Video & Transcript : 'budget requests' :
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD/TOU Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the acting director of budget and finance.
- The other issue is, you know, in the long term, in terms of our budget, in terms of opportunity for our
- </c><00:30:10.000><c> in</c><00:30:10.159><c> terms</c><00:30:10.320><c> of</c> in terms of our budget
- in terms of in terms of our budget in terms of opportunity<00:30:10.880><c> for</c><00:30:11.120><c>
- Colby from Department of Budget and Finance. I think we may have left the room. Okay.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure.
The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967.
A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.”
The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And then a suggestion is that once we put out the request and people accept, when we have our next full
- I would vote to go to Portugal as well, but is there a budget for that?
- There is a budget, but I don't know how to use the budget, so the commission shouldn't actually speak
- I would vote to go to Portugal as well, but is there a budget for that?
- There is a budget, but I don't know how to use the budget, so the commission shouldn't actually speak
Summary:
The meeting focused on organizing the Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission, including confirming quorum, approving prior minutes, electing leadership, and planning next steps. Once quorum was reached, members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and unanimously elected Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Kip Diggs as co-chairs. There was also discussion of whether vice chairs should be added later, with several members favoring a mix of legislative and appointed/community representation.
A major portion of the discussion centered on expanding the commission membership and identifying candidates who reflect regional, gender, and professional diversity, with emphasis on arts, culture, history, philanthropy, development, and construction. Members suggested numerous names from Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Cape Cod, Taunton, and other communities, and there was broad interest in including people connected to cultural organizations, universities, and the business/development community. Members also discussed whether designees could count toward quorum, but no rule change was adopted during the meeting.
The commission also discussed its operating structure and public process. Members agreed to submit two or three recommended names by November 13, and to reconvene on November 25 at 4 p.m. to finalize recommendations and continue building the commission. They also discussed meeting cadence, with support for alternating formal meetings and site visits or listening sessions every other month, plus possible subcommittees to handle research between meetings. The chair noted that the commission is public-facing, will keep records and minutes, and will need to consider the organizational vehicle or advisory structure that will support Cape Verdean clubs and associations in the broader project. The meeting adjourned after these next steps were outlined.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- Main Streets districts also have a method of setting up a budget.
- We understand the realities of our financial situation on the state budget this year, and that this is
- have to do kind of annual audits, but for smaller BIDs that have, you know, less than a $150,000 budget
- professional auditing firm, which can be very expensive and take up a large chunk of their annual budget
- So those are those, those are the two small reforms we're proposing there. ...budget.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its second hearing of the session, with Chairs Gómez and Vargas opening by emphasizing the committee’s focus on equity, small business growth, and support for communities that have historically been overlooked. Several members noted the historic nature of having two Latino chairs. The hearing covered a package of bills centered on access to capital, transparency in state assistance, commercial tenant protections, downtown revitalization, and business improvement district administration.
Testimony was largely supportive of bills aimed at helping micro-businesses, small businesses, and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Beckma, the Asian Business Empowerment Council, a minority- and woman-owned business owner, and a worker-owned Springfield business all backed measures including S. 179 and H. 312/S. 184, which would prioritize capital assistance and require reporting on where state business aid goes. Witnesses said transparency, upfront payments on state contracts, and better data collection could help businesses that struggle with delayed reimbursements, limited reserves, and difficulty accessing traditional financing. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported S. 173, which would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to a downtown vitality fund for district management, cultural districts, and downtown infrastructure, and said the bill could help sustain downtowns and prevent cultural displacement.
There was also testimony on H. 306, a commercial tenant first right of refusal bill, with Beckma supporting it as a way to help small tenants stay in their locations, while the Greater Boston Real Estate Board opposed it, arguing it would add cost, delay, uncertainty, and could reduce property values and the commercial tax base. The board supported H. 305, a housing bill that would expand by-right multifamily and open-space residential development while preserving local zoning protections. Andre Leroux of MassINC also supported S. 173 and H. 299, the latter proposing longer BID renewal periods and audit requirements aligned with nonprofit standards. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and questions, with the chair closing testimony.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> to</c> million to budget relief and 392 to million to budget relief and 392 to enhancements.<00:
- I am not a card-carrying Sierra Club the budget. the budget.
- The state budget the last 2 years.
- There's no doubt this is energy, rather than sending it to the general budget to plug a budget hole.'
- budget to plug<01:44:13.080><c> a</c><01:44:13.120><c> budget</c><01:44:13.560><c> hole.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we just had the governor's announcement yesterday on budget.
- So we just had the governor's announcement yesterday on budget.
- Has this just been through their regular budget that they've just been building this in?
- Other thoughts, committee, or other requests, data?
- Other thoughts, committee, or other requests, data?
Summary:
The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system.
Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education.
Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/08/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> closely match the governor's budget closely match the governor's budget proposal.<00:04:21.199><
- I made the pain of going through uh ... budgeting to me, if you do zero-based budgeting, and I wasn't
- But once I went through zero-based budgeting, I realized how much of my budget I could I was paying and
- to me, if you do zerobased budgeting to me, if you do zerobased budgeting,<01:41:48.480><c> and</c><
- , I realized how much of my budgeting, I realized how much of my budget<01:41:57.679><c> I</c><01:41:
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (02/02/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- The two-year period is very helpful for budgeting purposes.
- The two-year period is very helpful for budgeting purposes.
- So, I think that's most of the covered in 310. that budget cycle, then it allows us the that budget cycle
- </c><01:10:31.440><c> to</c> very important note was the request to very important note was the request
- So, we do the receiving the request.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- say to John, a lot of his curiosity is rooted in the fact that his mayor has a pretty significant request
- this amount of debt in terms of debt service and so the debt service is paid through the operating budget
- and it's secured by the fair share And so the debt service is paid through the operating budget, and
- not just across the administrative agencies but across the entire state budget.
- not just across the administrative agencies but across the entire state budget and i think that that
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit.
Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If you have a budget subcommittee coming up, this is your time to announce it. Senator Richardson.
- The Budget Subcommittee 5 will be meeting here in the Capitol in Room 113.
- Budget Subcommittee Number 3 will be meeting.
- Budget Subcommittee Number 3 will be meeting in Room 1200 on health and human services.
- Budget Subcommittee 4 will meet in Room 113, 15 minutes upon adjournment. Thank you, Senator.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA’s 175th anniversary through floor remarks highlighting its long history of community service, youth programs, child care, and civic engagement. The body then moved through routine messages and appointments, confirming three gubernatorial appointments: former Judge Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission.
On third reading, senators debated and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California and calls for California to be removed from the plan and for stronger environmental review and public participation. Supporters emphasized coastal protection and climate goals, while opponents argued the state faces energy supply and affordability problems and needs more domestic production. The resolution passed by roll call. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, urging full release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99, declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day and recognizing the state’s agricultural production, farmworkers, and climate-smart practices.
The final major item was Senate Resolution 100, designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, support survivors, and expand prevention and mandated reporter training. The author and supporters spoke about the prevalence of abuse, the importance of reporting, and survivor support; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate then lifted the calls and confirmed the earlier appointments, adopted the consent calendar, announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings, and adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman. The session ended with notice that the next floor session would be Monday, April 27, 2026, with Denim Day observed that day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If you have a budget subcommittee coming up, this is your time to announce it. Senator Richardson.
- The Budget Subcommittee Five will be meeting here in the Capitol in Room 113.
- Budget Subcommittee Number Three will be meeting in Room 1200 on health and human services.
- Budget Subcommittee Number Three will be meeting in Room 1200 on health and human services.
- Budget Subcommittee Four will meet in Room 113, 15 minutes upon adjournment.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection.
On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment.
Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So, late last month, the court denied EPA's request, although the legal challenge is continuing.
- So like with our fire budget that we had in past years, it’s continuously appropriated so the funding
- It may be a different pot of money, but I'm curious on your take on what appears to be a budget that
- You said that these budget cuts will affect Eastern Idaho. Why just Eastern Idaho? Mr.
- But on the back end, ultimately, if we can't fill those positions, and if these budget cuts do pass,
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First thing we're going to do today is the budget, all the other copy of it in front of you.
- Some of the major highlights in the budget are over 1.0, 2 billion for water quality improvements, including
- As you can see, we have a very strong budget for the environment, regulatory agencies and well, while
- This concludes the highlights of the budget.
- This is just the first step of our budget.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- General Huber has set up a center similar to this in the state of Tennessee on a very limited budget
- The governor sent her budget over, and we worked with the chairman and the speaker on a very generous
- policies and key decisions about... budget policies and key decisions about veterans.
- Then the State Board of Veterans Affairs should retain oversight of the commissioner's budget and be
- No one person made those... budget.
Committee:
House Military and Veterans Affairs
Keywords:
veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, governor appointment, board advisory, veteran service organizations, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, veteran service officers, district managers, state veterans home trust fund, veterans benefits, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, active-duty service members, state agency reorganization, executive authority, governance reform
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And I would like to request a moment of silence. Thank you very much.
- Thank you, President Pro Tem, and I'd like to request a present...
- President Pro Tem, and I'd like to request a presentation of the Arizona State flag. No objection.
- Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona, I am directed by the House of Representatives to request
- Majority Leader, I move that the Senate accede to the request of the House of Representatives for the
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Now,<00:05:01.440><c> the</c><00:05:01.600><c> funds</c><00:05:02.200><c> requested</c><00:05:02.840>
- <c> would</c><00:05:03.360><c> be</c><00:05:03.560><c> used</c> Now, the funds requested would be used
- But, you know, just to be clear that there will be some ongoing request for this.
- </c> will be some ongoing request for this. will be some ongoing request for this.
- </c> that maybe we understand more the budget that maybe we understand more the budget implications.<
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
Keywords:
higher education, identity verification, enrollment fraud, funding, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, postsecondary education, community college, university, developmental education, remedial education, remediation, corequisite, co-requisite, English composition, college readiness, adult basic education, ABE, student placement, credit-bearing courses, noncredit courses
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I move the adoption of the resolution and request to speak to the motion. Mr.
- Kindly use the request-to-speak button to get into the queue.
- Please request one, and I will send one over your way. And with that, I yield.
- I move that the House adopt the Senate amendment and request members to vote yes.
- I move that the House adopt the Senate amendment and request members to vote yes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Transportation (6-3-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Their request was for us to work with them on managing debris.
- Their request was for us to work with them on managing debris.
- I know that they have not all sent in a reimbursement request for that.
- Um as I reimbursement request for that.
- Uh the budget in in the 26th session.
Keywords:
00:00:39 Roll Call
00:02:57 Severe Weather Damage
00:39:00 Work Zone Safety
00:47:12 Local Assistance Road Program
01:10:18 Admin. Regs
01:15:37 Aviation Impact Study, 958, all
Summary:
The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call, a quorum, and a briefing from Transportation Cabinet officials on the Cabinet’s response to severe weather and tornadoes in Kentucky, especially the May 16–17 storms that caused deaths and widespread damage in Pulaski and Laurel counties, with an additional tornado noted in Washington County. Secretary Jim Gray, State Highway Engineer James Ballinger, and District 11 engineer Chris Jones described how crews in all 120 counties were placed on alert, how roads were cleared of debris, and how KYTC coordinated with emergency management, law enforcement, local governments, and utilities to restore access and power. They reported major impacts on roads, signals, and other infrastructure, including the EF4 tornado path through Pulaski and Laurel counties, and said KYTC also helped with debris hauling, airport cleanup, and delivery of water and meals.
The officials gave specific recovery figures for Laurel County, including 1,800 loads of construction and demolition debris hauled, about 11,000 tons and 22,000 cubic yards removed, with roughly 50% of vegetative debris cleared at that point. They said all state roadways in Laurel County were reopened, the London-Corbin Airport was returned to flight operations by Sunday, and a transition plan was underway for Laurel County Fiscal Court’s contractor to take over debris operations. Gray also noted that KYTC had helped issue replacement IDs, licenses, registrations, and titles at no cost in disaster areas, and said the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund had raised nearly $1.5 million from more than 6,000 donors.
Members praised KYTC staff as first responders and thanked them for their quick response and coordination. Several legislators recounted local impacts in Washington, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, including blocked roads, rescue challenges, looting concerns, and the scale of property damage. One member asked how KYTC inspects bridges and infrastructure after disasters to check for hidden damage, and officials said the process depends on the event and can include bridge inspections and checks of tall infrastructure such as light poles. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the discussion.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I therefore respectfully request the committee report S-2522 favorably and at its earliest convenience
- As such, I respectfully request the committee to report S. 1114 favorably.
- I'm very hopeful that they will agree to do so in the conference committee and the final budget that
- Can I just say I requested ADA accommodations for additional time?
- The court had to request the ballots be delivered to him.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing.
The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors.
The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes.
A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Our office also estimates the portion of the general fund budget that's allocated to pensions.
- biennial budget that we're currently in.
- So you're going to see just a four-year impact when we review the budget impact slides.
- We're itemizing the estimated impact of the general fund state budget, as well as local government budgets
- However, it's kind of a big however, we're in some pretty challenging budget times.
Committee:
Joint Pension Funding Council
Summary:
The Pension Funding Council met on October 8 with introductions from council members and staff, then received a detailed presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on long-term economic assumptions and the state pension systems’ financial condition. OSA reported that the combined pension systems are currently 100% funded on a smoothed basis, with open plans above 95% funded, and that legacy Plan 1 systems remain on a path toward full funding under current policy. The actuaries recommended updating assumptions to 3% inflation, 3.5% general salary growth, and a 7.25% investment return, while keeping Plan 1 membership growth at 1%. They also explained asset smoothing, the role of recent strong investment returns, and the expected budget impacts of the recommended changes. Representatives from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council and the State Investment Board offered supporting perspectives, generally describing the assumptions as reasonable and consistent with their own outlooks.
The council also heard an overview of the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WACares) from DSHS and OSA. Program staff described the program’s social insurance structure, premium collection, benefit eligibility, and upcoming implementation milestones. OSA reported that the program’s first actuarial valuation showed a positive actuarial balance under the base scenario and recommended no change to the current 0.58% premium rate during the program’s early learning phase, noting that future changes would depend on experience and the program’s risk-management framework. OSA also said the recommendation would remain the same regardless of the outcome of the pending ballot measure affecting investment options.
During public comment, a representative of the Washington State School Retirees Association urged continued work on Plan 1 funding and related legislation, while the Association of Washington Cities cautioned against increasing pension assumptions in a way that could raise future employer costs and reduce flexibility for current local government services. In action, the council adopted a motion to maintain the current long-term economic assumptions by a 4-2 vote, adopted the recommendation to keep the WACares premium rate at 0.58% by a 6-0 vote, and then elected Katie Chapman as council chair by unanimous vote. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members of the committee, I'm here to respectfully request your support of HB 2620.
- is it, because this is the way it reads, appropriation homeless veterans, so how is this overall budget
- Is it just on top of the normal general budget? How do we know? No, it's definitely different.
- of the things that's really important to CASS that they do struggle with is that each year their budget
- So to be able to keep caseworkers, Their budget starts from zero.
Committee:
Senate Military Affairs and Border Security