Transcript Highlights:

• So as a result of high balances and higher interest rates, we have seen more in that source.
• I just know that my understanding of how the Tax Foundation calculates the data is that they take the
• So while there's growth in revenue, my understanding is that when we calculate the appropriation side
• They'll be much lower as the interest rates come down and as balances come down as well.
• They'll be much lower as the interest rates come down and as balances come down as well.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax convened with a quorum present, heard an introductory presentation of committee staff, and then received a staff briefing from Azar Khan on Florida’s state tax structure and revenue outlook. The presentation covered fiscal year 2023-2024 revenues, noting more than $127 billion in total state revenue, with general revenue exceeding $48 billion and sales and use tax making up the largest share. It also compared Florida’s tax burden to other states, highlighted Florida’s low per-capita revenue ranking and strong business formation numbers, and reviewed major and minor revenue sources, tax rates, and the revenue estimating conference process. Members asked about what drives revenue growth, including population, tourism, construction, and auto sales, and about Florida’s regressivity, corporate income tax participation, and investment earnings on state balances. Khan said the state’s revenue picture remains positive and stable, but that future growth is slower than during the COVID-era spike; he also explained that some negative forecast changes were tied to legislative actions such as the insurance premium tax credit, while others reflected lower tobacco consumption and severance activity. He noted that revenue and spending forecasts are separate and that budget-side growth is driving concerns raised in other state economic projections. The committee also discussed possible tax package ideas for the upcoming session, including tax holidays and homeowner relief, but no specific proposals were acted on. The chair announced the committee would not meet the following week and that the next meeting would be in week three of February. The meeting concluded with no objections to a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• So my question is: is there interest?
• And for future interest, I also don't have a good idea for you as of today on what the future interest
• "We have in the past at low interest rates.
• So they're only paying interest on that $50,000.
• And thank you for your interest.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• About half calculate GFT with a hybrid of those.
• Whether what type of... the water bill is calculated. Right?
• Kaufman has painted an interesting picture for us to look at.
• You don't have near as many interesting terms as that group did, though.
• Interesting, Senator Hinojosa.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800, HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989, HB3016, HB2979, HB2988, HB2288, HB3062, HB3315, HB3372, HB3530, HB3622, HB3755, HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• And knowing that we're in some very interesting economic times right now, why should we utilize the fund
• transfer the sum of the 22,809,302 from the consolidation. $1,809,302 from the consolidated bond interest
• And knowing that we're in some very interesting economic times right now, why should we utilize the fund
• I find it interesting that Taylor was wearing red when she said, go Pack.
• I find it interesting that Taylor was wearing red when she said, go Pack.

Bills: SB6, SB62, SB74, SB90, SB104, SB119, SB132, SB133, SB135, SB182, SB185, SB193, SB207, SB217, SB229, SB233, SB260, SB262, SB280, SB281, SB300, SB306, SB378, SB382, SB393, SB403, SB422, SB427, SB431, SB434, SB442, SB452, SB456, SB468, SB472, SB487, SB503, SB6

Keywords: cloud seeding, Nevada, water conservation, agriculture, Desert Research Institute, victim compensation, hate crimes, property remediation, criminal justice, vulnerable persons, elections, voter registration, mail ballots, candidate eligibility, cybersecurity, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate everybody's interest. I care deeply about tree policy.
• How these treaty payments are calculated.
• And then that's on the backside of this calculator here.
• In the interest of time, please refer to our written testimony for a complete...
• The data center development interest in Minnesota is significant.

Transcript Highlights:

• traditionally have much higher interest traditionally have much higher interest rates.<00:51:52.480
• It's interesting to insurance all day.
• It is instead calculated on gross premium costs.
• calculated on gross premium costs. calculated on gross premium costs.
• Green, it's not calculated yet. Green, it's not calculated yet.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They then performed a calculation.
• types of benefits uh so the calculations types of benefits uh so the calculations are<01:18:47.239
• "So then the employer, you know, acting in their best interest and the interest of your employees, will
• and the interest their best interest and the interest your<01:26:11.920> employees<01:26:12.400
• to be there seemed to be some interest to be there seemed to be some interest in<03:27:26.160>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we are super busy, and there is a lot of interest in Texas at this time.
• Months, the average statewide unemployment rate would be used to calculate that.
• That was a $7 billion loan that Texas had to take out with about $22 million in interest.
• You can run a calculation that will assess, well, what would happen?
• You can run a calculation that will assess, well, what would happen?

Bills: HB112, HB199, HCR9

Keywords: school district, bond issuance, election dates, voter approval, Texas Education Code, HCR 9, Texas State Cemetery, Hill Country flood, July 4 2025 flood, Guadalupe River, Camp Mystic, memorial, monument, concurrent resolution, disaster remembrance, natural disaster, flood victims, survivors, State Preservation Board, Texas secretary of state

Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development met with a quorum and moved quickly through a long agenda, hearing testimony and taking recorded votes on several bills. Early in the meeting, HB 2214 was laid out to exempt certain short-term residential leases and leaseback arrangements from flood-disclosure requirements; Texas Realtors supported the change, and the bill was left pending. The committee then voted out a series of pending measures, including HB 46, HB 186 (with a committee substitute), HB 431, HB 1147, HB 1154, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2788 (with a substitute), HB 2791 (with a substitute), HB 3260, and HCR 90, all reported favorably to the full House, with HB 1147 receiving two nays and the others passing unanimously or nearly so. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 112, which would create a Texas Science Park district and commission to support advanced manufacturing and innovation sites. The bill’s author and supporters, including Samsung Austin Semiconductor, the Texas Association of Business, and the Governor’s economic development office, argued it would strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and support national security and workforce development. Testimony described interest from semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies and referenced the model of foreign science parks such as Sinshu in Taiwan. HB 112 was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 3698 and HB 3699, both related to unemployment insurance administration. HB 3698 would expand eligibility for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program using federal funds, while HB 3699 would tighten the definition of “last work” to help the Texas Workforce Commission investigate UI fraud. Both bills were discussed with TWC resource witnesses and left pending after the committee withdrew the substitutes. HB 1349, which would extend HOA transparency and property-rights provisions to condominiums and refine HOA rules, and HB 621, which would require HOA meeting spaces to be available for residents to reserve for qualified political candidates or elected officials, were also heard and left pending. Finally, the committee heard HCR 9 to designate the first Saturday of each month as Small Business Saturday, HB 199 to index unemployment benefit duration to the state unemployment rate, and HB 3466 to exempt certain cancelable service contracts from Texas’s in-home sales cooling-off law; each drew supportive and opposing testimony and was left pending before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• which they're geographically located until they are able to generate three years' worth of data to calculate
• A change to what was calculated before. Mr.
• Be mindful as we calculate that. Madam Chair, my next is on pages six and seven.
• Chair, Representative Cohen, this is a really interesting question that I learned the answer to while
• It's sort of interesting in statute, and someone from NEA can correct me if I'm wrong. ...if I'm wrong

Transcript Highlights:

• So... ...that it's likely still to be in the net best interest for the state.
• Sales tax itself should still be calculated by the 5-4 rounding.
• And Madam Chair, Representative, I'm looking at another section I was interested in.
• I was interested to see, Madam Secretary, that in the FIR, when speaking about the film sections...
• . ...on September 25th without penalty, but this law says they're still going to incur interest.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has been a really interesting debate for me. Mr.
• And that's a calculated risk. Of course, Mr.
• I think businesses make that same calculation sometimes.
• , and what does that interest look like?
• And usually the interest on these bonds is very low.

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM25, HB9, SB2, SB19

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• Pool taxes may be offset by interest earned on the trust fund.
• On an annual basis, VEC must calculate the statutory solvency or fund balance factor, which shows how
• Aside from that annual calculation that's completed after the close of each state fiscal year, VEC can
• The pike when we calculate the fund balance factor.
• I'm very interested in making sure that we make our system, Virginia's unemployment system, the best

Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pool taxes may be offset by interest earned on the trust fund.
• On an annual basis, VEC must calculate the statutory solvency or fund balance factor, which shows how
• Aside from that annual calculation that's completed after the close of each state fiscal year, VEC can
• The pike when we calculate the fund balance factor.
• I'm very interested in making sure that we make our system, Virginia's unemployment system, the best

Keywords: Commission on Unemployment Compensation, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If CPS moves forward with the investigation, That's really the part that, that I'm interested in as the
• valuable to, to my office is that those investigative reports, um, and at that point, I'm only interested
• thing that I think I would like to point out to, remind you that, uh, and, and I think we all are interested
• Um, our, our interest in this bill is particularly about Medicaid rates, which are chronically underfunded
• By exempting this type of discount from the user customary calculation, we don't know how that may or

Bills: HB 741, HB 1199, HB 2070, HB 2402, HB 2542, HB 2665, HB 2789, HB 3096, HB 3396, HB 3595, HB 3747, HB 4116, HB 4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• If CPS moves forward with the investigation, that's really the part that I'm I'm interested in as the
• And at that point, I'm only interested because law enforcement has filed an injury to a child. a child
• The other thing that I think I would like to point out to remind you that And I think we all are interested
• Our interest in this bill is particularly about Medicaid rates, which are chronically underfunded and
• Discount from the user on customary calculation.

Bills: HB741, HB 1199, HB2070, HB2402, HB2542, HB2665, HB2789, HB3096, HB3396, HB3595, HB3747, HB4116, HB4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• She also noted that the mortgage interest deduction is a calculation that people sometimes take into
• She also said the mortgage interest deduction is a calculation people sometimes take into account when
• She also said the mortgage interest deduction is a calculation people sometimes take into account when
• She also said the mortgage interest deduction is a calculation that people sometimes take into account
• Representative Anderson said, you talked about the mortgage interest deduction, and that is a calculation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The base amount which would not change under option two would back up on a different way for calculating
• Weights would be calculated and phased in over a period of time as we felt we had the funding.
• I've talked to members, and that seems to be what they're most interested in again.
• That seems to be what they're most interested in again.
• I just want to understand this as we move forward, and if we choose the hybrid, how do we calculate raises

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll pay $12,000 in interest instead of $9,000 of interest. And the fees are doubled.
• My quibble clearly is with the interest rate.
• Interest rates move right along with everything else, and so what is the need for increased interest
• What is the need for increased interest rates?
• And it's calculated in a tiered way... ...loan up to $20,000 or $50,000, and it's calculated in a tiered

Bills: SB1165, SB1206, SB1212, SB1291, SB1347, SB1516, SB1554, SB1649, SB1689, SB1812

Keywords: breast cancer, screening services, health insurance, cost sharing, preventive care, storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee approved committee amendments and then heard a series of bills covering consumer lending, health insurance, chiropractic practice, breast cancer screening, insurance claim practices, digital assets, vaccination-based reimbursement, agricultural property inspections, and aviation tax exemptions. Testimony generally split between sponsors and industry or advocacy supporters emphasizing modernization, consumer access, or fairness, and opponents raising concerns about higher costs, tax breaks for wealthy interests, or unclear policy changes. Several bills drew detailed debate over whether they would help consumers or shift costs, and multiple witnesses described personal or industry experiences in support of the health-related measures. SB 1689, which would raise consumer loan thresholds and change interest-rate tiers, was amended but failed on a tied vote after Senator Epstein opposed it as shifting costs to smaller borrowers. SB 1347, requiring coverage for fertility preservation for cancer patients, was amended and passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor, a nonprofit representative, and two cancer survivors. SB 1165, eliminating cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, was amended and passed 5-1. SB 1206, updating rules for public adjusters and contractors after loss events, was amended and passed 5-1. SB 1649, creating a digital assets strategic reserve fund, passed 4-2 despite criticism that it was unnecessary and pro-crypto. SB 1212, barring different reimbursement rates based on vaccination status, passed 4-2. SB 1291, limiting county assessors’ ability to reclassify or inspect agricultural property for four years after a successful appeal, was amended to allow inspections if taxable improvements are made and passed 5-1 over assessor opposition. SB 1516, expanding aviation-related tax exemptions to more aircraft maintenance and repair property, passed 4-1 after supporters framed it as economic development and opponents called it a tax break for private jets. SB 1554, updating chiropractic language from “x-ray” to “diagnostic imaging,” initially failed, was reconsidered after additional questioning, and then passed 3-2 after members said the change mainly codified current practice and reduced liability concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's just it's just interesting that we're we're putting all his money back into openings folks out
• And we calculate what the previous for the current year.
• So what is my explain a little bit about how the retention is calculated.
• The formula used to calculate retention is outlined directly in statute.
• Of the looking at slide tend those last calculations are those last calculations based on internal calculations