Transcript Highlights:

• Now, we're going to go to Kelly for the LFC budget.
• So today, we're just going to take a quick look at the legislative budget, which would be House Bill
• And so this gives you a breakdown of the FY 26, the current year operating budget by each of these sub-programs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is what we're trying to do, though, now is build our budget for this area.
• How much is the depredation compensation in context of your budget?
• That was a $7 million benefit to the department or budget for the department.
• That was this year's add again into the budget of 2025-26.
• The reason why I ask that question is because data will then inform budget, right?

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

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Governor last November in the budget announced his support for this housing bond package.
• Every family has to live within a family budget.
• Put it in the budget. It's going to be there.
• Put it in the budget. It's going to be there.
• Let's just start paying that $350 now, put it in the budget. It's going to be there.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the skinny budget, if you would call it.
• So that's $270 million in the budget, um, for housing. In summary.
• I guess this is the part I've been waiting for too and just talk about the budget.
• So, this, a version of this was in the governor's FY 26 proposed budget.
• But it was not included in the final budget.

Committee: House Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• “And then a follow-up question along the lines of implementation or feasibility: Do you have a budget
• For those districts that are...” “...budget impacted that may not have a computer lab already.
• There is an active budget request right now, but there are several grants throughout the state that we
• Given the budget restraints and limited resources, a small LEA can't risk hiring a teacher who may not
• Yeah, thank you to our budget subcommittee chair.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes. The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> reservations um in voting this budget reservations um in voting this budget through<01:06:01.200
• DoD has the largest budget of any federal department.
• DoD has the largest budget of any federal department.
• The HTSB has a state budget of $2.1 million and 14 positions.
• </c> budget of $2.1 million and 14 positions. budget of $2.1 million and 14 positions.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the safety's budget requests.
• governor's budget request, the governor's budget request, the department<04:04:35.760><c> sought</c><
• First, we budget cycle in two ways.
• </c> maintenance subject to bianual budget maintenance subject to bianual budget uncertainty.<04:35:54.480
• </c> house budget. house budget. the<04:46:11.840><c> communications.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:19:54.280><c> preventive</c> reserve studies, budgets, preventive reserve studies, budgets,
• </c> tight budgets. tight budgets.
• ,</c><01:50:43.480><c> and</c><01:50:44.720><c> um</c> of their their budget, and um of their their budget
• I'm just looking at the budget and where we're at.
• I'm just looking at the budget and where we're at.

Bills: SF1750 , HF2700 , HF1606 , HF3356 , HF3946 , HF3970 , HF3658 , HF3875 , HF2627 , SF856 , HF1268 , HF1338

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• As this body works through the state budget, grant us clarity of mind and unity of purpose.
• Lord, help us craft a meaningful budget that works for all Arizonans.
• As this body works through the state budget, grant us clarity of mind and unity of purpose.
• Lord, help us craft a meaningful budget that works for all Arizonans.
• Lord, help us craft a meaningful budget that works for all Arizonans.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the budget that we see from the integration layer to addressing the green screens.
• This is the budget that we see from the integration layer to addressing the green screens.
• This is the budget that we see from the integration layer to addressing the green screens.
• This is the budget that we see from the integration layer to addressing the green screens.
• budget that we see from the integration layer<00:13:06.240><c> to</c><00:13:06.360><c> addressing</c

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4808, as amended by a DE3, a human services technology modernization bill. The author described the measure as a multi-year effort to modernize outdated county systems, improve data integration, and strengthen program integrity and fraud detection. The bill would create a Human Services Modernization Fund with a $50 million cap, establish an advisory council with strong county and tribal representation, and create a legislative commission to oversee the work and receive annual reports. It also includes a $10 million county-focused grant fund and a $15 million appropriation for the Office of Inspector General’s technology needs. Testimony from the Association of Minnesota Counties and related county groups strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate modernization, the importance of county and tribal involvement, and the value of legislative oversight. Members from both parties echoed support, saying the bill would help county workers spend less time on outdated systems and more time serving clients, and that better system integration could reduce errors and fraud issues. One member suggested that audits should be considered in the future in addition to reporting requirements. The committee adopted the DE3 amendment without opposition. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to refer House File 4808, as amended, to the general register, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Budget spending on suppression has risen 89%. Home insurance premiums have risen 25%.
• This is taken from county budget coffers to pay these contracts, and those are funded by residents already
• I really feel like shifting costs on a specific group of Californians due to our budget choices is not
• I want to see, let's be clear, zero cuts and actually increases to Cal Fire's budget.
• Increases to Cal Fire's budget.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post signage at tobacco retail locations about lung cancer screening eligibility. The author and a UC San Diego thoracic surgery resident testified that lung cancer screening is underused because many Californians do not know it exists, while retailers and convenience store groups raised implementation concerns about sign size, store space, and notice before penalties. Members discussed penalties and screening access, and the author said he was willing to reduce the penalty in later amendments. The bill passed 4-0 and was sent to the Committee on Health. The committee also considered several disaster-related tax measures. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without losing their Proposition 13 base-year value, and it received support from the Los Angeles County Assessor, the California Association of Realtors, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dahle, would create a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased after a disaster for a primary residence; the chair raised concerns about administration and benefits flowing to higher-income households, and CTA opposed. Both bills were approved and sent to Appropriations, with SB 1352 passing 5-0 and SB 1343 passing 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place limits and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to examples from Shafter and Dinuba where local revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. The city of Shafter, League of California Cities, and California Retailers Association supported the bill, while some members worried it could infringe on local control; the author and sponsor argued it would protect local tax dollars without eliminating local discretion. The bill passed 4-0 and went to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; supporters included transit agencies and county officials, while Howard Jarvis and the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association opposed. The committee emphasized that the measure only lets voters decide, and the bill passed 4-1. The committee also took up SB 1404 by Senator Stern, which would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to help fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with the author saying he wanted to reduce administrative costs and work on hardship protections. NRDC and PG&E supported the concept, while rural county representatives, Howard Jarvis, and Butte County opposed, arguing the fee would unfairly burden rural and fixed-income residents and function like a tax. Members split over affordability and local impacts, but the bill passed 4-1. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help retention and access to care in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. The consent calendar and other listed bills were also approved on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• discuss the work of the personal care attendant working group, as well as anticipated MassHealth budget
• One key takeaway from that discussion was the projected $3.5 billion in the Commonwealth budget gap tied
• One key takeaway from that discussion was the projected $3.5 billion in the Commonwealth budget gap tied
• discussing the work of the personal care attendant working group, as well as anticipated MassHealth budget
• One key takeaway from that discussion was the projected $3.5 billion in the Commonwealth budget gap tied

Summary: The commission approved the December minutes and heard opening remarks on upcoming initiatives, including a second “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27 focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, including formation of a small planning group to help select employer awardees and shape the program. A major portion of the meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. The presentation covered lawsuits and amicus work involving higher education diversity data requests, anti-DEI funding conditions, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research grant disruptions, and Department of Education mental health training grants. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on Medicaid and whether disability is included in the federal administration’s undefined “DEI” restrictions; the AG’s office said it was monitoring Medicaid developments closely, had not seen a CMS letter at that time, and would share guidance on DEI and employment initiatives. The meeting also included a workforce and apprenticeship presentation from Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Riemann. They described registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven training, classroom instruction, wage progression, and transferable credentials. Commissioners highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities as a promising model and discussed the need to build similar pathways through community colleges and employer partnerships in fields such as direct support, CNA work, and other in-demand jobs. Subcommittee reports noted that the disability employment subcommittee heard from SEED and will host future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and the Office of Veterans Affairs. The long-term services, supports, and health equity subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, a projected $3.5 billion budget gap tied to federal changes, upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, and crisis standards of care. The executive director reported on collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, planning for the Lowell event, participation in statewide disability employment and autism advocacy work, and upcoming engagement with the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. Commissioners also announced several honors, including awards for Regina Marshall, Jay Livingstone, and Vanna Howard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this is just a budget question.
• I'm guessing that cost would go up for the operating budget for Potosi?
• I remember a couple of years ago when he brought forth the budget amendment to zero out lethal injection
• in our state operating budget.
• And I guess I will defer all of my budget questions maybe to the chair, since he sits on budget as well

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Where will we come up within the current budget situation we have with the $25 million dollars that this
• This Is part of the budget discussion.
• In fact, with you know, as small as a 0.1% increase to common ed budgets, we've called that historic
• This is We knew this bill was coming, and we know that we're in the budget discussions all the time.
• I would think that would be part of the budget considerations, even though I'm not involved in that.

Bills: SB683 , SB1579 , SB1389 , SB1387 , SB1390 , SB1391 , SB2063 , SB1829 , SB2060 , SB1842 , SB1398 , SB1212 , SB2158 , SB102

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: education, tax credit, student support, private school, Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit, financial assistance, homeschooling, qualified expenses, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, school choice, tuition assistance, income limits, parental choice, accreditation, sales tax, motor vehicles

Transcript Highlights:

• So $14 million is the budget that we're operating off of.
• know, I don't want to speak to more money in the fiscal session because everybody adopts two-year budgets
• You know, the budget—look at how long it's been taking to get some of the federal dollars into a budget
• And I always like to say when you're building budgets, if the pie doesn't get any bigger, all we have
• like 90% of brain development starts before kindergarten, but that's less than like 1% of a state budget

Summary: The committee met to review the minutes and then held a workshop-style discussion with Arkansas Department of Education early childhood officials about the state’s early learning programs, funding, and access. Officials explained that the state-funded ABC program has been largely flat for years, rising from $11 million to about $14 million in 2018, while the federally funded SRA/CCDF side is much larger. They described differences between the programs, including ABC’s 10-month school-year structure, current enrollment of about 23,000 children in ABC and about 14,871 in SRA, and a SRA wait list that has grown to roughly 2,971 children. Members raised concerns about rural access, school-based versus community-based providers, reimbursement rates, and the need to align early childhood funding with K-12 and kindergarten readiness goals. A major topic was the recent $14.741 million PDG B-5 competitive grant. Officials said it is a one-year systems-building grant, not a direct services grant, and will support local leads, CLASS observations, workforce efforts, and data systems while helping offset some costs that otherwise would have been paid through CCDF. Members also discussed the end of a federal pre-K funding stream in June, with children either moving into ABC slots or requalifying for SRA, and the state’s new enrollment-based payment approach, which officials said saved about $576,000. The committee also heard that the current cost-of-care study is about three years old and that a new market-rate survey is being planned. Several members questioned dual enrollment in home visiting/HIPPY and ABC, with officials saying about 1,200 children are enrolled in both and that limiting double enrollment could save about $2.4 million and affect roughly 470 children. Members also asked about provider closures after rate changes; officials said eight providers cited funding as a reason for closing, while 26 new providers have been added under the new rates. The discussion ended with broad agreement that the committee should continue regular updates, keep providers and families informed, and explore policy changes, waivers, and possible state investments to improve stability, access, and quality in early childhood education.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then housed within the Department of Water Resources would be the staff, and then their budget would
• become part of the budget, 360 budget for a department. ...would be the staff and then their budget
• would become part of the budget 360 budget for Department of Water Resources and I would view this relationship
• operational efficiencies in government, we would be consolidated under a single agency for staffing and budgeting

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 14, 19, 20, and 21, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1238, which would require Idaho Fish and Game to provide a 30-day public comment period for proclamation changes related to season-setting. Senator Foreman said the bill was intended to give sportsmen more time and had support from Idaho Fish and Game management and the Idaho Wildlife Federation, but outfitter representatives testified that the proposal could delay March big-game season setting and compress the time they have to sell hunts and secure tag information. Fish and Game staff said the change was doable but would require timeline adjustments and could create pinch points. After discussion, Senator Foreman asked that the bill be held at the call of the chair, and the committee voted to hold Senate Bill 1238. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, which supports consolidating the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Department of Water Resources while preserving the missions of both entities. Senator Harris said the resolution reflected stakeholder discussions and could improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs. Testimony from the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the Department of Water Resources supported the concept, emphasizing that the change would not alter the voluntary, locally led, non-regulatory mission of conservation districts. The committee voted to send SCR 115 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to informational presentations from Idaho mining companies and industry representatives. The Idaho Mining Association and several companies described major projects and permitting status, including Thompson Creek’s molybdenum restart near Challis, Liberty Gold’s Black Pine project in southeast Idaho, Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project in Valley County, Integra Resources’ Delamar project in Owyhee County, and U.S. Silver Idaho’s Galena Mine in the Silver Valley. Speakers highlighted job creation, capital investment, critical and strategic minerals, environmental reclamation, and ongoing federal and state permitting processes. No votes or actions were taken on those presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then housed within the Department of Water Resources would be the staff, and then their budget would
• become part of the budget 360 budget for a department. ...would be the staff and then their budget would
• become part of the budget 360 budget for Department of Water Resources, and I would view this relationship
• operational efficiencies in government, we would be consolidated under a single agency for staffing and budgeting

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope we'll bring that same humility into our budget decisions when we're looking at budgets that we're
• Also, we've been really hammering them quite heavily with budget requests this last week, so they've
• And I've seen that this last week because we've tried to dive into some budgets and really ask a lot
• that allows consumers to find a plan that works really well, both for their medical needs and their budgets
• Working with agents and brokers is always key to finding. medical needs and their budgets.

Summary: The committee reviewed several Idaho Department of Health and Welfare rule dockets under zero-based rule review. For the Idaho Reportable Disease Rules, department staff said the revisions mainly reduce duplication and shorten the chapter, while adding viral hemorrhagic fevers and lowering the lead-poisoning reporting threshold from 5 to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Members questioned whether stricken language on records access, daycare restrictions, inspection authority, and reporting duties changed policy; staff and the state epidemiologist said the edits were mostly consolidations or removals of language already covered by statute or federal law, and that no substantive reporting requirements were intended to change. Concerns were also raised about limited time to review the large docket, public notice, and trust in the department’s explanations. The committee approved the radiation control rules, which were described as being reduced by about 70 percent, with incorporation by reference removed and a new requirement that out-of-state licensees register within 30 days. It also approved the docket on use and disclosure of department records, which staff said simply removes repeated references to the Idaho Public Records Act, HIPAA, and other governing authorities without changing what records are protected. The reportable disease docket drew the most discussion; after debate over whether the rule changes were merely cosmetic and how statutory changes affect rules, a substitute motion to hold the docket for one week was adopted on a 5-9 roll call vote, with the docket set for reconsideration on February 3. Later in the meeting, the committee received Your Health Idaho’s annual report. Executive Director Pat Kelly said the exchange remained financially self-sustaining, had no state funding, and continued to post record enrollment, with more than 144,000 Idahoans selecting plans during open enrollment 2026. He said most enrollees receive tax credits, but the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits drove affordability concerns, increased disenrollment, and shifted many consumers into lower-cost bronze plans. Members asked about plan changes, enrollment math, assessment fee revenue, and the effect of premium increases versus the loss of enhanced subsidies. Kelly said the exchange’s net premium increases were driven mostly by the subsidy expiration, and the committee adjourned after the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• with significant, lengthy litigation that, frankly, we don't have money for right now in the current budget
• that it is properly appropriated by the Appropriations Committee and incorporated into the operating budget
• has, and the executive himself has, some limited flexibility in using resources appropriated in the budget
• Again, the state has an issue with our budget that is going to be a much larger conversation.
• including with the help of our stellar legislative, nonpartisan staff, who monitors these kinds of budget

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several health-related bills. House Bill 2384 would require continuing care retirement communities that offer life care contracts to submit actuarial analyses every other registration cycle for review by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, with the Department of Social and Health Services using the review in registration decisions. The bill sponsor and residents’ advocates said it would improve transparency and protect seniors’ prepaid care promises, while the CCRC industry supported the goal but raised concerns about scope, cost, and implementation details. House Bill 2505 would exempt certain foster family homes and child-specific foster care homes from adult family home licensure when former foster youth remain in the home as adults and certain safety conditions are met; DSHS supported the narrow exemption as a way to avoid displacing vulnerable young adults. House Bill 2402 would phase out DEHP and other orthophthalates in IV solution containers and later IV tubing, with exemptions for certain blood and cell therapy products; supporters cited health and environmental risks and the availability of safer alternatives, while manufacturers and hospitals supported the goal but asked for longer timelines, supply-chain protections, and implementation assistance. In executive session, the committee took action on a series of bills. It adopted an amendment and passed House Bill 1904, which prohibits cat declawing, on a 13-3 vote. It passed a proposed substitute for House Bill 2145 on the 340B drug program on an 11-5 vote after debate over reporting requirements and the state’s authority. It rejected several amendments to House Bill 2182 on abortion medications held by the Department of Corrections, adopted an Indian health care provider priority amendment, and passed the bill on a 10-6 vote. House Bill 2211 on medically tailored meals passed 15-1. The committee also passed Substitute House Bill 2247 on veterinarian-client-patient relationships, Substitute House Bill 2329 on midwives and lactation consultants, and Substitute House Bill 2339 on nurse licensing, each with technical amendments and broad support.

Transcript Highlights:

• And really, as we go forward through this session, and as we make very important strategic budget decisions
• So let me give you a quick little brief overview of what we're looking at with our legislative budget
• is going to be an increase that we're looking for, for you all to help us with in our legislative budget
• When our budget gets cut, I can't tell Duke to cut my bill and things like that, and of course those
• There is nowhere else in your budget that you're going to realize a 400% return on your investment, and

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first session of the year, took roll, welcomed new member Senator Bracey Davis, and had members briefly describe their backgrounds and interest in higher education. Chair Harrell framed the committee’s focus on maintaining Florida’s top national ranking in higher education and workforce development, with an emphasis on funding decisions tied to student success, workforce needs, and the state college system. Senior Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell presented the Department of Education’s workforce and Florida College System budget requests and data. He described requested increases for adult education, Florida College System program funding, workforce development, and several grant programs, including workforce capitalization, apprenticeship/teacher apprenticeship, Open Door, and CAPE industry certifications. He highlighted record enrollment and completion growth across Florida’s colleges and technical centers, major gains in career dual enrollment, and expansion in programs such as nursing, AI, cybersecurity, welding, HVAC, and manufacturing. Members asked about labor-market demand, the impact of artificial intelligence on future job training, teacher apprenticeship details, mission creep and duplication in CTE programs, student placement and wages after graduation, and articulation between technical college clock hours and college credit. South Florida State College President Fred Hawkins testified about challenges facing a rural college, including low local college-going rates, long travel distances, limited faculty recruitment due to salaries, and the need for more operational funding to expand capacity. He cited strong job placement and licensure outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography, and said the college is exploring AI tools to improve student services and reduce staffing pressure. Pinellas Technical College Executive Director Mark Hunter described strong dual enrollment, high job placement, employer partnerships, and a reported 400% return on investment, while also warning that many programs have waiting lists because of staffing and equipment constraints. He explained how technical college coursework is aligned with state college credit through content-based articulation agreements. The committee then opened the floor for public comment, but no additional business was taken up, and the meeting adjourned.