Transcript Highlights:

• of experience practicing law, that is the whole basis of the separation of powers, of checks and balances
• of experience practicing law, that is the whole basis of the separation of powers, of checks and balances
• stand with the rule of law and we stand and support the separation of powers and the checks and balances
• of experience practicing law, that is the whole basis of the separation of powers, of checks and balances
• When the powers of checks and balances.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which had been amended from an automatic voter registration-related request to a resolution urging the administration to follow the law and comply with federal court orders. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawaii women lawyers, and others. One witness spoke against automatic voter registration, warning it could be exploited by bad actors, though the chair clarified that the amended resolution was focused on court orders rather than AVR. Members asked questions about whether states or Congress can enforce compliance with court orders and whether there were historical examples of presidents refusing to follow them. The response emphasized separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of state support for the rule of law. The committee then voted to accept the proposed SD1 for SCR 158; the measure passed with one no vote recorded from Senator Awa. The committee also took up SCR 154, a resolution supporting implementation of applicable United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review recommendations. No testimony was received on that measure, and it was deferred. In a later decision-making agenda item, the committee considered a measure directing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include circuit and district court facilities in planning new correctional centers and to establish a release procedure away from residential communities and public spaces; the committee recommended passage as amended, and the measure passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many more are unable to balance their budgets.
• And so I think, to Senator Dismang's point, we've got to find that balance where we can grow.
• And so finding that balance between funding essential services at the level that needs to be, and then
• And so I think to Senator Dismayne's point, we've got to find that balance where we can grow.
• And so finding that balance between funding essential services at the level that needs to be, and then

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the second part of that would be, how is our toll credit balance, and are we still getting to, I
• </c><00:11:45.519><c> and</c><00:11:45.760><c> are</c><00:11:45.920><c> we</c> is our toll credit balance
• and are we is our toll credit balance and are we still<00:11:46.480><c> getting</c><00:11:46.720><c>
• </c><00:12:13.200><c> Um,</c><00:12:13.680><c> and</c><00:12:14.000><c> currently</c> toll credit balance
• Um, and currently toll credit balance.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• resource analysis, we have carryover funds from year to year, and you can see our historical cash balances
• From year to year, and you can see our historical cash balances for our revolving funds, our current
• cash balances, and again, we can't access these for our operating costs.
• From year to year, and you can see our historical cash balances for our revolving funds, our current
• cash balances, and again, we can't access these for our operating costs.

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from Emergency Management Director Annie Verst for the General Government appropriations budget. She described the agency’s core role as coordinating disaster response, recovery, preparedness, and mitigation, emphasizing that local governments lead initial response while the state supports recovery and resource coordination. Verst highlighted recent activity including wildfire-related declarations, $83 million in public assistance payouts, use of the new state disaster revolving fund, implementation of an Oklahoma resilient recovery strategy, and restructuring efforts that repurposed positions toward regional coordination and reduced administrative overhead. A major focus of the presentation was uncertainty around federal funding. Verst said FEMA programs and obligations have been delayed or canceled in some cases, including hazard mitigation assistance and disaster case management, and that the agency is seeking state support to cover possible gaps. She outlined requests for a $3.7 million federal funding loss contingency, $1 million for updating the state hazard mitigation plan, $3.8 million for the state emergency fund and 12.5% public assistance obligations, and $800,000 for anticipated other needs/temporary sheltering cost share. She also explained that most of the agency’s large revolving and pass-through balances cannot be used for operating costs. Members questioned her about Oklahoma Task Force One, including whether it is funded by OEM and whether the agency is shifting toward response rather than mitigation. Verst said Task Force One is used when local capacity is exceeded, that out-of-state deployments are reimbursed, and that the agency sees its role as coordination and recovery rather than replacing local response. She also explained the revolving fund for disaster advances, the timing of reimbursements, and the purpose of the hazard mitigation plan update. No votes or formal actions were taken, and the hearing concluded with thanks and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Separately, this House language limits the agency's ability to transfer balances between appropriated
• Moving to page R8, the House also requires that the agency annually report on several balances within
• <00:03:18.239><c> between</c><00:03:18.560><c> appropriated</c><00:03:19.080><c> accounts</c> balances
• between appropriated accounts balances between appropriated accounts pursuant<00:03:19.920><c> to</c
• within the Housing Development balances within the Housing Development Fund<00:04:39.120><c> and</c>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee on the housing omnibus bill began with member introductions and a staff walk-through comparing House and Senate provisions. House Research staff reviewed major policy differences affecting Minnesota Housing Finance Agency operations, including limits on how much the agency may retain from state appropriations for administrative costs, new reporting requirements, restrictions on transfers between appropriated accounts, and House-only language requiring annual expenditure of investment income from state appropriations. Senate provisions were also summarized, including tighter rules on when appropriations may be placed into Housing Development Fund bookkeeping accounts, updated operating-cost reporting, and Senate-only changes to how investment earnings may be used. Staff also described shared and differing provisions on program-money transfers, a lived-experience earnings exemption, and a long list of Senate-only policy changes, including manufactured home park tenant protections, low-income housing tax credit and bond-related changes, a task force on housing taxes and fees, and repealers affecting Housing Development Fund authority and certain older programs. Fiscal staff then reviewed the budget impacts. The House side included one-time appropriations for workforce housing development, family homeless prevention and assistance, a Minnesota Nice Home Share pilot, and homebuyer education, along with debt service for $100 million in housing infrastructure bonds and transfers/cancellations that produced a net zero general fund impact across the budget window. The Senate side noted a fiscal note for the housing taxes and fees task force and a smaller housing infrastructure bond authorization, with corresponding debt service costs and a total Senate budget-window impact of about $1 million in general fund debt service. After the staff presentations, the committee moved to public testimony. Commissioner Jennifer Ho of Minnesota Housing said the bill’s housing infrastructure bonds and continued support for family homeless prevention were important, and she supported the lived-experience earnings exemption, while noting concerns about the interest-earnings provisions. Testifiers from Greater Minnesota groups praised the workforce housing investments and Senate updates to the state housing tax credit and infrastructure grant program, though they suggested changes to the geographic distribution language. HOME Line urged funding for statewide tenant hotline services, citing rising demand and asking for $1 million if additional money becomes available. The Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers supported the bill’s investments and emphasized the need to pair housing development with supportive services. Housing First Minnesota praised housing infrastructure bonds and other investments but criticized the omission of the Minnesota Starter Homes Act. The Minnesota Multi Housing Association began testimony opposing certain rent-control-related provisions in the House bill. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are lacking transparency in what these balances are.
• </c> these balances are. these balances are.
• We cannot continue to balance the budget.
• </c> were used to balance the clerk's budget. were used to balance the clerk's budget.
• I would help balance the state's budget.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you're looking at this balance sheet, you can see that the nearly $2 billion in NGFO resources
• The BSA ending fund balance is $1.5 billion in 2025-27, and $2.8 billion in 2027-29.
• Now, total reserves combines the projected ending fund balances for NGFO and the BSA.
• We must balance today's crisis with long-term solutions that shape a better future.
• We must balance today's crisis with long-term solutions that shape a better future.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on proposed substitute House Bill 2289, the House operating budget. Budget staff Mary Monroe gave a detailed overview of the proposal’s near general fund outlook, reserve levels, major revenue assumptions, and major spending and savings items. She highlighted assumed revenue from capital gains and a proposed “millionaires tax,” a transfer from the budget stabilization account, administrative reductions across agencies, and several major policy shifts, including changes affecting Working Connections Child Care, K-12 education, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, wildfire response, and state employee compensation. Members then asked questions, including about the higher education building account/operating fee swap and its interaction with the capital budget and Climate Commitment Act funds. The committee also announced amendment deadlines for the budget process. The bulk of the meeting was public testimony, with many speakers generally supporting or opposing specific parts of the budget. Supportive testimony praised funding for wildfire prevention, public health, reproductive health, civil legal aid, the Poison Center, some higher education institutions, and certain disability and child welfare services. Many speakers urged restoration or protection of funding for K-12 education, especially transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, bus depreciation, and Running Start; others opposed cuts to child care, early learning, public defense, long-term care, adult day and home care services, occupational/physical/speech therapy for Medicaid patients, and community and technical colleges. Several local government, health, and nonprofit representatives also asked the committee to preserve public works, homelessness, energy assistance, environmental justice, and recovery/diversion programs, while some business and public safety groups sought continued funding for organized retail crime prevention and related initiatives. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee recessed briefly and later resumed with virtual testimony, where additional witnesses repeated concerns about education cuts, long-term care, health care access, disability services, dispute resolution, early childhood programs, and the need for ongoing or increased funding in those areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, I'm just wondering about the balance; I guess you can tell me later. Thank you, Chair.
• Chair, there is a cash balance report in the General Services Department, Volume 3.
• And can Joy tell me what the balance is in the Kiki Saavedra Senior Dignity Fund?
• And just to clarify, our calculations of the balance, the 5.8 million balance includes the kinship expending
• It creates a balance with other asks, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:31.960><c> the</c> because they're trying to balance the because they're trying to balance
• </c><00:41:38.920><c> is,</c> I'm just wondering what the balance is, I'm just wondering what the balance
• We created flexibility in school lunch balances. We extended the LTFM for roofs.
• All right, Senator Farnsworth, you're next. school lunch um balances.
• We created school lunch um balances.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it is a delicate balance to your point, Senator. Mr. Chair, follow up. You're recognized.
• It is a delicate balance to your point, Senator. Mr. Chair, follow up. You're recognized.
• So I think that's the balance there.
• So we've tried to be balanced in the approach on that implementation as well. Thank you, Leader.
• , ...I'm not sure that this legislation strikes a perfect balance on the issue.

Bills: S0118, S0896, S1690, S1756

Keywords: recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is really just showing the restricted fund balance at the end of each biennium.
• at the end of restricted fund balance at the end of each<00:10:32.160><c> bianium.
• And, of course, just remember the fund balance does include all of the kind of funds that are rolled
• And I think the key there is you have a very healthy fund balance for the commission.
• </c><00:13:33.920><c> and</c><00:13:34.079><c> it</c> people are acrewing a balance and it people are

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis, which is our checks and balances.
• That is the kind of thing that we expect checks and balances to look into.
• And so that's where the legal expense fund and some of these liabilities are trying to balance that.
• With respect to your... ...the legal expense fund and some of these liabilities are trying to balance
• And so that's why we tried to work through an MOU to try to balance those issues of, you know, getting

Summary: The committee on Crime and Public Safety held public hearings on House Bill 3175 and House Bill 3066. HB 3175, called Mason’s Law, was presented by Rep. Chris Brown as a system to let the Department of Revenue, Missouri Highway Patrol, and MULES alert officers during traffic stops if a driver may have a disability or health condition affecting communication. Brown described a traffic stop involving a young man with autism and said the bill would allow a physician-verified designation tied to license plates and driver records. Testimony in support came from Mason and his mother, who said the bill could prevent dangerous misunderstandings, along with a friend, a speech-hearing association representative, and Kansas City police, who said officers already receive crisis-intervention training. No opposition testimony was offered. HB 3066, by Rep. Brad Christ, would clarify parts of the new St. Louis City police governance structure, including responsibility for civil liabilities, budgeting, and extending the transition director’s term. Christ said the bill is meant to clean up language from last year’s police governance changes and address disputes over who pays for lawsuits arising from different time periods, while also allowing the Board of Police Commissioners more flexibility to move money within its budget. Several witnesses and members raised concerns that the bill would weaken the city’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment, reduce transparency and checks and balances, and shift financial burdens onto city taxpayers and vital city services. City representatives opposed the bill and urged waiting for a memorandum of understanding to resolve the issues locally, while supporters from the police board, the police officers association, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would provide needed clarity and efficiency and help resolve lingering liability questions. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that several other House bills and a House resolution would not be executed that day and might be heard later.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:52:20.639><c> where</c> we have the carryover balances where we have the carryover balances where
• </c> that's where you saw those big balances that's where you saw those big balances start<01:55:14.520
• </c> of what I call a structurally balanced of what I call a structurally balanced financial<01:55:27.199
• </c><02:00:26.560><c> out</c> to do is we just need to balance out to do is we just need to balance out
• is that we have enough carryover balance is that we have enough carryover<02:01:43.920><c> balance</

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held its first informational briefing for 2025, beginning with member introductions and then hearing an economic outlook presentation from Dr. Eugene Tian of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dr. Tian said Hawaii’s economy was in relatively good shape in several areas, especially construction, which he described as at a historical high, with construction employment above 40,000 monthly and building permit values and contracting tax base both up sharply. He also noted real estate sales had rebounded in 2024, the labor market had stabilized with unemployment around 2.9%, and initial unemployment claims were below 2019 levels. At the same time, he highlighted challenges including inflation running above the national rate, a shrinking labor force, lower employment compared with 2023, and continued weakness in visitor spending and arrivals. He said future growth would likely come from health care, professional services, construction, tourism recovery, and diversified sectors such as renewable energy, aquaculture, creative industries, and technology. Dr. Tian also discussed Hawaii’s economic structure and recovery, saying the state remains more concentrated in a few industries than the U.S. overall, with government and hospitality making up larger shares of the economy. He said non-tourism sectors had recovered, but tourism-related jobs and output were still below pre-pandemic levels, with Maui and the visitor industry still affected by the wildfire and COVID-19 impacts. He projected tourism and non-agricultural wage and salary jobs would not fully recover until 2027, and said population trends remain a concern because of aging, the likelihood of deaths outpacing births in coming years, and reliance on in-migration. After his presentation, the chair said questions would be taken later and the committee took a short break. After the break, Dr. Carano of the Hawaii Executive Director’s office presented a second outlook, saying Hawaii’s economy in 2025 looked better than 2024 overall, though he emphasized substantial uncertainty tied to the incoming federal administration. He said possible changes to tariffs, tax policy, immigration, and federal spending could raise inflation and keep interest rates higher than previously expected, which would affect housing, consumer debt, the dollar, and Hawaii’s visitor industry. He noted that U.S. visitors account for roughly three-quarters of visitor spending in the state, making federal policy especially important. He also said deregulation could be a long-term positive but would not likely have much effect in 2025 or 2026. As an additional risk, he pointed to bird flu and its effect on livestock, poultry, and egg prices. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a couple quick questions: what is the balance in stabilization?
• So what is the major source of that free cash balance?
• So what is the major source of that free cash balance?
• We found ourselves with larger funds on our balance sheets, and then we predict interest rates would
• And we do annually use about $2 million in stabilization to balance the budget, and then if anything

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 late-file and miscellaneous bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and fee proposals. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would permanently continue a special property tax classification allowing the city to maintain a 50% residential minimum factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and local legislators said the measure is needed to prevent an estimated 18% residential tax increase when the current temporary authority expires, arguing that the city’s commercial growth and 1988 tax rules have created an unintended burden on homeowners, especially seniors. Committee members asked about the regional business impact, whether major taxpayers might leave, and why a permanent change was sought instead of another short extension; Watertown officials said the policy had not deterred commercial growth and that the city’s fiscal planning and stabilization funds were being used for schools, infrastructure, and bond rating support. The committee also heard H. 4435 from Charlemont, which would authorize a local tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials described Charlemont as a small rural community with a large visitor burden from skiing, rafting, and other recreation, saying police, fire, and EMS costs rise sharply during peak seasons and that the tax would help shift some of those costs to visitors rather than local residents. A committee member questioned the legal structure of taxing recreation services versus goods, but the town said the proposal was modeled on the meals and rooms tax and had local business support. Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, promoting fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles, especially electric school buses and Class 3-8 trucks. Supporters, including EV advocates, a school transportation company, and Rep. Gentile, said the bill would cap sales and excise taxes on EV vehicles at the level of comparable diesel vehicles to remove an unintended tax penalty, keep revenue neutral, and support the state’s climate goals while helping school districts and private bus operators manage higher upfront costs. Rep. Gentile also spoke in support of H. 4755, which would amend Sudbury’s means-tested senior property tax exemption so the town would not need new special legislation if the program is renewed again in the future. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after public testimony and committee questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also understand that it's a balancing act that the state must engage in when it comes to sovereign
• But it is a step in the right direction when it comes to balancing sovereign immunity in our state.
• I understand how long it's taken you to find that delicate balance with this and to try and accomplish
• Like I said, you found a delicate balance with this, and I'm thinking back...
• And I think that the balance is being struck in a way that has to be respected, and I respect it very

Bills: SB5906, SJM8014, SB6087, SB5520, SB6017, SB5890, SB6239, SB5886, SB6190, SGA9255, SGA9256, SGA9271, SGA9272

Keywords: data protection, personal safety, public accommodation, Washington residents, privacy, crime investigation, violent death, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, state inquiry, public safety, children's items, donations, charitable donations, nonprofit, religious organization, public health agency, liability shield, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, car seats

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee first held public hearings on four gubernatorial appointments to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission. Kristen Ferreira, a Chelan County Superior Court judge, said she would bring a smaller-court and rural perspective. Lisa Mannion, King County Prosecuting Attorney, said she would contribute prosecutorial experience and support a fairer, more transparent sentencing system; Senator Wagoner asked about her role with the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, and she said responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights can coexist. Kate Bedward, a longtime public defender and tribal defender, said her appellate work gave her insight into how sentencing affects people in Washington. Rochelle Cleland, seeking renewal as the survivor/lived-experience member, emphasized the need for survivor and victim voices on the commission and criticized the commission’s handling of recent reform votes and the vacant victim seat. The chair said the committee would take action on all four appointments on Tuesday and then move them to the floor. In executive session, the committee worked through several bills. SB 5906 on data and personal safety protections in public accommodations was amended with a substitute and an amendment requiring early learning providers and school districts to notify a union representative if a unionized employee is subject to immigration enforcement at the site; it received a do pass recommendation. SJM 8014, requesting an investigation into the killing of Aishinaw Eski Aege, was amended to make the memorial more objective and also received a do pass recommendation. SB 6087, expanding liability protections for donations of baby items, was adopted with a substitute and passed out of committee. SB 5520, the Wrongly Convicted Persons Act, saw two proposed amendments fail: one would have removed civil detention as a basis for compensation claims, and another would have eliminated advance payments within 30 days of judgment; the underlying substitute then passed out of committee. The committee also advanced SB 6017 on victim-centered, trauma-informed responses, adopting a substitute that changes how courts may handle direct questioning of victim witnesses in sexual assault and domestic violence cases; an amendment to let victim witnesses request the procedure was withdrawn for later floor work, and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. SB 5890 on reckless driving involving excessive speed was amended to create negligent driving in the first degree for driving more than 30 mph over the limit and passed to Rules. SB 6239 on arbitration for tort claims was amended to require mandatory arbitration for older claims and permissive arbitration for newer ones, then passed to Rules. SB 5886 on forged digital likenesses was combined with related language and passed to Rules. SB 6190 on protection of critical infrastructure was amended to require photos and database reporting for scrap metal transactions and then passed to Rules. The committee adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The biennial revenue estimate anticipates an available balance of $4.1 million. million and account 5152
• Recommendations do not include providing unexpected balance authority for all appropriations in strategy
• fiscal year 25 for the same purposes going into fiscal year 26, and this also provides unexpended balance
• Balance authority of the $400 million appropriation last biennium due to the range of work Associated
• The fund balance includes the initial $1 billion in funding.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have that committee trying to balance the best that they can.
• So it's a balancing act that the branch does every single day.
• And so we're trying to balance all of those facts. Right.
• Ahmed is addressing the construction plan, but we're well aware that, you know, that sort of balance
• balanced is because we had a large entering fund balance, and, like I mentioned, we were also drawing

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation held a hearing focused first on courthouse facility funding and then on the Governor’s proposed court facilities budget. Legislative Analyst’s Office staff outlined the state’s court-facilities funding structure, including the 2002 shift of trial court facility responsibility from counties to the state, the main funding accounts, the insolvency of the construction fund, the move to General Fund support, the backlog of deferred maintenance, and the large estimated cost of needed new construction and repairs. Judicial Council representatives and judges from Los Angeles and Mendocino described severe seismic, safety, ADA, security, and maintenance problems, with examples of floods, elevator failures, asbestos-related closures, and long-delayed or underfunded projects. They argued that chronic underinvestment is making facilities less safe and more expensive to maintain, and that courthouse conditions directly affect access to justice and public confidence. Committee members pressed witnesses on how projects are prioritized, whether population and filing volume are adequately reflected, why reassessments have not been updated since 2019, how long acquisitions and construction take, and what level of funding would actually close the gap. Members also questioned the fixed county contribution, the use of General Fund backfills, and whether the state should set a clearer long-term funding target for the judicial branch. LAO staff emphasized that any new General Fund commitment would require tradeoffs with other budget priorities and said the Legislature must decide its appetite for funding. Judicial Council staff said the current prioritization was based on the 2019 reassessment and trailer bill language, that a new reassessment would cost about $14 million, and that acquisition delays are often driven by willing-seller issues and CEQA requirements. The chair asked for written testimony and indicated the committee would consider a future field hearing. In the second panel, Judicial Council and Department of Finance representatives reviewed the Governor’s budget proposals for court facilities. They said the proposal includes continued backfill for the State Court Facilities Construction Fund, several new construction and reappropriation items, relocation of Los Angeles courtrooms from the Spring Federal Building, and completion of a fire/life-safety project in Orange County. A court executive from Ventura testified that courthouse conditions affect public trust, employee morale, and the quality of service, citing roof leaks, elevator breakdowns, and HVAC failures as examples of why sustained facilities funding is needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a balancing act that the branch does every single day.
• Part of that is figuring out what we need in terms of judgeships, balanced with the seismic needs, the
• Ahmed is addressing the construction plan, but we're well aware that, you know, that sort of balance
• And the Governor is projecting that the budget is roughly balanced, but the only reason it's roughly
• balanced is because we had a large ending fund balance, and like I mentioned, we were also drawing down

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is sort of a state balance sheet. And this is an abbreviation.
• The value when you look at your reserve balances.
• That's the balancing act we have to make. So, it would be very helpful, Mr.
• four years; it spins off about a quarter of its balance each year.
• So that's the thinking on the balance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since its inception, the statewide election fund has frequently had negative cash balances.
• The first is around the statewide election fund and how it has frequently had a negative cash balance
• In October of 2024, the election fund had a had a balance of $-3.8 million and this decreased further
• Even with the fund's negative cash balances, Secretary of State provided funding to counties prior to
• It would be the balance of what had been spent in the prior election.