Transcript Highlights:

• staff.
• So we have some outstanding staff working with that.
• and then kind of directing staff to do so?
• Is it staff-driven and brought to the board, or is the board selecting and giving that direction to staff
• Staff bring it to the board? Does the board bring it to staff, or how does that work?

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida water management districts for FY 2026-2027. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and priorities within the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Common themes included reduced budgets from the prior year due to completion of major projects, continued reliance on state appropriations and ad valorem revenue, rising construction and maintenance costs, and the need to maintain aging infrastructure while advancing alternative water supply, springs restoration, flood control, and land management projects. Committee members repeatedly asked how much of each district’s budget and personnel were devoted to the core missions, how maintenance and operating projections were developed, and how projects were selected. The districts generally said most spending was tied to core responsibilities, with administrative overhead relatively small, and explained that budgets are built through a mix of staff analysis, governing board direction, strategic basin planning, and cooperative funding with local, state, and federal partners. Several districts highlighted specific projects, including Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Taylor Creek Reservoir improvements, Crane Creek, Everglades restoration, and various springs and watershed projects. The districts also noted challenges from hurricanes, inflation, cybersecurity, and aging water control structures. South Florida Water Management District’s presentation focused on Everglades restoration and the large-scale infrastructure needed to move, store, and clean water in South Florida. The director said the district’s $1.05 billion preliminary budget is largely for flood control, water supply, ecosystem restoration, and maintenance of extensive canals, levees, pumps, and reservoirs, and emphasized that recent restoration investments are producing measurable water quality and salinity improvements. No votes were taken on the district budgets, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, I'm staff to the committee.
• For the record, Jordan Clark, staff to this committee.
• My name is Jacob White, staff to the L&I Board.
• For the record, Megan Morris, staff to the committee.
• Good afternoon, Dan Jones, committee staff.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and briefing on several bills, with House Bill 2441, House Bill 2159, House Bill 2521, House Bill 2531, House Bill 2543, and House Bill 1607 discussed in that order after agenda changes. HB 2441 would expand reimbursement from the LEO retirement fund for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, covering Medicare Parts A and B premiums and retroactive health insurance premiums during the period before a death is officially determined to be work-related. Staff described a relatively small number of affected survivors and modest actuarial impacts, and the prime sponsor spoke emotionally in support. A representative from the L&I Board also testified that the board had studied the issue and endorsed the bill. HB 2159 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic funds for ECEAP expansion. Staff explained ECEAP eligibility and the proposed non-appropriated account structure, noting Governor Ferguson’s budget included $34.5 million in non-appropriated authority for about 2,000 new school-day slots. Testimony was strongly supportive from Ballmer Group, DCYF, Head Start/ECEAP advocates, a Yakima provider, and the governor’s office, all emphasizing the public-private partnership, expanded access, and support for children furthest from opportunity. HB 2521 would remove the $18 cap on the State Patrol’s firearm background check fee and allow the fee to be set to cover total program costs. Staff said the fee could rise to about $33 per check based on current costs, and the State Patrol testified that the cap no longer matches actual expenses and threatens staffing and service levels. One member of the public opposed the bill, arguing the state system should be scrapped or capped and that consumers would face higher costs. HB 2531 would freeze the ambulance quality assurance fee at its July 4, 2025 level to comply with federal law and adjust Medicaid add-on payments accordingly; the Washington Ambulance Association strongly supported it as essential to preserving federal matching funds and improving wages and benefits. HB 2543 would update county clerk fees and modernize outdated references, with county officials supporting the changes as necessary to reflect current electronic-record practices. HB 1607, the Recycling Refund Act, drew the most extensive testimony. Staff described a 10-cent refund system for covered beverage containers, a producer responsibility organization, Ecology oversight, and fiscal impacts tied to program administration and lost tax revenue. Supporters, including environmental groups, youth advocates, Seattle Public Utilities, and some industry voices, argued the bill would reduce litter, increase recycling rates, support reuse systems, and complement the existing recycling reform law. Opponents from recycling haulers, grocers, beverage interests, counties, and solid waste providers argued it would function like a tax, raise consumer and retailer costs, duplicate or undermine curbside recycling and EPR, and create siting and implementation problems. No votes were taken on the bills in this transcript; the hearing concluded with public testimony and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• to acknowledge the Republican staff who've worked very hard.
• And the staff, first and foremost, we should all be... ...account for everything.
• My staff right now is preparing boxes for people...
• In this budget, the staff and the budget chairs have done a yeoman's job.
• In this budget, the staff and the budget chairs have done a yeoman's job.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and proceeded to floor business, with the main item being SB 101, the state budget bill. Before debate on the bill, Assembly Member Sanchez offered amendments to redirect funding toward Proposition 36 implementation, wildfire prevention, Medi-Cal provider reimbursement, developmental services, and other priorities; the majority moved to lay those amendments on the table, and the motion passed 43-18. The chamber then took up SB 101 as the budget bill for immediate effect. Debate on the budget was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters, including Assembly Member Gabriel and several committee chairs, described the budget as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects Medi-Cal, IHSS, child care, housing, wildfire prevention, and other safety-net programs while responding to a projected deficit and federal uncertainty. Opponents criticized the budget as fiscally unsound and argued it relied on accounting gimmicks, did not adequately fund Proposition 36 or wildfire prevention, and continued spending on high-speed rail and Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants. Several members also raised concerns about gas taxes, provider reimbursement, probation funding, and the impact on vulnerable Californians. After debate, the Assembly voted on SB 101 and passed it 57-19. The measure was sent immediately to the Senate. The body then announced upcoming session schedules, with no floor or check-in sessions on June 14 and 15, and a floor session set for June 16 at 1 p.m., before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And perhaps we should start with a walk-through from our wonderful and fantastic nonpartisan staff.
• </c> nonpartisan staff. nonpartisan staff. Miss<00:00:53.840><c> Stangle,</c><00:00:54.320><c> Mr.
• </c><00:15:46.320><c> staff</c><00:15:46.639><c> who</c> the staff, the nonpartisan staff who the staff
• If not, the staff will take the roll. Chair Carlson. Yes. Ranking Member Koran. No.
• </c><00:19:19.679><c> be</c> finance committee and staff be finance committee and staff be instructed

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:59.680><c> and</c> job well at all without our staff and job well at all without our staff
• </c><00:13:52.800><c> is</c> Sams outdoor Heritage Council staff is Sams outdoor Heritage Council staff
• </c><00:27:08.799><c> to</c> the fiscal capacity and the um staff to the fiscal capacity and the um staff
• </c><00:33:22.760><c> um</c> that's um mainly what we as staff um that's um mainly what we as staff um
• and Joe and the staff they are lean mean and Joe and the staff they are lean mean machine<01:08:26.719

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• While all senators, staff, and guests in the gallery please rise for today's invocation and remain standing
• May we always see that every constituent, staff member, and legislator is made in your image.
• And that doesn't include the staff that support us in our roles.
• Thank you, the attention of all senators and staff on the floor.
• Thank you to the attention of all Senators and staff on the floor.

Keywords: 983, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a group here from Black River, their faculty and staff leader.
• Alison Hatfield, Chief of Staff of Commerce. Hello.
• Courtney Trailer, Chief of Staff, Shared Administrative Services. Mr.
• Wheeler, Chief of Staff, Shared Administrative Services.
• And then, two, how much of your staff are contract?

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Faculty and staff leader, this is their inaugural first faculty and staff leadership group that is here
• Wayne Ruth, Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Alison Hatfield, Chief of Staff of Commerce."
• Courtney Trailer, Chief of Staff, Shared Administrative Services."
• "Chief of Staff, Shared Administrative Services.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our fines collection helps support our staff with an end-of-season party.
• </c> fines collection helps support our staff fines collection helps support our staff with<00:21:22.159
• Staff, please raise your right hand and repeat after me: I state your name...
• </c><00:24:26.559><c> Staff,</c><00:24:27.279><c> please</c> please raise your sorry.
• Staff, please please raise your sorry.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I start with accepting the committee's proposed amendments and thank the staff for working with my staff
• I thank the chair and the staff for working with my staff and with me.
• First, I'd like to thank you, Madam Chair, your staff, Heather.
• I'm sure other folks on the committee staff also helped in this space.
• I've been working on this project as staff for the last 11 years.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will have a staff briefing. Funding for utility relocation costs.
• Are there any questions for staff?
• Staff report by Brandon Popovac. Thank you, Chair Liias.
• Brandon Popovac for a staff report. Thank you, Chair Liias.
• I'm Kelly Simpson, committee staff.

Bills: SB5750, SB6148

Keywords: electric vehicles, charging fees, state facilities, sustainability, infrastructure, regional transit authority, RTA, transit bonds, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond maturity, debt limit, 25-year cap, regional mobility grant program, public transit financing, transportation funding, Washington RCW, bond issuance, municipal finance, infrastructure finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members of the committee, I’m Allison Mendiola, committee staff.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, I’m Allison Mendiola, committee staff.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Allison Mandela, committee staff.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Alison Mandiola, committee staff.
• This bill has built in some safeguards, as mentioned by staff.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several Department of Social and Health Services-related bills. Senate Bill 6024, sponsored by Senator Gildon, would streamline oversight of community residential service providers by limiting DSHS to one annual routine review per subject area when possible, requiring better document sharing within the department, and preserving investigations tied to complaints, incidents, mortality reviews, and other legally required oversight. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative audits and paperwork so providers can spend more time on direct client services. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6063, an agency-request bill sponsored by Senator Bateman and supported by DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, to update statutes to reflect DSHS’s recent reorganization into the Home and Community Living Administration and the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration. Testimony described the measure as a technical cleanup with no fiscal impact. In addition, Senate Bill 6036, sponsored by Senator Kaufman, would exempt certain former foster parents and kinship caregivers from adult family home licensure when they continue caring for a former foster youth who is now an adult and the only unrelated adult in the home. DSHS supported the bill as a narrow way to preserve continuity and stability for vulnerable young adults. The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 5681, sponsored by Senator Cortez, as amended in a proposed substitute. The bill would lower the age for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access employment and community inclusion services from 21 to 20, and rename community access as community inclusion. Senator Cortez and multiple advocates, educators, and service providers argued that earlier access would reduce service gaps, support transition from school to work, and help young adults maintain employment. Staff explained that the substitute changed the eligibility age from the original bill’s 19 to 20. No final action was taken; the chair closed the hearings and announced upcoming executive sessions on previously heard bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the staff is very much.
• I want to echo Senator Gray's comments about the LBA, both the budget staff and the audit staff.
• </c><04:16:57.600><c> The</c><04:16:57.840><c> most</c> staff and the audit staff.
• The most staff and the audit staff.
• </c> for everybody that's here on the staff. for everybody that's here on the staff.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to recognize the staff legal counsel, Garrett Burns, Matt Cricone from the office, and Jody
• Luddy and I had several conversations discussing with our staff constituent cases that we had seen in
• these issues, and really to be sure as well that, I mean, we all know that it's our aides and our staff
• We, of course, recognize the monumental effort DUA staff has been tasked with in learning to navigate
• We also fully support additional funding and staff for DUA if they believe that that would be helpful

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hearing on House 5188, a late-filed bill to establish a special commission to study access to unemployment insurance in Massachusetts. Representatives Hadley Luddy and Joshua Tarski, the bill’s sponsors, said they filed it after seeing many constituent cases involving delays, unresolved claims, and difficulty navigating the unemployment system, especially for seasonal workers and others facing financial instability. They argued the commission should review claim data, gather stakeholder input, and identify gaps in the process so the system is more efficient, equitable, and transparent. Greater Boston Legal Services testified in support, describing numerous client cases in which claimants waited months for determinations or were stuck in limbo after the launch of a new online benefits system. Attorneys said DUA’s backlogs and timeliness metrics had worsened, citing large increases in non-monetary, separation, and hearings backlogs, and they urged the committee to consider systemic fixes, including better notice about paid family and medical leave and possibly more funding or staff for DUA. Committee members generally praised the bill and the sponsors’ collaboration, and one suggested the commission’s reporting deadline might need to be extended. No vote was taken during the hearing. After testimony and brief discussion, the chair closed the hearing and concluded the committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman on the Ways and Means Committee for their assistance, and finally the Speaker staff for all
• The House staff will The House staff will prepare materials related to the summaries of House bills,
• and the Senate staff will do the same for Senate bills.
• Thank you, Speaker Mariano, and Leader Moran, and their staff, along with my own staff, for their Leader
• Moran and their staff, along with my own staff, for their efforts in getting us to this point.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message requesting certain fiscal year 2026 appropriations before final action on the general appropriation bill, and referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means. It also adopted several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognitions for retiring members and public servants, and later welcomed a number of guests and honorees to the chamber. The main legislative business was House Bill 423, establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. After the Public Service Committee reported the bill ought to pass, the House suspended the rules, gave it a second reading, and ordered it to a third reading. Later, the House also took up House No. 1590, a sick leave bank bill for Eric Inakwick of the Trial Court, adopted an amendment adding an emergency preamble, and passed it to be engrossed as amended. A major action of the day was adoption of the conference committee report on the joint rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing reforms intended to improve transparency, public access, committee notice, live streaming, posting of votes and summaries online, and more efficient handling of legislation. The report was adopted by roll call, 147-2. The House also approved an order transferring matters from the Joint Committee on Agriculture to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, and from Elder Affairs to Aging and Independence. The House briefly questioned quorum several times, then recessed and later adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session. The chamber also recognized the retirement of Chief Court Officer Gene DePersio, with remarks entered into the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• school group of teachers, and other teacher professional groups are told, well, you can't talk to our staff
• Do they have to use counsel on staff or hire full-time counsel? What's the else?
• I don't know if they have legal staff now or if the legal staff is not adequate to handle their needs
• We ...largely made up of OID staff, and the chairman is the insurance commissioner.
• And also, I'd like to, before we all leave, give the staff a round of applause for keeping me straight

Bills: SB2063, SB1877, SB1884, SB2174, SB1525, SB1771, SB1805, SB1916, SB1365, SB1810

Keywords: unclaimed property, abandoned property, state treasurer, unclaimed property fund, public website, claimant, hearing, administrative procedures act, sales tax exemption, income tax subtraction, youth entrepreneurs, teen business, minor-owned business, sole proprietorship, business license exemption, entrepreneurship, youth vendor, Oklahoma Tax Commission, Title 60, Title 68

Summary: The committee first laid over Senate Bill 263, then took up several other measures. Senate Bill 1877, which would create a centralized reporting system for reports through the Secretary of State, was discussed as similar to House Bill 3047 and was reported due pass by a 6-0 vote. Senate Bill 1884, concerning access for statewide educator associations and individual school employees, drew questions about union access, off-campus recruitment, right-to-work law, and possible conflicting language on fees and reimbursement; it was reported due pass 6-1. The committee then advanced tourism and public safety measures. Senate Bill 1365 would update promotional fund language and allow the Tourism and Recreation Department to make certain merchandise purchases outside the central purchasing process up to $75,000; it passed 6-2. Senate Bill 2174 would change the appointment and makeup of the State Fire Marshal Commission board and was reported due pass 8-0. Senate Bill 1525, as amended by a PCS, would let the Tourism and Recreation Department contract for support of its annual tourism conference and charge registration fees to recoup costs, with emergency language added; it passed 6-2. The committee also approved House Bill 1810, which would allow expert testimony in human trafficking cases and add trafficking victims to existing victim services, by an 8-0 vote. On workforce and agency administration, Senate Bill 1771 would expand the Workforce Commission’s authority to collect funding, expenditure, and performance data and to hire outside counsel; it passed 5-2. Senate Bill 1805 would bar certain group homes and post-adjudication treatment facilities from using contract staff, due to concerns about records access and staffing; it passed 6-1. Finally, Senate Bill 1960 would move the Oklahoma Receivership Office under the Oklahoma Insurance Department to modernize and reduce duplication, and it was reported due pass 7-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You all know that everybody here is our staff. We'll go around the room here.
• It's been valuable to library staff that don't make a livable wage to increase their wages.
• It's been great to add on additional staff. Many of these libraries are run by single individuals.
• A few of them have only volunteers helping, and they're hoping to be able to hire staff.
• And that makes our services and our literacy programs and our staff vulnerable.

Bills: SB61, SB62, SB99

Keywords: rural libraries, funding, cultural affairs, education, community support, appropriation, state investment, public resources, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you need further accommodation, please communicate with the sergeant staff.
• Thank you to our sergeant staff who are present for helping maintain decorum in the committee hearing
• They've been distributed to the House, Senate, and LCC staff.
• <c> extensive</c><00:04:35.840><c> security</c> additional staff with extensive security additional staff
• </c> chiefs of staff, both the DFL and GOP. chiefs of staff, both the DFL and GOP. installed.<00:04:48.320

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on January 13, 2026, adopted the January 7 minutes, and reviewed the committee’s work on the annual AAST/ACAS security report. The chair emphasized that the committee’s purpose is advisory only, but that its recommendations could guide the governor and legislature on improving security at the Minnesota Capitol complex. She also highlighted prior testimony about security practices in other states and said the committee’s report would likely recommend stronger screening and weapon-ban policies as part of a broader effort to prevent violence in public government spaces. Department of Public Safety advisers reported that they are still reviewing the report in detail and determining internal next steps. They also said quarterly security meetings with building tenants have been held and that internal and external tabletop exercises with law enforcement and other security partners are scheduled for the end of January. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms gave a brief update on operational security changes, including hiring additional staff with security experience, weekly security meetings with DFL and GOP chiefs of staff, installation of two security kiosks, rollout of encrypted keycard ID badges, updated emergency procedure QR-code stickers, and implementation of the State Patrol’s threat matrix and reporting protocol. The Senate also said it is continuing joint training with the House and LCC. The committee then moved into a closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3D, to discuss sensitive security details and non-public findings from the capital security assessment. The chair stated that the closed session would cover confidential vulnerabilities and operational information, and that the committee would later reconvene in public to vote on whether certain provisions from the public executive summary should be included as recommendations in the final report.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR TODAY'S MEETING I WANT TO PROVIDE EACH OF YOU AND STAFF ALREADY DID IT ELECTRONICALLY BUT WE'VE GOT
• VICE CHAIR AND I WILL BE WORKING WITH STAFF THIS SUMMER ON THOSE KINDS OF ISSUES.
• I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE STAFF.
• WE COULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN ALL THIS TOGETHER WITHOUT THE WORK OF OUR STAFF, EVERY ONE OF THEM.
• NO, SERIOUSLY, THE STAFF HAS BEEN WONDERFUL TO WORK WITH.

Transcript Highlights:

• leadership in order to keep things going during that period. with staff because of with staff because
• </c> board side as well as on on the staff board side as well as on on the staff side<00:26:33.600><c
• </c> between I guess the the the line staff between I guess the the the line staff and<00:31:35.600><
• </c> leader and not be involved in that staff leader and not be involved in that staff level<00:32:22.399
• I am also going to the staff meeting this week to address the staff and let them know that, from a board

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition. Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.