Transcript Highlights:

• What is being changed or proposed to increase that transparency in this particular bill.
• It's continued to increase.
• Is insurance the only industry where we have seen increased pricing or significant increase in cost over
• cost of labor and goods and inflation that has caused dramatic increases in pricing?
• I mean, what we need to be doing here is looking at how do we increase competition.

Bills: SB1969 , SB1953 , SB1277 , SB1287 , SB1061 , SB1916 , SB1589 , SB2178 , SB1444 , SB1438 , SB1501 , SB1873 , SB1364

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• They increased that.
• Those rate increases are basically 2%, 4%, and 6%.
• Siruco, when I went and I asked them, why are you defending cases with 2% increase, 4% increase, and
• 6% increase?
• And you've increased that to 83% with no representation. Why?

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Testimony from local officials and port authority representatives described the port as outdated, flood-prone, and a major congestion and safety concern because CBP equipment and officers are positioned near the international boundary and stormwater/sewer infrastructure. Speakers said the port is vital to local and state commerce, estimated modernization could cost $1.5 billion to $2 billion, and requested state support and letters of support for federal advocacy. Committee members discussed the economic and safety impacts, and leadership said a joint letter would be prepared. The committee then considered several bills. HB 2237 would appropriate $4.5 million for Apache Junction’s Superstition Trails and a visitor gateway; it passed 4-2. HB 2926, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, would create expedited permitting for workforce housing, exempt the state portion of prime contracting tax for such projects, and adjust bond-related rules; after an amendment, it passed 6-1. HB 2113 would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when proposed residential rate increases are 100% or more; testimony focused on large rate hikes in rural areas versus RUCO’s limited staff and budget, and the bill passed 5-1 with some members asking for continued discussion about RUCO’s priorities. The committee also passed HB 2824, which authorizes local governments to establish voluntary C-PACE programs for financing commercial property improvements through special assessments, with supporters saying it would help attract investment without using state general funds. HB 2939, the “Lucid bill,” would add a rural-location tax credit tied to large qualifying investments and new jobs; Lucid Motors testified that it would support advanced manufacturing and rural job creation, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee adjourned after noting HB 2950 would be held due to time and heard first at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, operating costs have increased significantly. 6% will allow them to cover the increased cost
• So even though there's an increase, there's no cost to the taxpayer.
• limit on bonuses and pay increases.
• Five-figure pay increases and bonuses should not be the norm for any agency.
• Five-figure pay increases and bonuses should not be the norm for any agency.

Bills: HB3310 , HB4311 , HB3841 , HB3024 , HB3075

Committee: House General Government

Summary: The committee met for its first General Government meeting of the second part of session and laid over several agenda items, including bills listed as numbers 3, 4, and 10. HB 3310, the Government Accountability and Budget Transparency Act, was presented as a procurement accountability measure to strengthen oversight, efficiency, and timely payment to private vendors doing business with the state. After brief questioning about whether late payment is a widespread problem, the committee voted 8-0 to pass the bill. HB 431, which would increase the treasurer’s share of the unclaimed property administration fee from 4% to 6%, was presented as necessary to cover higher operating costs such as salaries and IT. The author emphasized that the change would not cost taxpayers anything or reduce the amount returned to owners of unclaimed property. The committee approved the bill after questions about long-term impacts on the unclaimed property fund. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 3841, a major reform of tax increment financing (TIF). The author said the bill would not ban TIFs but would require voter approval, separate consent from affected taxing jurisdictions, more transparency, annual training for review committees, independent legal and financial opinions, and economic impact studies. Members raised concerns that the bill’s wording—especially the “majority of the eligible voters” language and removal of executive-session confidentiality—could make TIFs impractical or eliminate trade-secret protections, and they also questioned costs and effects on economic development. At the author’s request and with committee support, the bill was laid over for further work. The committee then passed HB 3024, which creates statutory limits and oversight for state employee pay increases and bonuses, including a 10% cap unless higher amounts are approved through cabinet secretary/OMES procedures. Supporters said it would add transparency and curb large, unreported raises, while questions focused on whether it would help address broader pay disparities. Finally, HB 3075, as amended by a PCS, was presented to authorize rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel for state agencies and local governments in response to the practical disappearance of pennies. The committee approved that bill as well, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appropriate more money and an increase appropriate more money and an increase eligibility<00:42:
• </c> So now we're seeing that increased So now we're seeing that increased eligibility<00:42:38.480><
• Additionally, tuition increased higher Additionally, tuition increased higher than<00:51:50.160><c>
• ,</c><01:01:01.760><c> well</c> $100 and we gave a $50 increase, well $100 and we gave a $50 increase
• </c> shortfall to meet the increased shortfall to meet the increased enrollments<01:07:36.160><c> and

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So anyway, that's an increase for us.
• salary increases and that increase<00:07:47.280><c> for</c><00:07:47.520><c> that</c><00:07:47.840><
• </c> increase for that for this contract. increase for that for this contract.
• In the last year it increased 15%.
• </c> the last three months of rent increase the last three months of rent increase that<00:48:25.280>

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• I really urge you to pass this bill so you can increase funding for research.
• I really urge you to pass this bill so you can increase funding for research.
• I really urge you to pass this bill so you can increase funding for research.
• </c> pass this bill so you can increase pass this bill so you can increase funding<00:54:18.640><c> for
• </c><01:01:57.319><c> and</c> be 21 cents if it were a 5% increase and be 21 cents if it were a 5% increase

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support. The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse. During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're high on that with what the Democrats have done this last year with a $10 billion tax increase.
• </c><00:02:17.000><c> is</c> year with A10 billion tax increase is year with A10 billion tax increase
• A 50% increase yields five times more damage.
• </c><00:41:41.240><c> by</c><00:41:41.560><c> 1,</c> Minnesota increased by 1, Minnesota increased by
• </c><00:43:09.880><c> in</c> suggests even a modest increase in suggests even a modest increase in weight

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 23 will increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from
• That's a $50,000 increase.
• That's a $50,000 increase, coupled with our existing increases to the homestead exemption of SB 4.
• ' increases in Social Security do follow inflation, but a whole lot of that is eaten up by increases
• Renting is not a good thing necessarily because the rents increase when property taxes increase, and

Bills: SB23 , SJR85 , SB 23

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes. Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs. The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• For those reasons, Fresh Energy opposes the increase in the EV fees proposed here.
• If we want to increase funding for roads, we can increase both of them by the same percentage.
• Does the initial and acute benefit of an increase in any taxes on EVs truly increase prolonged revenue
• Delaying climate action increases exposure to air pollution, resulting in more premature deaths and increased
• We also oppose the increase in the electric vehicle surcharge from $75 to $200.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• The increase is roughly 7%, and that is based on a lot of factors: our cost increases and also the PPI
• And that's based on a lot of factors, our cost increases, and also the PPI, and that's based on a lot
• The increase is roughly 7%. A lot of that is based on our cost increases and also the PPI increase.
• for a 7% increase to help offset some of our increases.
• consistent with what past increases have been.

Committee: All CODE REVISION COMMISSION

Summary: The commission approved the prior meeting minutes and then adopted the annual authorization for expense reimbursement for commissioners under Arkansas Code 25-16-902. Members noted that legislative commissioners would not receive reimbursement for the meeting day itself, consistent with their understanding of legislative per diem rules. The commission next considered LexisNexis pricing and replacement volume proposals. Company representatives proposed roughly a 7% price increase, citing higher costs and the Producer Price Index, and recommended replacing three volumes in 2026 and four in 2027 based on supplement size and age. Members asked about pricing for the public, the criteria for selecting replacement volumes, and the number of state sets sold. LexisNexis said the state pricing was tied to the public price structure and explained that replacement decisions are driven by keeping supplements manageable and volumes current. The commission approved the pricing and replacement volumes. Senator Tucker also raised the possibility of a statewide legal research contract for circuit judges, and LexisNexis said it would connect him with its sales team. Staff then updated the commission on the funds codification project. They reported reviewing state treasury funds and identifying many that are codified in more than one place, with the goal of moving the technical creation language into Title 19 only and repealing duplicative language elsewhere. The project is intended for inclusion in a fall technical corrections bill, after coordination with BLR Fiscal and DFA. Members discussed whether obsolete funds could also be identified for possible cleanup legislation, and staff said DFA maintains a list of obsolete funds and that any such information could be incorporated into future technical corrections work. The commission concluded by noting that no further business was expected before a later fall meeting to review technical corrections, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• or not, or to be able to see why these rate increases are being chosen.
• So this is not a tool to obfuscate the reason for rate increases.
• Reason for rate increases.
• Campbell, is that the discussion about the rate increase and the rationale for the rate increase is very
• And rate increases are not a favorable conversation.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider five proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which requires certain public record and public meeting exemptions to be reenacted before automatic repeal. Each bill was briefly explained by its sponsor or a member presenting on behalf of the sponsor, with no amendments or public testimony offered on any of the measures. The subcommittee favorably reported PCB GOS 26-01, preserving the Florida Gaming Control Commission exemption; PCB GOS 26-03, preserving the public emergency shelter address and phone number exemption; PCB GOS 26-04, preserving exemptions for financial information used in small business loan administration; PCB GOS 26-02, preserving the conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information exemption; and PCB GOS 26-05, preserving a Public Service Commission meeting exemption for portions involving proprietary confidential information. During discussion on the Public Service Commission bill, members asked about transparency and utility rate increases, and the sponsor responded that the exemption is narrow, has never been used, does not affect public discussion of rate increases, and does not limit lawsuits or discovery. All five PCBs were reported favorably by roll call vote. The chair then thanked members for their participation, noted that more bills were being referred to the committee, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The utilization of this model has increased over time.
• They simply increase manufacturer profits.
• That represents a 20% year-over-year increase.
• When our expenses increase or we get cut, everybody pays for that.
• When our expenses increase or we get cut, everybody pays for that.

Bills: SB5904 , SB5915 , SB6025 , SB5933 , SB5990 , SB5981

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: nursing titles, licensure, healthcare professionals, patient safety, professional standards, SB 5915, health technology assessment, HTA, clinical committee, medical technology review, coverage determination, state-purchased health care, Washington health care, RCW, evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, safety and efficacy, Medicare coverage, national coverage determination, clinical guidelines

Transcript Highlights:

• a 24% increase in overall homicides.
• a 24% increase in overall homicides.
• These increases aren't anomalies.
• These increases aren't anomalies.
• These increases aren't anomalies.

Summary: The committee heard Chair Bliss present HF 13, a bill to change Minnesota self-defense law so that a person using reasonable force in resisting an offense against the person would not be required to consider retreat. Bliss tied the proposal to a recent Minnesota Supreme Court case involving a man at a light rail station and argued the court had effectively created a duty to retreat that the legislature had never enacted. He said the bill would codify the right to stand one’s ground while still leaving reasonableness to judges and juries. Supporters Bryan Gosh of the NRA and Rob Door of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus testified that Minnesota’s duty-to-retreat rules are confusing, judicially created, and out of step with other states. They argued the bill would clarify self-defense law and protect people who defend themselves or others, citing examples from other states and a Texas church shooting to argue that a retreat requirement can endanger victims and bystanders. Opponents Maggie Emery of Protect Minnesota, Sarah Erickson of Giffords, and Don Einwalter of Moms Demand Action argued the bill would function as a “shoot-first” law, increase homicides, worsen racial disparities, and make communities and law enforcement less safe. They cited studies linking stand-your-ground laws to higher homicide rates and pointed to incidents in Florida and Minnesota involving firearms and children. The committee also took up two amendments. Representative Hollins offered an amendment on safe and secure firearm storage, saying it was intended to reduce child access to guns and suicides; she requested a roll call. Chair Bliss opposed it, saying current law already covers negligent storage and that the amendment was too broad, including for a rural constituent who keeps a shotgun by his door. Representative Hudson and Representative Pinto argued over whether current law is sufficient and whether the amendment would remove needed flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of the amendments, with no final vote or disposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking back to 1980, you see a variety of increases over that time: gas tax increases, the big funding
• Looking back to 1980, you see a variety of increases over that time: gas tax increases, the big funding
• the gas tax so things like increasing the gas tax increasing<00:10:30.680><c> registration</c><00:10
• </c><00:46:49.119><c> the</c> public and private have increased the public and private have increased
• </c><00:46:59.960><c> by</c> uh in some cases uh it's increased by uh in some cases uh it's increased

Bills: HF1167 , HF1242

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• in that, which would be an increase to OPERS?
• being increased during the election years.
• When was the last time we actually increased this?
• The increase from the actuarial came back as unfunded actuarial liability, amount of contribution increase
• Uh, 50% increase in what's going out toward longevity pay.

Bills: SB134 , SB1356 , SB1407 , SB1611 , SB1639 , SB169 , SB1722 , SB182 , SB1870 , SB2039 , SB432 , SB609 , SB715 , SB716

Committee: Senate Retirement and Government Resources

Keywords: retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, state government, OMES, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Rehabilitation Services, civil service, human capital management, state employee disputes, whistleblower, veterans employment, veterans placement, fleet management, state fleet, motor vehicles

Transcript Highlights:

• But that was a roughly 20% tax increase, Susan; I'm going from memory.
• Record property tax increase in the country.
• So with that, M&O increases to pay off debt are permanent. tax increases and should not be allowed.
• But aren't we seeing significant increases in transportation project costs?
• I believe a 58% increase in inflation on construction project costs since 2020?

Bills: HB9 , HJR1 , SB1331 , SB1375 , SB1443 , SB1578 , SB2251 , SB2519 , SB2553 , SB2655 , SB2764 , SB2907 , SB3030 , SB3033 , SB3035 , SB3036 , SB3037 , SB3043 , SB3047 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3056 , SB3057 , SB3063 , HB9 , HB467 , HB331 , HB 1244 , HB1399 , HB2559 , HB2730 , HB3307 , HJR1 , HJR99 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SJR78 , HB1327 , HB2723

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> likelihood</c> Every barrier increases the likelihood Every barrier increases the likelihood that
• :03:13.440><c> in</c><01:03:13.560><c> our</c> seeing increasing consolidation in our seeing increasing
• . increases. increases.
• </c><01:25:36.400><c> psychological</c> very well, but increasing psychological very well, but increasing
• </c> uncompensated care will increase uncompensated care will increase drastically<01:36:40.640><c> as

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Million increase from FY20.
• , so an almost $700 million increase from FY26.
• in English learners, increases in students with disabilities, and also increases in insurance costs.
• So, there's less repetition and it increased efficiency.
• We have helped to increase their pay.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're increasing spending. Uh, we're increasing employees on the state from one to five.
• on a property tax, but we're increasing the size of government and increasing that.
• So, we're increasing spending. Uh in 29. So, we're increasing spending.
• ><c> increasing</c><00:43:06.440><c> that</c><00:43:07.080><c> um</c> uh and increasing that um uh and
• another subject, increase in the fines another subject, increase in the fines or<00:57:33.200><c> a</

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would increase the number of seniors eligible for senior circuit breaker tax credits, providing
• The exemption can be increased right now to up to $1,000 by a vote of the local legislative body.
• This is not because we have... ...the increase in the assessed value of homes.
• An increasing number of seniors without mortgages are choosing not to have insurance.
• First, the minimum amount should be increased to reflect the high tax bills.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on bills related to senior and disability property tax relief, with a focus on helping older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes. Testimony supported H. 3968, which would make certain senior and disability property tax exemptions permanent so eligible residents would not have to refile annually, and H. 3198, which would expand the senior circuit breaker tax credit by indexing income and credit limits to cost of living and raising the home valuation cap from $1.1 million to $1.5 million. Representative Scanlan also testified in favor of several additional bills, including a local option motor vehicle excise tax exemption for low-income seniors and veterans, a local property tax cap for low-income seniors, an expanded senior property tax exemption, and a senior property tax deferral program designed to be revenue neutral over time. Witnesses from the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers generally supported local-option property tax relief measures and said they would help seniors age in place while giving municipalities flexibility. Committee members raised concerns about possible abuse or fraud if exemptions became permanent, and about how assessors would verify continued eligibility without annual reapplication. Supporters responded that eligibility could still be tied to real estate transactions and other documentation, and that the current annual filing requirement causes many eligible seniors to miss out on benefits. Mass Senior Action Council members testified that many seniors are struggling with rising property taxes, insurance, and other costs, and urged broader reforms such as freezing assessed values, improving outreach, strengthening the work-off program, and allowing more flexible payment or deferral options. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and questions.