Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in the current budget biennium, the request went significantly down from 2024.
• </c><00:09:22.640><c> request</c><00:09:23.040><c> with</c> most recent um budget request with most recent
• um budget request with regards<00:09:23.600><c> to</c><00:09:23.760><c> contributions</c><00:09:24.480
• ><00:09:51.360><c> request</c><00:09:51.760><c> went</c> budget bienium um the request went budget bienium
• Um leading up to the the bianial budget.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:01 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:26 Approval of Minutes: 00:02:27 Investment, Cash Flow, and Legislative Update: Bo Cracraft – Judicial Form Retirement System: 00:03:12 Ryan Barrow – Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:21:52 Beau Barnes – Teachers’ Retirement System: 00:34:31 Adjournment: 01:07:25, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum and approval of the prior minutes. A special guest, Dave Eager, was welcomed before the committee moved to presentations from retirement system officials. Bo Craycraft, executive director of the Judicial Form Retirement System, gave a quarterly update on investment performance, asset allocation, and cash flow. He said the plans had held up well amid market volatility, with fiscal year-to-date returns above benchmark and long-term returns remaining strong. He explained that the plans are targeted to a 70% equity/30% fixed-income allocation, that some cash is being held for cash-flow management, and that negative cash flow is expected because of funding and contribution levels. He also said Senate Bill 183, dealing with proxy voting and economic analysis for certain votes, was not expected to materially affect the plans because of their small number of holdings and Bear Trust’s long-term investment approach. Ryan Barrow and Erin Surrod then presented for the Kentucky Pension Authority. They reported positive quarterly performance across the retirement and insurance funds, though results varied by period and remained tied to broader market conditions. They said recent asset-allocation changes had been completed and the funds were now within target ranges. On cash flow, they noted some plans remained negative or near zero, with one plan benefiting from a large appropriation. In the legislative update, they described House Bill 30 as codifying an exclusion from pension-spiking calculations for across-the-board raises, and Senate Bill 10 as increasing retiree health insurance subsidies and changing employee health insurance contribution rules for certain CERS members beginning in 2026. They also said Senate Bill 183 would likely have limited impact, though the agency would review voting policies and incorporate any required economic-analysis procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• in us doing a deep dive on, please reach out to me or my staff and we'd be happy to help you put a request
• Study requesters were concerned about the rapid growth, substantial state funding because of the size
• Study requesters were concerned with the school's performance on standardized testing, and we looked
• I would request to come back... ...and just general information between public, charters, virtual.
• At the same time, I have to say, you know, just in closing, because we are in a tight budget year, and

Summary: The committee first approved the January 26 minutes by voice vote, then was reminded to review draft rules in their folders and on their drives, with rules expected to be taken up the following week. The main presentation was from the Office of Performance Evaluations on the Idaho Home Learning Academy (ILA), a district-authorized virtual public charter school based in Malad City that serves students statewide and has grown rapidly since the pandemic. OPE described ILA’s model, including its use of three education service providers, part-time certified teachers, and supplemental learning funds for families to buy curriculum, technology, and enrichment. The report found that ILA students generally lag the state average on standardized tests, though their achievement gaps are similar to other large virtual schools. OPE also said most instruction is asynchronous and parent-led at home, and that many families choose ILA for customization and access to supplemental funds; in a survey, 71% said they would leave ILA if those funds were eliminated. The second part of the presentation focused on virtual school funding. OPE said ILA uses existing state funding formulas in ways that create large discretionary balances, including through staffing, health benefits, and attendance rules, and that it paid $12.5 million in supplemental learning funds through its providers in 2024-25. OPE raised concerns about inconsistent provider policies, limited oversight, and unclear statutory guidance for virtual schools, and recommended clearer rules for supplemental funds and a funding framework tailored to virtual education. Committee members asked about per-student costs, dual enrollment, testing integrity, private providers’ finances, and whether students can use ILA without paying supplemental fees; ILA representatives said the school provides a free base curriculum, follows state testing rules, and is working on improvements and forthcoming legislation to increase accountability and transparency. No formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• that the Senate has passed Senate Bill 1, Senate Bill 2 as amended, Senate Bill 3 as amended, and request
• of a watershed district within the soil and water conservation district's boundaries. ...upon request
• funding from the Government Results and Opportunity Expendable Trust to the Director of the State Budget
• This has been a big fiscal lift this year as we have a sort of a tighter budget, but in order to support
• Any request must be received by Legislative Council Service by 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, and then

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• County that gets zero funding from the budget.
• Speaker, I request permission to explain my vote. Please proceed.
• Marquez's subfloor amendment, and I request a roll call. I also request a roll call.
• A roll call vote has been requested.
• The Chair requested this. Explanation.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum as Doctor of the Day, Lutheran Day at the Legislature, a veterans treatment court judge, and Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first/second readings before beginning a long third-reading calendar. Members considered and voted on a wide range of bills covering tax administration, groundwater and water rights, licensing timeframes, homicide, school employee transparency, mining, retirement system cleanup, utility regulation, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, veterinary board changes, geological survey reorganization, court fees, real estate licensing, probation, and several education-related appropriations and policy measures. Many bills passed on largely party-line votes, while others passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. Several members explained votes on issues such as superintendent contract transparency, ESA administration funding, mining reclamation, water supply and drought policy, motorcycle safety, AI and adult-content verification, and abortion-pill coercion. The House also passed multiple concurrent resolutions and memorials, including measures on election administration, Judea and Samaria, Route 66, and a memorial to rename State Route 69. Election-related debate was especially pointed, with supporters arguing for precinct-based voting and opponents warning of cost, reduced access, and logistical burdens. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of measures on Calendar No. 1, starting with HB 2174 and related amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• But nevertheless, the current president as a candidate requested that Republicans in the U.S.
• requested that Republicans in the US Congress vote against that, uh, increase in funding, correct?
• But at the same time, we still have, as was exhibited by our budget which we just...
• I think what we’re certainly in the budget...” passed the other day, we still have to hold the line until
• I think what we're certainly in the budget, The thing that’s on my mind is, you know, what happens on

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met to consider SCR 39, authored by Senator Creighton, which urges the federal government to take immediate action on border security and calls for Texas to be reimbursed for roughly $11 billion spent on border-related efforts. Creighton argued the federal government has failed to secure the border, leading to illegal crossings, fentanyl trafficking, and the need for Texas to step in through Operation Lone Star. A DPS chief financial officer was present as a resource witness, though no public testimony was taken. Several senators spoke in support of the resolution while also noting broader context. Senator Hinojosa of Nueces said border security has been neglected by multiple administrations, not just the Biden administration, but supported the measure and emphasized the need for lawful immigration and border enforcement. Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo and Senator Flores also supported the resolution, highlighting cartel activity, trade impacts, and Texas’s role in maintaining border integrity. Senator Eckhardt questioned the author about what specific federal actions were meant by “immediate action,” and Creighton pointed to more staffing, better radio interoperability, stronger drug interdiction, and renewed federal responsibility for wall construction and enforcement. After questions and discussion, public testimony was closed. Senator Flores moved that SCR 39 be favorably recommended to the full Senate, and the committee approved the motion by a vote of 4 ayes and 1 nay. The chair then announced that SB 36, creating a border security division within DPS, would be the committee’s primary focus at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• A fiscal note has been requested but is not yet available. I'd be glad to take questions.
• A fiscal note was requested but is not yet available. That concludes my presentation.
• I don't want to spend property tax dollars out of my budget so that they can sit on their phone for a
• A fiscal note was requested, but is not yet available. That concludes my presentation.
• So I would request to amend the bill to support statewide evidence-based restrictions at school.

Bills: SB6192, SB6206, SB5346, SB6125, SB5841, SB5907, SB5951

Keywords: education, reading, mathematics, student intervention, instruction, academic standards, child care, first responders, incentives, pilot program, mobile phones, cell phones, smartphones, school phones, classroom distraction, digital citizenship, media literacy, internet safety, cyberbullying, student mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• do we support school districts with the resources they have not only within their own funding and budget
• recommendations or additional requirements for schools, especially in the past couple of years as budget
• Callan mentioned earlier, is couched in the budget context that we're in right now.
• This is a budget proviso-funded program that's been around for the last...
• Current budget allocation funds 18 student assistance professionals across 18 school districts serving

Summary: The House Education Committee held a work session on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and its school-based behavioral health and suicide prevention subgroup, followed by a public hearing on House Bill 1634, as amended in a proposed second substitute. Work group leaders Lisa Callan and Tisha Kirschbaum described the group’s statewide, cross-agency structure, its Washington Thriving strategic plan, and the goal of moving toward a more integrated “system of care” for children and youth. They emphasized that behavioral health, physical health, and education are interconnected, that families and schools often face a fragmented system, and that Washington’s youth flourishing outcomes show a need for stronger supports. Committee members raised concerns about regional disparities, rural access, language and cultural responsiveness, and the burden on schools and educators, while the presenters stressed that schools should be supported to identify needs and connect students to outside clinical services rather than carry the full burden themselves. Representative My-Linh Thai and Christian Stark then outlined the school-based subgroup’s work and recommendations. They said the subgroup meets monthly, includes students, parents, educators, providers, and agencies, and has focused on prevention, early identification, early intervention, and crisis response in schools. For the 2026 session, the subgroup recommended maintaining current investments in school behavioral health programs, strengthening statewide guidance on school behavioral health, and creating a coordinated technical assistance and training network for schools. They explained that the proposed substitute for HB 1634 would direct OSPI and the educational service districts to work with behavioral health agencies and community partners to conduct a needs assessment, map resources, and build a statewide framework for technical assistance and training, with public posting required by August 1, 2027. Testimony in support came from school staff, OSPI, behavioral health professionals, students, parents, and advocacy groups, who described high student anxiety, suicide risk, staffing shortages, and the need for coordinated, accessible supports. One witness from a psychiatric watchdog group opposed the bill, arguing it could increase labeling and drugging rather than holistic care. No vote was taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure who requested, but it doesn't really matter. It's a fiscal note.
• I also, unfortunately, don't know when it was requested.
• They are not at liberty to refuse such requests.
• votes that I had no voice in the budget, and of course, to our Republican colleagues, either.
• She said she knows this is a budget request and she knows how the budget works.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2134, which would create the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act to bar state and critical infrastructure entities from contracting with the People’s Republic of China or Chinese companies for access to Arizona critical infrastructure, and to prohibit Chinese-produced software in critical infrastructure. The sponsor and a witness from State Armor argued the bill was needed to reduce cyber and sabotage risks and to align Arizona policy with national security concerns. Some members questioned costs, overlap with federal law, and the Corporation Commission’s capacity, but the bill was approved on a 6-4 vote for a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 2051, which would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to federal approval, to cover breastfeeding and lactation care services and, under a proposed amendment, create a voluntary state certification for lactation care providers through the Department of Health Services. Testimony from lactation consultants, maternal health advocates, and researchers emphasized improved maternal and infant outcomes, access gaps for Medicaid families, and potential cost savings. AHCCCS and ADHS were neutral but noted implementation costs and the need for CMS approval; the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a 9-0 due pass recommendation. House Bill 2700 would establish a 15-member technology-first study committee focused on assistive technology for people with disabilities, with an amendment adding appointments by legislative minority leaders. Supporters said the committee would help Arizona catch up on assistive technology, improve independence, and address staffing shortages and aging-population needs. The committee discussed the amendment and then approved the bill 9-0. House Bill 2800, which would increase penalties for knowingly lending a vehicle to a person with a DUI-related driving restriction if that person later causes serious injury or death, drew extensive debate over whether the felony penalty was too broad; the sponsor and family members of a victim supported it as a targeted deterrent, while some members raised due process and knowledge concerns. It passed 9-1. House Bill 2114, which would use motorcycle safety fund money for scholarships for rural and low-income riders and require at least one registered owner to have a Class M license before a motorcycle registration is issued, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, motorcycle advocates, and safety supporters; members noted a possible wording issue with existing endorsements, but the bill passed 10-0. The committee also took up House Bill 2127, a large special-plates bill that had been expanded into an omnibus measure; after discussion of a Kavanaugh amendment removing a duplicate Grand Canyon plate and withdrawal of an Alston amendment, the committee adopted the Kavanaugh amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• A request to the Department of Education for a waiver from that requirement as well.
• I'm actually not sure whether that was approved waivers or submitted requests for waivers. Okay.
• So lack of credentialed art teachers, competing priorities, and some budgets.
• More flexibility was a request that we heard around that 80-20.
• Our budget is about $11 million annually.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism and the Assembly Education Committee held a joint informational hearing on implementation of Proposition 28, the 2022 voter-approved arts education funding measure. Chairs emphasized the goal of understanding how the roughly $900 million to nearly $1.1 billion annual funding stream is being used, whether it is supplementing rather than supplanting existing arts programs, and what reporting or guidance improvements may be needed. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reviewed the basic structure of Prop 28: funds are distributed 70% by enrollment and 30% by low-income student counts, 80% must generally be spent on staffing, districts may use up to 1% for administration, and annual local reports and audits are required. Members pressed the LAO on waivers, spending timelines, and whether smaller or rural districts face different challenges; the LAO said some waivers have been issued and that districts have three years to spend each allocation, but statewide data remain limited. WestEd, Create California, and the California County Superintendents described early implementation findings and concerns. Their testimony said schools are using funds for arts materials, staffing, expanded instruction, and field trips, and that many respondents saw positive effects on student access and engagement. At the same time, they reported confusion about allowable uses, supplement-versus-supplant rules, and the 80/20 staffing requirement, along with shortages of credentialed arts teachers and uneven access across districts. Create California argued that Prop 28 has generated optimism but also uncertainty, especially for community arts organizations that have seen reduced contracts as districts bring services in-house. County superintendents and researchers called for clearer statutory guidance, stronger technical assistance, better statewide data, and more support for teacher credentialing pathways. District and county officials then described local implementation. Long Beach Unified said it moved quickly to full implementation, using Prop 28 to expand elementary and secondary arts offerings, hire 56 certificated staff and more than 120 classified coaches, and develop a five-year arts strategic plan tied to equity goals. Butte County and other rural representatives said Prop 28 has enabled restored or expanded programs, including arts teachers, theater, and music offerings, but rural districts still struggle to recruit credentialed staff and to make small allocations workable across large distances. The California Music Educators Association echoed those themes, saying members report both new positions and supplies as well as confusion, fear of audit findings, and inconsistent district guidance. Committee members asked about arts definitions, credentialing, rural pooling of funds, and out-of-state teacher credentials; witnesses said media arts are included, multiple credential pathways exist, and recent legislation has eased some out-of-state credential barriers. The hearing ended with public comment beginning after the panel discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• DOH currently does not have dedicated funding for this work, and requests made in 2016 and 2022 were
• not funded in the operating budget.
• Because I'm assuming that's going to be attached to a budget and probably staffing and everything else
• always room for improvement in all of our practices, but also limitations, as we've heard around budget
• We recognize the tough budget conversations that are happening here at the state.

Summary: The committee heard a JLARC presentation on the Department of Health’s oversight of hospital inspections, complaints, and 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 standards, did not consistently require proof of those inspections, did not review adverse health event corrective plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. JLARC also raised a possible language-access barrier in the complaint system. Members asked about complaint filing by staff, the meaning of adverse health events, inspection outcomes, and whether the audit compared DOH to other agencies. JLARC said it had not reviewed inspection results or cross-agency comparisons, but noted inspectors were dedicated and working long hours. DOH later said it concurred with the recommendations and outlined a strategic plan with target dates for improving timeliness, verifying accreditation standards, expanding language access, reviewing adverse event laws, and improving public data access, with annual reporting to the Legislature expected. The committee then heard a Department of Health presentation on certificate of need modernization. DOH described the current certificate of need process, which reviews need, financial feasibility, quality, and cost containment for certain facility changes and new services, and said the program has not been modernized since the 1980s. DOH proposed 10 statutory modernization recommendations, including clarifying the program’s purpose, creating a planning entity, adding flexibility, reducing legal costs, updating access-to-care standards, expanding oversight to freestanding emergency departments and urgent care, addressing equity, improving cost control coordination, strengthening long-term funding, and using better data systems. Members asked about oversight of freestanding urgent care and EDs, funding sources, and whether the process could be streamlined or made more responsive to complaints or other triggers. A third panel discussed artificial intelligence in health care. Lucy O’Rourke of the Coalition for Health AI described CHAI’s work on responsible AI principles, technical standards, model cards or “nutrition labels,” testing and governance tools, and educational resources for providers. She said the group is focused on trust, transparency, fairness, safety, security, and privacy, and noted Washington’s AI-related policy work as among the more progressive in the country. No questions were asked. The final portion focused on the financial impact of federal and state health care policy changes. The Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals are facing low or negative operating margins, service reductions, layoffs, and closures, and that state cuts and taxes enacted in 2025, combined with federal HR1 changes, will significantly worsen finances. Providence Swedish leaders described staffing reductions, service cuts, delayed capital investments, and pressure from denials, tariffs, and reimbursement changes, while emphasizing that frontline staffing cuts are tied to service reductions rather than nurse-to-patient ratio changes. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange then began a presentation on expiring federal ACA premium tax credits, state Cascade Care Savings assistance, and eligibility changes affecting lawfully present non-citizens, with examples showing large premium increases for customers if federal subsidies expire.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on line 10, $4 million for a justice partner access request.
• On line 36, they had a request for a jury pay deficit.
• Moving down to partner access request.
• for a a jury line 36, they had a request for a a jury pay<00:05:02.360><c> deficit.
• We know that your budget targets are limited.

Bills: HF2300

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so first we'll have Lori just mention the budget to you. >> Yeah.
• for the budget to be approved. there.
• </c> the the budget to you. the the budget to you.
• parameters of the budget and we will<00:05:14.400><c> need</c><00:05:14.720><c> to</c><00:05:15.039>
• </c> the budget the budget to<00:05:20.000><c> be</c><00:05:20.720><c> approved.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on March 9, 2026, with a quorum present in person and one commissioner participating from Florida. The meeting began with the swearing-in of new commissioner Joe Palumbo, who briefly introduced himself and his family and business background. The commission then approved the February 2, 2026 minutes and approved the staff budget report, with staff noting the office remained within spending parameters. Staff gave an update on the heavy workload from re-registration and reporting season, saying roughly 4,500 re-registrations and about 10,000 total forms had been processed. They credited the new online payment portal with reducing manual work and discussed ongoing LRC technology work to build a new system for desktop use, online re-registration, payment processing, and a searchable register. Commissioners asked about the timeline and current paper-based process; staff said the system is being built from scratch and that, for now, forms are still often downloaded, completed, emailed or mailed, and manually entered by staff. The commission also reviewed financial disclosure processing. Staff said all required disclosures had been received except one outstanding candidate filing, and that the candidate was still officially running, so notice was being sent by certified mail under the statute. Staff explained that their review is for completeness rather than audit-level accuracy, and that disclosures from legislators, candidates, and certain upper-management/LRC officials are posted for public access. The commission then discussed its informal advisory opinions, including how staff tracks and organizes them, and praised staff for quick turnaround before voting to enter executive session to discuss confidential complaints and informal opinions.

Transcript Highlights:

• She did all my budget requests, took care of my calendar, and oftentimes took great credit for being
• Chris manages all of our budget requests and supports my in-depth needs to better understand legislation
• request supports Chris manages all over a budget request supports my in-depth needs to better understand
• , and all my budget chairs, they know what a pain in the ass I am.
• , and all my budget chairs, they know what a pain in the ass I am.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this appropriation is not included in the executive budget.
• request in the bill.
• for those positions over the biennium to adjust our budget.
• So those funds do not go through the PUCN's budget account.
• advocate budget account.

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say as a member of the Budget Committee, I have put in a budget request for funding for CalRx
• For these reasons, we respectfully request your no vote on SB 1221. Thank you.
• And for these reasons, I respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you.
• And for these reasons, I respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you.
• related. ...and be the focal person for anything immigration requests related.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1377, which would change California’s medical exemption process for school immunizations. The author and supporters argued the bill would restore physician discretion, reduce fear of audits and discipline, and help families with medically vulnerable children obtain exemptions. Opponents, including pediatric, medical, and public health groups, said the current system created by SB 276 and SB 277 is working, that valid exemptions are still being issued, and that loosening oversight could undermine immunization rates and public health. Members debated the data behind claims of a chilling effect, the number of exemptions reviewed or revoked, and the bill’s amendments, which narrowed the measure to current exemptions and added a small additional threshold. Because there was no quorum at the time, action on SB 1377 was delayed until a quorum could be present. The committee then heard SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, which would create a statewide inspection and enforcement framework for large voluntary residential facilities, including private immigration detention centers. The author and supporters described alleged neglect and abuse in detention facilities, including denial of medication, unsafe food and water, and inadequate oversight, and argued the state should ensure humane conditions and accountability. The California Hospital Association expressed concern about duplicative oversight and possible overlap with existing regulation, while the author said the bill was being refined to avoid constitutional problems and duplication. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer SB 995 to Judiciary, with the roll call showing five votes and the bill placed on call. SB 1089 was also heard, proposing expanded access to GLP-1 medications for state and local government employees through CalPERS and encouraging broader affordability efforts through CalRx. The author framed the bill as a response to chronic weight disease, diabetes risk, and high costs, and described his own experience obtaining and paying for GLP-1 treatment. Supporters from the American Diabetes Association and medical groups said GLP-1s are effective tools for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes and could reduce long-term health costs. No opposition was heard, and the committee voted do pass and re-refer the bill to Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement, with the vote placed on call. The committee also began SB 1221 on Murphy conservatorships, with supporters and opponents debating whether district attorneys should have a larger role in these proceedings and whether the bill would improve public safety or disrupt the civil mental health process; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have another request: I want to ask that you also join me in congratulating the students of Gadsden
• I requested Susan as my office mate. I, too, had never heard of her, seen her, or anything.
• Roll call has been requested and granted, and you will now walk the amendment to the well.
• , with the transportation budget, with anything else that we debate here, we'd be here all day.
• Speaker and gentlemen, as I've said before, this is in the budget.

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House spent much of the meeting on recognitions and tributes, including remarks supporting New Mexico’s dairy industry, honoring Gadsden Independent School District educators and students, recognizing Broadband Day at the Capitol, and celebrating the retirement of Representative Susan Herrera. Members from both parties praised Herrera’s long public-service career, especially her work on water, acequias, land grants, rural communities, modernization, early childhood, and predatory lending reform. Herrera thanked colleagues and said she was leaving to spend more time with family, grandchildren, and personal pursuits. The chamber also received a Senate message on House amendments to Senate Bill 3, with the Senate concurring in most items and asking the House to recede from two provisions. Committee reports were then adopted on a series of bills and resolutions, including House Bills 99, 206, 213, 250, 267, 270, 322, and 323; Senate Bills 17, 48, 55, 104, and 193; House Joint Resolution 5; and House Memorial 39. Most reports were adopted without objection, while some bills were advanced with committee substitutes or referrals to other committees. On third reading, the House passed several measures. House Bill 63, funding New Mexico Finance Authority water projects, passed 66-0; House Bill 64, appropriating about $13.25 million for PPRF-related funds, passed 67-0; House Bill 285, refining the disabled veteran property tax exemption, passed 67-0; House Bill 165, expanding C-PACE economic development uses, passed 67-0; House Bill 184, consolidating legacy fund investment accounts, passed 67-0; and House Bill 200, appropriating $10 million for the New Homes for New Mexico starter-home program, was debated at length and then passed. House Bill 291, the tax cleanup bill, drew a failed floor amendment that was tabled 41-24 before the bill passed 59-8. The debate on HB 200 focused on whether the program would help smaller builders and rural communities, while the HB 291 amendment debate centered on adding broader tax provisions and concerns about fiscal impact and policy scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• But House File 2438 undercuts our state's progress with the following budget recommendations: cuts to
• This EV tax would have a significant impact on the budget of that family, especially since this doesn't
• So with that, I'd like to request a roll call, Madam Chair.
• A roll call has been requested on the A-20. Roll call.
• There is no need for a fix or a change, so I request a no vote. Ms. Sabraja will take.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• "Make sure that they have financial and budgeting education." "Yeah, good question.
• Substitute Senate Bill 6184 is by request of the Department of Commerce.
• Senate Bill 6184 is a no-cost agency request bill.
• We complete reviews at the request of any Washington state legislator.
• And Luke, if you might be willing to talk to us about deadlines for any amendment requests?

Summary: The committee held public hearings on five Senate bills focused on child welfare, homelessness, and developmental disability services. SB 5911 would stop DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for care, require help obtaining and managing SSI/Social Security benefits, and raise the threshold for depositing conserved funds into protected accounts. Supporters said the bill would help young adults build financial stability and transition to adulthood; questions focused on payees, financial literacy, and housing uses of the funds. SB 5977 would require DCYF to publish reports on near-fatality reviews within 180 days, with confidential information redacted, and make them available to the legislature and public. Supporters emphasized transparency and accountability, while some testimony urged broader reporting windows, retroactivity, and clearer inclusion of overdose-related cases. The committee also heard SB 6024, which would streamline oversight of community residential service providers by limiting DSHS to one annual routine review in specified areas, combining review activities where possible, and reducing duplicate document requests. The sponsor and providers said the bill would reduce administrative burden and let caregivers focus more on direct care. SB 6184 would update Office of Homeless Youth statutes by aligning parental-notification rules for crisis residential centers, making the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts program permanent and statewide, expanding community support team eligibility, and revising Independent Youth Housing Program rules to allow transitional housing and direct flexible assistance. Testimony described the bill as a no-cost technical update that would improve access and clarify language. Finally, SB 5957 would expand the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee by adding members over age 25 with lived experience and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations, and would allow youth members who turn 25 during a term to finish serving. Supporters said the changes would strengthen lived-experience input and continuity. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced Friday committee was canceled, the bills heard that day would be eligible for executive session the following week, and amendment requests for Tuesday’s bills were due by 10 a.m. Monday, with posting by 4 p.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's very alarming is the lack of having a budget.
• As far as the budget also, we are in the process of establishing a budget.
• >> As far as the budget also, we are in the process of establishing a budget.
• >> As far as the budget also, we are in the process of establishing a budget.
• I believe it's through Department of Human Services request.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on March 19 and moved through several bills under time pressure, hearing mostly brief testimony. SB 2024 SD2 and SB 896 SD2, both concerning public-private partnerships for charter school facilities, drew support from the Department of Education, the Charter School Commission, White Kids Can, and Hawaii Technology Academy. DOE said any P3 model should apply only to charter schools on private land and not affect public schools on DOE land. Supporters argued the approach could speed construction, reduce costs, and keep public money in public assets, while UPW and HGA raised concerns about privatization. In response, SFA said the intent was to mirror the existing conversion charter school model, with public ownership of assets and unionized staff, and noted some regions have waited years for schools. SB 2613 SD1 on TMK transfers was heard next. DOE said the bill had originally been supported as part of the governor’s package but was amended to require DOE to convey lands for 13 libraries on DOE property, which DOE said would create “donut holes” in campuses and was unnecessary because existing agreements already govern library use. The State Public Library System supported the bill, saying it has long coexisted with DOE but needs clearer separation and more reliable control over its sites. The Attorney General’s office said the library system currently lacks express statutory authority to own real property and flagged implementation issues because some of the affected parcels are not currently owned by DOE. Committee members questioned both sides about current agreements, communication, and how the bill would change operations. SB 494 SD2, concerning charter school audits, received comments from the Charter School Commission, which said the bill was redundant because charter schools already undergo annual audits during the term of their contracts. The Office of the Auditor was also present. SB 2391 SD2, relating to automatic pay increases for teachers, drew strong opposition from the Office of Collective Bargaining, which said step movement and longevity increases are negotiated in each contract and do not automatically carry over when a contract expires; it warned the bill could affect upcoming negotiations with HSTA. HSTA and several other supporters argued the bill would standardize annual step movement, improve retention, and reflect existing contract language. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• As everyone voted, the budget chairman will record his vote.
• The budget chairman will record his vote. Has everyone voted?
• We're going to be removing language from the DOR at their request.
• At their request.
• Do you know what percentage of MSHSAA's budget is public versus other sources?

Keywords: 959, house, all