Bills: SB2738

Keywords: tax haven, corporate tax, foreign subsidiaries, income reporting, state revenue, transparency, tax law, penalties, apportionment, economic policy, 912, senate, all

Summary: The meeting reconvened on Senate Bill 2760 during the Tuesday, February 17, 2026 decision-making agenda in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii State Capitol. The only action discussed was a recommendation to defer action on the measure for one additional day. Members were informed that the committee would reconvene in Room 229 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:07 a.m. to consider action on the bill. No vote was taken on the measure at this session. The meeting was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• James Eldridge, the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue.
• In fact, this package is revenue positive for FY26 and 27 due to roughly $100 million of recurring revenue
• of our revenue are backloaded.
• At a time when revenues are needed more than ever, maintaining the $1,200 cap provides much-needed revenue
• we have and find new streams of revenue If we don't do everything we can to protect the revenue we have

Bills: H4975

Keywords: federal tax changes, OBBBA, revenue impact, pass-through entities, state budget, tax relief, high-income earners, opportunity zones, 1212, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of federal tax changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) on Massachusetts revenues. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz said the federal law would otherwise reduce FY26 revenue by about $442 million and argued the bill takes a phased approach: immediately conforming to the research and experimental deduction, later phasing in other business tax provisions, extending the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, delaying large federal tax changes over a $20 million threshold, limiting opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, adjusting PFML-related tax treatment, and aligning casino reporting thresholds. He said the proposal would protect the current-year budget while preserving competitiveness and that the administration had consulted both business and labor stakeholders. Committee members questioned the administration about why it chose phased conformity rather than full decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill does not pass, and the rationale for the pass-through entity and opportunity zone provisions. Gorowitz said the budget assumes the bill will pass and would face a gap without it, and he emphasized that the PTE change would not reduce surtax collections. He also said the administration’s concern was balancing fiscal stability with support for sectors such as research, manufacturing, and capital-intensive businesses. On PFML, administration staff explained that the bill’s statutory and administrative changes would be cost-neutral for employers and employees when paired together. Several witnesses urged the committee to go further and permanently decouple Massachusetts from the federal corporate tax changes rather than delay them. MassBudget’s Phineas Baxendall, Progressive Massachusetts’ Jonathan Cohn, and CBPP’s Don Griswold argued that automatic conformity has previously caused revenue losses and that the state should opt out entirely of the five costliest OB3 provisions. Labor and public-sector advocates, including leaders from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and building trades unions, said the federal law will worsen budget pressures, harm schools, health care, human services, and construction employment, and shift costs onto working families. They called for permanent decoupling and warned that the bill’s corporate tax benefits would subsidize investments outside Massachusetts. Unite Here Local 26 also testified in opposition to sections 3 and 4, which would raise the slot-machine jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, arguing the current threshold helps with problem-gaming intervention, preserves union jobs, and generates revenue. The committee also heard support for maintaining conformity to the R&E deduction from the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, which said the provision is important for the state’s innovation economy. No votes or final actions were taken at the hearing.

Bills: SB271, HB511

Keywords: SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax, license tax, privilege tax, Public Service Commission, PSC, utility regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• we're going does is it purports to say we're going to define parimutuel a little bit and get some new revenue
• Substantial new revenue provisions are in the bill.
• It also raises also raises significant portions of this bill that change the revenue structure that would
• since then in Green County, no entity has ever been able to take a look at the books to see how much revenue
• All of the revenue is coming in.

Bills: SB268, SB262

Keywords: mixed spirit beverages, alcohol regulation, licensing, excise tax, distribution agreements, retail sales, wholesalers, SB262, White Hall, Lowndes County, pari-mutuel wagering, simulcast, historical racing, historical horse racing, dog racing, horse racing, charitable bingo, off-track betting, OTB, gambling

Transcript Highlights:

• tax revenue.
• tax revenue as a whole.
• It would also take into account revenue from the income surtax when calculating the allowable revenue
• Back then, there was no previous allowable revenue calculation to base the new 1987 cap on.
• State revenues fell by 12%.

Bills: H5006, H5007

Keywords: tax revenue, state surplus, taxpayer refunds, budget growth, Massachusetts General Laws, income tax, tax reduction, state law, personal income tax, tax rates

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on two proposed ballot initiatives: one to reduce the state personal income tax rate from 5% to 4% over three years, and another to revise the state tax collection cap law (62F) so the cap would be based on the prior year’s actual collections plus wage-and-salary growth and would include surtax revenue. Committee chairs outlined the hearing process and noted that the measures would need additional signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot if not enacted by the legislature. The committee’s expert witness, Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, said the income tax proposal would lower the base rate in stages beginning in 2027 and would ultimately reduce state income tax collections by about $5.4 billion annually when fully implemented. He estimated savings would vary by income level, from a few hundred dollars for lower- and middle-income households to about $10,700 for taxpayers at the surtax threshold. He argued the proposal would improve tax competitiveness but would also require major budget adjustments, likely including reserve use, spending cuts, and possibly new revenue measures; he cited prior downturns and said the state’s rainy day fund is stronger than in past recessions, though spending growth and health care costs remain concerns. On the 62F proposal, he said rebasing the cap to prior-year collections would make refunds more likely, with modeled refunds totaling about $7.9 billion without the surtax and $10.1 billion with it over the last decade, and warned it could reduce stabilization fund deposits and constrain recovery after recessions. Proponents of both petitions, including representatives from Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts, NFIB, Pioneer Institute, and the Mass Opportunity Alliance, argued that Massachusetts faces an affordability and competitiveness crisis and that lower taxes would help families, small businesses, job creation, and outmigration. They said the income tax cut would put about $1,300 a year back into the hands of average families, help pass-through businesses reinvest, and improve the state’s ability to compete with lower-tax states such as North Carolina. Their economist, Rebecca Paxton, presented a model projecting average annual revenue losses of about $680 million during the phase-in and a total net income tax revenue impact of $2 billion to $2.2 billion, while saying long-term revenue growth would be stronger after implementation. The hearing ended with committee questions and a brief dispute over a planned voter testimonial video, which the chairs said was not appropriate for the hearing at that point.

Transcript Highlights:

• two-thirds vote requirement only applies to legislative acts that provide for an increase in state tax revenues
• have occurred without the legislature having any voice in establishing what that increase in the revenue
• Like, if we do nothing else, I mean, we're supposed to pass a budget, set public revenues, talk about
• So this resolution would expand the two-thirds majority requirement for revenue and make it harder for
• And so given the fact that these fees now are being treated as general revenue-generating measures...

Bills: SB1142, SCR1028

Keywords: scholarships, tax credit, education funding, nonprofit organizations, Arizona Revised Statutes, constitutional amendment, state revenue, tax policy, legislative approval, two-thirds vote, 1182, all

Bills: SB233, SB233

Keywords: ad valorem, taxation, local governance, advisory committee, Alabama Department of Revenue, eluding officers, law enforcement, penalties, public safety, criminal justice, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our general fund balance, I mean, our general fund revenues are at $19 million.
• , unless they're exempt, is deposited into the general revenue fund.
• to the General Revenue Fund.
• The State Highway Fund is missing out on approximately $3 million every year in non-dedicated revenue
• HB4888 also ensures that surplus RMA revenue is reinvested into the communities that need it.

Bills: HB1589, HB2208, HB2297, HB2560, HB2725, HB3080, HB4417, HB4473, HB4520, HB4662, HB4888, HB4905, HB4906

Keywords: HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration

Bills: SB183, SB160, SB183, SB160

Keywords: tribal police, law enforcement, reservation safety, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, indigenous rights, sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax, local tax exemption, county tax, municipal tax, county commission, municipal ordinance, resolution, Alabama Department of Revenue, tax administration, fiscal year, September 1 effective date, local government, tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also take into account revenue from the income surtax when calculating the allowable revenue
• Back then, there was no previous allowable revenue calculation to base the new 1987 cap on.
• yearly revenue collections.
• State revenues fell by 12%.
• State revenues fell by 12%.

Bills: H5006, H5007

Keywords: tax revenue, state surplus, taxpayer refunds, budget growth, Massachusetts General Laws, income tax, tax reduction, state law, personal income tax, tax rates, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Integrity instead of expedience, service instead of self, courage instead of calculation.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer recognizing Black History Month, reflecting on sacrifice, justice, and the responsibility of legislators to serve with humility, courage, and dignity. The body then approved the previous day’s minutes and adopted House Resolution 4701 honoring Black History Month without objection. After the resolution, both Democratic and Republican caucuses were called, and the House briefly went at ease. The chamber then handled routine business: first-reading referral of bills, memorials, and resolutions from the introduction sheet, referral of bills from committee reports, and placement of Engrossed Senate Bill 5272 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 onto the second reading calendar after the Rules Committee was relieved of them. No floor debate or recorded votes on substantive legislation occurred in this segment. The House announced that floor action had concluded for the day and adjourned until 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 26th.

Bills: SF0052, SF0024

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the proceeds are still divided by the Department of Revenue on a pro rata basis to the counties.
• by the the proceeds are still divided by the department<00:30:24.159><c> of</c><00:30:24.320><c> revenue
• on a prata basis department of revenue on a prata basis to<00:30:26.720><c> the</c><00:30:26.880><c>
• Why the projection of increased revenue?
• Is that the people that come in revenue?

Bills: SF0052, SF0024

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and allows the Department of Transportation, through their rulemaking and in conjunction with the Revenue
• Amendment number two requires the Department of Revenue to provide to DOTD an annual report of sales
• Multimodal Commerce to consider that collections data when developing rules and procedures for calculating
• estimated aviation fuel tax revenue as required by proposed law.

Bills: HB1039, SB423, SB436

Keywords: local sales tax, local use tax, sales and use tax, tax audit, local collector, tax collector, prescriptive period, prescription waiver, interest suspension, delinquency penalties, estimated assessment, arbitrary assessment, certified mail notice, audit notice, taxpayer rights, installment agreement, Louisiana tax law, Title 47, revenue collection, tax administration

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not loss of revenue. This is loss of jobs.
• President and Senator, we have no calculation in hand as to the total foregone revenue that would be
• So that's a very large foregone revenue commitment for 200 starter homes. Mr.
• President, the revenue impact will be nothing because of yield control. Mr.
• President, so when we say revenue, do we mean revenue to counties or loss of revenue? Yes, Mr.

Bills: SB273, SB37, SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not loss of revenue. This is loss of jobs.
• They receive $475,000 in revenue in the offset of the...
• And that is their one-year loss of revenue if they leave. Thank you. Loss of revenue if they leave.
• President and Senator, we have no calculation in hand as to the total foregone revenue that would be
• President, so when we say revenue, do we mean revenue to counties or loss of revenue? Yes, Mr.

Bills: SB273, SB37, SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Summary: The Senate convened on the 30th day of the 2026 session, established a quorum, heard an invocation from Chaplain Harry Eberts, and received several announcements and House messages. The chamber then took up multiple concurrence and third-reading items, including Senate Bill 273, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 41, House Bill 34, House Bill 20, House Bill 43, House Bill 38, and House Bill 256. The body also heard that House Joint Memorial 2 was moved from the President’s table to the calendar, and later received messages from the House on several other Senate and House measures. The most contentious action was concurrence on Senate Bill 273, which concerns correction facility loss of revenue for counties affected by the loss of ICE detainees. Senators debated the economic impact on Torrance, Otero, and Cibola counties, with supporters arguing the bill provided partial relief and critics saying it did not come close to replacing lost jobs and revenue. The Senate ultimately concurred with the House amendments by a vote of 22-18. On Senate Bill 100, which would have expanded burglary-related definitions to include an “extension of a dwelling,” several senators argued the House language was too broad and legally vague, and the Senate voted not to concur, sending the bill back to the House. Senate Bill 41, with a technical correction and addition of second-degree criminal sexual penetration, was concurred with by voice vote. Among the bills passed on third reading, House Bill 34 updated school nurse licensure rules and supervision pathways and passed 38-0. House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, clarified retirement and survivor-benefit provisions, and passed 39-0 after questions about whether it affected PERA’s unfunded liability; sponsors said it did not. House Bill 38 expanded insurance coverage for powered mobility devices and prosthetics, including coverage for batteries and in-state provider requirements, and passed 38-0. House Bill 256 expanded cardiac emergency response planning and AED requirements to athletic activities and schools, including private schools on a phased-in basis, and was debated over cost and scope before passing. House Bill 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and IDs, prompted extended discussion about tribal support, documentation, and possible profiling concerns; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Revenue The amendment.
• The Department of Revenue drafted that amendment and is good with this as well. But I would move.

Bills: HB353, HB354, HB357, HB396, SB83

Keywords: judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, district attorney, compensation, constitutional amendment, job security, Alabama Constitution, tobacco tax, heated tobacco products, heated tobacco, cigarettes, nicotine, vape alternative, smokeless tobacco, snuff, cigars, excise tax

Bills: SB282, SB282

Keywords: virtual currency, cryptocurrency, tax exemption, state tax law, digital assets, manufactured homes, certificate of title, Alabama Department of Revenue, law amendment, 1999 models, 1136, house, all

Bills: SF0110, SF0096

Keywords: property tax, residential real estate, tax assessment, primary residence, tax revenue, tobacco, excise tax, wholesalers, remote retail sales, nicotine products, youth prevention, regulation, licensing, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Revenue they can reinvest into the Convention Center and hotel infrastructure.
• Bring in new tourism and new subsequent revenue.
• If we cannot... pledge the Project Financing Zone revenues with the other revenues we would plan to,
• Usage by entities entitled to portions of that revenue in the treatment of hotel occupancy tax revenue
• Holding hotel occupancy tax revenue is in contradiction of Texas statute.

Bills: SB1071, SB1444, SB1483, SB1556, SB1703, SB1756, SB1854, SB2036, SB2133, SB2297, SB2622, SB2779, SB2955, SB2979

Keywords: municipality, tax revenue, hotel project, convention center, economic development, hotel tax, municipal authority, local governments, local authority, convention centers, hotel occupancy tax, municipal finance, local tax revenue, tourism, hotel and convention center project, Tax Code Chapter 351, city revenue, special district, Texas municipalities, venue financing