Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk: HB 2002 by Darby, relating to the eligibility of an organization to receive surplus agricultural
• This bill relates to the eligibility of food banks to receive surplus goods through the Department of
• Clerk: HB 1851 by Morales of Maverick, relating to disposition of certain surplus motor vehicles and
• This bill allows public schools to be able to purchase surplus vehicles for campus safety purposes.

Transcript Highlights:

• , in their in their interim report, House Bill 2426 instructs member agencies to study the use of surplus
• In conducting the study, the work group will be tasked with evaluating the availability of surplus federal
• , state, and local government buildings and land, assessing the feasibility of developing surplus property
• bill requires various state agencies to get together and try and determine if there are excess or surplus

Bills: HCR7

Keywords: memorial, tribute, military service, community contribution, Texas legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's not yet in the—this is effectively a surplus statement, and I think that one, there's
• this is um I think that's not yet in the this is effectively<00:23:06.480> a<00:23:06.600> surplus
• <00:23:07.080> statement<00:23:07.600> and<00:23:07.760> I effectively a surplus
• statement and I effectively a surplus statement and I think<00:23:08.320> I<00:23:08.400>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on February 18 and retained several bills for possible inclusion in the budget. House Bill 97, appropriating funds to the Department of Environmental Services for wastewater infrastructure projects, was retained on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 197, which would have the state pay 7.5% of certain political subdivision employees’ retirement contributions at an estimated annual cost of $28 million to $29 million, was also retained unanimously. House Bill 246, creating the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program with a small appropriation of about $50,000 per year for two years, was retained 22-0. House Bill 519, appropriating $500,000 annually to support the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was likewise retained 22-0. The committee then shifted to a broader budget discussion. Representative Maguire said the committee was facing a roughly $732 million gap between projected revenue and spending, based on preliminary Ways and Means figures and the governor’s budget. He noted that the governor’s plan included $81 million from the rainy day fund and $127 million from proposed slot machine revenue, while other potential obligations such as $150 million in YDC payments and prison down payments were not included. Members discussed how Ways and Means revenue estimates are based on current law, meaning proposals not yet enacted would not be counted in the official forecast. Members also asked about the relationship between the education funding committee and Finance, and were told that many education bills would likely come back to Finance after action in the other committee and on the floor. The chair and members discussed donor towns, swept funds, and the possibility of moving more information technology spending into the capital budget if appropriate. The meeting ended with agreement to let Division 2 head to education funding, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• lot of department programs, by the way, but the farm advocates are going to have a little bit of a surplus
• lot of department programs, by the way, but the farm advocates are going to have a little bit of a surplus
• c><00:12:10.960> a are going to have a little bit of a are going to have a little bit of a surplus
• surplus at the end of the year. surplus at the end of the year.

Bills: HF3548

Keywords: farm assistance, down payment, agriculture, state funding, loan modification, 1183, house

Summary: The Agricultural Finance and Policy Committee met on April 15, 2026, approved the April 13 minutes with a correction to Assistant Commissioner Peter Kesset’s name, and then took up House File 3548. The bill, moved by Chair Anderson for re-referral to Ways and Means, centered on the farmer down payment assistance program and the Department of Agriculture’s budget and policy provisions. Anderson described the DE4 amendment as compromise language that reserved up to 25% of funds for applicants with purchase contracts, removed a proposed marijuana exclusion, and allowed appropriated funds to remain available through June 30, 2030 rather than reverting to the general fund at the end of the biennium. Laura Schreiber of the Land Stewardship Project testified in support, emphasizing the importance of keeping funds available and urging that grants remain capped at $20,000 so more farmers could participate. The committee then adopted several amendments. A23, described as the governor’s budget request and department policy bill, was adopted and included moving the Emerging Farmers Office into the Agricultural Marketing and Development subdivision, combining some reports into the Agri report, and addressing delegated authority with MDA. A17, allowing certain eggs past their quality assurance date to be donated to food shelves under specific handling requirements, was adopted. A18, adjusting per diem rates for certain non-representative committee members, was adopted. A19, shifting about $20,000 to support farm land transition services such as mediation, contracts, financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and housing assistance, was also adopted. A22, which combined funding for wolf depredation claims and the local food purchasing program, drew the most debate. Representative Smith questioned why the two items were combined and sought to divide the amendment, but staff said that would be problematic because the funding changes were interdependent. Supporters said the amendment would pay about 80% of wolf-loss claims and add money for local food purchasing, while opponents argued the local food need was greater and the wolf depredation approach was not the best use of funds. The roll call on A22 was confusing in the transcript, but the amendment ultimately prevailed. A21, which would have removed a physical-contact requirement for farm cervidae containment, failed on a 7-7 tie after opponents argued it would weaken disease protections and supporters said the fencing costs were driving deer farmers out of business. Hansen then declined to move A24, which would have advanced a paraquat ban, saying there was no agreement and he did not want a negative vote at that time. After the DE4 as amended was adopted, the committee took a final roll call on House File 3548 as amended. The bill failed on a 6-8 vote and was laid over. In closing, members on both sides said the bill contained useful provisions for farmers, but disagreement over the unresolved paraquat issue prevented the committee from advancing it.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this body has already allocated a settlement fund to make the people whose surplus assets that were
• And this body has already allocated a settlement fund to make the people whose surplus assets that were
• 31.800> whose settlement fund to make the people whose settlement fund to make the people whose surplus
• 32.880> that<00:10:33.040> were<00:10:33.160> seized<00:10:33.600> after surplus
• assets that were seized after surplus assets that were seized after tax<00:10:34.280> forfeiture<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , I don't think that this is going to uh I mean, I know one of your concerns was there would be a surplus
• , I don't think that this is going to uh I mean, I know one of your concerns was there would be a surplus
• 00:16:43.040> a of your concerns was there would be a of your concerns was there would be a surplus
• 44.079> folks<00:16:44.320> coming<00:16:44.560> out<00:16:44.800> riding surplus
• of these folks coming out riding surplus of these folks coming out riding on<00:16:45.279> the

Bills: HB461, HB465, HB469, HB473, SB94, SB303, HB461, HB465, HB469, HB473, SB94, SB303

Keywords: fundraising, Alabama Educational Television, state authority, public broadcasting, legislation influence, emergency management, public funds, educational materials, promotional materials, state agency, ambulance services, balance billing, health insurance, emergency transportation, reimbursement rates, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions

Transcript Highlights:

• Democrats over the last two years have raised taxes by $10 billion, spent down the budget surplus.
• And again, $18 billion of surplus was spent. Taxes and fees were raised by another $10 billion.
• again,<00:07:52.880> $18<00:07:53.280> billion<00:07:53.919> of<00:07:54.160> surplus
• again, $18 billion of surplus was spent. again, $18 billion of surplus was spent.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's to ensure a surplus because sometimes there are people that can't work. ...that are in that
• And that's to ensure a surplus, because sometimes there are people that can't work or won't work or turn

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An example of what happened over the last with the surplus that was already there, what could have been
• happened over the last with the Surplus happened over the last with the Surplus that<01:14:16.440
• We applaud the proposal to return the surplus funds to taxpayers.
• We grew our budget by 40% with the surplus, and we can debate whether the money was used properly or
• um and we can debate if the the Surplus um and we can debate if the money<01:25:46.040> was<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met to receive a presentation from House Fiscal staff Cynthia Templin and Katrina Heimark on state tax revenues, property tax aids and credits, and key budget terms and timelines. They explained the difference between fiscal years, tax years, biennia, the general fund, and dedicated funds, and reviewed the legislative budget calendar, including the governor’s January budget recommendation, the February forecast update, March budget resolution deadlines, and the expected end of session in May. The presentation focused on how Minnesota tax revenue is collected and where it goes. House Fiscal said fiscal 2024 total revenue for public services was about $102.5 billion, with $46.5 billion coming from state and local taxes. Of total state tax revenue, about 85% goes to the general fund and about 15% is dedicated to other funds. They noted that income and sales taxes make up the largest share of state collections, while local property taxes are the largest share of local revenue. They also reviewed constitutional and statutory dedications, including the Legacy sales tax dedication, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication to transportation, and the auto parts sales tax dedication that was changed in 2023 to a 100% transportation dedication phased in over 10 years. Members asked several questions about slowing income tax growth, possible effects of migration and corporate departures, and whether changes in population or wages were affecting revenue trends. Templin said she was not aware of recent independent or MMB studies tying revenue loss to migration, but would look into it. Members also discussed the sharp rise in tax receipts in fiscal 2021 and 2022 after the pandemic downturn, with staff explaining that the low fiscal 2020 base and a shift toward goods purchases during COVID helped drive the increase, especially in sales tax revenue. No bills were taken up and no votes were recorded during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's just like surplus<03:56:31.520> land.
• We want to allow that land surplus land.
• Representative Cole said no problem. relative to sale of surplus state land. relative to sale of surplus
• proceeds from the sale of surplus proceeds from the sale of surplus property<04:03:44.560> must
• <04:05:15.920> disposal<04:05:16.399> process the surplus disposal process the surplus

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have a surplus.
• , it is no longer a had a huge surplus, it is no longer a good<01:37:22.880> idea.
• We have gone from a $18 billion dollar surplus, where maybe some of these things were thought to be a
• <01:44:26.600> where from a 18 billion dollar surplus where from a 18 billion dollar surplus
• We don't have that $18 billion surplus. We're looking at a $6 billion deficit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:52:52.080> let<02:52:52.240> alone Of homes to meet the demand, let alone have a surplus
• So, the level of foreclosure in Wyoming was relatively low.
• So, the level of foreclosure in Wyoming was relatively low.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And does the Governor have restrictions on how that money in the surplus account can be used relative
• One note that I would make is the temporary surplus holding account is not a new account.
• That's why it's called the temporary surplus holding account.
• So we're draining all the surplus out of... ...and going to be a problem.
• So we're draining all the surplus out of the MBA account to backfill the efficiency cuts.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the Department of Finance’s May Revision overview and the LAO’s budget assessment, then questioned administration officials on several natural resources and transportation proposals. Finance described the state’s improved near-term fiscal picture, but also highlighted continued budget balancing measures, including use of the temporary surplus holding account, climate bond spending, transportation and DMV/CHP augmentations, and changes affecting CEQA filing systems, water programs, CalRecycle, and food and agriculture. The LAO argued the budget still relies heavily on reserves and borrowing, recommended rejecting or delaying many new discretionary proposals, and urged caution about ongoing costs and future-year impacts, especially for the General Fund, Motor Vehicle Account, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal for Bay-Delta water quality implementation. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Finance officials said the $25 million request would support early implementation of an enforceable program combining environmental flows, habitat restoration, and scientific monitoring, with the State Water Board retaining regulatory authority. The LAO said the proposal was premature because the updated Bay-Delta plan had not yet been adopted and asked for more clarity on the state’s existing commitments and future funding expectations. Several members expressed support for the program as a way to reduce long-running conflict over water policy, while others echoed concerns about timing and fiscal exposure. The committee also examined the proposed $125 million Proposition 4 contribution toward acquisition of the Golden Gate Fields property for a shoreline park and habitat restoration. State agencies said the project had a completed appraisal, was moving through a rolling grant process, and would leverage philanthropic and local funding, while members questioned why it was being elevated ahead of other park and conservation requests and whether it was the best use of limited bond dollars. The hearing then turned to transportation items, including $40 million for Clean California litter abatement, $6.2 million for Caltrans homeless coordinators, $73.4 million in DMV/Motor Vehicle Account requests, and funding for the 2028 Games route network. The LAO generally recommended rejecting or delaying the Clean California and homeless coordinator proposals pending more information, while members debated the need to preserve essential CHP and DMV operations despite the Motor Vehicle Account’s structural imbalance.

Transcript Highlights:

• land, um, my understanding was that the Department of Transportation was the keeper of that book of surplus
• <00:06:49.520> that<00:06:49.840> book<00:06:50.280> of<00:06:50.560> surplus
• <00:06:51.920> Is keeper of that book of surplus lands.
• Is keeper of that book of surplus lands.
• <01:23:56.280> land<01:23:56.640> from tried to buy surplus land from tried to buy

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be used for, how much of them can be used for child care, and in particular when you use the TANF surplus
• When you use that surplus, does that add to the 30% that you could use on child care or not?
• <00:52:35.760> which When you use the tin of surplus which When you use the tin of surplus
• c> you<00:52:57.760> use<00:52:58.160> that When you use that When you use that surplus
• does that add to the 30% surplus does that add to the 30% that<00:53:05.359> you<00:53:05.680

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee approved the November 7 minutes with three abstentions and then received status updates on several ongoing audits. Audit staff reported that the special education oversight audit was in report-writing, with 34 of 71 observations completed and a draft expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The education freedom accounts audit had 22 of 41 observations completed, with a draft also expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The Doorway program audit had 5 of 13 observations completed, with a draft expected by the end of February and a final report by April or May. The committee then discussed possible new oversight topics, prompted by concerns about fraud in other states and the need to ensure New Hampshire programs are not vulnerable. Members suggested hearing from DHS officials, contract administrators, and possibly the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit about SNAP and other programs, as well as reviewing staffing levels in HHS contract management. There was also discussion of whether to revisit the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, though members noted that prior work on that area had been suspended because of litigation. A representative from HHS, Teresa Narrow, briefed the committee on the Bureau of Developmental Services. She said the state had been in compliance with CMS since July 1, 2023 after resolving issues tied to a system redesign and billing changes, and that provider-side billing problems had also been fixed. She also described three existing bodies involved in developmental disability housing oversight, including the Council on Housing Stability, the ABLE Housing Task Force, and a legislative study committee created by HB 168 in 2024. Committee members asked for her notes to be shared. The committee spent substantial time debating whether to pursue a new special education audit at the school-district level. Members discussed the need to examine why some districts have much higher special education rates and costs than others, and whether a statistically selected sample of schools could be used. Audit staff said no new audits could begin until about May or June and that only a couple of auditors would then be available. Members also noted that a legislative study committee is already working on special education and may issue a report later this year, and the committee appeared to leave the school-level audit idea as a potential future item rather than taking immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not used to doing this, but I am now facing eviction from foreclosure because all of the things that

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a lengthy hearing on June 18 focused on workers’ compensation, independent contractor and classification issues, workplace safety, warehouse worker protections, extreme temperature protections, retaliation against injured workers, and workplace bullying. Committee chairs outlined procedures for the hybrid hearing and noted that members would be leaving intermittently for floor votes. Testimony also touched on a bill to expand workers’ compensation disfigurement benefits by removing the current $15,000 cap and extending coverage beyond scars on the hands, neck, and face. A major theme was workplace safety in warehouses and in extreme heat or cold. Teamsters, warehouse workers, and labor advocates described high injury rates, strict quotas, lack of water, inadequate ventilation, frozen or missing safety equipment, and pressure to work through heat waves and snowstorms. Supporters urged favorable reports on bills protecting warehouse workers and requiring employers to adopt heat- and cold-safety plans, while the NFIB opposed the temperature bill as overly prescriptive and burdensome for small businesses. Sen. Edwards, Sen. Roche, Rep. O’Day, and others argued that the measures are needed to prevent heat illness, provide shade, water, rest breaks, training, and emergency plans, and to cover all workers regardless of immigration status. Another major subject was the “Act to Protect Injured Workers,” backed by labor groups, immigrant worker centers, legal services organizations, and individual workers. Witnesses said employers often retaliate after injuries by threatening deportation, lying about how injuries occurred, delaying care, or firing workers, and they supported stronger anti-retaliation enforcement, multilingual notices, and a rebuttable presumption of retaliation within 90 days of protected activity. The Mass AFL-CIO and immigrant advocacy groups supported the bill and opposed measures they said would weaken employee classification standards. Testimony also supported a funeral-benefits bill to raise workers’ compensation death-benefit reimbursement for burial and funeral costs, based on a family’s experience after a workplace fatality. The committee heard additional testimony on workplace bullying bills, with some witnesses urging a new legal duty for employers to prevent and respond to bullying, while others described the harms of toxic workplaces and the lack of effective remedies.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've got a lot of foreclosures, a lot of blighted properties, and I'm buying those properties, spending

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, that's really important investments for the foreclosure prevention, to getting people into

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We offer budget and debt counseling, student loan debt counseling, credit report reviews, foreclosure

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many owners still carry mortgages on their properties, and if they miss a payment, they risk foreclosure

Bills: HB32, HB15, HB171, HB421, HB581, HB644, HB745, HB349, HB917, HB204, HB923, HB15, HB171, HB204

Keywords: eviction, landlord rights, tenant rights, justice court, property law, court procedures, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, deep fake, digital impersonation, age verification, private cause of action, explicit content, consumer protection, HB 581