Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to go through a bit of the development and a summary of the House Bill to how we get to the
• So outlined here is a general capital outlay development timeline. I'm going to go forward there.
• Now, the question as to how we prioritize projects when we're developing the draft bill...
• We prioritize projects when we're developing the draft bill. First is existing projects.
• That's typically infrastructure, crime, economic development, et cetera.

Summary: The committee met informally to receive a detailed briefing from the Division of Administration’s Facility Planning and Control on House Bill 2, the state capital outlay bill. Staff explained the bill’s size and structure, including the current original bill of about $11.1 billion, the role of Priority 1 and Priority 5 funding, the $574 million annual cash line-of-credit capacity, and the large amount of reauthorized or dormant Priority 1 funding that remains in the bill from prior years. Members focused heavily on how projects are selected, how cash-flow estimates are made, and how much of the bill is tied up in long-term Priority 5 placeholders versus money that can actually be spent in the near term. No votes were taken, and the chair emphasized the meeting was informational only. The committee also heard from Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter-Reed, who outlined the higher education capital outlay process, the number of requests submitted, and the deferred maintenance program supported by prior legislative funding. A major theme was concern about dormant projects and over-appropriation of Priority 1 funds. Committee members repeatedly asked how much money is sitting unused, why projects remain in the bill for years, and whether legislators can help remove obsolete or overfunded projects. FPC officials said dormant projects are identified when they have had no expenditures for roughly two years, and that last year some projects were not reauthorized, freeing funds for active projects. They said legislators can help by reducing or eliminating dormant projects and by being cautious about adding new projects during session, since small initial cash amounts can create large future Priority 5 obligations. Members also discussed whether non-state entities, including municipalities, parishes, ports, and nonprofits, should have stronger reporting or expenditure requirements; staff said the current statutes do not require a formal expenditure mandate, though the cooperative agreements allow the state to take back funds if no contract is entered within the required period. Higher education officials said the systems and campuses work year-round with the Board of Regents and FPC to prioritize projects and determine realistic cash needs. Commissioner Hunter-Reed said higher education accounts for a large share of state buildings, that 154 requests were received and 79 were submitted, and that 38 projects have new FY27 funding in the current draft. She also noted that the legislature has provided $100 million over two years for deferred maintenance against a backlog exceeding $2 billion, and that $10 million of that has been set aside for third-party campus reviews of deferred maintenance, space utilization, and preventive maintenance. Overall, the meeting centered on improving capital outlay efficiency, reducing dormant funding, and aligning project requests more closely with what can actually be spent in a year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through landfill oversight, recycling programs, product stewardship laws, and market development efforts
• beverage container, they can get their nickels and dimes back, and be part of the solution for developing
• So we're using those allocated resources to develop essential guidelines for future solicitations for
• One example of this is the development of CERS NextGen, which some of you may be familiar with.
• I would call it a now issue: PFAS, as I mentioned, and that's something that we continue to develop a

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard budget overviews and several budget change proposals from CalRecycle, CalEPA, and DTSC. CalRecycle outlined its proposed 2026-27 budget of 987 positions and $1.9 billion, and members focused on edible food recovery funding under SB 1383, beverage container recycling fees and infrastructure under SB 1013, plastic packaging reduction under SB 54, and composting implementation under SB 279. CalRecycle said edible food recovery has recovered more than 300 million meals but lacks ongoing funding, explained that beverage container processing fees are set by statute and reflect higher recycling costs for difficult-to-recycle materials, and noted that SB 54 implementation will include a pollution prevention mitigation fund for legacy plastic cleanup. The committee also discussed the need for more composting capacity and the role of volunteer cleanup groups, while public commenters urged continued funding for food recovery, composting, and landfill response. CalEPA presented its department overview and a proposal to strengthen landfill response and enforcement, emphasizing climate, air quality, water, and cleanup priorities. Secretary Garcia described the agency’s work on methane monitoring, toxics reduction, drinking water compliance, Exide cleanup, pesticide alternatives, and implementation of AB 617, while also noting the agency’s response to federal rollbacks. Members pressed CalEPA on landfill fires and subsurface elevated temperature events, especially at Chiquita Canyon, asking about authority, scientific resources, and when intervention should occur. CalEPA said it has authority to respond but needs more coordinated technical and enforcement capacity, and later presented a $5.1 million, 12-position multi-agency proposal involving CalEPA, CalRecycle, DTSC, and the Water Board to address current landfill events and improve future prevention and response. DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety presented several proposals tied to reform implementation, hazardous waste oversight, and emerging waste streams. DTSC reported progress in clearing its permit backlog, advancing safer consumer products regulations, and continuing Exide cleanup, while seeking additional resources for cost recovery and enforcement, PFAS work, recycling infrastructure for solar panels and lithium batteries, and a new statewide planning division to implement the hazardous waste management plan and consolidate reporting systems. The Board of Environmental Safety described its oversight role, public meetings, permit appeals process, and fee-setting authority, and said its priorities include permit appeals, hazardous waste plan oversight, and performance metrics. Members questioned whether DTSC was creating too many new subdivisions, but the department said the new structure is needed to handle growing workload and modernize regulation. Public testimony generally supported the landfill proposal, DTSC consumer product enforcement, water board staffing, and continued funding for food recovery and composting programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are developing manufacturing solutions for medications for sickle cell anemia in African countries
• The bill also adds directive language transferring these funds to the Economic Development, Promotion
• The bill also adds directive language transferring these funds to the economic development, promotion
• Engrossed committee substitute for House Bill 4393, requiring the development and implementation of a
• The Committee on Economic Development will meet in Room 208 West at 1 o'clock. Senator from Wood.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill addresses a critical barrier to economic development in the state of Missouri by establishing
• delays mean lower costs; faster approvals mean economic development and job creation happen sooner.
• And we can just look at all the developments, and...
• So we have codes to develop our roads, to develop our sewers, to develop retention ponds, anything that
• We're not running through this development plan frivolously.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of developing a new vaccine?
• We also need more public support for drug development and for treatment.
• It's also led to the development of things like the technologies that we use for imaging.
• DoD is looking at the early stage drug development. The FDA is doing clinical trials.
• Eshom In New Hampshire, we are developing a real biomedical industry in our state.

Committee: Senate Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• We're trying to develop what we want.
• a biosecurity plan may help catalyze their development.
• <c> catalyze</c><00:31:11.919><c> their</c><00:31:12.440><c> development.
• </c><00:31:13.440><c> We</c> may help catalyze their development.
• We may help catalyze their development.

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure that would be a function of our economic development portion of what we do.
• but it's not really a function of what we're talking about in this or in probably our economic development
• </c> probably our economic devel development probably our economic devel development and<00:03:00.640
• we're making in Economic Development around<00:10:26.360><c> agriculture</c><00:10:27.200><c> is</c>
• </c><00:21:23.760><c> as</c> agriculture is economic development as agriculture is economic development

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations. Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs. After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can think about these as for research and development to put materials and proposed nuclear fuels
• Reading that China and other countries are much further ahead of us on nuclear development.
• We are here for research and development purposes.
• Workforce development is a very important part of it because, as we develop this new technology, we need
• On your first question, look at some of the fuel types we have developed.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Summary: The meeting was a presentation and Q&A at Idaho National Laboratory focused on the state of nuclear energy, advanced reactors, and the lab’s role in testing, regulation, and commercialization. Speakers described INL’s broader mission beyond nuclear, including cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, but emphasized its major nuclear capabilities: the Advanced Test Reactor, TREAT, the Materials and Fuels Complex, and other test beds used to accelerate fuel and materials testing. They also highlighted the lab’s size, workforce, internship pipeline, and partnerships with DOE, DHS, DOD, and private companies. A major topic was the federal push to speed up nuclear deployment through executive orders and regulatory reform. Speakers said DOE and the NRC are reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, streamlining environmental reviews, and working toward a goal of having three new nuclear systems achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. They discussed the difference between microreactors, small modular reactors, and traditional gigawatt-scale plants, arguing that advanced reactors can be factory-built, safer, and better suited for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, and other nontraditional uses. They also said the U.S. is rebuilding its nuclear supply chain, including enrichment and fuel fabrication, and that states willing to host parts of the fuel cycle could see major economic benefits. The speakers addressed questions about cost, safety, waste, and international competition. They said advanced reactors rely on passive safety features, TRISO fuel, and natural circulation, and that the industry’s challenge is often cost uncertainty rather than a precise fuel or materials limit. They argued used nuclear fuel should be viewed as a resource rather than waste if recycling becomes policy, and said microreactors should produce relatively small amounts of spent fuel. They also noted that China and Russia continue to build aggressively, with China on pace to surpass the U.S. in total nuclear generation, while U.S. projects such as Palisades, Crane Clean Energy Center, Duane Arnold, Oklo, Aalo, MARVEL, and Project Pele are moving forward under DOE and private-sector partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, with respect to the annex, what are the costs in developing the annex, and would this be a
• ... ...already fight for the resources that they have, and using their time and resources to develop
• Developing these plans unlocks a really powerful tool, as she mentioned.
• Part of my role was to staff him and support the 20-member commission in developing, finalizing, and
• This bill develops... 2027 or the Olympics and Paralympics in summer 2028.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Emergency Management met to consider a large slate of bills, first approving a consent calendar that included measures on emergency management and related topics, with several bills moved on a due pass basis to Appropriations or other policy committees. The committee then heard AB 2013, which would require community water systems to report on wildfire-related preparedness measures such as tank levels, backup generators, and pump hardening. The author argued the bill would provide needed transparency after repeated wildfire water failures, while water agency and municipal utility representatives opposed it, saying it would create new standards, liability concerns, and duplicative reporting. The bill was ultimately passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members voting aye and one member not voting. The committee also approved AB 2385, which would authorize local governments to create local reconstruction agencies for disaster recovery planning and rebuilding; supporters from the League of California Cities and the Los Angeles fire recovery community said it would help communities plan before disasters and speed recovery. AB 2492, concerning public safety coordination for major sporting events like the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics, was supported by the California Travel Association and passed to Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism. AB 2370, which clarifies Cal OES authority over statewide public safety communications systems, was supported by operating engineers and passed to Utilities and Energy. AB 2475, dealing with after-action report timelines and local reporting requirements, was also approved and sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee passed AB 2543, which addresses emergency preparedness for electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, and AB 2411, which would create a temporary process for in-state and out-of-state law enforcement to supplement security during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The most debated measure after AB 2013 was AB 2405, which would require law enforcement to transport patients to the nearest appropriate emergency department and report transport patterns. The author and Martin Luther King Community Hospital described severe overcrowding and frequent long-distance drop-offs, while some members raised concerns about rural impacts, exigent circumstances, and added reporting burdens. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to the Committee on Public Safety. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes from absent members on several items before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment simply recognizes the fact that the underlying bill is stating that we need to develop
• This amendment simply recognizes the fact that the underlying bill is stating that we need to develop
• I think that we need more time to develop a policy that actually Support this bill.
• I think that we need more time to develop a policy that actually does create a path forward that looks
• And trying to be developed is for projects that have little support on the east of the Cascades.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When, in fact, that technology to develop this was developed to recycle... ...fact, that technology to
• develop this was developed to recycle our fuel was developed at the Idaho National Laboratory.
• The new technology that's been developed is currently in process at the Idaho National Laboratory.
• And I might add that... ...making it into new fuel for these new reactors that are being developed.
• Because I am absolutely convinced that safety and nuclear development are not mutually exclusive.

Summary: The Senate met with all 35 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. Several guests and school groups were recognized throughout the day, and the chamber later paused for an Idaho Day celebration featuring historical remarks, music, and presentations on Idaho history and agriculture. In floor action, the Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring fallen firefighters Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison, Jr., and recognizing the recovery of Engineer David Tisdell. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 120 encouraging advancement of used nuclear fuel reprocessing in Idaho and supporting the state’s role at the Idaho National Laboratory, and Senate Joint Memorial 112 urging Congress to pursue a balanced budget amendment and fiscal discipline. The Senate then introduced several new bills, including measures on appropriations, administrative rules, elections, pharmacy benefit managers, utilities, abortion trafficking, educator disclosure, and whistleblower protections. The Senate passed Senate Bill 1241, as amended, which protects working animals and clarifies its applicability; supporters described it as preserving Idaho’s agricultural and Western heritage while preserving local authority over health, safety, and animal care. The Committee of the Whole later considered Senate Bills 1224, 1326, and 1340, adopted amendments to each, and reported them back without recommendation, while several other bills were held in place or reported as progressing. The Senate adopted the committee report and then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• When, in fact, that technology to develop this was developed to research... ...fact, that technology
• to develop this was developed to recycle our fuel, was developed at the Idaho National Laboratory.
• The new technology that's been developed is currently in process at the Idaho National Laboratory.
• And I might add that... ...making it into new fuel for these new reactors that are being developed.
• Because I am absolutely convinced that safety and nuclear development are not mutually exclusive.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have my very capable economic development director, Lindsey Ward, and a bunch of friends up there.
• 33.320><c> Lindsey</c> economic development director Lindsey economic development director Lindsey Ward
• >> The economic and workforce development meets today upon recess in room 409.
• >> The economic and workforce development meets today upon recess in room 409.
• </c> uh economic and workforce development uh economic and workforce development meets<00:25:58.400><

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 3 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we are going to be talking to the California Employment Development Department.
• Today's hearing is entitled, Employment Development Department: Is the department ready for the next
• I'm staff... ...and I've covered the Employment Development Department since before the pandemic.
• It was inherent to their development.
• All right, we're going to call up panel number two, which is Employment Development Department.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on State Administration held an informational hearing on whether the Employment Development Department is ready for the next recession, with a focus on EDD Next, the department’s long-running technology modernization effort. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reviewed EDD’s major benefit programs, the history of prior modernization attempts, the current Integrated Claims Management System work, and the department’s remaining risks, including continued reliance on a COBOL-era mainframe and the challenge of adapting quickly to future federal or state policy changes during a downturn. The LAO also explained that most pandemic-era fraud was tied to temporary federal unemployment programs rather than California’s core UI system, and that the state’s UI loan repayment is not largely attributable to fraud. Members raised concerns about the cost of repeated modernization efforts, paper versus online claims, appeal overturn rates, WARN notices, and legislative oversight of the project. EDD’s panel said the department has made substantial customer-service and processing improvements, including online self-service tools, improved call center features, identity verification, fraud controls, language access upgrades, and a new document management system. Officials reported that as of early 2026, about 83% to 85% of claims across programs were being processed timely within two weeks, and said paid family leave delays in 2024 were tied to the transition into the disability insurance online platform and seasonal workload patterns. They also said EDD is working with the Department of Technology on EDD Next and that the project will proceed in phases, with paid family leave and disability insurance first and unemployment insurance later. Members pressed EDD on persistent paid family leave backlogs, the share of paper applications, response times for constituents, and whether the department tracks long-running cases and WARN notice trends. EDD said its service standard is generally immediate response through phone, chat, or callback tools, while more complex cases can take longer because the department may be waiting on claimants or medical providers. The department also said it tracks call outcomes and outstanding cases, and that it can provide additional data on WARN notices. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with plans to continue discussing EDD Next and paid family leave at a later March 10 budget hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because according to folks in the Economic Development Department, this is one of the most successful
• I'm the Director of Development for Palindrome.
• future businesses, development of infrastructure, and investment in the state.
• This part of the package will reduce the overall cost of development.
• Lowering upfront costs for developers translates into more units coming online sooner.

Bills: SB240

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• DWS is responsible under the bill to administer its implementation, develop the grant structure... ..
• .bill to administer its implementation, develop grant structure and process, award grants, monitor use
• We do a lot of work with tribes right now, and there's a great need for workforce development in the
• He said workforce development is the key, and that this is a workforce development issue that is a problem
• In fact, indeed, this type of skilled labor will increase our economic development.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first addressed a point of order over whether HB 270 could be heard after being taken up earlier in the Transportation Committee. The chair ruled the bill could proceed because it was assigned to this committee and had been properly noticed. The committee then heard HB 280, which would create a three-year pilot program to support paid student internships through grants administered by the Department of Workforce Solutions. Supporters said the bill would help fund internships, mentoring, and transportation, and could improve workforce development, graduation outcomes, and pathways into apprenticeships or higher education. Members asked about administrative costs, student selection, rural and tribal access, payment mechanisms, and whether public entities, land grants, and dual credit could be included. The bill sponsor and witnesses said the program would likely serve about 100 students, use a sliding-scale matching model, and allow local flexibility in program design. The committee voted due pass on HB 280. The committee then heard House Memorial 46, honoring the Hurley family and especially Major General Patrick Hurley and his son Wilson Hurley for military service and artistic contributions in New Mexico. The memorial was presented as a tribute to a family of heroes, and members expressed support. The committee voted due pass on the memorial. Finally, the committee heard HB 270, which would amend the Public Works Apprentice and Training Act to require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs on most public works projects, including road and utility work, while exempting trades without approved programs. Sponsors said the bill would close loopholes, broaden participation, and strengthen the workforce pipeline. Opposition came from asphalt, contractor, and utility groups, which argued the bill would raise costs, duplicate existing training programs, and create access problems for nonunion and geographically distant contractors. Supporters from mechanical contractors, building trades, and labor groups said the bill would improve workforce development and keep training dollars in New Mexico. After debate over the earlier Transportation Committee action and the bill’s cost impacts, the committee voted due pass on HB 270 by a 5-3 roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• DWS is responsible under the bill to administer its implementation, develop grant structure and process
• We know workforce development is the key. So we really look at this.
• This is a workforce development issue. It's a problem for everyone.
• So, in fact, indeed, this type of skilled labor will increase our economic development.
• So, in fact, indeed, this type of skilled labor will increase our economic development.

Summary: The committee first addressed a procedural dispute over House Bill 280, with one member arguing it had already been heard and tabled in another committee earlier that day. The chair ruled the bill was properly before the House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee because it had been assigned there and published in the notice. HB 280 would create a three-year pilot program to support paid internships for students through grants to school districts, nonprofits, and tribal entities, with the Department of Workforce Solutions administering the program, collecting data, and reporting outcomes. Supporters said it would help build a sustainable funding source for school-year internships, expand access in rural and tribal communities, and connect internships to graduation credit and workforce pathways. Committee members asked about administrative costs, student selection, matching funds, program duration, and whether government entities and land grants could participate. The bill was described as flexible enough to allow different local program designs, including stipends or payroll arrangements. The committee voted do pass on HB 280. The committee then heard House Memorial 46, which honors the Hurley family, especially Major General Patrick Hurley and his son Wilson Hurley, for military service and public contributions to New Mexico. The memorial highlighted Patrick Hurley’s service in World War I and World War II, his diplomatic roles, and his decorations, as well as Wilson Hurley’s military service and later career as an artist. There was no opposition, and the memorial received a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 270, a public works apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund on most public works construction projects, while exempting trades with no approved program. Supporters argued the bill would close loopholes, strengthen workforce development, and ensure contractors benefiting from public projects contribute to training. Opponents from asphalt, utility, and contractor groups said they already support existing training programs, warned the bill could raise costs and create participation problems for contractors without access to suitable programs, and noted the Transportation Committee had already considered the bill earlier that day. Sponsors responded that the earlier Transportation action was a procedural glitch and that the bill was a cleanup measure to make the existing law more effective and fair. After extended debate over costs, workforce shortages, and the effect on highway contractors, the committee voted do pass on HB 270 by a 5-3 tally.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we do have some line item requests in our early learning and development area and in other teams
• So it's federal funds spending authority from the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant.
• Chairman and Representative Stone, the department has developed those milestones based on, you know,
• So while we develop the corrective action plan... ...have to impose corrective action plans.
• Well, this speed up at least some of the development of those contracts? Mr. Chairman, absolutely.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• programs statewide; and whereas 4-H youth development programs are diverse and help participants acquire
• skill-a-thon contests numerous times over the past several years. 4-H has not only helped Morgan develop
• six years, which is pretty much half of her life, where she specializes in showing goats and has developed
• They're another great organization that develops leaders, not only in their community, but future leaders
• And I developed enormous respect for what it takes to become an Eagle Scout.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just depending on the whim of the trustee, if the trustee wanted to stop development or anything.
• I mean, not only oil and gas development on public land, but I would also cite the state trust land up
• to develop electric-only subdivisions.
• been tailored to those land development entities.
• , which include the avoided cost of greenhouse gas emissions. ...electric development, which include

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Keywords: 996, all