Transcript Highlights:

• in the state.
• in the state.
• street in the PERA building.
• $50 million, $30 million to the state. That is the number. $30 million to the state.
• So we've tried to hold them harmless by giving them state money. And then we went broke as a state.

Summary: The committee’s final day focused first on a historical overview of New Mexico tax packages by Pam Stokes of Legislative Council Services. She described how tax packages have alternated over the decades between tax relief, revenue raising, and tax reform, with examples ranging from the creation of the gross receipts tax in 1966 to major packages in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2019, 2022, 2024, and the vetoed 2025 package. Members discussed how tax policy often tracks revenue conditions, how packages can combine increases and decreases, and how local government gross receipts taxes and hold-harmless distributions have affected communities differently. Several members reflected on past packages, especially the 2004 food tax repeal and the 2013 film tax and manufacturing changes, and noted that tax policy can have major economic and political effects even when it is not “sexy” legislation. The committee then heard a proposal to expand the health care practitioner gross receipts tax deduction to include co-insurance, and to extend the sunset date. Sponsor Senator Figueroa said the bill was intended to help recruit and retain medical providers and build on prior deductions for co-pays and deductibles. Testimony explained that co-insurance is the patient’s share after the deductible, that providers currently absorb the gross receipts tax on those payments, and that the proposal would cost about $30 million to the state plus about $20 million to municipalities and counties, with the exact fiscal impact likely to be updated. Members raised concerns about the effect on local governments, whether insurers could be required to reimburse providers, whether the bill would actually attract doctors, and whether better evaluation measures and sunsets should be added. The sponsor said the bill was part of a broader set of efforts to address provider shortages and that the discussion would continue. Representative McQueen then presented a bill to update the Land Conservation Incentives Act. He and conservation partners said the program has protected more than 500,000 acres but has not kept pace with rising land values, especially for irrigated agricultural land in the Middle Rio Grande. The proposal would increase the percentage of conservation value eligible for the credit, raise the per-transaction cap from $250,000 to $2 million, and make the credit refundable rather than only transferable. Testimony emphasized that the program is voluntary, keeps land in private ownership and production, and helps land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve farmland and water rights. Members asked about average credit amounts, how easements work, whether landowners could effectively buy land and then use the credit, and whether there should be inflation indexing or a statewide cap. The discussion also touched on water rights, fencing, and the role of conservation easements in protecting agricultural land and compact water deliveries. Finally, Senator Sharer previewed his 2% tax proposal with a historical presentation on New Mexico tax law, using props to illustrate the evolution from early territorial tax codes to the modern tax system. He argued that the state’s current tax structure is overly complex and that recent federal changes have disrupted the personal income tax base. The committee did not take any votes on the day’s presentations; the meeting was primarily informational, with members offering feedback and raising policy concerns for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Family Code 264.001 gives the state a compelling interest in protecting children from abuse, neglect,
• These are all over the state.
• Because I'm not thinking that state law, and it's in TEA rule, I'm not thinking that teacher code of
• Districts of innovation have allowed the ISDs to exempt themselves from state education code, including
• those that require certification. ...exempt themselves from state education code, including those that

Bills: HB4 , HB20

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2853, which would allow the UT System Board of Regents to adjust the University of Texas at El Paso student union fee above the current statutory cap, subject to student approval, to help fund a new student union building. Senator Blanco explained the bill and the committee substitute, there were no questions or witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending subject to the call of the chair. The committee then heard House Bill 610, which would limit severance payments for terminated independent school district superintendents to six months’ salary and benefits. Senator Paxton described large severance payouts and said the bill had passed the House overwhelmingly. There were no witnesses, public testimony was closed, and the bill was left pending. A lengthy hearing followed on House Bill 4623, which would waive school district immunity in certain cases involving negligent hiring, supervision, or employment of professional school employees who commit abuse or related misconduct against students. Senator Paxton and several witnesses, including survivors and parents, argued the bill was needed to address cover-ups, delayed reporting, and repeated failures to remove dangerous employees; some members raised concerns about liability caps, litigation, and how the bill would interact with the Tort Claims Act. The committee also heard from TEA staff and employee-group witnesses who discussed possible injunctions and stronger no-hire protections. Public testimony was then closed and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 4, an accountability and assessment bill that would restore A-F ratings, change the state testing system, and replace STAAR with shorter, more instructionally useful assessments. Senator Bettencourt explained the committee substitute, including annual ratings, limits on taxpayer-funded lawsuits, and a phased-in testing redesign with beginning, middle, and end-of-year assessments. Testimony was generally supportive from education and business groups, though some witnesses favored norm-referenced testing while others emphasized criterion-referenced, TEKS-aligned assessments; one witness noted social studies assessments were restored in the bill. The hearing concluded with additional invited testimony and no final vote reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• essential for the future of this state.
• the people in the state of California.
• He also educated the state of California.
• history before coming to the State Assembly.
• The 818 is more than an area code.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> an exception to state law. an exception to state law.
• It's a 116-unit building. 100% of the units in the building are set at 50% AMI.
• Those buildings have been removed. The buildings have been removed.
• </c> council, I think. council, I think.
• </c> uh to build veterans homes. uh to build veterans homes.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Mike West, and I represent the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California
• Chair and members, Mike West, on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council, also in
• Chair and members, Mike West, on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council, also in
• Western States Council, in support. Jenna Thompson, the U.S.W. Western States Council, in support.
• Chair and members, Mike West, on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• operate in because the state had an existing ban on agents in their state statutes.
• operate in because the state had an existing ban on agents in their state statutes.
• Hey, George Fajou again, speaking on behalf of the Florida Insurance Council, which is the largest state
• is the largest state trade of insurers.
• state trade of insurers.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a different chemical building.
• A state-by-state patrick of ingredients, beverages.
• A state-by-state patrick of ingredients, restrictions or bans will only great confusion for consumers
• Chair and bar Code 6, 7, 8, 7, 3, year.
• Lucie County, who is the current Florida for each state Council reporter with her is Cheyenne hunter

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the State and Local Government Committee. Um, please state your name for the record.
• </c> corners of the state. corners of the state.
• </c> solar for public building grant program. solar for public building grant program.
• </c> committee for a decade is building. committee for a decade is building.
• </c> like the state budget did. like the state budget did.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by state and help protect the rather beautiful states in state by state and help protect the rather
• The amendment adds to additional advisory council members from state universities EFI you and UCF.
• Chairman this amendment changes references of DP to Dbpr as this agency oversees Florida building code
• The amendment adds to additional advisory council members from the state universities as mentioned previously
• of many, many buildings and facilities in our state parks.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as was stated.
• We love this state.
• We love this state.
• I am a state worker who can already barely afford to live in this state.
• The council will improve alignment, support data, driven policy, and build clear pathways for student

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• other source, a non-state source.
• And by using the regional councils, there's eight regional councils in the state. In that area.
• And by using the regional councils, there's eight regional councils in the state, and that they could
• Speaking from a regional council perspective, I spent 16 years with the Souris Basin Planning Council
• , and the state is covered with those eight regional councils, so they're always available and they have

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2265, which would provide the Fargo National Cemetery with up to a $3 million line of credit to help fund improvements such as indoor bathrooms, parking, a family gathering area, an office, a hearse garage, and a veterans gallery. Supporters said the cemetery has expanded rapidly since 2019, has already conducted about 1,000 burials, and needs better facilities for families and the Honor Guard; they also said the project would be subject to federal VA approval and, once completed, would be taken over by the VA. Members raised questions about the project’s cost, timing, funding sources, whether the bill should be a grant instead of a line of credit, and whether a chapel should be specifically included. No vote was taken on SB 2265 during the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2230, which would have the Secretary of State mail active voters a guide on ballot measures at least 45 days before an election, with objective summaries, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against each measure. Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office already receives many questions about ballot measures and would post the same information online and at polling places, while emphasizing the need to keep the material objective and consistent with election-law restrictions. Members generally supported the idea as a voter-education tool, and the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 2230 by a 19-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2256, which would provide one-time state support for the NDSU Research and Technology Park in Fargo to expand its role in commercialization, robotics, precision agriculture, and defense-related technology. Park CEO Brenda Weiland explained that the park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit spun out of NDSU, governed by a board with both university and industry representation, and that the new model is intended to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products without competing directly with private industry. Members asked about ownership, intellectual property, the planned partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center, and how the park would use the funding; the discussion focused on contracts, licensing, and the park’s intent to build technical capacity and attract companies. The excerpt ends before any vote on SB 2256.

Transcript Highlights:

• Living Council.
• Then again, the State Independent Living Council, which is a separate agency from the Department of Health
• The State Independent Living Council, a small budget, so a 2% decrease will really be harmful.
• Affairs, Idaho State Historical Society, Idaho Commission for Libraries, State Lottery, State Appellate
• controller, secretary of state, and the state treasurer.

Summary: The committee received an LSO update on the latest green sheet, including the fiscal effects of House Bill 559, recent cash transfers, and the Idaho Budget Rescissions Act for FY 2026. Staff then walked through FY 2027 maintenance budgets, explaining how statewide decisions, benefit costs, contract inflation, and cost allocation were built into the numbers. Members also discussed clarifications to the health insurance calculation language and the treatment of certain agency plans, including graduate medical education and the Secretary of State’s cash balance approach. The committee considered and approved maintenance budgets for the legislative branch, public safety, natural resources, health and human services, economic development, the judicial branch, constitutional officers, and general government. Several members objected to the across-the-board reductions, arguing they would create long-term costs, harm staffing and services, and shift expenses to other parts of government or to the public. Supporters said the committee needed a target, that the maintenance budgets were structurally balanced, and that further changes could be addressed in the enhancement process. Most budget motions passed on divided votes, and the committee also adopted standard language for each packet. The committee debated several pieces of nonstandard language, including provisions related to budget integrity, reporting requirements for large Health and Welfare acquisitions, a cash transfer for livestock depredation prevention, public defender parking, insurance reimbursement limits, and a proposal to use reserve funds to hold state employee health insurance premiums flat. Some language was adopted by unanimous consent, while the employee premium language prompted extended discussion over which reserve funds could be used and whether the proposal should apply differently to elected officials and other employees. The meeting ended while that issue was still being worked through, with the committee having advanced multiple budget packets and accompanying language to do-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provided the state's share of payments for capital projects financed by the Idaho State Building Authority
• It maintains the Capitol Mall, Chinden Campus, and other state-owned buildings, and it provides security
• He asked, if the state sold the building at 954 Jefferson and moved some of those people to vacant office
• This budget includes those construction and maintenance costs for state buildings, including for higher
• The Division of Public Works and the Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council oversee the state's public

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Department of Administration and the Permanent Building Fund. For the Department of Administration, analysts reviewed the agency’s dedicated-fund-heavy budget, recent staffing and utility adjustments, and FY 2027 requests including three new Medicaid procurement positions, a utilities shift from general fund to dedicated funds, and IT replacement items. Members questioned rising utility costs, office-space utilization, vacant buildings at the Chinden campus and 954 Jefferson, and whether the department was holding vacancies or reducing services. Director Steve Bailey said the department is trying to reduce general fund reliance, consolidate space, repurpose positions, and improve efficiency through digital tools; he also said the department is not intentionally holding vacancies and is actively filling needed positions. A major discussion focused on Medicaid procurement and the transition to managed care. Bailey said the requested procurement staff are needed to handle a large, complex solicitation and ongoing contract management, with legal and federal requirements and an Attorney General attorney assigned to assist. Senators asked about Deloitte’s role, other states’ procurement practices, and why the Department of Administration rather than Medicaid would run the process. Bailey explained that Medicaid provides program expertise while Purchasing runs the procurement. The committee also discussed the MMIS procurement, where Bailey said a court stay is delaying implementation after a second-place vendor challenged the process; he said that delay will also push back the broader MCO rollout. Another topic was the Office of Group Insurance’s decision to drop GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, which Bailey said was driven by rapid cost growth from an initial estimate of about $10,000 annually to roughly $15 million in 2025 and more than $30 million over three years. The committee then heard the Permanent Building Fund budget. Analysts explained the fund’s revenue sources, the multi-year nature of capital projects, and the large deferred maintenance program funded in prior years. They noted a proposed FY 2027 transfer of $33.7 million in canceled project balances to the general fund and a possible one-time redirection of interest earnings to the general fund. The Division of Public Works reported 595 active projects, with most FY 2025 projects under construction, in design, or complete, and said 91% of the $544 million deferred maintenance program is active. Members asked about specific canceled projects, including the North Idaho reentry center, the Carnegie Library purchase, the ISU/INL pedestrian crossing, and the Idaho State Police facility in Lewiston; staff said some are unlikely to return soon, while others may come back once land or a site is secured. The committee also discussed inspection practices, with Public Works saying field representatives and third-party testing serve different oversight functions. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after announcing the next day’s agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• States also began to defund public schools at that same time.
• So, basically, the same map, different state.
• They aren't subject to state testing. requirements.
• State budget savings. With school choice programs better.
• States want to follow Texas.

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Keith Dunn here on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council in support of the administration
• Chairman and members, James Theron Ractor with the California State Council of Laborers. Thank you.
• Let's talk about, like, interest state high... that makes any program, if you're trying to build even
• a state go about building high-speed rail the way we've gone about building high-speed rail at this
• I, Keith Dunn here on behalf of State Building Construction Trades Council.

Summary: The hearing opened with budget framing from the chair and the LAO, who said the May Revision addresses roughly a $14 billion budget problem and that the environment and transportation subcommittee’s proposals account for about $1.9 billion of the solution. The LAO urged members to focus on solutions that do not worsen out-year deficits, to preserve reserves, and to defer major policy changes that are not necessary to pass the budget, including the newly introduced water-related trailer bills. Members also raised concern about a late-dropped Olympic-related trailer bill, which the LAO likewise suggested should be deferred for fuller review. The first major item was the Delta Conveyance Project and related water quality control plan trailer bills. The administration argued the proposals would streamline permitting, water rights proceedings, judicial review, and land acquisition, and would clarify DWR’s bond authority for the project. DWR said the project is needed to protect water supply reliability against drought, earthquakes, sea level rise, and other climate-related disruptions, and that the tunnel would help move water when conditions are wet and safer for the environment. Committee members from both parties questioned the timing, the use of budget trailer bills for major policy changes, the scope of the CEQA and water-rights changes, the lack of a bond cap, cost growth, and eminent domain protections. The LAO recommended deferring both water trailer bills without prejudice. Public comment was sharply divided, with labor, water agencies, and some business groups supporting the project as climate adaptation and reliability infrastructure, while environmental, tribal, fishing, county, and community groups opposed it as an attempt to bypass public process and weaken protections. The committee then briefly heard the DMV’s Digital Experience Platform fee trailer bill, which would reinstate a $1 system improvement fee to help fund the vehicle-registration phase of the project. DMV said the fee would raise about $7 million annually and offset roughly $59 million to $60 million of project costs, while the LAO noted it would help but would not solve the Motor Vehicle Account’s broader structural gap. The hearing then moved to California High-Speed Rail, where the new CEO presented an updated plan and said the project remains a major climate and infrastructure investment. He reported a revised Merced-to-Bakersfield cost range of $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion, said the agency is trying to reduce risk through direct procurement of materials, and argued that stable annual funding is needed to avoid higher costs from delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• law or state-adopted building codes.
• law or a state-adopted building code, either may refer that dispute to our department and get our interpretation
• of how the state law or the state-adopted building code applies to the particular project. ...law or
• the state-adopted building code applies to the particular project.
• A code cycle. The IMC is the mechanical code that we work under. A code cycle.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed several agency rules and most were approved without objection. The Department of Agriculture repealed rules tied to the now-repealed Arkansas Catfish Processors Fair Practice Act. The Department of Human Services updated Medicaid policy to clarify child support enforcement treatment for pregnant women, remove the word “forcible” from rape/incest good-cause language, and eliminate a 90-day waiting period for ARKids B after loss of group coverage; members highlighted the significance of the language change and asked for a quick-reference eligibility chart. DHS Medical Services also received approval for a CMS cell and gene therapy model rule for sickle cell drugs and a technical Medicaid-assisted medication-assisted treatment update that was described as cost-neutral and non-substantive. The Department of Labor and Licensing presented several rules implementing recent acts and internal cleanup changes. These included procedures for local construction plan disputes under Act 591, Contractors Licensing Board amendments raising the restricted commercial license threshold from $750,000 to $1.5 million and allowing deferral of owner-complaint investigations during civil litigation, and a similar residential contractors change. The HVACR Licensing Board presented broader revisions under Act 746, including grammar and cleanup changes, elimination of the Class C license with transfer of existing holders to Class B, expansion of allowable work limits, a change to continuing education from four hours annually to eight hours per three-year code cycle, and clarification on training, child labor, and licensing issues. Several members questioned the practical impact of the HVAC changes, but the rule was approved. The committee also granted the Department of Inspector General’s request for exclusion from rulemaking reporting under Act 473, concluding that no rule was necessary because the act already defines the key terms and review process for foreign-adversary cultural exchange agreements. In addition, the Arkansas State Library’s report recommending continuation of its existing rules was accepted. During the status updates on outstanding 2023-session rulemaking, Education explained delays were due to overlapping 2025 amendments and the large volume of rules, while members expressed concern about the length of time since enactment; staff noted only a small number of 2023 rules remain outstanding. The meeting ended after written 2025-session updates were received with no further questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code 9, 0, 0, 2, 6, 8, take up. Substitute Amendment bar code 8, 9, 4, 7, 2, 6, Senator Grall.
• We had some state agency audit findings that was present it us.
• And CA is list it with other state agencies.
• >> Brian Meyer, I my or your state, your of state director, state Medicaid director waiving in support
• We'll show bar code 1, 5, 9, 8, 1, 6, is adopt.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In a bipartisan state work group, we're working actively on the strategic plan for Washington State,
• of state.
• In Washington State, smoking causes more than 8,000 deaths a year and costs the state roughly $850 million
• one of the lowest states.
• The illicit market, you don't want that to grow in your state while you're trying to build your tax base

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor presentations, and public testimony on several finance bills. HB 2038 would impose an additional B&O tax on businesses operating social media platforms beginning in 2027 and create a youth behavioral health account funded by the tax. The sponsor argued the bill would help address youth mental health harms linked to social media and support implementation of the Washington Thriving plan. Supporters in testimony, including youth advocates and some public health voices, said social media contributes to youth anxiety and addiction and that the revenue should be used for behavioral health services. Opponents, including technology and business groups, argued the tax unfairly singles out one sector, could be passed on to consumers, and may violate federal internet tax law. The hearing on HB 2038 was suspended and later reopened for public testimony; no vote was taken. HB 2297 would create tax incentives for grocery stores in underserved communities, including local B&O preferences, a sales tax exemption for security services, a 30-year property tax exemption program, a B&O tax credit, and a B&O exemption for certain locally owned or employee-owned stores. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to preserve and attract grocery stores in food deserts, especially after recent store closures, and to help communities with limited transportation and access to healthy food. County representatives supported the goal but raised concern about the bill’s sales tax exemption and its effect on local revenues. Public testimony was largely supportive, with advocates, local officials, grocers, and residents describing grocery stores as essential community infrastructure. No action was taken. HB 2382 would raise cigarette taxes by $2 per pack, restructure vapor and other tobacco product taxes, and dedicate portions of the revenue to a time-sensitive emergency system, tobacco enforcement, and the foundational public health services account. The sponsor said the bill would generate needed revenue, support cancer research funding, and strengthen public health and enforcement. Supporters said higher tobacco taxes reduce use and help cover long-term health costs, while some public health witnesses supported the revenue but suggested directing more funds to existing tobacco prevention accounts. Opponents from retail and industry groups argued the proposal is regressive, could increase illicit sales and cross-border purchasing, and would hurt small businesses and low-income consumers. The committee also heard HB 2487, a Department of Revenue request bill that would narrow the B&O exemption for insurers to clarify that it applies only to premium income subject to insurance premium tax, and apply the change retroactively to 2019. The sponsor and supporters said the bill closes a loophole created by a recent Supreme Court ruling and preserves tax equity, while insurers and business groups objected to the retroactive application, warning of higher premiums and unfair taxation. Finally, HB 2018 would increase the solid waste tax by 0.5% per year for five years and direct the new revenue to a local government solid waste assistance account for county and city waste management plans. County officials supported the bill as a way to stabilize funding for solid waste systems, and testimony emphasized rising disposal and infrastructure costs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lucas, stated April 2, 2026, that states that the State Library received the final program narrative
• You created the State Library.
• you in state government.
• As stated earlier by the State Library, we're in a period of transition.
• Can you state that again?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the legislative director for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and a United States Navy veteran
• I'm the legislative director for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and a United States Navy veteran
• and the United Indian Affairs Council and the United States<00:01:13.200><c> Navy</c> States Navy States
• </c><00:03:01.640><c> of</c> United States of United States of America<00:03:03.360><c> that</c><00:03
• </c><00:12:49.920><c> in</c><00:12:50.240><c> full</c> the United States in full the United States in

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Keywords: 1187, senate, all