Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
Page 418 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- In 38-107, it makes clear that IDL has authority to pursue fire cost recovery.
- And two, it transfers that sovereign litigation authority, the authority to bring actions in the name
- The Attorney General clearly has the authority to represent the state in court.
- The board has the authority to set the actual fees under Idaho Code 67-42-23.
- On page 176, section 075 talks about the authority conferred on employees and enforcement.
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So you asked for $500,000 in authorizing money—did that go through the... ...I'm not authorizing, but
- authorized, but we still have to come for approval.
- The problem is legislative authorization: we have to sit and wait.
- We have to wait until the procedural bill of legislative authorization goes through.
- And then, of course, the legislative authorization, as Mr.
Keywords:
insects, ecosystem, education, public awareness, wildlife conservation, state agency involvement, New Mexico, equine welfare, animal rescue, shelter funding, trust fund, veterinary care, water project fund, water project finance act, New Mexico Finance Authority, water infrastructure, water grants, water loans, regional water planning, water rights adjudication
Summary:
The committee first heard House Memorial 26, a student-presented memorial encouraging state agencies to participate in insect education and conservation efforts, including free workshops sponsored by Wild Friends. The young witnesses emphasized the ecological and agricultural importance of insects, especially pollinators, and clarified that the memorial would not restrict fishing bait or other insect use. After brief questions about fishing, the University of New Mexico connection, and a planned BioPark bugarium, the committee approved the memorial on a due pass motion by unanimous consent.
The committee then heard House Bill 243, which would provide more stable funding for shelters that care for homeless, abused, abandoned, or surrendered horses, donkeys, and mules. The bill would appropriate $500,000 to the existing Equine Shelter Rescue Fund, move administration of the fund from the Livestock Board to the Department of Agriculture, strengthen grant and reporting requirements, and create an Equine Welfare Trust Fund seeded with $5 million. Supporters from Animal Protection New Mexico, the Livestock Board, and the Department of Agriculture said the shelters are essential, underfunded, and at capacity, and that the bill would provide a more reliable funding stream. Some public testimony raised concerns about how animals are tracked and whether any horses could end up at auction or slaughter.
Committee discussion focused on whether equine care should be funded through recurring appropriations instead of a trust fund, whether the Livestock Board or Department of Agriculture should administer the money, and whether the bill could affect wild or free-roaming horses. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would not change the Livestock Board’s enforcement role and that the trust fund was intended to create long-term support. A motion to table the bill failed, and the committee then voted 4-4 on the due pass motion, so HB 243 did not advance. One member explained his support but said the bill was not a good long-term solution.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 109, which would temporarily, through December 2029, allow the New Mexico Finance Authority to award water project funds without separate legislative authorization after projects have already been vetted. The sponsor and NMFA and Water Trust Board witnesses said the current authorization step delays projects for months, increases costs, and especially hurts small rural communities and acequias. They said the bill keeps existing oversight and evaluation processes, adds technical assistance for smaller applicants, and was amended to extend the sunset date to 2029 and remove an unconstitutional two-thirds-extension requirement. The committee approved HB 109 on a due pass motion by a vote of 7-1.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have relatively broad authority within this particular part of the code.
- We have separate authorization in this statute for deficiency warrant authority, and it has its own set
- We have separate authorization in this statute for deficiency warrant authority, and it has its own set
- One is we do have general fund appropriation authority.
- Obviously, we don't have the power and authority to operate on federal lands.
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- authority.
- to write a rule or whether the board has the authority to write a rule.
- Scott: The authority to write a rule or if the board has the authority to write the rule.
- However, there has to be authority to write the rule. Senator Harrell: Yes, follow-up.
- It provides rulemaking authority for some topics to the board, and then rulemaking authority for some
Committee:
Senate Health Policy
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills focused largely on drowning prevention, surgical smoke, human trafficking training, and chiropractic patient funds. SB 428 would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; the sponsor and supporters from Nemours and the YMCA emphasized Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be more widely accessible. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit funding levels as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also considered SB 606, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and home birth providers. A mother who lost her daughter to drowning testified in support, describing the bill as an early opportunity to educate parents. An amendment removed home birth providers from the compliance-proof requirement, and the bill was adopted as amended and reported favorably as a committee substitute.
SB 162 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already used in many facilities, while several senators raised concerns about the lack of supporting data, possible burdens on rural and smaller facilities, and whether the mandate should be narrower. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with the sponsor saying more data would be provided later. The committee also approved SB 340, requiring a two-hour human trafficking course for nursing students before licensure, after amending it to make the requirement apply to students rather than nursing programs. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull for Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation reviewing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system and comparing board oversight, rulemaking, funding, appointments, and term-limit models in other states.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Authors, you can sign in at the sergeant's desk in Room 126.
- And before we proceed with our first author, let us take up the consent calendar first.
- K-12 schools—the exact same authority available to public schools in California.
- I am here today in strong support of SB 1328, authored by Senator Sabrina Cervantes.
- I just want to thank the author for bringing this forward.
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on community college procurement, higher education access, and student support. SB 1154 by Senator Reyes would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. Supporters, including San Bernardino Valley College, the San Bernardino Community College District, labor groups, and several districts, said it would improve delivery of complex facilities and align community colleges with other education systems. Opponents, including the Associated General Contractors, argued the bill’s skilled-and-trained workforce requirements and labor-compliance scoring would narrow the bidder pool and raise costs. The committee passed the bill to the Assembly Floor on a due-pass vote, with some members voting no or not recorded.
SB 1255, also by Senator Reyes, would create a California Hispanic-serving institution designation. Supporters from HACU, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, UC, community colleges, and other education organizations said the designation would recognize campuses that serve large numbers of Latino and low-income students and strengthen accountability and student success. The committee approved the bill as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, with one no vote. SB 1328, presented on behalf of Senator Cervantes, would require LGBTQ+ points of contact at satellite or branch campuses of CSU and community colleges, either through designated staff or regular office hours. Testimony emphasized gaps in access at remote centers and the need for confidential support; one member raised concerns about staffing, costs, and whether existing systems could meet the need remotely. The bill was passed as amended and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 960 by Senator Cabaldon, which would expand the circumstances under which community colleges could offer bachelor’s degrees in response to unmet workforce needs, especially where CSU programs are impacted or not realistically accessible locally. Supporters said the bill would help meet workforce demand and expand access for place-bound and adult learners. CSU and faculty representatives opposed unless amended, urging stronger partnership requirements, clearer workforce-need standards, and safeguards around duplication and Prop 98 funding. Members discussed impaction, regional access, and the role of partnerships; the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations. Finally, SB 632 by Senator Otagan would extend the California College Promise fee waiver to part-time community college students enrolled in nine units. Supporters said many students cannot attend full time because of work, caregiving, and living costs, and the bill would better reflect student realities; the transcript ends during testimony on this measure, before any vote is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
- There are 64 co-authors on the resolution. There are 64 co-authors on the resolution.
- This is for co-authors.
- So I thank the author for bringing this forward. It's common sense.
- Proud to rise as a co-author in support of this important bill.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement.
The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case.
Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
- Chen has asked that the first roll will be open for co-authors. Mr.
- There are 64 co-authors on the resolution. There are 64 co-authors on the resolution.
- This is for co-authors.
- Proud to rise as a co-author in support of this important bill.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- The public development authorities, including the Seattle social housing developer, you'll be hearing
- I also formerly worked for the Seattle Housing Authority as their portfolio strategist.
- If I understood you correctly, you were with the Seattle Housing Authority? That's correct.
- Can you explain exactly what the status was of the Seattle Housing Authority? That's correct.
- Can you explain exactly what the status was of the Seattle Housing Authority?
Committee:
Senate Housing
Keywords:
affordable housing, homelessness, homeless shelter, emergency shelter, emergency housing, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, low-income housing, very low-income, extremely low-income, housing crisis, land use, zoning, local preemption, urban growth area, UGA, planning, development regulations, permitting
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Jan 20th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2437 provides the Department of Health the statutory authority to become an accrediting body
- for opioid treatment programs, and in addition, it gives the department the authority to ...for opioid
- treatment programs, and in addition, it gives the department the authority to set accreditation fees
- To ensure the department can provide these services for life-saving OTPs, my bill will authorize DOH
- the fee-setting authority.
Committee:
House Health Care & Wellness
Keywords:
340B drug pricing, healthcare access, patient rights, discounted medications, manufacturer limitations, health professions, plasma donation, physician substitutes, medical regulation, nursing titles, healthcare, regulation, professional standards, licensure, accreditation, opioid treatment, health services, fee authority, public health, 904
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 42 May 4th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Bill authorizing the town of Berkeley to recall elected officials, Senate No. 3018, local
- Second reading of the bills: An act authorizing the town of Berkeley to recall elected officials, Senate
- No. 3018; an act authorizing the town of Ashland to grant 10 additional licenses for the sale of all
- An act authorizing the town of Ashland to grant 10 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic
- House No. 4212, an act authorizing the town of Lancaster to dissolve its animal control commission.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we know why they were given this authority in the first place?
- They were given this authority in the first place. I don't know.
- So I'm kind of wondering, why did they have the authority in the first place?
- We don't even know why we were ever given that authority to begin with."
- Some of these have different authorities and powers.
Committee:
House Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Keywords:
athlete agents, commission, state regulation, Alabama, higher education, athletics, membership diversity, school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- There are 9,658 authorized positions.
- There's 9,658 authorized positions.
- So they're not getting an authority.
- So we can pay—we have the federal authority.
- There are 2,184 authorized positions within the department.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee first heard a budget presentation on LSU Health Care Services Division and Lallie Kemp Medical Center. Staff reviewed HCSD’s roughly $74.7 million budget, much of it tied to legacy obligations for former LSU hospital systems and support for Lallie Kemp. Committee members asked about prisoner care, risk management costs, declining admissions and emergency visits, and the hospital’s 340B drug program. Lallie Kemp officials explained that prisoner care serves multiple state and local facilities, that lower admissions largely reflect more patients being placed in observation status, and that the in-house 340B program provides major savings to patients and the prison system. Members also asked about care for unhoused patients and the hospital’s discharge practices, and the hospital said social services works to find placement when possible.
The committee then moved to the Louisiana Department of Health budget, which was presented as just under $23.5 billion, with Medicaid making up more than 90 percent of the total. The presentation covered the Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and Medicaid. Major items included the new Rural Health Transformation Program, the transfer of several functions from DCFS to LDH under the One Door initiative, changes to SNAP administration, and large Medicaid adjustments driven by enrollment, utilization, and federal policy changes. Testimony also highlighted the statewide crisis hub and 988, the commodity food program for seniors, women’s health and maternal outcomes, and the department’s efforts to modernize technology and reorganize services.
Members questioned LDH officials on a wide range of budget and policy issues, including the rural health grant, crisis services, Medicaid redeterminations, provider taxes, physician and hospital supplemental payments, nursing home rates, HCBS funding, and the impact of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. LDH said the rural health grant would support workforce, technology, and care-delivery improvements; that the crisis hub and mobile crisis units are being expanded to improve access and reduce emergency room use; and that the department is working to keep the SNAP error rate below 6 percent to avoid a projected state cost increase. Officials also said they expect to return next year with additional funding requests for HCBS and other programs, while emphasizing that current budget changes are largely meant to realign funding with actual expenditures and new federal requirements. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/12/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I will be a yes, and I’m proud to be a co-author.
- I will be a yes, and I’m proud to be a co-author.
- I will be a yes, and I’m proud to be a co-author.
- I will be a yes, and I’m proud to be a co-author.
- I will be a yes, and I’m proud to be a co-author.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Regulatory Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We do include some information on public finance authority bonding authorization.
- The authority for our budget was found in... ...Office budget.
- Under the authorized transfer authority, we have transferred a little over a million dollars from the
- And then finally, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority.
- Claire Vigasa is the executive director of the Transmission Authority.
Summary:
The committee took roll, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a compliance-report update on the Industrial Commission and related funds and programs. Staff reviewed the status of one-time appropriations and grant programs, including electric grid resiliency, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the salt cavern business-case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members asked about funding balances, reimbursement timing, matching requirements, and how some commitments would affect the State Investment Fund and future biennia.
Industrial Commission staff then gave a broader update on the agency’s administrative office, grant management system, leadership transitions at several commission agencies, and active grant rounds. They reported that the grant management system is nearing completion, that several agency leadership searches have concluded, and that the commission’s grant programs currently have 108 active grants totaling more than $165 million. They also described the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority round, the oil and gas research program’s enhanced oil recovery awards, the grid resiliency grants, the salt cavern study, and the research technology park program, noting that some projects are awaiting federal funds or additional matching cash.
Ron Ness, speaking for the Oil and Gas Research Council, focused on the state of the oil industry and the enhanced oil recovery “Bakken 2.0” effort. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on better infrastructure, longer laterals, and new EOR methods such as CO2, natural gas, and surfactants. He emphasized the importance of the Bakkeneast pipeline and related gas-utilization projects, the recent DOE funding that will return some money to the research council, and the need to modernize tax and incentive rules for CO2-based recovery. Members discussed the potential economic benefits for oil, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and a broader strategic update. Bank leadership reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, participation lending, student lending, disaster programs, and legislatively directed programs, and said the bank is managing for a flatter deposit base and stronger liquidity because of fintech competition and changing market conditions. They reported improved earnings, with net income rising to about $231 million, and described Rough Rider Coin as a new internal payment rail for North Dakota banks and credit unions, not a public cryptocurrency. Members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster lending, and the bank’s capacity to support state programs while maintaining its balance-sheet and liquidity requirements.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Coordinating Commission 11/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So this subcommittee would be delegated the authority that is typically under the authority of the LCC
- :17:02.240><c> LCC</c> typically under the authority of the LCC typically under the authority of the
- </c> authorities would appoint members. authorities would appoint members.
- and do allow for expense reimbursement and per diem, if authorized under House and Senate rules.
- And that LCC staff are authorized to make any technical or conforming changes.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill outlines the regulatory authority under a single, clearly accountable authority, removing health
- districts from the authority and putting it squarely with DEQ.
- This outlines the regulatory authority under a framework with a single, clearly accountable authority
- , removing health districts from the authority and putting it squarely with DEQ.
- Yeah, you know, the main parts of this are the transfer of the authority, but as we go through this,
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee heard several RS introductions and one House bill. RS 33393, by Sen. Van Orden, would create an audit/transparency process related to residential habilitation and provider rate increases; after clarification that it was the audit piece only, the committee voted to send it to print by voice vote. RS 33404, presented by a University of Idaho law student for Sen. Anthon, would allow pharmacists to seek voluntary dual licensure as naturopathic doctors; it was sent to print. RS 33355, by Sen. Blaylock, would restructure Health and Welfare oversight by eliminating administrative regions, regional directors, the Board of Health and Welfare, and regional behavioral health boards; despite concerns from Sen. Wintrow about losing advisory capacity, it was sent to print. RS 33406 would require hospitals to provide clearer, bundled labor-and-delivery pricing information, and RS 33419 would update newborn screening exemption language to align with existing vaccine exemptions; both were sent to print without opposition.
The committee then heard House Bill 555, a rewrite of the Idaho Solid Waste Code, presented by Rep. Weber with testimony from Nate Francisco of the Idaho Solid Waste Association. The bill would move solid waste regulatory authority from health districts to the Department of Environmental Quality, with supporters citing greater expertise, statewide consistency, fewer conflicts of interest, and user-fee funding for DEQ’s added responsibilities. Members asked about impacts on septic systems, public health protections, and federal primacy under RCRA; the presenters said the bill concerns municipal solid waste, preserves public health and safety, and is intended to maintain Idaho’s primacy. The committee voted to send HB 555 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As you recall, last year the legislature authorized a county that is fully planning under the GMA to
- A county that utilizes this authority is so... ...and also in urban growth areas.
- A county that utilizes this authority is subject to certain requirements.
- The middle housing authority in urban growth areas is unchanged by the bill.
- authorize these middle housing types in their LAMARDs.
Summary:
The Housing Committee opened its 2026 session with introductions and brief remarks from members, with Chair Peterson noting a light workload and inviting members to submit bills and ideas for future work sessions. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2269, which would narrow last year’s middle-housing authority in limited areas of more intensive rural development to rural counties, while leaving urban growth area authority unchanged. The bill also clarifies that these developments may be served by publicly owned sanitary sewer systems and expands allowable wastewater systems to include large on-site sewage systems; the sponsor said a technical amendment would remove an unintended restriction on urban counties.
Representative Bernbaum said the bill was developed over the interim with Representative Engell, Futurewise, and WASAC to address ambiguity from last year’s middle-housing law, especially for small counties like Jefferson County that may need large on-site septic systems. Testimony in support came from Anthony Mixer, the Washington State Association of County Regional Planning Directors, the Association of Washington Business, the Building Industry Association of Washington, and Futurewise, all of whom said the bill would add housing flexibility, support local planning, and help address affordability and supply shortages. Futurewise and committee members discussed the difference between individual septic systems and large on-site systems, with questions about state versus local oversight and flood-prone areas.
Members also asked how the bill relates to prior middle-housing legislation, including House Bill 1110 and last year’s engrossed substitute 5471, and whether it would work alongside a separate rural ADU bill. The hearing closed without a vote or other action taken on the bill, and the committee adjourned after the testimony and questions.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Any more questions of the author? Any more questions?
- Will there be questions of the author? Will there be questions of the author?
- Well, there'll be further questions of the author.
- So my curiosity: I understand that the author, the House author, feels like it should just be a little
- Other questions of the author. See no question. Senator. He waves. Other questions of the author?
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Keywords:
firearm rights restoration, nonviolent felons, Oklahoma firearm laws, gun ownership, pardon, expungement, public safety, transportation of inmates, Department of Corrections, correctional facilities, sentencing, health records, firefighters, sex offenders, employment restrictions, Oklahoma laws, bomb, explosive device, incendiary device, simulated bomb
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee met to consider several executive nominations and a series of bills. The committee advanced Joel Franks to the Polygraph Examiner Board, Julie Pittman to a full term on the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control Commission, and Justin Ferris to serve as Director of Corrections. Each nominee was introduced by a sponsoring senator, gave brief remarks, and was advanced on unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls.
On legislation, the committee passed House Bill 4125, which would restore certain rights to nonviolent felons after completion of sentence and includes an expungement component; members focused heavily on whether the language could unintentionally allow firearm possession by people still on probation or deferred sentences, and the author said he would work with staff on clarifying language. House Bill 2951, as amended, renamed a correctional facility after Chief James Smith; House Bill 3082 barred sex offenders from serving as firefighters; and House Bill 4142 expanded the crime involving unlawful use of bombs or explosives to include conspiracy. All three advanced with little opposition.
The committee also passed House Bill 4106, which lowers the grand larceny threshold by $100 and adds an escalator for repeated thefts, though the author struck the title to continue working with the Attorney General’s office on retail theft issues. Members debated whether the change conflicted with the voter-approved theft threshold and whether it would meaningfully deter crime. House Bill 1752 exempted the Attorney General’s Office and the District Attorneys Council from the OMES vehicle requisition process and passed unanimously. House Bill 3268 made knowingly displaying a false or fictitious license plate a felony; members questioned its scope, including whether it could affect temporary tags or other situations, and it passed on a 5-3 vote.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It would authorize a new county-imposed public utility tax.
- It would authorize a new county-imposed public utility tax.
- This does authorize some new taxes.
- One of the provisions in here is... ...authorize some new taxes.
- The state just authorizes them to do it. We did not authorize that we would pay for it.
Summary:
House Finance heard briefings on several tax and housing-related bills, including HB 1717 on a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing, HB 1859 on expanding density bonuses for housing on religious organization property, HB 1960 on a renewable energy excise tax, HB 2133 on making a senior citizen center property tax exemption permanent, HB 2135 on extending a disabled veterans housing sales tax preference, HB 2140 on tax treatment for land transferred to government entities, HB 2442 on a broad package of local tax and levy changes, and HB 2559 on a local option short-term rental tax for affordable housing. Staff also described multiple proposed substitutes and amendments, many of them technical or aimed at shifting administrative duties, changing tax credits, or requiring voter approval.
In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for HB 1717 and reported it out unanimously with a due pass recommendation. HB 1859 was also reported out with a due pass recommendation after members discussed added flexibility for affordable housing on faith-owned land. For HB 1960, the committee adopted amendments clarifying tax administration and JLARC review, rejected an amendment that would have adjusted property tax levies to offset shifts, and then advanced the bill on an 11-4 vote. HB 2133 and HB 2135 both received technical amendments and were reported out unanimously, with members emphasizing the value of permanent or extended tax preferences for senior centers and disabled veterans.
The committee then advanced HB 2140, which narrows tax consequences when land is transferred to a governmental entity and is used for current-use purposes, with members describing it as a fix for unintended burdens on landowners and farmers. HB 2442, a large local government finance package, drew the most debate; amendments to make new taxes credits against state taxes and to require voter approval were rejected, and the bill passed 9-6. HB 2559, which would allow a local option excise tax on short-term rentals to fund affordable housing, also saw rejected amendments on state tax credits, local control, and voter approval before passing 9-6. Throughout, supporters framed the bills as tools for local governments and affordable housing, while opponents argued they would increase taxes and should require direct voter approval or state offsets.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 12th, 2026 at 01:34 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- The New Mexico Finance Authority, we also.
- And that process does include legislative authorization.
- Removal of legislative authorization.
- So they're still authorized to operate those. There's just no funding available. Mr.
- And so, yeah, sometimes projects are waiting on us to do the authorization.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance