Transcript Highlights:

• So this is becoming an increasing part of how you fund education as you can see, K-12, higher education
• you with increased revenue stability over time.
• And it was really comforting to see that they had increased our bond rate. Great.
• NPSIA passed on a 16% premium increase in FY26. We did project a 16% increase for FY27.
• So, the contribution increases that were passed in Senate way to help that, reducing the cold.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It is scheduled to increase to 4 mils in two years.
• in increasing the minimum allowable thickness of reusable the increasing the minimum allowable thickness
• It is scheduled to increase to 4 mils in 2 years.
• We do have concerns with the proposed fee increase on paper bags.
• We expect that it would do so by simply the increase of the cost of the wrapping.

Bills: HB1420 , HB2233 , HB2271 , HB2212 , HB2284

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: textile responsibility, recycling, sustainability, environmental impact, consumer protection, waste reduction, environment, retail, bags, pollution, consumer products, plastic, environmental policy, postconsumer waste, microplastics, environmental protection, washing machines, water quality, litter reduction, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as the increase over time?
• also sales tax increases.
• also sales tax increases.
• So as we balance caring for our communities and increasing and dealing with our increasing costs of providing
• You can all recall in 2023 that was an increase.

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Summary: The committee heard a JLARC audit presentation on the Department of Health’s oversight of hospital inspections, complaints, and hospital data reporting. JLARC said DOH was late on 72% of acute care hospital inspections as of December 2024, had not verified that third-party accrediting standards were substantially equivalent to state requirements, did not consistently collect proof of those inspections, and was not reviewing adverse health event corrective action plans as required. JLARC also said DOH’s complaint system may have language-access barriers and that hospital data posted online is difficult for the public to use. JLARC made five recommendations to DOH and one to the Legislature; DOH concurred with the recommendations. DOH then outlined a response plan and said it had already begun work on several items. Officials said they would develop staffing and performance plans for inspections, verify accrediting body standards and require proof of third-party inspections, expand complaint forms into additional languages, seek funding and legal updates for adverse event review, and improve public access to hospital data, including a possible dashboard. They said annual progress updates would be provided to the Legislature and noted some improvement in inspection timeliness, while also emphasizing staffing, funding, and pandemic-related backlogs as constraints. The committee also received a DOH presentation on certificate of need modernization. DOH described the current program as a tool to assess community need, financial feasibility, quality, and cost containment for certain facility expansions and new services, and recommended a phased modernization focused on clarifying statutory purpose, creating a planning entity, adding flexibility, reducing legal costs, modernizing access standards, expanding oversight to freestanding emergency departments and urgent care, addressing equity, improving cost control coordination, securing ongoing funding, and using new state data systems. Members asked about streamlining overlapping inspections and whether triggers could be used to target inspections more efficiently. A final panel discussed artificial intelligence in health care, with a Coalition for Health AI representative describing industry efforts to create standards for responsible AI, including principles of usefulness, fairness, safety, transparency, security, and privacy, plus tools such as model cards and quality-assurance frameworks. The committee then heard testimony on federal and state health care funding changes from the Washington State Hospital Association and Providence Swedish, which warned that state cuts, taxes, and federal HR1 changes would worsen already thin margins, lead to service reductions, layoffs, and delayed capital investments, and increase charity care and uncompensated care. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange also began a presentation on expiring federal ACA premium tax credits and the state’s Cascade Care Savings program, warning that coverage affordability for exchange customers could be affected if federal enhancements are not extended.

Transcript Highlights:

• some operating services increases, primarily driven by inflation and other changes.
• Our staffing remains about...” “...the same, 26 full-time positions, with no requesting increases.
• Our staffing remains about the same, 26 full-time positions, with no requested increases.
• Our funded ratio consistently increased. As of last year, funded ratio reached 84.3%.
• This increase has been accounted for in the original RFP, so it was anticipated. That is correct.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget met on February 19, 2026, and first received unchanged fiscal status and five-year baseline budget reports from the Office of Planning and Budget; the fiscal status statement was approved without objection, and the baseline budget required no action. The committee then approved a request from Facility Planning and Control to add five higher education deferred maintenance projects to the eligible list under Act 751, and reviewed four change orders over $50,000 for informational purposes only. Members approved the Louisiana Lottery Corporation’s fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget after testimony highlighted projected gross revenue of $610 million, 29 years without legislative auditor findings, and continued support for the MFP. The committee also approved, en bloc, the operating budgets for LASERS, the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana, the School Employees’ Retirement System, and the State Police Retirement System. Retirement officials described modest budget increases or decreases, strong investment performance, and ongoing efforts to reduce unfunded liabilities; members discussed the impact of surplus payments toward UAL debt and the possibility of future COLAs, including a 2% COLA if the legislature reaches the required two-thirds vote. The committee approved payment of $20,262.32 in prior-year deputy sheriff supplemental pay expenditures from the current-year budget. It also approved several legislative intent clarifications for prior appropriations, including changes involving Tangipahoa Parish, Harahan, Allen Parish, Morgan City, and DeSoto Parish School System-related funding. In addition, the Water Sector Commission’s recommendation for $2.8 million in additional funding for four ongoing water and sewer projects was approved. The remaining items were reviewed without action: an RTI International contract extension for DEQ air-quality filter weighing, amendments to four Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism marketing contracts to extend and supplement funding, and the fifth-year amendment to the Office of Risk Management’s Sedgwick claims administration contract, valued at $21.1 million. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> follow the model code and increase follow the model code and increase steadily<00:19:02.640><c>
• ><c> to</c> steadily increase what we're trying to steadily increase what we're trying to do<00:19:04.240
• So that is a one-time increase.
• Thank you. ...would increase between $351 and $556. So that is a one-time increase.
• </c><00:35:35.920><c> on</c> about the not seeing an increase on about the not seeing an increase on

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh that will increase uh their debt.
• </c> &gt;&gt; We're increasing our tax rates. &gt;&gt; We're increasing our tax rates.
• We know that increase that's 5%.
• </c><00:42:45.040><c> with</c> want to see this tax increase with want to see this tax increase with
• So VLT revenue is increasing.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have seen participation in CCAP programs in particular increase significantly in recent years.
• And that number is increasing.
• We are very supportive of the Governor's proposal to increase the base rate. That is helpful.
• As you heard today, identification rates in special education have increased significantly.
• a 67% increase in students with autism.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in 2025, we just increased the rate.
• The income threshold adjustments are increased by 10% each.
• The income threshold adjustments are increased by 10% each.
• by $2 million, and increased by $6.1 million in the 2931 bion.
• That means an increased property tax. That means an increased property tax.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This increase of hearings will result in an increase of the fiscal note. So it can't be zero.
• If this is going to increase hearings, If this is going to increase hearings, it increases the cost to
• , and that increases the cost.
• So there is no increase in case loads.
• So there is no increase in case loads.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So our rates have increased; my cost increased from $8 a month to $75 a month even with the solar system
• So our rates have increased, my cost increased from $8 a month to $75 a month even with the solar system
• Achieving these goals requires an enormous increase in transmission capacity, a 350% increase in transmission
• The TAC has increased over three and a half times since 2009, and we anticipate that it could increase
• The tack has increased over three and a half times since 2009, and we anticipate that it could increase

Summary: The committee first heard AB 13, which would restructure the CPUC to increase legislative oversight, add legislative liaisons, require more detailed and timely reporting on rate-setting decisions, and add a public advocate member. The author and supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and geographic diversity in CPUC decision-making amid rising utility rates. Witnesses from TURN, San Joaquin County, SDG&E, and former CPUC Commissioner Loretta Lynch offered support or support-in-principle, while no opposition testimony was presented. Members generally praised the bill’s transparency goals, and AB 13 passed 10-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then adopted the 2025-2026 committee rules and approved three consent items: AB 61, AB 365, and AB 406. The next bill, AB 99, would cap investor-owned utility rate increases above inflation except for specified costs such as safety, modernization, and fuel/commodity costs. The author and supporters, including a representative of the California Senior Legislature, said the bill was needed to protect ratepayers, especially seniors and low-income customers, from repeated rate hikes. Opposition came from utility labor, utilities, the Chamber of Commerce, and others, who argued the bill was too simplistic, could suppress labor costs, and did not account for major cost drivers such as wildfire mitigation, mandates, and net metering. Several members supported moving the bill forward as a starting point on affordability, while others criticized it as overly blunt. AB 99 passed 11-0 to Appropriations, with the roll left open. The hearing then shifted to an informational panel on strategies to reduce California transmission costs. A Public Advocates Office staffer described a growing backlog of approved-but-unbuilt transmission projects, rising transmission access charges, and long project timelines driven largely by utility pre-application and construction periods. Panelists from Net Zero California and consulting firms presented research suggesting that public financing or public-private partnership lease models could reduce transmission costs by lowering financing, tax, and capital costs, with estimated savings of up to 57% and as much as $123 billion over 40 years. PG&E’s representative said the utility is already pursuing federal loan guarantees, grants, and a public-private partnership with Citizens Energy, but warned that state ownership could create tax, wildfire-liability, and governance risks. Members asked about the CPUC’s role, the causes of delays, and whether public financing could complement existing competitive solicitation processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:40.639><c> of</c> year road fund appropriation increase of year road fund appropriation increase
• inflationary increase.
• </c><00:19:10.960><c> for</c> about our request for an increase for about our request for an increase
• </c><00:42:27.119><c> and</c> because of these natural increases. and because of these natural increases
• </c> addressing that uh that cost increase addressing that uh that cost increase that<00:42:33.280><c

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Some examples of cost increases in out-of-home care are as a result of per diem increases that occurred
• </c> result of per diem increases that result of per diem increases that occurred<00:12:36.720><c> in
• increased our budget increased our budget while<00:27:34.320><c> we</c><00:27:34.480><c> close</c><00
• So, that increase, long-winded way to get to that increase, yes, will apply to those programs.
• That increase, long-winded way to get to that increase, yes, will apply to those programs. >> Okay. >

Transcript Highlights:

• We are seeing an increase in students going to community colleges.
• We are seeing an increase in students going to community colleges.
• We are seeing an increase in students going to community colleges.
• We are seeing an increase in students going to community colleges.
• This would increase that by 16.

Summary: The Emergency Board met on June 17, 2026, and approved a series of subcommittee recommendations, mostly on consent, related to federal grant applications, agency funding adjustments, and position authority. Early actions included approval of four federal grant applications from natural resources agencies, three public safety grant applications, a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, retroactive approval for an AmeriCorps volunteer-generation grant, and a $7.5 million allocation to Southern Oregon University from a special appropriation for short-term financial stability. Members supporting the SOU item emphasized the university’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and the need for a long-term higher education plan; several members voted no or raised concerns about sustainability, but the motion passed. The board also approved a federal apprenticeship expansion grant for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a school nutrition equipment grant for the Department of Education, and an Oregon Health Authority request tied to Medicaid community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Public safety items included funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a report on the stalled juvenile justice information system modernization project with a follow-up viability report due in 2026, and a statewide evacuation planning tool for emergency management. The evacuation tool drew strong support as a wildfire preparedness measure, with members noting it could significantly reduce alert times and save lives. A major point of debate was the Department of Justice request to add 16 permanent positions and increase other funds limitation for antitrust enforcement. Supporters argued the federal government has pulled back and Oregon needs capacity to pursue active cases and protect consumers; opponents objected to the process, the size of the expansion, and the incentive structure tied to settlements and awards. Despite those concerns, the motion passed. The board also approved Water Resources Department requests for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement program, an assistant water master position in Washington County, and federal funding for Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater data collection. The water master item prompted questions about county cost shifts, but staff said the position would remain externally funded and would not be filled without those resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so why aren't we increasing that number to something that's larger?
• Is it increasing it by 5% over the next five years?
• Oh, I think we can increase it by at least 10% over the next five years.
• </c><00:18:54.720><c> the</c> well we are committed to increasing the well we are committed to increasing
• </c> stay in Hawaii if we want to increase stay in Hawaii if we want to increase the<00:19:34.080><c>

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education heard Senate Bill 101, which would require University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine graduates who paid in-state tuition to serve as physicians in Hawaiʻi for at least two years after residency or fellowship, beginning with the class of 2029. The Deputy Attorney General said the bill addressed a matter of statewide concern. JABSOM Dean Sam Shoemaker testified in opposition, arguing the school already uses scholarships, loan repayment, and other incentives, and that the strongest predictor of where physicians practice is where they complete residency; he said the school is working to expand residency slots, neighbor-island training, and class size. Supporters argued the state faces a severe physician shortage and should do more to ensure publicly subsidized students remain in Hawaiʻi. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including a statewide concern statement, and deferred the measure to July 31, 2025; the vote was adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 19, which creates funds to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program on Maui. University of Hawaiʻi and nursing workforce representatives testified in support, saying there is ample capacity on Maui and strong demand for higher nursing education. Members discussed the broader nursing pathway, including existing associate and bachelor’s programs at UH campuses and the need to improve access for Maui and nearby communities. The measure was moved to decision-making and adopted with amendments and a deferred date. Senate Bill 637, appropriating funds for various University of Hawaiʻi nursing programs, also received support from UH nursing leaders, who said the funding would support the final phase of the West Oʻahu-Manoa collaboration and an online RN-to-BS program. The Hawaiʻi State Center for Nursing said its research showed capacity and demand for these programs. The committee recommended amendments to blank out appropriation amounts for the committee report and deferred the measure, then adopted it. The committee also adopted Senate Bill 741, which establishes an external audit committee within the UH Board of Regents, and deferred or amended several other measures, including a wastewater technology pilot program, a coconut rhinoceros beetle response program, and a climate-resilient development appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has led to an increase in turnover and vacancies.
• The remaining $122,000 is to increase our OPS staff.
• And we ask that you increase hearing officer pay by 17%.
• And we'll just be asking for incremental increases over time.
• Six million is recommended for operational cost increases.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:

• During that same time, the expectations, responsibilities, and complexity of elections have increased
• Simply put, the responsibilities have increased, but the pay has not.
• House Bill 205 is not just about increasing pay. It's about sustaining that standard.
• I respectfully ask for your support in increasing election commissioner pay.
• I respectfully ask for your support in increasing election commissioner pay. Thank you.

Bills: HB65 , HB67 , HB73 , HB205 , HB225 , HB339 , HB550

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: sexual harassment, public employees, training requirements, mandatory education, elected officials, public records, personal information, protected individuals, ethics, transparency, public meetings, voting, electronic voting machine, government accountability, term limits, governor, Louisiana constitution, elections, gubernatorial, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> directly I'd like to see some increases directly I'd like to see some increases in<00:24:09.200>
• </c> address them we in we aim to increase address them we in we aim to increase the<01:32:39.600><c>
• We're just seeing increased needs there.
• We're just seeing increased needs there.
• We're just seeing increased needs there.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this is a federally increase.
• Line 34 is a increase tied to it.
• </c> the PCA, the air appropriation increase. the PCA, the air appropriation increase.
• fee increase for some of the operating increases in the parks division.
• Line 101 is the increase from the water management account tied to the fee increase.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we protected cuts to non-public education, and not a single Minnesota family saw tax increases.
• </c><00:02:50.080><c> unbelievably</c> because they were increased unbelievably because they were increased
• </c> was a chance of maybe even increasing was a chance of maybe even increasing our<00:02:58.920><c>
• previous 2 years hiking taxes and proposing more and more tax increases.
• And then this session, we increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rent increase notices under the MHLTA must be served in the same manner as required for Rent increase
• When operating costs increase, those costs don't disappear.
• Rent increase notice. This bill only fixes one piece of the puzzle.
• It's not necessary in serving rent increase notices.
• At Widener, our postage costs increased 113% last year.

Bills: HB1974 , HB2265 , HB2452

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: land bank, land banking authority, affordable housing, housing crisis, housing supply, public corporation, public housing authority, nonprofit housing, tax-foreclosed property, blight remediation, redevelopment, anti-displacement, equity, redlining, racial segregation, deed restriction, affordability covenant, property tax exemption, excise tax exemption, predevelopment