manner. In other business, members set the next Fiscal Committee meeting for Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And so just by them going through this program, I built relationships.
- It seems like a good program.
- So thank you for coming and advocating for this program.
- So thank you for coming and advocating for this program.
- How many kids can you take at one time in the program?
Committee:
House Crime and Public Safety
Summary:
The Committee on Crime and Public Safety first heard House Bill 397, a companion to HB 1882, which would create a youth police initiative tax credit to support the Youth Police Initiative program. Representative Tiffany Price and supporters described the program as a way to build trust between at-risk youth and law enforcement through a week-long, relationship-based experience. Testifying in support were a youth participant, Kansas City Police Department Commander Kari Thompson, and others who said the program improved behavior, mentorship, and community trust. Members raised questions about the tax credit structure, eligible entities, and how the program would operate, but no opposition testified.
The committee then heard House Bill 2055, which would fix a language issue in Missouri’s hands-free cell phone law so municipalities can enforce mirror ordinances in their own municipal courts. Representative Jeff Vernetti and several law enforcement witnesses said the current statute prevents local enforcement and forces cases into overburdened county or state systems. Supporters argued the change would improve efficiency and roadway safety while preserving the law as a secondary offense. No one testified in opposition.
House Bill 2587, sponsored by Representative Jones, followed and would update Missouri law on unmanned aircraft to address drone threats near critical infrastructure and large public gatherings, including upcoming World Cup events in Kansas City. The sponsor and law enforcement supporters said the bill would allow trained officers to detect, track, and mitigate dangerous drone activity using federally authorized tools, while protecting lawful recreational drone use. Some members and the Missouri Chamber raised concerns about the scope of “mitigation,” possible use of force, and the need to avoid conflict with federal rules, but supporters said the bill includes guardrails and notice requirements. After the hearings, the committee adopted a committee substitute combining HB 1882 and HB 3097 and voted the combined substitute do pass by a 16-0 roll call vote.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the MSW programs. Thanks. Excellent.
- In 2023, thanks to your passage of the legislature-created licensure program in music therapy, the program
- Code is known as the Survivors and Dependence Education and Assistance Program or DEA.
- And our colleges, universities, and programs will start to close.
- A student-centered a program that helps more students enroll persist and graduate.
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Keywords:
social work, licensure, alternative routes, education requirements, professional regulation, tuition waivers, veterans, education, children of veterans, higher education, military families, music therapy, temporary exemptions, healthcare, therapy practice, funding, tuition, financial aid, state budget, 904
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the second transfer for the program.
- with the used tire program.
- Some new people will come into the program.
- It's not possible with any program.
- They're not the traditional Forest Legacy Program funds.
Committee:
All ALC-PEER
Summary:
The committee met to consider a series of appropriation, reserve transfer, and grant requests. Early items included temporary appropriations for the Department of Education’s Educational Freedom Account program ($32 million), the State Crime Lab ($476,000), and DFA Assessment Coordination ($90,000), along with a $1 ARPA return from the Department of Health. The committee approved these items after brief questions, including a discussion about contract cost increases at Assessment Coordination and a clarification that the $1 ARPA item was simply an unused-funds return.
The most extensive discussion centered on the Department of Education’s EFA funding. Members questioned the growth in participation, the use of one-time funds and restricted reserves, and safeguards against fraud or improper purchases. Agency officials said about 44,000 students were being funded, that purchases are reviewed and flagged for unusual activity, and that homeschool students are not required to buy a curriculum so long as purchases are eligible and approved. The committee approved the EFA appropriation and related reserve transfer, and officials said the governor’s proposed budget would include the program in the RSA going forward.
The committee also approved a DHS reallocation request and reviewed a building authority loan for a data center power supply replacement. In the federal grant section, members discussed a Department of Agriculture request for Central Arkansas Water to acquire land in the Maumelle watershed. Debate focused on the environmental benefits versus local property-tax and development concerns in Perry County, with testimony from the agency, Central Arkansas Water, and Potlatch about watershed protection, public access, and potential development impacts. After extended discussion, the committee adopted a motion to defer the item to the full Legislative Council and asked the department to remove the Perry County portion from the request, limiting the grant-funded purchase to Pulaski County property. The committee then reviewed remaining items, including a Veterans Affairs pay-plan appropriation, and adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- reentry for a program called Empowering Women Out of Prison.
- House Bill 3618 is a step in restoring dignity and encouraging programming for female inmates.
- These programs are rehabilitative in nature and are critical to reducing recidivism.
- It's meant to be a rehabilitative program.
- program, and their program actually dovetails into our program so that the individuals who are civilly
Committee:
House Corrections
Keywords:
mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay
Summary:
The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending.
Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- known as the IDD pilot program, that was established in 2023.
- Participation in the pilot program is completely voluntary.
- They would return to a comparable waiver program.
- liaison provides the voice and direction of the program.
- I think it is a good program that we're setting up.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 132, as amended, would require the Department of Financial Services to contract for a study on whether Florida should recognize gold and silver as legal tender; an amendment advanced the report deadline to December 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1050, also amended, expands the intellectual and developmental disabilities managed care pilot program statewide, emphasizes that enrollment is voluntary, adds transparency and reporting requirements for APD, creates a statewide family care council, and requires related studies and coordination; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony about reducing the APD wait list. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office, and the bill drew extended debate over church-state separation and concerns about political activity by the office; despite opposition from several senators, it was reported favorably. SB 1060 creates a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations, with supporters citing the size of the program and the need for stronger legislative review; it passed favorably. SB 7032 presumes Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals receiving certain long-term services during redetermination, to prevent gaps in care, and was reported favorably with broad support. SB 12, a claim bill for a minor injured in a DCF-related case, was also reported favorably without opposition.
The committee also approved several infrastructure and tax-related measures. SJR 318 proposes an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism, such as equipment and tractors, and was reported favorably with support from agricultural and business groups. SB 818, as amended, revises utility relocation funding for public road and rail projects, shifting the financing structure after constitutional concerns were raised and adding a $50 million grant program; it passed after discussion of the impact on local governments and utilities. SB 1348 modernizes DMV services through tax collectors, adds a distracted driving course option, bans appointment scalping, and extends certain disabled parking permit terms; it was reported favorably. SB 1664 requires voter reapproval of local taxes, including tourist development taxes and local option sales taxes, when they expire, with special rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds; it drew significant debate over impacts on tourism-dependent counties and was reported favorably despite opposition from some members and local government groups. SB 1050, SB 820, SB 1060, SB 7032, SB 12, SJR 318, SB 818, SB 1348, and SB 1664 all received favorable committee votes, and the meeting ended with final missed-vote requests and adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- At Hualapai Indian Village, I am the director of our program, the Acorns to Oaks program, which focuses
- You know, our program is really unique.
- and for programming in each community.
- One will focus on adults and older adult suicide, program campaigns.
- So here, follow this program.
Summary:
The joint Assembly Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an oversight hearing on AB 988, California’s 988 crisis line and mobile crisis response system, followed by a discussion of suicide prevention and intervention in California Indian communities. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that AB 988 was intended to create a true alternative to 911 for behavioral health crises, with “someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go,” and that Native communities continue to face disproportionately high suicide rates and barriers to culturally responsive care.
The first panel of call center and stakeholder witnesses largely argued that implementation is falling short of the law’s intent. They said 988 call centers are underfunded, text/chat answer rates remain far below call answer rates, staffing is strained, and the system still lacks meaningful statewide interoperability between 988 and 911. Several witnesses said mobile crisis teams are not being dispatched through 988 as envisioned, and that funding formulas and governance are too opaque. San Joaquin County was presented as a local success story, with integrated 988, access lines, and mobile crisis handoffs that have reduced reliance on emergency departments and involuntary holds. Witnesses also discussed the need for better tribal outreach, the role of CCBHCs, and the importance of culturally competent services.
State officials from CalHHS and DHCS described the five-year 988 implementation plan, the current governance structure across multiple agencies, and efforts to support training, public awareness, and referral tools. They reported growth in 988 contacts, ongoing training with the Trevor Project, a statewide resource directory, and a tribal awareness campaign. DHCS also outlined proposed trailer bill language that would create a formal designation process for 988 centers, set statewide standards, and require existing centers to obtain designation by 2029. Officials said current funding includes SAMHSA grants, block grant dollars, and an expected $67.3 million from the 988 fund in the next budget year, with a large share earmarked for Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> this program, annual or biennial? this program, annual or biennial?
- , to extend this program.
- </c> programs like Medicaid. programs like Medicaid.
- ><c> students</c><00:58:09.359><c> and</c> With this program, college students and With this program,
- </c> to right-size the program. to right-size the program.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 10/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> EVSSE program. EVSSE program.
- account to fund the creates a program account to fund the inspection<00:29:51.360><c> program,</c><00
- So currently the program is a voluntary program for most vehicles.
- So currently the program is a voluntary program for most vehicles.
- UDM also has a voluntary program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/12/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- The program has been a trusted pre-employment and family stabilization program provided by a network
- </c> the program the program unhoused<00:54:40.559><c> 71%</c><00:54:41.559><c> have</c><00:54:41.760
- </c><00:56:56.799><c> participants</c> 97% of of program participants 97% of of program participants
- complete the program successfully complete the program meaning<00:57:00.039><c> they</c><00:57:00.200
- </c> I've followed this particular program I've followed this particular program over<01:00:48.119><c
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the programs is called Museums 250.
- We’ve hosted eight Massachusetts 250 Lunch and Learn programs.
- One of the programs is called Museums 250.
- We've hosted eight Massachusetts 250 Lunch and Learn programs.
- The Executive Office of Education has a program that's engaging K-12 in an essay program that's been
Summary:
The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so the gathering remained unofficial and no minutes were approved or formal votes taken. Chair Senator Paul Mark conducted roll call, then moved to updates and presentations from House co-chair Representative Sean Garballey, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Director Sheila Green, and Revolution 250’s Jonathan Lane.
Representative Garballey highlighted the recent Patriots’ Day and Lexington-Concord commemorations, calling them highly successful, and noted that the House’s supplemental budget included $15 million for 250th anniversary events. Director Green gave a broad Massachusetts 250 update, emphasizing the large turnout for April commemorations, upcoming events including Fall River, Bunker Hill, Flag Day, Charlestown’s parade, Gloucester’s reenactment, and Newburyport’s parade, plus ongoing initiatives such as Museums 250, Lunch and Learns, grant programs, podcasts, and partnerships with sports teams, museums, and state agencies. She also reported 131 applications for FY26 grants totaling $7.5 million, with $2 million available for awards.
Jonathan Lane described Revolution 250’s work supporting local commemorations across the Commonwealth, including Chelsea Creek, Monotomy, Hingham, Pittsfield, Plymouth, and other communities, and praised local legislators’ involvement. He previewed major upcoming Bunker Hill and Charlestown events, the Gloucester reenactment, the 250th Revolution 250 podcast episode featuring Rick Atkinson, Knox Trail programming, and the start of Massachusetts 250 events in 2026. The meeting ended with thanks to the presenters and a note that the commission would likely reconvene after July 4.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- H. 5013, an act to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program, filed by Rep.
- Badger; S. 2928, an act to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program, filed by Senator Lovely
- Celiac Disease Screening Pilot Program.
- This pilot screening program will not only catch children earlier.
- The pilot program proposed is a reasonable, evidence-informed first step.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening at ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the transcript focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. For the celiac proposal, Rep. Badger and Sen. Lovely described long diagnostic delays, the lack of a cure, and the potential for a simple blood test to identify children earlier and reduce long-term harm. Multiple patients, clinicians, and researchers supported the pilot, saying celiac is frequently missed because symptoms vary widely or are absent, and that early detection could prevent malnutrition, growth problems, osteoporosis, and other complications. Testifiers also emphasized that the bill would study feasibility, accuracy, cost, and acceptability, and would include family education and support resources if diagnoses are made through the program.
Several experts and advocates backed the celiac screening pilot, including a pediatric gastroenterologist from Italy who described successful national screening efforts there, a Celiac Disease Foundation representative, pediatric gastroenterologists from Massachusetts and Colorado, a pediatric dietitian, and a parent whose child was diagnosed after severe malnutrition. They argued that routine screening alongside existing pediatric bloodwork could identify many undiagnosed children and improve health equity, since celiac disease is often overlooked in people of color and lower-income patients. Committee members asked about how the screening would work, and witnesses explained it could begin with a blood test, followed by confirmatory endoscopy if needed. No vote was taken in the hearing.
On H. 5087, witnesses from the medical aesthetics industry largely opposed the bill as written, saying it was outdated, redundant with existing Massachusetts licensing and board oversight, and too restrictive for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed providers. Testifiers, including a retired lobbyist, a nurse practitioner, a PA, a plastic surgeon, and a clinic owner, said the bill could reduce access, raise costs, and push care into less regulated settings, while not addressing the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Committee members pressed for more specific feedback on what provisions were unnecessary or duplicative, and witnesses said they had submitted position papers and written testimony identifying conflicts with current law. The hearing ended with the chair noting that all oral and written testimony would be reviewed before any decisions are made.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- such as passport to manhood and football leadership enrichment programs such as passport to manhood
- He has been an active member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Programs for more than eight years, where he
- He has been an active member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Programs for more than eight years, where he
- The Youth of the Year program is a premier leadership recognition initiative.
- She has been an active member of the Luke Air Force Base Youth Program for nine years.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The population receiving these services is also income-limited under this program.
- The income limitations have long been a part of both of these programs.
- Okay, so I'm just trying to confirm because maybe to the... ...programs like this.
- , and maintenance costs for permanent supportive housing programs in our region.
- , maintenance, and services program is in need of adjustment.
Summary:
House Finance met on February 26 and heard several tax and housing-related bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6343 would extend the deadline to apply for a property tax exemption for improvements to single-family homes damaged by natural disasters, with sponsors citing recent flooding and the need to help displaced homeowners in multiple counties. Local officials from Kent and Algona testified in support, describing flood damage and ongoing recovery needs. The bill was heard but no vote was taken.
Senate Bill 6347 would roll back the higher estate tax rates enacted in 2025, while leaving the higher exemption amount in place. Committee staff said the bill would reduce revenue to the Education Legacy Trust account by about $44.8 million starting in fiscal year 2027 and about $389.9 million over the 2027-29 biennium. Supporters argued the higher rates could harm family businesses and encourage wealthy residents to leave; opponents said the bill would mainly benefit very large estates and would worsen budget pressures by reducing funds for education and child care. Public testimony was mixed, and the bill was heard without action.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6244, which would extend a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products stored in Washington for out-of-state sale until 2038. The sponsor and a logistics witness said the exemption helps farmers get products faster, supports regional distribution, and improves competitiveness; staff said the revenue impact would be small. Finally, Senate Bill 6114 would define “fixture” and “affixed” for real estate excise tax purposes to make tax treatment of attached property clearer, and Senate Bill 6027 would broaden allowable uses of several local affordable housing funding sources, including rehabilitation and operations of existing housing, rental assistance in some counties, and expanded uses for Affordable Housing for All grants. Both of those bills drew support from state and local housing officials and advocates, and the committee adjourned after the hearings with no recorded votes.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- In short, this bill does not expand the program.
- It also treats this program just like any other Missouri program.
- Through the program, it's the adequacy amount.
- Through the program, it's the adequacy amount.
- It simply improves timing so the program works as intended.
Committee:
House Emerging Issues
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2194 concerns the sales and use tax for cultural access programs.
- As background, the legislative body of a county may establish a cultural access program and impose a
- The legislative body of a county may establish a cultural access program and impose a sales and use tax
- . ...which would allow counties to become eligible to establish cultural access programs, and I want
- Sixty-five percent of those programs were offered free of charge, significantly reducing barriers and
Committee:
House Finance
Keywords:
HB1960, renewable energy, clean energy, solar, wind, battery storage, energy storage, excise tax, property tax exemption, local investment, county revenue sharing, local taxing districts, school districts, Department of Revenue, Department of Commerce, model ordinance, siting, permitting, tribal consultation, tribal capacity grants
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're very proud of that program. Rural and Family Lands, we can't say enough about.
- If anyone's listening that wants to apply to that program, it is open currently.
- We've greatly increased that program the last two years, thanks to the legislature.
- Adalia, this legislature put in place a loan program, an emergency loan program after emergencies, with
- And we're really proud of all of the efficiencies in the programs that we've done.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with a quorum present and heard two presentations. Commissioner Wilton Simpson, head of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, outlined department accomplishments and funding needs, including IT modernization, expansion of the Rural and Family Lands program, updated best management practice manuals, growth of the Fresh From Florida marketing campaign, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, clearing concealed-weapons permit backlogs, construction of the Conner Complex headquarters, forestry equipment upgrades, and youth agriculture programs such as FFA and 4-H. Senators asked about water policy, citrus greening, FAMU partnerships, staffing efficiencies, and interdiction stations used to stop invasive species, stolen goods, and diseased or banned agricultural products from entering the state.
Dr. Krista Court of the University of Florida/IFAS presented a preliminary economic assessment of the 2024 hurricane season’s agricultural impacts from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. She explained that the estimates are based on wind, rainfall, flooding, crop location, and survey data from extension agents, industry groups, FDACS, and producers, and that the figures do not include many asset losses, supply-chain effects, forestry losses, or some insurance-covered damages. Her preliminary estimates placed total 2024 agricultural production losses between about $402.3 million and $975.8 million, with the hardest-hit commodity groups including field and row crops, vegetables, melons, potatoes, greenhouse/nursery products, and animals and animal products.
Members discussed the importance of accurate survey participation and baseline data, including use of USDA Farm Service Agency information, to improve future disaster estimates and federal relief decisions. Several senators emphasized agriculture’s importance in their districts and statewide. No bills were considered and no formal votes were taken; the only action was adjournment by motion of Senator Burton.