Transcript Highlights:

• fees for solid waste services.
• And what I mean by that... that is, let's say, a trash service, you have a trash service that's, let's
• more of these services.
• This allows individual accounts and businesses to be serviced by separate contracts. with private service
• providers for the excluded services.

Bills: HB5057 , HB4519 , HB5033 , HB3997 , HB 1237 , HB1904 , HB4400 , HB 1227

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: solid waste management, exclusive contracts, public agency, contract amendment, notification requirements, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, TERP, air quality, emissions reduction, clean fleet, alternative fuel, natural gas vehicles, hydrogen fuel, hydrogen infrastructure, diesel replacement, fleet grants, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, clean school buses

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2326 concerns emergency medical service levies.
• used to provide emergency medical care or services.
• And number two, tax levy used to provide emergency medical care or services.
• In this case, most of us rely on emergency medical services as one of the key pieces of government service
• Emotional services and our libraries.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2140 would exempt land sold or transferred to a governmental entity from additional tax when removed from open space classification in certain circumstances. Staff explained the current use property tax system and said the bill would likely have minimal but indeterminate revenue effects, with about $30,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Representative Lowe said the bill was intended to fix a niche problem where a farmer loses a small frontage strip to a county and is then charged back taxes despite no change in land use. FutureWise testified in support of the bill’s intent but asked for small language changes to ensure transferred land remains compatible with agricultural or open space use. The public hearing on HB 2140 was then closed. HB 2326 would allow a fire protection district that is partially overlapped by another district’s EMS levy to impose its own levy on the portion not already covered, subject to voter approval in the affected area. Staff said the bill would have no state general fund impact and about $28,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Fire district and fire chief representatives testified in support, describing situations in Clark County and Kittitas County where most residents cannot vote on an EMS levy because a small overlapping area already has one. Opponents, including Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill would add to property tax burdens. The hearing on HB 2326 then closed. HB 2334 would require rounding of cash transactions to the nearest five cents as pennies are phased out of circulation, while leaving non-cash payments unchanged. Staff said the bill would apply to the final total after taxes and fees, with an indeterminate but minimal state revenue impact and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The prime sponsor said the bill was needed because the federal government ended penny production without giving states guidance. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the concept but requested amendments for clarity, consumer protection, SNAP compliance, and flexibility while pennies remain in circulation; one witness opposed the bill as another tax burden. The hearing on HB 2334 was then closed. The committee then heard HB 2100, a proposed statewide payroll expense tax on large operating companies to fund a new Well Washington Fund for higher education, health care, cash assistance, energy, and housing. Staff said the proposed substitute would apply to employers with at least 250 employees and $7 million in annual payroll, exclude certain public and health care entities, and generate substantial revenue, with the fiscal note estimating about $7.6 billion to the general fund and $4.2 billion to the new fund in the 2027–29 biennium under the revised threshold. Supporters, including poverty, housing, labor, education, disability, and faith advocates, said the bill would help offset federal cuts and protect vulnerable residents. Business, retail, hospitality, construction, and technology groups opposed it, warning of job losses, higher costs, reduced competitiveness, and broader impacts on consumers and employers. The prime sponsor said the bill was a response to federal divestment and that the state needed a progressive revenue source now; no vote was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This new technology allows electric customers to access affordable clean energy and helps take control
• These systems are a type of technology that allow users to directly access affordable, clean energy,
• Well, I just thank the committee for its past public service and its insight on understanding what this
• Intercity Law Center is the only nonprofit legal services fighter based in Skid Row and downtown Los
• Intercity Law Center is the only nonprofit legal services provider based in Skid Row and downtown Los

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• VRS services, as I mentioned, vocational rehab services and IPS services.
• > services.
• </c><00:07:55.520><c> A</c><00:07:55.680><c> lot</c> rehab services and IPS services.
• A lot rehab services and IPS services.
• </c> get housing services and so much more. get housing services and so much more.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What it does is it simply limits facility fees on a narrow set of routine services.
• The response was both: if it is a preventive health care service, telehealth, or a vaccination service
• Businesses need certainty around installation of systems and technology like this.
• As a direct service provider, we know that diversion and prevention work.
• They looked at, you know, if there are any services they could provide me.

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:36.480><c> contracts</c> And so because these service contracts And so because these service
• </c><00:34:04.720><c> I</c><00:34:05.120><c> I</c> uh there are technologies.
• I I uh there are technologies.
• </c><00:39:42.960><c> So</c> benefits or contractual services. So benefits or contractual services.
• That would for contractual services.

Bills: HB0120

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• represented by amassing power for ourselves alone or our in-group, but by giving of ourselves in service
• Natural Resource Conservation Service of USDA.
• She started in 2015 as the clerk of the court and implemented electronic service of court filings.
• Additional service is provided to Mora County. And Farmington. What this bill will do, Mr.
• This is monthly, or it could go up to a year because technology takes a lot.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this shortage has led to delays in transcription services and case backlogs.
• And digital technologies available in the marketplace.
• So along those lines, if we think about the technology and how it's done today, a CSR, a certified shorthand
• record in Texas have a court reporter, or are there some that are using recording devices or other technology
• Appreciate your service, Mr. Chairman.

Committee: Senate Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• And how this came about: I deal with a number of lenders, but Service Credit Union lends in many states
• So when Service Credit Union approached me, the practical effect being you can drop a down payment if
• see more and more of these types of investments because they pay for themselves, because these technologies
• see more and more of these types of investments because they pay for themselves, because these technologies
• have gotten so good uh technologies have gotten so good uh particularly<00:17:32.400><c> over</c><00

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Medical Services Division accounts for costs paid to a private medical service provider for Idaho
• Services.
• Services.
• For the switches that were recommended for replacement by the Office of Information Technology Services
• Substance abuse services provides treatment services for children and adults as it relates to substance

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of Idaho Department of Corrections budget supplementals and FY 2027 enhancement requests. Members approved supplemental or ongoing funding for Hepatitis C treatment authority, county and out-of-state placement costs, medical services, management services replacement items and IT hardware, state prisons replacement items, and community corrections replacement items, with several motions passing by due pass recommendation after roll calls. In community corrections, the committee approved a reduced amount that excluded some vehicle replacements. The committee also approved a technical correction to the college and university budget to restore four FTP that had been omitted from yesterday’s motion. The committee then considered several Department of Health and Welfare items. It approved a budget-neutral fund source change for substance abuse treatment and prevention, moving $650,000 from the Liquor Control Fund to the Cooperative Welfare Dedicated Fund. In the Division of Welfare, members discussed SNAP administrative cost changes tied to H.R. 1, Medicaid expansion work requirements, and Medicaid eligibility system changes; the motion to fund all three items failed in the House committee, so no language advanced. The committee also approved psychiatric hospitalization supplemental funding to shift Idaho Behavioral Health Plan revenue from federal funds to dedicated funds. For FY 2027 mental health services, the committee approved a compromise package that reduced funding for a juvenile corrections clinical transfer and restored some mental health services staffing and Idaho Behavioral Health Plan costs, while adding Allenbaugh House funding through opioid settlement dollars. It also adopted language allowing certain transfers under state law and requiring separate reporting for children’s and adult mental health spending under the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan. For psychiatric hospitalization, the committee approved ongoing fund shifts for employee benefits, the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan, replacement items, and endowment fund adjustments. The meeting ended with notice of upcoming budget-setting work and a reminder for members to get any new motions to staff by early afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been working in this space for over a decade now and have contributed much to this technology and
• We sell this technology here in the state of Hawaii. We are a local company.
• I just wanted to say that this technology is gamechanging, and in fact the Hawaii Emergency Management
• is gamechanging and in in technology is gamechanging and in in fact<00:04:54.880><c> that</c><00:04:
• In the State of Florida, they have tax incentives for this type of technology.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025. The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations. The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:14.080><c> service</c><00:31:14.399><c> or</c><00:31:14.640><c> a</c> information service or a
• </c> hours of service that you put in for us. hours of service that you put in for us.
• </c> that clear in their terms of service. that clear in their terms of service.
• > service</c><00:43:40.560><c> is</c> service or telecommunication service is service or telecommunication
• ><c> as</c> service or telecommunication service as service or telecommunication service as defined<00

Bills: HB0076 , HB0102 , HB0115

Committee: House Education

Keywords: annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, cardiac emergency, defibrillator, school safety, training, public health, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , in addition to a service-connected disability.
• disabled veterans and current service members.
• by removing wartime and qualifying service date requirements.
• Forest Service manages three different forests.
• That’s only 33% funded to meet its mission level of service.”

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to parks, wildlife, water, and veterans. AB 1592 would authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to partner with the California Indian Heritage Center support organization; supporters said it would help move the long-planned center forward with Native-led governance. AB 2216 would expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area and update its authority to better support watershed-scale conservation, climate resilience, workforce, tribal grants, and related projects. AB 1702 would expand state parks access for veterans, National Guard, reservists, and active duty service members by broadening eligibility for the Distinguished Veterans Pass and creating a discounted parks pass. AB 1673 would allow county fish and game commissions to use certain revenues to reimburse sheriffs for fish and wildlife enforcement and wildlife-conflict prevention, especially in rural counties with limited state enforcement presence. The committee also considered AB 1912, which would allow archery deer hunters to carry concealed firearms while hunting, aligning deer hunting rules with those already in place for other big game archery hunts. Supporters argued it would improve hunter safety in remote areas without harming wildlife enforcement, while opponents were not present. AB 1987 would dedicate revenues generated from state wildlife areas back to those areas for operations, maintenance, and habitat management; supporters said the areas are underfunded and need a stable funding source. All of these bills received due pass recommendations and were later approved by the committee, with AB 2216 passing 11-1 and the others passing 12-0. The most contested measure was AB 2630, which would give the State Water Resources Control Board emergency-style authority to make measurement and reporting changes for water diversions and use, with a five-year sunset. The author and supporters said the board needs flexibility to update the CalWATRS reporting system quickly as technology and conditions change. Water agencies, farm groups, and business groups opposed the bill, arguing it would bypass public input and could allow repeated emergency regulations affecting compliance and operations. After extended debate, the committee passed AB 2630 on an 8-4 vote. The committee also approved two consent items, AB 1804 and AB 2260, both unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• , in addition to a service-connected disability.
• disabled veterans and current service members.
• by removing wartime and qualifying service date requirements.
• Forest Service manages three different forests.
• That’s only 33% funded to meet its mission level of service.”

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are humbled by the gift of service to this great home of ours, New Mexico.
• think that there are incredible gifts that kind of emanate out of this building, and democracy and service
• There's a certificate of recognition for family and consumer services that Senator Harmeo will do, and
• Senator Hermio, certificate of recognition for family and consumer services.
• To date, they've collectively put in 1,428 hours of community service.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• basically three divisions, two of which were legislatively created: EDGE and CORE, and then shared services
• that, and then we've had a lot of leadership change: new cabinet secretary, new CEO, new chief technology
• grants management system that just went live; that will reduce some costs and also provide better service
• Our values include professionalism, accountability, integrity, service, creativity, and collaboration
• We partnered with OMES for shared services for a chief technology officer, saving $30,000 annually.

Committee: House A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on its FY26 priorities, recent performance, and budget requests. Commerce said it had helped announce about 8,000 direct jobs and nearly $14 billion in investment year-to-date, while noting challenges such as tariffs, workforce recruitment, staffing/FTE management, and the condition of its 100-year-old office building. The agency highlighted projects and initiatives including a new Taiwan trade office, Route 66 Centennial planning, the National Main Street conference in Tulsa, Olympic-related coordination, census outreach, and continued improvements to its grants and CRM systems. Requested funding included $8.3 million for building repairs or relocation planning, census support, $300,000 for EDGE, $135,000 for IT/cybersecurity upgrades, $250,000 for the Taiwan office, and additional support for Head Start, senior nutrition, and the Strategic Air and Space Commission. Members asked about the meaning of the investment totals, the building condition, delays in senior nutrition distributions, and staffing vacancies; Commerce said the investment figures reflected formal company capital announcements, the building had significant facade and roof damage, delays were due to multiple contracting layers, and several open positions were expected to be filled soon. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department then presented its FY26 budget and goals. New director Amy Blackburn and special advisor Sterling Zearley said the department oversees 38 state parks, six lodges, seven golf courses, and nine travel information centers, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance. They reported savings from bringing marketing and tracking functions in-house and from shared services, but said the department faces more than $271 million in deferred maintenance needs, staffing shortages, and connectivity problems at parks. Their goals include increasing park visitation to 10.2 million, raising occupancy to 36%, and growing travel to Oklahoma, with major marketing tied to the Route 66 Centennial, America 250, the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and other events. The department also discussed a request to raise its purchasing exemption cap from $25,000 to $75,000, a possible TravelOK.com redesign, and efforts to improve restaurant operations at lodges through a new RFP structure. Members questioned the apportionment cap, the size and timing of deferred maintenance requests, park revenue, and the use of parking pass funds; tourism said annual park-related revenue is about $32 million to $34 million and parking pass revenue is about $2.5 million. Finally, the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority presented its budget request and program updates. The authority said it supports the veterinary teaching hospital and related student training, and that its FY26 budget is entirely state-appropriated. It requested continued support for hospital operations, the large animal scholarship program, and a new $12.5 million annual payment tied to the $250 million Legacy Capital Fund authorization for the veterinary teaching hospital, along with additional funding to expand in-state enrollment. Officials said in-state enrollment had increased from 58 to 69 students after prior funding, with a goal of reaching 90 of 106 total seats, and that there were 195 in-state applicants this year. Members asked whether standards would be lowered; the authority said academic standards would not change and noted strong board-pass rates and retention outcomes. It also said accreditation concerns tied to faculty shortages and off-site teaching had been addressed by bringing students back to the main campus and improving staffing. The committee ended by thanking the presenters and announcing its next meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee has already considered and passed a bill written by Amazon Data Services for an exemption
• This committee has already considered and passed a bill written by Amazon Data Services for an exemption
• Amazon Data Services for an exemption from the certificate of need process before our state has had any
• Data centers will be critical infrastructure for the innovative technologies of the future, and innovation
• Data centers will be critical infrastructure for the innovative technologies of the future, and innovation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These are critical safety net services. These are critical safety net services.
• The program doesn't fund those services, those in-home services.
• have social service background.
• services and employee benefits.
• All right, I am the service agency for them. The biggest thing, I am the service agency for them.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard an Aging and Long-Term Services Department budget presentation comparing the LFC and executive recommendations. The main differences were in the Aging Network, Adult Protective Services, Program Support, and Long-Term Care Division, especially the executive’s proposed $10 million infusion into the Kiki Savadra Senior Dignity Fund and $6.2 million for expanding New Mexico Care. LFC staff explained that the committee recommendation was lower in general fund and fund-balance use, while the executive emphasized rising senior population needs, meal and transportation costs, and the cost savings of keeping older adults at home. The secretary also reviewed the department’s special requests, including the conference on aging, outreach, emergency preparedness, and the Kiki fund, and described New Mexico Care’s growth, its evaluation results, and the department’s plan to separate Kiki into its own accounting fund. Members largely focused on senior services, rural meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and the Kiki fund. Several members urged stronger support for non-metro aging providers and for New Mexico Care, citing its role in keeping seniors out of nursing homes and the program’s reported savings and outcomes. Questions also covered eligibility, background checks for caregivers, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer’s screening, and whether Kiki funds can support home modifications such as ramps. The committee then voted to adopt the LFC recommendation with one executive language change: adding the executive’s page 14 language allowing an additional 12.5% distribution for initial payments to aging network providers at the start of FY27. Representative Dow opposed the motion. The committee then moved to the Attorney General’s budget. LFC staff explained that the office’s budget relies heavily on the Consumer Settlement Fund, with both recommendations reducing general fund revenue while increasing settlement-fund use, and that performance measures were in consensus. The Attorney General said the office was not seeking more general fund, but wanted greater ability to use funds it recovers. He highlighted major consumer and public safety work, including litigation against major social media and AI platforms, a case involving Snapchat and child exploitation/extortion, the statewide crime gun intelligence center, efforts to address oilfield theft, work on missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and efforts to protect federal funds coming into New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:44:00.400><c> within</c> providers that provide services within providers that provide services
• </c> with this technology. with this technology.
• They do a technology.
• ,</c><01:43:11.760><c> not</c> for direct public services, not for direct public services, not membership
• ,</c><02:24:57.439><c> not</c> safety, and essential services, not safety, and essential services, not

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's really all about technology from this point forward.
• But it's really all about technology from this point forward.
• , IT, Job Service.
• Going into Health and Human Services, just a couple of items here.
• Going into health and human services, just a couple of items here.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.