Transcript Highlights:

• Today's hearing will cover the High-Speed Rail Authority, and we'll take public comment at the end after
• If we can ever get through the process that every single entity that wants to build anything in California
• two, it's my understanding what I'm hearing you say is that you would have this potential financial entity
• That you are going to be having those discussions with this finance entity about the vulnerabilities
• So I anticipate that you're going to be having those discussions with this finance entity about the vulnerabilities

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard an update from the California High-Speed Rail Authority on its draft 2026 business plan and related budget proposals. The Authority reported continued Central Valley construction progress, including completion of 59 of 92 major structures, 80 of 119 miles of guideway under construction, 93% utility relocation completion, and plans to begin track laying and electrification soon. It said the revised goal remains completing the Merced-to-Bakersfield early operating segment by 2032-33, while also pursuing ancillary revenue opportunities, a private partner through a co-development procurement, and two budget change proposals to reappropriate $423 million for Link Union Station and $246 million in federal trust funds before they expire. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no specific concerns with the budget change proposals but raised major concerns about the draft business plan and the project’s broader fiscal outlook. LAO said the plan appears incomplete in several respects, that funding is likely insufficient to complete the revised initial operating segment and would leave a larger gap for expansion beyond the Central Valley, and that borrowing costs, optimistic assumptions, and uncertainty around future greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues could worsen the outlook. LAO suggested the Legislature could wait for a finalized business plan and highlighted unresolved questions about the scope of the project, borrowing, public-private partnerships, and proposed statutory changes. Members focused on whether the project can be delivered on time and what financial obligations the state could face. Senators questioned the need for tax increment financing, value capture, and other legislative changes, with concerns about impacts on local governments and school districts. The Authority said utility relocation authority is its top legislative priority and that value capture is a longer-term tool that would not affect civil construction of Merced-to-Bakersfield, but could affect payback timing. It also said the state’s $1 billion annual cap-and-invest funding through 2045 is currently assumed to cover the Central Valley segment, while private partners could either finance against that state commitment or invest additional capital in other segments. Public testimony was mixed: building trades and labor groups supported the project and the Authority’s request, while local government and special district representatives opposed tax increment proposals and urged consent from affected agencies; environmental and rail advocates supported the project and urged action on utility relocation. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• this will be a permanent and again levels of playing fields for all the people that are all the entities
• don't see how it's related because this is about broadband, and you're talking about other types of entities
• Tax incentives are Given to qualified individuals or entities that meet certain criteria and relaxes
• the tax burden on that person or persons or entity.
• This now covers a significantly larger portion of this industry that will have their taxes reduced and

Bills: SB2102 , SB1940 , SB1625 , SB1442 , SB1623 , SB1242 , SB1949 , SB1592 , SB1913 , SB592 , SB992 , SB1241 , SB259 , SB1928 , SB1426 , SB1531 , SB1561 , SB1122

Keywords: credit card fees, merchant discounts, payment card network, interchange fees, transparency in fees, Oklahoma law, payment card, rebate, merchant, tax compliance, health insurance, mandate, impact analysis, insurance department, public health, access to healthcare, SB1442, alcoholic beverage control, ABLE Commission, liquor license fees

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1453 criminalizes hostile foreign nationals and entities from owning real property or agricultural
• are hostile to the United States, fitting one of two different federal codes listing countries and entities
• I think you need to clarify the fact that those entities that are subject to open meeting laws, OK?
• And I am in favor of clarifying which entities are subject to the act.
• land on behalf of a foreign national or someone who's not otherwise allowed to own the land, almost covering

Bills: HB1016 , HB1453 , HB1992 , HB2015 , HB2940 , HB2959 , HB2997 , HB3037 , HB3045 , HB3053 , HB3087 , HB3267 , HB3301 , HB3453 , HB3495 , HB3521 , HB3581 , HB3584 , HB3586 , HB3587 , HB3662 , HB3691 , HB3695 , HB3697 , HB3742 , HB3743 , HB3845 , HB4058 , HB4125 , HB4198 , HB4227 , HB4425

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Transcript Highlights:

• This is something that local entities have struggled with forever.
• And if a local entity requires a registered letter to be sent and a signature, and that is in the purview
• of the local entity, and the applicant is paying for it because it's not the planning and zoning commission
• So either way, as a local entity, we've set up pretty well a foolproof way to have an appeal that's very
• group and Judicial and Rules, trying to look through Title 18 and find things that were antiquated, covered

Summary: The House convened with 68 members present, approved the February 12, 2026 journal, and received messages from the Senate, including referral of House Joint Memorial 10 for enrolling and return of Senate Joint Memorial 107 signed by the Speaker. Standing committee reports advanced several bills: House Bills 607, 528, 530, 519, and 599 were sent to second reading, while House Bills 522 and 570 were placed on general orders. House Concurrent Resolution 27, honoring Idaho civilians who served on Wake Island during World War II, was referred for printing. The House also introduced a large group of new bills, including measures on gold and silver coin, elections and presidential primaries, midwifery, foreign adversary investments, retirement and public safety death benefits, building codes, travel insurance, portable benefits, litigation financing, manufactured homes, anti-cancer medications, interest rates, state sovereignty, big game depredation claims, hunting as the state sport, police dogs, preceptor prior authorization exemptions, student data collection, and charter school admissions; all were referred for printing. On third reading, Senate Bill 1225 was moved to the top of the calendar and passed the House 67-1 after debate describing it as a public records and university presidential search bill that changes the disclosure rule from five finalists to a sole finalist and requires public updates and a 10-day public review period before final selection. House Bill 561 was sent to general orders after discussion of flag displays, including allowing the Basque flag and limiting certain city flagpole displays. House Bill 520, an Office of Administrative Hearings measure standardizing notice requirements in contested cases, passed 66-2 after concerns were raised about proving receipt of mailed notice. House Bill 579, updating justifiable homicide language to broaden who may be defended, passed 68-1. House Bill 580, repealing antiquated or unused criminal statutes, passed 68-1. House Bill 581, creating a formal process for legislative review of Supreme Court rules, passed 65-5. House Bill 583, the short-term rental bill, drew the most extensive debate. Supporters argued it protects private property rights and prevents local governments from effectively banning short-term rentals through restrictive ordinances, while opponents warned it weakens protections for residential neighborhoods and shifts enforcement burdens onto neighbors and local complaints. Several members declared Rule 80 conflicts, including ownership of short-term rentals or related businesses. After debate, the bill passed 54-16 and was sent to the Senate. The House then held the remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, received the enrolled House Joint Memorial 10 back for the Senate President’s signature, made announcements about committee meetings and events, and adjourned until 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an agreement between those two entities, with milestones that we achieve relative to those materials
• It's an agreement between those two entities and with milestones that we achieve relative to those materials
• , the level of commitment of the federal government, the level of investment from private sector entities
• , the level of commitment of the federal government, the level of investment from private sector entities
• One last thing I’ll add is beyond transmission, which we’ve already covered, a lot of these companies

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 14 and January 28. It then considered RS 3-2904, a bill from the DOGE Committee to remove 19 obsolete code sections, including provisions related to hazardous waste facility siting and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Act. The sponsor urged the committee to print the bill so members could review possible unintended consequences, including whether the changes would shift responsibilities or reduce public testimony. After a question about Department of Environmental Quality involvement, the committee voted to introduce RS 3-2904. The remainder of the meeting was a presentation by Dr. John Wagner, director of Idaho National Laboratory, on energy dominance and security through research, development, and demonstration. He described INL’s role in nuclear energy, critical infrastructure security, and critical minerals, and said the current federal administration has accelerated nuclear policy through executive orders aimed at expanding reactor deployment, reforming NRC processes, and supporting advanced reactor testing. He highlighted INL’s work with private companies on small modular reactors, microreactors, fuel fabrication, and used nuclear fuel research, including projects tied to AI/data center power demand and Department of War applications. Members asked about used fuel storage, Idaho’s potential role in nuclear recycling and reactor development, transmission and water constraints, public acceptance, and the timeline for deployment. Wagner said Idaho’s advantage lies in its expertise, existing infrastructure, and a regulatory environment that provides certainty, while noting that transmission, water use, and workforce remain key issues. He also said the legislature can help by signaling receptiveness, clarifying policy, and supporting infrastructure and workforce development. The committee took no further action after the presentation and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the cover of the program that we hand out at all the commemorations.
• Augustine's up Mercer to Telegraph to Dorchester Heights, where we will have participation by many entities
• By many entities: the Ancient and Honorable, the Grand Lodge of Masons, the Green Lodge of Noble Artillery
• Augustine's up Mercer to Telegraph to Dorchester Heights, where we will have participation by many entities
• By many entities, the Ancient and Honorable, the Grand Lodge of Masons, the Green Lodge of Noble Artillery

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call, establishing a quorum after some initial confusion about attendance. Chair Paul Mark and Co-Chair Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester event. The group also discussed the role of the National Park Service and changes in park leadership related to Boston National Historical Park. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism gave a detailed update on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 programming. Topics included the Henry Knox Trail commemorations, grant funding for 250th-related events, the proposed America 250 time capsule, a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, an “America’s potluck” idea for July 5, educational programming, volunteer service initiatives, and a Kansas-inspired tractor tribute. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions for a Massachusetts-only backup capsule and for Secretary of State Bill Galvin to help determine criteria. They also said they would seek the governor’s input on the potluck idea and distribute a graphic for the Declaration reading. Representatives from Revolution 250 then updated the commission on upcoming commemorations tied to Henry Knox and Evacuation Day, including Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights. They described crowd sizes, procession plans, living history participants, a Washington Medal unveiling at the Boston Public Library, and coordination with local and state partners. They also gave an extensive update on Sail Boston, including ship recruitment, public safety planning, expected international participation, and the event’s overlap with other major Boston activities. The meeting ended with a presentation on “Rebel Town,” a proposed musical about the Boston Tea Party, which its creator said was developed in western Massachusetts and sought support to bring to Boston for the 250th anniversary. The commission took no substantive votes beyond approving adjournment at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the cover of the program that we hand out at all the commemorations.
• Augustine's up Mercer to Telegraph to Dorchester Heights, where we will have participation by many entities
• By many entities: the Ancient and Honorable, the Grand Lodge of Masons, the Green Lodge of Noble Artillery
• Augustine's up Mercer to Telegraph to Dorchester Heights, where we will have participation by many entities
• By many entities: the Ancient and Honorable, the Grand Lodge of Masons, the Green Lodge of Noble Artillery

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, after which members could not approve prior minutes because the earlier meeting had not been official. Co-chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent America 250/Henry Knox Trail events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester commemoration. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism then outlined Massachusetts’ America 250 plans, including the state’s 250th signature event on July 4 with the Boston Pops, grant-funded programming across the Commonwealth, and several national initiatives: a time capsule contribution, a coordinated July 8 reading of the Declaration of Independence, America’s Potluck on July 5, volunteer-service promotion through America Gives, and a tractor-themed tribute idea from Kansas. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions that Secretary of State William Galvin help decide the final item and that Massachusetts create its own backup time capsule; they also said the Declaration reading should be broadly promoted, while the potluck should likely wait for Governor Healey’s buy-in. Jonathan Lane and Dusty Rhodes then updated the commission on Henry Knox Trail, Evacuation Day, and Sail Boston, describing large crowds at prior events, the move of the Worcester program to a larger venue, planned commemorations in Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights, and a major Sail Boston schedule in July with many international ships and extensive public-safety coordination. They also noted related plans such as an invitation-only Boston Public Library event to unveil the Washington Medal and a March 17 Dorchester Heights ceremony with a procession and tented program. The final presentation was from John Lane on Rebel Town, a musical about the Boston Tea Party developed in western Massachusetts. He described the show as a family-friendly, educational production that blends history and theater, with characters including John Adams, Paul Revere, Mercy Otis Warren, and John Hancock, and said it had been staged in Lenox with strong audience response. Lane asked the commission to help find a Boston venue and broader support so the production could be mounted for the 250th anniversary, estimating a larger-scale budget and noting interest from local supporters and cultural organizations. Members asked a few questions about prior performances and logistics, then agreed to circulate his materials to the commission. With no further business, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• When it does cover people with developmental disabilities, it looks into things like personal advocacy
• And then SEIU does all the training, and money is spent for each of those entities because it's not in-house
• Student Achievement Council's ability to share WASFA applicant personal and financial information with entities
• education, subject to a binding data-sharing agreement that prohibits further disclosure. ...with entities
• I'm good government streamlining the ability to share information with entities that are already in collaboration

Bills: HB2337 , HB2311 , HB2088 , HB2148 , HB2132

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: training requirements, caregiving, family member, individual providers, home care, workforce education, investment accountability, administrative changes, oversight, education policy, nutritional health, dietetic professionals, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare regulation, education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Veterans Commission will collaborate with the appropriate entities to make this a reality.
• Most water utilities are a... ...Department of the City, whereas SAWS is a separate entity owned by the
• Both of these grants had to be done through another entity, so as SAWS we had to apply through the City
• So as far as I know, it's really just two entities that would cover.

Bills: HCR92 , HB 114 , HB561 , HB 1171 , HB1894 , HB2026 , HB2143 , HB2337 , HB2564 , HB114

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: Tuskegee Airmen, commemoration, African American history, civil rights, military recognition, veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention, community mental health, grant program, defense, grants, local government, economic support, community development, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, state land use

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATORS, THIS BILL SEEKS TO PREVENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITIES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FROM ENACTING
• HOWEVER, THE LANGUAGE WOULD EXPAND THE LANGUAGE IN 366 TO COVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AND IS QUITE BROAD
• MUNICIPAL UTILITIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT GENERATE THEIR OWN ENGINE ENTITY HAVE TO TAKE ACTIONS EVERYDAY
• THE SUMMARY, THE BILL NULLIFIES ANY EXISTING CHARTER RESOLUTION, CODER POLICY FROM THE INCLUDED ENTITIES
• FUNDS TO CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS, GRANTS AND DONATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program</c><00:03:18.280><c> for</c><00:03:18.440><c> our</c> Was that appropriation sufficient to cover
• account, and then the business offices in the prisons would facilitate those payments to the correct entities
• c> correct</c> facilitate those payments to the correct facilitate those payments to the correct entities
• 49.440><c> nothing</c><00:14:49.759><c> like</c><00:14:49.920><c> that</c><00:14:50.120><c> set</c> entities
• okay and nothing like that set entities okay and nothing like that set up<00:14:50.440><c> for</c><00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, and Judiciary heard an update from the Department of Corrections on Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI), sentence-credit payments for program completion, and the expansion of the Little Sandy Correctional Complex. Department officials said KCI, the department’s long-running re-entry program, operates 15 industries in 11 institutions, employs more than 400 inmates and 37 staff, and had $5.8 million in expenditures against $6.8 million in revenues through January 31. Members asked about inmate pay, the role of the Prison Industries Enhancement Certification (PIE) program, and whether KCI generates profit; the department said it aims to break even while supporting state government, with PIE participants earning prevailing wages and some programs offering certificates tied to post-release employment opportunities. The subcommittee also reviewed the budget-authorized sentence-credit program for county jails. Officials reported 37,300 program completions in fiscal year 2024 and, through January, $6.128 million paid for 90-day sentence credits and $1.6548 million for 60-day credits, with total county jail expenditures of $8.1 million and 67 jails participating. They said additional participation would require more funding and that they do not expect many more jails to join, though attendance and population levels can affect costs. Members asked how jails opt in, whether there are added costs, how inmate earnings are handled, and whether deductions are made for child support or victim compensation; the department said jails apply through an approved program matrix, inmate earnings are tracked in individual accounts, and required deductions are made when ordered. Questions from members focused on re-entry outcomes and program structure. Officials said evidence-based programming and employment opportunities are major contributors to lowering recidivism, and they cited a recent recidivism rate of 30.8 percent, down about 1 percentage point, while noting they would provide additional trend and savings data later. The department also clarified that adult education and GED programming are separate from KCI and are handled by a different education division. For the Little Sandy expansion, officials said the project remains on schedule for completion on June 25, 2025, with inmate transfers expected to begin at about 50 per week and roughly 200 additional staff eventually needed; they said hiring is being phased in as inmate population increases. The committee asked for the total construction cost of the expansion, which the witnesses said they did not have at the meeting and would report back. The meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for February 18.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we've kind of covered that.
• I think we've kind of covered that.
• I think we've kind of covered that.
• I think we've kind of covered that.
• Um but I think you cover in 15 minutes.

Bills: HF3553 , HF3513 , HF3576

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: vehicle platooning, transportation, public safety, pilot project, Wilkin County, Grant County, autonomous vehicles, transportation regulations, driverless cars, safety standards, first responder interaction, school bus, third-party testing, driver certification, transportation regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you have a leak, a break, and we set up our program that we'll cover up to a $3,000 cap.
• We're just trying to cover the costs instead of it covering 100%.
• All we're asking for the state right now is that the $12 is not covering it, so we're asking for $24.
• I think I covered the cost. We did this something similar.
• Secretary covered most of the highlights. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Heinz covered a lot of it, but I have 37 years in working for large public accounting firms.
• These are vast entities themselves.
• So it's not that some entity would do something not knowing about our policy.

Bills: HB1170

Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources

Keywords: fiduciary responsibility, proxy voting, public finance, Oklahoma statutes, pension plans, pecuniary factors, nonpecuniary factors, financial risk, Attorney General

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement and Government Affairs met to consider two executive nominations and House Bill 1170. Mark Wood was introduced as nominee to lead OMES; he described his background in public accounting and tax administration, said his focus would be on stabilizing the agency, improving efficiency, and balancing accountability with service. Senators asked about OMES’s core mission and whether some duties should be returned to agencies; Wood said he would keep an open mind and work with legislators on possible changes. The committee advanced his nomination on a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard Dwayne Helmberger’s nomination to the State Fire Marshal Commission. Helmberger, currently Stillwater fire chief and formerly assistant chief in Midwest City, emphasized code administration, education, and coordination with other agencies. Senators questioned him about backlogs in fire marshal inspections for marijuana grow operations and certificates of occupancy; he said the backlog was driven by the volume of applications and could be addressed through better planning, coordination, and logistics. His nomination also advanced unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1170, which would direct pension fiduciaries to focus on pecuniary interests and avoid non-financial ESG considerations. Senator Daniels explained that the bill was intended to clarify state policy and align definitions with related measures, and she requested a title strike while continuing to work on the language. Members raised concerns about due process, immunity provisions, and whether the bill would conflict with recent court rulings or still allow consideration of ESG factors when financially relevant. After debate, the committee passed the bill 6-2.

Transcript Highlights:

• The measure does not mandate any new coverage, but requires each health benefit plan that already covers
• took up the agenda today—but as I understand it, there are potentially three vertically integrated entities
• Entities that do this. Is that correct? Yes, approximately. That is my understanding. Yes.

Bills: SB1673 , SB1500 , SB1447 , SB1646 , SB2007 , SB1275 , SB2074

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: prosthetics, health insurance, medical necessity, patient rights, insurance liability, pharmacy benefits manager, healthcare providers, claims processing, reimbursement, insurance regulation, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, mental health, substance use disorders, utilization review, benefit coverage, pharmacy

Summary: The Senate Business and Insurance Committee met to consider several bills, with the chair emphasizing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and the impact on local and rural pharmacies. Before taking up the bills, the committee announced that Senate Bills 1620 and 1625 would be laid over. The committee also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1673 to exempt certain state-funded flexible benefit plans, and then passed the bill, which creates the Prosthetic Access and Accountability Act of 2026 and requires health plans that already cover prosthetic benefits to administer them without disability-based discrimination. The committee then passed several PBM-related measures. Senate Bill 1500 requires PBMs to reimburse rural pharmacies within 30 calendar days. Senate Bill 1447 adds safeguards to the Oklahoma Employee Insurance Plan by restricting PBM contracts, including disfavoring PBMs involved in recent lawsuits or those affiliated with insurers, retail pharmacy chains, specialty pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, or drug manufacturers. Senate Bill 1646 strengthens utilization review standards for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and Senate Bill 2007 prohibits PBMs from reducing reimbursement after a successful appeal and adds administrative fees when they fail to make required adjustments. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1275, which requires upfront disclosure of all fees for short-term rental bookings such as Airbnb and VRBO, with only tax added at checkout. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 2074 after extensive debate; it would require fairer and more transparent PBM reimbursement using a Medicaid-based methodology and a professional dispensing fee, with supporters arguing it would help independent and community pharmacies and opponents raising concerns about consumer costs and legal issues. All bills considered in the meeting were reported out with favorable votes, and the meeting adjourned after the chair noted one more meeting would be held the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the FIR, it mentioned that maybe the MVD is not the appropriate entity to study this with the Regulation
• Seeing, you know, we have a lot of unsafe traffic, we have fatalities, we have a lot of different entities
• Representative Borrego, those components would absolutely, in my opinion, absolutely should be covered

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're having to map out all of that to make sure that all of our areas are being covered across
• What I'm concerned with is that some of these companies that have applied directly to these federal entities
• and... ...federal entities and programs, will they really get it finished, and then it's going to leave

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The way this is currently drafted is it does rope in some of our existing entities that have this provision
• So if you're looking at a district that, say, might cover 1,000 homes for the infrastructure, water,
• In looking at the IDAPA rules related to enrollment, our IDAPA rules related to enrollment only cover
• Rules related to enrollment only cover academics.
• There are costs associated with that that should be covered by the participants.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 897, which revises Idaho’s data center sales tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill adds new eligibility criteria tied to electricity service agreements that fully recapture costs and to efficient water use, narrows the exemption so it applies only to internal server equipment rather than construction materials, limits the exemption to 20 years instead of indefinitely, and requires annual Tax Commission reporting on foregone revenue. He also noted the bill’s property tax provisions may need more work because they could affect existing entities not involved in drafting, and he asked that the bill be sent to the 14th order for possible amendment. The committee agreed and adopted that motion. The committee then heard House Bill 926, which expands the community infrastructure district tool so counties can create CIDs outside a city’s comprehensive plan. The sponsor said the goal is to ensure infrastructure is built before growth and that new development pays its own costs rather than shifting them to existing property owners. A representative from Tamarack Resort testified in support, explaining that the change would allow a large development outside city planning areas to finance roads, utilities, and other off-site improvements through district bonds and special assessments. After questions about how CID financing works and how obligations are allocated over time, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 934, a technical cleanup bill for last year’s education tax credit law. The sponsor explained that the changes clarify student age eligibility, define tutoring as academic instruction, allow curriculum from multiple vendors, prevent families from combining the advance payment with a prior-year look-back credit, and clarify that students participating only in non-credit extracurricular activities such as sports are not considered enrolled for purposes of the credit. Members asked about impacts on public schools and extracurricular fees, and the sponsor said sports fees are not reimbursable under the credit and that the bill is intended to avoid double payment. The committee then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Afterward, the committee approved several sets of minutes and thanked its page, Grace Louder, for her service.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is to approve non-state entity capital outlay requests with a total cost of less than $1 million
• This motion covers any new completed non-state capital outlay requests with a total cost of $1 million

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay met on January 15, 2026, with a roll call establishing a quorum. The outgoing chair thanked members and nominated Senator Foil as chair for the remainder of the term; the committee approved the nomination by acclamation. Senator Foil then nominated Representative Emerson as vice chair, and she was also approved without objection. The committee approved the minutes from its January 30, 2025 meeting. It then considered five late-submitted non-state capital outlay projects under $1 million that had been filed after the November 1 deadline. Matt Baker of the Division of Administration’s Office of Facility Planning and Control explained that the projects met statutory requirements and were being presented for consideration. Chair Foil moved to approve the five eligible non-state entity capital outlay requests under $1 million, and to extend that approval to any additional completed requests meeting the same criteria and submitted with required support materials by the February 1 deadline. There were no objections, and the motion passed. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is to approve non-state entity capital outlay requests with a total cost of less than $1 million
• This motion covers any new completed non-state capital outlay requests with a total cost of $1 million

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay met on January 15, 2026, with a roll call establishing a quorum. The outgoing chair thanked members and nominated Senator Foil to serve as chair for the remainder of the term; the committee approved the nomination by acclamation. Senator Foil then nominated Representative Emerson as vice chair, and she was also approved without objection. The committee approved the minutes from its January 30, 2025 meeting. It then considered late-submitted non-state capital outlay projects under $1 million that had been filed after the November 1 deadline. Matt Baker, Director of the Office of Facility Planning and Control in the Division of Administration, explained that five non-state projects were before the committee and that they met the required statutory information. After no questions or objections, the committee adopted a motion to approve the five qualifying non-state capital outlay requests under $1 million, and the motion also covered any additional completed applications meeting the requirements and submitted by the February 1 deadline. With no further business, the committee adjourned.