Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, the provider rates, you know, 4% maybe reducing those to 3% or 2%.
• And he doesn't want our triple-A bond rating to be affected.
• And the reserves that we have is a big impact on why our bond rating is so high.
• The provider rate is $7.56 per 15 minutes, which is about $29 an hour.
• rate that we're returning.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's reflected in the clearance rates.
• The case types most impacted by the surge in March of 2023 show a clearance rate.
• Additionally, small claims statewide clearance rates are significantly higher.
• rate after the enactment of this law.
• rates that they were showing ahead of time.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it's the rate for the building itself, the rate for the back office support, on average the indirect
• are</c><00:37:26.800><c> negotiated</c> um indirect cost rates are negotiated um indirect cost rates
• are correct, so it's passage rates, completion rates, success rates, review by members of the team that
• are correct, so it's passage rates, completion rates, success rates, review by members of the team that
• rates success passage rates completion rates success review<01:03:53.680><c> by</c><01:03:54.240><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard updates from the chancellors of the state university system and the community college system on ongoing restructuring, collaboration, and enrollment trends. The university system said its office move to the NHTI campus is ahead of schedule and should save students about $250,000 a year while creating revenue for the community college system. Both systems described continued work on transfer pathways, direct-admit outreach, shared advising, and broader efforts to shrink footprints, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency in response to declining enrollment and demographic pressure. A major topic was a possible federal change to Pell Grant eligibility that would require students to enroll in at least 7.5 credits. The chancellors said most community college students are part-time because of work and family responsibilities, and that the change could affect roughly 2,000 current Pell recipients and make it harder for students to afford or sustain enrollment. Members also discussed how the state’s governor’s scholarship statute largely benefits full-time students, suggesting possible future statutory changes. The chancellors explained how credits typically work, noting most courses are three or four credits and that students would likely need to add an entire course to meet the proposed threshold. The committee also discussed the broader higher education landscape, including declining high school cohorts, competition among New England institutions, and the need to right-size capacity. One member raised concerns about the health of regional campuses such as Plymouth and Keene; the chancellors said incoming enrollment is down at UNH and Plymouth and holding at Keene, attributing the trend to demographics rather than one campus drawing students away from another. They emphasized the importance of community colleges, adult learners, and short-term workforce programs as part of the state’s future education mix. Finally, the committee touched on the value of the university system’s research enterprise. The chancellor said about $250 million a year flows into the university system in federal research grants, with about $9.5 million currently under stop-work orders from federal agencies. She said the immediate concern is not DEI-related but federal cuts and possible caps on indirect cost recovery. Members noted that the R1 research designation supports business partnerships, student opportunities, and economic development projects such as West Edge in Durham.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay. >> So what is the error rate right now and what are you proposing that the error rate is going
• And if you're based on the error rate.
• It's most likely they go the error rate?
• </c><01:08:05.760><c> is</c> uh can tell you what the error rate is uh can tell you what the error rate
• </c> &gt;&gt; Our error rate is currently at 7.57%. &gt;&gt; Our error rate is currently at 7.57%.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting covered two committee of conference items. On HB 1260, the House and Senate debated a Senate amendment dealing with sealing certain divorce-related financial records. House members argued the amendment conflicted with the Keane Sentinel decision and would improperly flip the burden of proof on public access to court records, raising constitutional concerns under the state constitution’s open government and privacy provisions. Senate members responded that the privacy amendment and modern conditions support more protection for sensitive financial information, especially in limited uncontested divorces, but several members agreed the issue should be studied in a separate bill with a full hearing next year rather than resolved in conference. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to have the Senate recede and pass HB 1260 in the form originally passed by the House, preserving the underlying bill without the Senate amendment. The committee then took up HB 1574, which extends free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and provides funding for SNAP administrative costs. The main dispute was the Senate’s addition of $4.4 million for SNAP administration. Senator Gray and DHHS officials said federal changes will shift more administrative costs to the state and that underfunding administration could raise the SNAP error rate, which could trigger future federal penalties and larger state costs; DHHS reported a current error rate of 7.57%, below the national average, and said a higher error rate could cost the state roughly $12 million in a partial fiscal year and nearly $16 million in a full year. Representative Papovich said he understood the department’s needs but was reluctant to support the bill as amended, noting the Senate language resembled a prior bill that had already failed in the House. The discussion ended with the committee still considering the Senate amendment, with members weighing the immediate appropriation against possible future costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our rates are down 11%. Yes, affordability. Our rates are down 11% in the last two years.
• Yes, time of use rates. Yes, shift loads. Section one of the bill is not about time of use rates.
• Things like VPPs, demand response, dynamic rates. Things like VPPs, demand response, dynamic rates.
• What are dynamic rates? Time-of-use, real-time pricing.
• or rate proceedings are impacted by this bill.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our rates are down 11%. Yes, affordability. Our rates are down 11% in the last two years.
• Yes, time-of-use rates. Yes, shift loads. Section one of the bill is not about time-of-use rates.
• Things like VPPs, demand response, Things like VPPs, demand response, dynamic rates.
• What are dynamic rates? Time-of-use, real-time pricing.
• or rate proceedings are impacted by this bill.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 710, which would expand dynamic pricing and time-of-use electricity rates and require utilities to develop plans for advanced metering infrastructure so more customers can participate. The author and supporters said the bill would encourage load shifting to times when electricity is cheaper and cleaner, reduce curtailment of renewable energy, and help address affordability. PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill as drafted, arguing the deadlines were premature, could disrupt ongoing CPUC rate proceedings and pilot programs, and might force costly changes before results are known; Golden State Power Cooperative was neutral and flagged a technical issue. After questions and discussion about timing and scope, the committee passed AB 710 on an 11-0 vote and also approved the consent calendar 15-0. The committee then held its first 2026 oversight hearing on implementation of the California Transmission Accelerator created by SB 254. GoBiz, IBank, CAISO, and the Department of Finance outlined the new program’s structure: GoBiz’s energy unit will coordinate the accelerator, IBank will evaluate and finance eligible projects, CAISO’s transmission planning and competitive solicitation process will identify projects, and the tax credit will provide an additional incentive for developers. Administration witnesses said trailer bill language and about 10 limited-term positions are being proposed to clarify roles, protect confidential information, and support the revolving fund, with roughly $26 million in administrative costs over five years. Committee members focused on coordination among agencies, supply-chain risks, regional market planning, and whether the accelerator has enough authority to move projects quickly. CAISO said its planning and competitive procurement processes already align closely with the accelerator and that no tariff changes are expected, while GoBiz and IBank said they are still developing financing strategies and learning from other states. Public commenters supported faster transmission but urged the committee to preserve the role of competitive developers, clarify ownership and risk allocation, and ensure wildfire safety and accountability. The hearing ended with no formal action beyond receiving testimony and committing to continued oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called a camel's rating, and the best rating is a one. The worst rating is a 5.
• It's rated 3, 4, or 5.
• Now, obviously, a 3-rated bank is not as bad as a 5-rated bank. operated back, but we still consider
• So it's tough to find deposits, interest rates.
• same level as the state. rate.

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• NMSU has a 52.2% graduation rate in 2023. ...is in our state, NMSU has a 52.2% graduation rate in 2023
• Neither institution meets that graduation rate, and that graduation rate, by the way, is benchmarked
• MSU has a 52.2 percent graduation rate in 2023. 23. is in our state, NMSU has a 52.2% graduation rate
• Neither institution meets that graduation rate, and that graduation rate, by the way, is neither institution
• meets that graduation rate.

Bills: SB234 , SB210 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , HB8

Committee: Senate House Education

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by announcing that SB 210 would be rolled over to Friday and would not be heard. The committee then returned to SB 234, which would provide foster child school transportation funding statewide rather than only for Albuquerque Public Schools. Members adopted an amendment striking the APS-only language and making the bill statewide after testimony from the sponsor, PED, and others that foster youth transportation is a growing issue and should have its own funding stream. The committee discussed how the money might be distributed and whether the $1.2 million appropriation would be sufficient, then voted do pass on SB 234 as amended. The committee next heard HB 8, which creates a Higher Education Major Projects Fund for large capital projects that are difficult to fund through existing capital outlay processes. Testimony from the sponsor, LFC, HED, and university representatives explained that the bill would support projects such as the UNM School of Medicine, an NMSU multidisciplinary building, student housing, student life projects, and certain Division I athletic facilities, while requiring design readiness, institutional matches, and legislative oversight. Several senators raised concerns about the clarity of the prioritization process, the Division I-only athletics language, the recurring nature of future funding, and the relationship to other capital funding streams, but the committee ultimately voted do pass on HB 8. The committee then considered SB 243 and SB 244, nearly identical bills for UNM and NMSU that would each appropriate $5 million for student health, student support, nutrition, travel, scholarships, and other athletic department needs. Athletic directors testified that conference realignment, higher travel costs, nutrition demands, and new revenue-sharing/NIL obligations have increased expenses, and sponsors said the bills were intended as one-time appropriations. Some senators questioned whether the requests should be recurring or funded through university revenue rather than the state, but both bills received do pass recommendations. Finally, the committee heard SM 16, as amended, which asks HED to convene a task force to study parenting students in higher education and recommend ways to collect data and improve support. Supporters said better data is needed to understand barriers such as child care and transportation, and the memorial passed with a do pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned until Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, line 5, continue half year rate adjustments from the uh.
• line 8, we did, um, assisted, assisted living facility rates.
• Provider rate adjustments, uh, we did about $26.2 million for those provider rate adjustments.
• differing rates for children, income levels, adult expansion, and other groups.
• Um, Uh, other agencies such as DOH bring in money at various matching rates.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when we look at that rate of the drowning, yes, it goes up.
• study, procure a consultant for the rate study, perform the rate study, and implement the rates, including
• As you know, the same factors probably went into that rate that would go into another additional rate
• What that reasonable rate of return is is certainly up for debate.
• What that reasonable rate of return is is certainly up for debate.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills, with several focused on water safety, utilities, and local government transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was explained as clarifying water quality credits and water quality enhancement areas, and it was reported favorably after one support appearance. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland arising from injuries caused by a police shooting, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658 on water safety requirements for rental properties drew extensive testimony in support from child advocacy and drowning prevention advocates, who cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and the disproportionate impact on children with autism; the bill was amended to require front-end certification and remove local add-on authority, then passed favorably. CS/SB 18, a claim bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, was reported favorably after questions about the verdict, settlement posture, and who would receive the funds. SB 934 on areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a provision viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then passed favorably. SB 1622, which creates a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, also passed favorably with support from an appearance form. SB 1264 on private schools and zoning was reported favorably after members noted ongoing concerns and planned further discussion. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to narrow the bill to storage issues and cap the fee period until inspection; it drew both support and opposition from insurers, fire officials, and vehicle industry representatives, and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014, dealing with municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, was amended to limit it to residential development and clarify capacity standards, then passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 expanded the local infrastructure surtax to include body camera programs and was reported favorably after an amendment requiring voter approval. Finally, CS/SB 1724 and SB 1566, both on local government utility and budget transparency, were amended and reported favorably despite concerns from cities and counties about implementation costs and burdens.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> services system through um through rate services system through um through rate through<00:10:41.120
• :42.399><c> you</c> through rate setting, which is, you through rate setting, which is, you know,<00:
• There is a permanent out-of-network minimum rate schedule.
• </c> ambul of the rates ambul of the rates as<00:12:34.320><c> they</c><00:12:34.560><c> interact</c>
• 15:46.160><c> the</c><00:15:46.399><c> insurance</c> network rate schedule, the insurance network rate

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They also found that turnover rates are higher for different groups of teachers.
• So statewide, the average teacher retention rate was 87%. advantages.
• They were also asked to rate programs for retaining teachers.
• Now looking at the map on the left-hand side showing retention rates.
• In the darkest shaded regions, the retention rate is higher than 86%.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The HST rate on aviation fuel is 1.48 per barrel for fiscal year 2026, and the tax rate is adjusted annually
• of 0.38% instead of the general B&O tax rate of 0.38% instead of the general wholesaling rate of 0.484%
• Turning to the bill before you, the preferential B&O tax rate is repealed.
• So currently the general wholesaling rate is 0.484%.
• Often it rates below our cost to purchase the drug.

Bills: SB5989 , SB5898 , SB6240 , SB6244 , SB6231 , SB6228 , SB6220

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: aircraft fuel tax, tax revenue distribution, aviation funding, transportation, state revenue, aeronautics, taxation, aircraft fuel, state funding, aviation fuel, hazardous substance tax, air quality, noise mitigation, environmental impact, tax exemption, agriculture, hazardous substances, crop protection, warehousing, data center

Transcript Highlights:

• And principals rated RPEP, the Arkansas most negative driver.
• So we're going to look at the average teacher retention rates across the state.
• They were also asked to rate programs for retaining teachers.
• Now looking at the map on the left-hand showing retention rates.
• In the darkest shaded regions, the retention rates are higher than 86%.

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a presentation from Legislative Audit on Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions. Auditors explained that the fiscal year 2025 report summarizes $4.6 billion in grants from state, federal, and miscellaneous sources, across school districts, charter schools, education cooperatives, and other entities, and that the report only shows amounts distributed, not how recipients ultimately used the money. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; department staff clarified that the Economics Arkansas grant is written into special language and that the CDC-related funding supports student surveys used by state agencies. Questions also focused on bonus and incentive programs such as master principal and National Board Certified teacher bonuses, with department staff saying the bonuses are generally tied to completion of the program or certification rather than classroom performance, though they would follow up on details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research update on Consumer Price Index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global. Dr. Carlos Silva explained the difference between CPI-U and core CPI and said the estimates show inflation slowing over the forecast period, with some near-term variation between the two data providers. Members asked about the historical accuracy of prior projections, and he said the forecasts generally tend to move toward about 2 percent over time, though recent shocks have caused earlier estimates to understate actual inflation. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reviewed Arkansas teacher demographics, shortage areas, educator preparation pipelines, licensure exceptions, survey results from teachers and principals, and teacher support programs. They reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with an average of 11.9 years of experience and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found shortages in multiple subject areas, especially special education, math, science, foreign language, and social studies, and identified 65 districts as high-need geographically. Survey results showed school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the biggest negatives; 30 percent of responding teachers said they were considering leaving the profession. The committee also reviewed teacher salary data showing a statewide average salary of $60,254 in 2025, Arkansas ranking 45th nationally by NEA methodology, and a long-term inflation-adjusted decline in district salaries, though LEARNS Act increases improved the trend. Members asked for additional follow-up information on survey methodology, alternative licensure costs, coursework, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, exit data, and how salary comparisons are calculated.

Transcript Highlights:

• And all of this is going on while these rate hikes keep happening.
• Another one is charging for these rates when another one isn't.
• that 11% rate increase.”
• “And Lincoln Avenue Water Company is approaching with a $15 rate increase in addition to a 10% rate increase
• California does pay some of the highest utility rates in the country, and rates are expected to climb

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• two rate reductions recently.
• Our forecast for the federal funds interest rate, this is the rate the Federal Reserve controls, indirectly
• We expect two more rate cuts next year before getting to sort of a background equilibrium rate in the
• And it impacts the overall rate of return on taxes, etc.
• The plan was overfunded, and all of those rates, those 6% rates on both the employees and the employers

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• It reduces the federal cost share for SNAP benefit allotments for states with error rates above 6%.
• California's error rate in 2024 was above 10 percent.
• That's health and law school students, business school students that have the highest rates.
• With respect to the error rates, right, why do we need to talk about the error rates now when it's happening
• So we have to actually triage and attack the error rate situation right now.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will be based on their payment error rate.
• Our funded vacancy rate is less than 1% now.
• As we lose Medicaid rates and have higher uninsured rates, there is no guarantee that those hospitals
• the inflation rate is two to four percent.
• Vacancy rate; other counties, including some of yours, have a 100% vacancy rate.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Would that be at a lower rate than this rate?
• between the In the payment rate between this population and the usual basic care rate, Mr.
• So that was to increase the hourly rate.
• So that was to increase the hourly rate.
• So that was to increase the hourly rate.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent. Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions. After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your follow-up is that you don't know what the rate is until then?
• We know the rate and what we've been working for for the last two years.
• It's local to Oklahoma as to a rate that we want to establish.
• Number two is the school for the Blind graduation rate, and 3 is the school for the deaf graduation rate
• We're hoping to continue that rate moving into 27.

Committee: House A&B Human Services Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all