Video & Transcript : 'small city program' :
Page 394 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- officer and firefighter recruitment bonus payment program, thereby expanding the program to include
- The bill expands the program to include newly employed firefighters.
- Sam Wagonaire, Florida League of Cities, waving in support.
- was accepted into the NICA program in 2008.
- That context matters because NICA is not just an administrative program.
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286, which expands Florida’s first responder recruitment bonus program to include newly employed firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel, and establishes a PTSD institute within DFS. Supporters from the fire service and local government spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks. After adopting a substitute amendment, members heard testimony from consumer advocates, industry representatives, and credit unions about scam prevention, elder financial exploitation, and the need for regulatory certainty. The bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Members also approved SB 772, which allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and SB 1504, which creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure through insurance and personal finance coursework.
Later, the committee approved SB 1038 and SB 1040, which together create a Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve and the related trust fund, both with technical amendments. SB 1440, dealing with public records exemptions tied to cybersecurity events and financial regulation, was also reported favorably after amendment. The committee then heard SB 1668 on the NICA program, with testimony both supporting solvency reforms and raising concerns about benefits and retroactivity; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 570 created a task force on payment scams under DFS, was amended to reduce FDLE staffing requirements, and was reported favorably. The meeting ended after senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on certain bills and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The American Red Cross has no problem using the AED program in the majority of programs.
- She has a small résumé. Tough Irish lady.
- HB 288, program language acquisition grant. Appropriations and Government.
- HB 2239, child care grant program fund. FFL, Appropriations.
- HB 2960, Veterans Court Fund grant program. MABS and Appropriations.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized the doctor of the day and several guests, and then moved through a long floor agenda. Members received House messages, handled committee appointments, and considered a large number of bills in Committee of the Whole, including SB 1046 on information technology, SB 1066 on civil liability and fraudulent scientific research, SB 1332 on light rail expansion participation, and SB 1286 on veterinary prescriptions. Amendments were adopted on each of those measures, with SB 1332 drawing a notable objection from Senator Kuby over state interference in local transit decisions and preference for autonomous vehicles over light rail. SB 1286 was described as a compromise between stakeholders on electronic veterinary prescribing, including limits for antimicrobial drugs and longer windows for flea and tick medications.
The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several bills. SB 1009 on school curriculum passed 16-10 after debate over AED training and whether it created an unfunded mandate. SB 1086 on the Arizona health care cost and payment system passed 18-8. SB 1317, appropriating money to the Attorney General for a coordinated jail reentry program, passed 22-4 amid discussion about the program’s success and concerns over the funding source. SB 1580, SB 1582, SB 1709, SB 1550, and SB 1761 also passed, with comments focusing on school safety funding, probation revocation for dangerous crimes against children, a Queen Creek-related appropriation, and university cooperative extension and experiment station needs. SB 1046 and SB 1286 later passed third reading as well.
The chamber also paused for a St. Patrick’s Day recognition, welcoming Speaker Murphy of the Irish Parliament and reading a proclamation honoring Irish heritage and the Phoenix-Ireland relationship. Afterward, the Senate returned to business, received House requests to return HB 4027 and HB 2444 for reconsideration, heard a personal privilege statement on an ICE detention death, and announced upcoming committee meetings and caucus schedules. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, September 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll stop asking the federal government to add another program after program after program, but instead
- </c><00:22:52.720><c> after</c><00:22:53.120><c> program</c><00:22:53.600><c> after</c> add another program
- after program after add another program after program after program,<00:22:55.120><c> but</c><00:22:
- ><c> and</c> 3.3 million small business owners and 3.3 million small business owners and self-employed
- </c> programs. Safeguards against what? programs. Safeguards against what?
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/28/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Programs like this are so... >> Important because they empower young people to engage in the policymaking
- Drugs were epidemic, and city disinvestment was rampant.
- All over the state and city and Bronx and so forth, but he's on Long Island, right.
- "The city, we don't have lawns that need 100 people to mow them. Maybe in Saratoga, you do."
- >> THE CITY, WE DON'T HAVE LAWNS THAT NEED 100 PEOPLE TO MOW THEM. MAYBE IN SARATOGA, YOU DO.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and adopted a resolution calendar with several exceptions before taking up a series of ceremonial resolutions and bills. Members welcomed student visitors from the YWCA of White Plains’ Voices Unfiltered Policy Program, then adopted resolutions honoring Senegalese independence and the Senegalese community, MWBE Advocacy Day, John Coltrane’s 100th birthday, the Sing Sing Prison Museum, I Love My Park Day, Animal Advocacy Day, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and Denim Day. Speakers emphasized cultural recognition, public service, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, rare disease awareness, and support for survivors of sexual violence; each resolution was adopted.
The chamber then moved through the regular calendar, passing a number of bills on broad roll-call votes. Among the measures approved were bills amending the Penal Law, Executive Law, Public Housing Law, Retirement and Social Security Law, Social Services Law, Environmental Conservation Law, General Municipal Law, Railroad Law, Election Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills passed unanimously or nearly so, while a few drew notable opposition, including a public health measure that passed 39-19 and the labor-related bill on ghost job postings that passed 39-19 after extended debate.
The most detailed floor debate centered on the Labor Law bill addressing “ghost jobs,” requiring employers with 100 or more employees to disclose whether postings are for current vacancies, expected future openings, or general resume collection, with Department of Labor enforcement and civil penalties. Supporters argued it would protect job seekers from deceptive postings; opponents said it was unnecessary, burdensome, and could invite litigation or penalties disproportionate to the problem. The Senate also debated and passed a bill expanding election-language assistance under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to Haitian Creole and Middle Eastern and North African communities, with supporters citing growing language-access needs and opponents raising concerns about scope and local costs. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I know you think you're relatively small, relative to other state agencies.
- Do you provide anything for small businesses facing potential eviction?
- We do not have an education program.
- It was first established at the same time and in the same bill as the Stop the Hate program.
- Programs as working hand-in-hand together. One cannot exist without the other.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration met to hear the Civil Rights Department’s budget items, with the chair opening by emphasizing that agency directors should appear in person if they want their items heard. Go-Biz was not heard because its director was absent. The department outlined four chaptered-legislation implementation items: SB 464 on updated pay data reporting categories, AB 822 extending the Commission on the State of Hate, AB 935 expanding data collection and reporting, and SB 518 creating the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery. The Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst’s Office had no concerns with these proposals.
Members then asked about the department’s broader workload and role in responding to discrimination, hate incidents, and immigration-related fears in communities. CRD explained that it handles complaints in areas such as housing, employment, public accommodations, hate crimes, and human trafficking, but does not have jurisdiction over the federal government or landlord-tenant law generally. Officials said filings and open matters have risen sharply, with the department nearing 12,000 open matters, and described outreach in multiple languages, immigrant-serving work, and support for victims through T and U visa-related assistance. They also discussed the Commission on the State of Hate, the California vs. Hate hotline, and coordination with Stop the Hate grantees and community organizations.
The committee also heard items on ongoing workload for AB 2188, AB 1041, and AB 1949, which would convert limited-term resources to permanent positions because workload has met or exceeded initial estimates. The LAO had no concerns. A final item requested $502,000 for ongoing security guard services at CRD public counters after more than a dozen threats to staff since July 2024; the LAO again had no concerns. Members expressed support for the security request and discussed the need for safe public-facing offices. No votes were taken, and each item was closed after discussion and public comment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- These programs build not just entry but retention.
- And then you have university preparation, of which a small portion of that right now is residency programs
- That is why I am here today to speak in support of the Grow Your Own program, a program that not only
- This program isn't just about filling vacancies.
- When they started, you know, it was a small, it was almost like a pilot program, right?
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So our average cost, it varies city to city. Uh, we're anticipating an $80 average seat price. OK.
- These programs allow Texas cities to compete for major events and win against cities from competing states
- The program consists of three separate funds the Events Trust Fund, ETF, Major Events reimbursement Program
- West Texas, some of the smaller cities got about $5 per person.
- The major metropolitan cities, uh, get about $80 per person, $80.59 Gulf Coast, $30.
Committee:
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> District 65B, the capital city of St. District 65B, the capital city of St.
- </c> one other small issue. one other small issue.
- For those who don't know, Chicago at that time was a very diverse city, but a very segregated city.
- Not a small town, I know.
- </c> much we can't manage all these programs. much we can't manage all these programs.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So a more uniformed across-the-state program is what we're delivering here. ...that would bring everyone
- I'll speak to sanctuary cities. I don't know of a sanctuary city in this state.
- Does it make cities safer to have local law enforcement, you know, ticking off boxes? Police chief.
- We're not asking, you know, whether it be city police or the deputies out on the...
- And this is just one small part of it. And that's who I represent.
Committee:
House Local Government
Summary:
The Local Government Committee approved the February 24, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 660, sponsored by Representative Dale Hawkins. Hawkins said the bill would require law enforcement to collect and publish biannual statewide data on the immigration status and nationality of arrested individuals, arguing Idaho taxpayers should know the costs and jail impacts associated with people in the country unlawfully. He said the bill was intended to create a uniform reporting system and that the state needs better information to manage immigration-related detention costs.
Testimony was split. Supporters, including Secure Idaho representatives Michael Angela and Tim O’Donnell, said the bill would improve transparency, use information already gathered during booking, and help lawmakers make policy based on measurable data. Opponents, including Idaho Chiefs of Police Association representative Tracy Bastercia, argued the bill would burden local police, create confusion about who must collect the data, potentially duplicate work already done at the jail level, and raise concerns about asking citizens their nationality and publishing sensitive information. Several members questioned whether the fiscal note was accurate and whether the bill should be limited to sheriff’s offices and jail booking rather than all law enforcement agencies.
After closing testimony, Representative Wheeler moved to hold the bill in committee, but that motion failed 8-7. The original motion to send HB 660 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation then passed 8-7. The chair noted interest in possible cleanup of the bill’s language, and the committee adjourned with a reminder that it may need to meet again later in the week for Senate bills.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 16th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- reduction in our revenues, with about, let me see here, it would be about a revenue reduction in cities
- I've worked with health insurance, large groups, and small groups... ...been in employee benefits.
- I've worked with health insurance, large groups, and small groups for over 25 years, self-funded and
- There was one small person against it. It wasn't a farmer. It was an agronomist.
- There was one small person against it. It wasn't a farmer. It was an agronomist.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several procedural motions, including suspending House rules for three legislative days and replacing conference committee members on Senate Bill 2282 and SCR 4007. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups from Grafton/Pleasant Valley and Shiloh School. Later, the House agreed to several conference committee reports and moved a number of measures through final passage or final disposition.
House Bill 1428, which would have created a sales tax exemption for clothing sold by thrift stores or nonprofit corporations, drew extensive debate over tax policy, revenue loss, and possible conflicts with streamlined sales tax rules. Supporters argued it would help lower-income shoppers and nonprofit thrift stores, while opponents said it created an unfair advantage and could reduce state and local revenue. The conference report was adopted, but the bill ultimately failed on final vote, 37-54. House Bill 1440, relating to cigar lounges, was amended in conference and then passed 75-17. House Bill 1460, concerning adult foster care for private-pay adults, electronic monitoring, and a legislative study, was also adopted and passed overwhelmingly, 91-1.
The House then passed Senate Bill 2224, which revises gaming commission structure and gaming stamp requirements, adds Attorney General enforcement provisions, and includes a $25,000 general fund appropriation, by a vote of 88-0. Senate Bill 2327, which expands uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and appropriates $15 million to it, passed 74-17 after a member was excused from voting due to a personal interest. Senate Bill 2267, creating a regulatory framework for on-site wastewater treatment systems and shifting licensing authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 82-10, and Senate Bill 2276, addressing joint water resource boards for cross-county projects, passed 90-1.
The most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the state employee health plan from grandfathered status to a non-grandfathered ACA-compliant plan and appropriate about $6.6 million for the transition. Supporters said it would give the PERS board more flexibility, expand preventive and other benefits, and potentially slow premium growth without charging employees premiums. Opponents warned it could raise out-of-pocket costs, add mandated benefits, and shift costs to employees, while also arguing the bill had not been adequately studied. After extended debate, the House passed SB 2160 by a vote of 55-37. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 1318, a pesticide labeling bill, and placed it on final passage, but the transcript ends before the final vote on that measure.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 02/25/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- . ...in relation to establishing an affordable independent senior housing assistance program.
- So I want to let the state and the city be prepared this year to take back a lot of buildings.
- That's governed by state, city, and federal. Mr. Lopez, let me ask you a question.
- , and federal. that's governed by state, city, and federal.
- So the state will take over these buildings and the city will take over the buildings.
Summary:
The Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development Committee met on February 25 and took up a series of housing-related bills, many of which had previously passed the Senate or been reported by the committee in prior sessions. Measures advanced included bills on NYCHA utility accountability, a small rental housing development initiative, uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors, protections for dependent children named in eviction papers, expansion of veterans’ housing preferences, inclusion of illegal conversions in the definition of harassment, repeal of obsolete rent formula language, inspection of major capital improvement rent increases and rent stabilization extensions, a community land trust acquisition fund, and an affordable independent senior housing assistance program. Most were reported to finance, Codes, or the floor, typically with some minority negative or “without recommendation” votes noted.
The committee then returned to Senate Bill 6718B, sponsored by Senator Jackson, which would eliminate certain surcharges landlords may charge when tenants install appliances in rent-regulated housing. A guest speaker, Mr. Umberto Lopez, argued the bill would further squeeze landlords, especially small property owners, and warned that rising costs and regulation could lead to more units being taken off the market or “warehoused.” Committee members asked about the bill’s practical effect, including whether tenants could install appliances only with landlord approval and how current surcharge amounts are calculated for air conditioners, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. The chair explained that the bill would remove the ability to charge those existing fees, which are intended to cover wear and tear and utility-related costs.
After the discussion, the committee voted to report S6718B, with minority negative votes recorded. The chair also noted an upcoming housing budget hearing later that day and repeatedly emphasized time limits during the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have with us today Honorary Victor Gordo from the Mayor of the City of Pasadena, Vanya de la
- These programs do far more than organized competitions. It's not just a game.
- The Peace Corps program is, in fact, what opened my job.
- And so Peace Corps is very proud of their success through the program they had with South Korea.
- And this is the American dream that came to me through the Peace Corps program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting access to child care center facilities discussed 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Nicole Smarillo, and I am the director of data research and policy at Think Small.
- Think Small recently conducted a survey of child care programs across the seven-county metro area to
- Think Small recently conducted a packet.
- of child care programs across the survey of child care programs across the 7count<00:36:05.200><c> metro
- </c> immigration attorneys in the Twin Cities immigration attorneys in the Twin Cities had<00:39:38.880
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- CalFresh is more than a food program. It is one of the CalFresh is more than a food program.
- And the last thing I'll add is that SNAP is not a permanent program. It's a cyclical program.
- They're in the CMSP program.
- accuracy and program access.
- , the CAROT program.
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Witness Program Witness Program uh<00:04:00.799><c> as</c><00:04:00.959><c> faced</c><00:04:01.280
- </c> criminal and and victim winess program criminal and and victim winess program uh<00:04:34.880><c
- sufficient funds for the program.
- program.
- This makes an appropriation for the victim witness assistance program as a grant and aid to the city
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt.
SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments.
The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Medical school, which is a doctoral program.
- Now that's a program in Texas run by the Medical Board.
- Since the jail, since the city, I used to be on the City Council.
- that may be offering programs for homelessness.
- We operate over 1,200 shelter beds in this city.
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- “And I know y’all have a lot of different things, and fisheries is a small part of what you do.
- And as data is small and spatially biased...”
- While I represent the Federation, I’m also here today as a Louisiana charter captain, small business
- So meaning not on a lot of these small lakes that you see small charter operations where you might be
- Supporting this bill is... small charter operations where you might be fishing 50 yards from the dock
Bills:
SCR54 , SCR59 , HCR5 , HCR62 , HCR78 , HCR86 , HB595 , HB688 , HB802 , HB841 , HB1161 , HB1171 , HB1189 , HB1248 , HB1258
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources
Keywords:
Mississippi River Basin, fishery commission, invasive species, sustainability, economic impact, red drum, fishing regulations, tournament permits, wildlife management, recreational fishing, flood management, FEMA, floodplain maps, environmental risks, Louisiana, flood insurance, risk assessment, community planning, seafood, commercial fishing
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman Ricks and Senator Adams, that varies from city to city.
- So you say a lot of these cities already allow this.
- You said most cities are already allowing this.
- To cities with populations greater than 5,000, which is very helpful because all of our cities that are
- Packer representing the Association of Cities, and I appreciate that there are a lot of cities doing
Summary:
The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard Senate Bill 1353, which would allow twin homes and duplexes in areas where detached single-family homes are permitted, while prohibiting local rules that would effectively block them through minimum lot sizes, parking requirements above one space per unit, or higher impact/utility fees than single-family homes. The bill was revised to remove impacts on HOAs and counties, and the sponsor said it is intended to expand housing options and homeownership. The Association of Idaho Cities said it was still finalizing a formal position but was likely to be neutral or supportive after working with the sponsor on amendments; a representative from Pacific Legal Foundation supported the bill as a way to reduce exclusionary zoning. Some senators raised concerns about local control, rental use, and whether demand exists, while others supported the idea as a way to add more affordable and multigenerational housing. The committee voted to send SB 1353 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1345, a State Tax Commission proposal to allow taxpayers to opt in to secure electronic communication instead of receiving certain notices by certified mail or first-class mail. The Tax Commission said the bill would improve efficiency, reduce postage and printing costs, and preserve taxpayer choice by making electronic notice optional and revocable through the Taxpayer Access Point system. Members asked about protections for older taxpayers, what happens if an email is missed or deleted, and how notice would be tracked; the sponsor said the system would remain opt-in and the agency could monitor delivery and follow up if needed. The committee voted to send SB 1345 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Small, I'm here. Okay, we have a quorum.
- The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, as many of you know, is a really successful program that you all
- So I want to again thank Representative Small and the LFC staff for working on this technical fix and
- Thank you, committee, and thank you, Representative Small, for bringing this bill forward.
- My name is Natalie Green, the Housing Administrator for the City of Las Cruces.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up several House bills, mostly related to funding for conservation, housing, education health insurance, and public projects. HB 184 as amended made technical fixes to the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and Investment Fund to prevent trapped balances and improve distributions to the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund; public testimony from conservation groups strongly supported it, and the committee voted due pass. HB 200 as amended created an incentive program for starter-home construction and homebuyer assistance; supporters said it would help low- and moderate-income buyers, address the shortage of starter homes, and support local builders, and the committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation because funding was already included in House Bill 2 before voting due pass.
The committee then considered a substitute for HB 47, the school employee health insurance “80-20” bill. The substitute kept the 80% employer contribution but added statewide participation in NMSIA, removed waivers, added reference-based pricing, and expanded oversight to control costs and stabilize the risk pool. Supporters, including school employees, unions, and educator advocates, said it would improve recruitment and retention and reduce take-home health costs; the committee approved the substitute and moved do pass on the substitute while not passing the original bill.
The committee also approved HB 63, authorizing NMFA Water Project Fund loans or grants for 113 water projects recommended by the Water Trust Board, and HB 64, which appropriated $13.3 million from the Public Project Revolving Fund for drinking water, local planning, and cultural affairs facilities. HB 48, a straight appropriation already included in the budget, was tabled. The meeting ended after those actions, with no opposition recorded on the final motions.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm working with the City of Cascade and the City of Stanley in this same situation, and we just have
- I'm working with the City of Cascade and the City of Stanley in this same situation, and we just, problems
- Arrington, is this strictly for the City of Boise? Mr. Errington. Mr.
- So I'm representative of small business. I'm representing Twin Falls County.
- I'm the Director of Policy and Government Affairs with the City of Boise.
Committee:
House Resources and Conservation