Video & Transcript : 'dependency' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Four - Thursday, February 19
Missouri House Floor Meeting
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Civil Judiciary REVISION 2: HB4094 and HB3407 - Added Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- effectively removing the prosecution from the district attorney's office or the attorney general's office, depending
- And that might not take place, you know, two, three, six weeks depending on how busy they are because
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills covering property, criminal justice, public safety, courts, insurance, housing, and family law. Early measures included HB 4343, which would let district courts set appraiser fees in condemnation cases at levels more comparable to private appraisers, and HB 4125, restoring firearm rights to certain nonviolent felons after meeting requirements. The committee also approved HB 4126 on liability protections for dirt bike tracks, HB 3471 expanding information protections for ongoing investigations by OBN, ABLE, and the Corporation Commission, and HB 3407 clarifying the process for abandoned manufactured homes on private property. Several bills were advanced on recorded votes, generally with strong support, including HB 2933, an omnibus insurance consumer protection bill, and HB 3453, which shifts the burden of proof in eminent domain cases to the condemning authority after amendment.
A major point of debate was HB 3094, which would allow SDA license holders to carry firearms in the Capitol. Representative Jenkins argued the bill would align Oklahoma with other states and protect constituents who must leave firearms in vehicles; Department of Public Safety Director Tipton opposed it, citing safety, threat-assessment, and manpower concerns. Committee members questioned the bill’s practical effects, including screening, tracking, and whether the Capitol is truly a gun-free zone. The motion to advance HB 3094 failed on a 4-5 vote. The committee also rejected HB 3727, which would impose a four-year waiting period before former legislators could register as lobbyists, after members raised constitutional and free-speech concerns and the sponsor defended it as a revolving-door restriction.
Other notable measures included HB 3845, restoring a driver’s license revocation tool for chronic child-support delinquency; HB 1453, barring foreign entities and individuals tied to designated countries from owning Oklahoma real property or agricultural land and requiring divestment; HB 387, extending garnishment timelines to 30 days; HB 2941, creating overdose reporting and fentanyl-related death presumptions; HB 2959, tightening mandatory child-abuse reporting from schools to law enforcement; and HB 2945, creating a civil qui tam action against trafficking in abortion-inducing drugs, which drew extensive questions about standing, privacy, enforcement, and intent but ultimately failed 3-5. The committee also advanced bills on child custody interview standards, workplace violence protective orders, utility debt collection through tax refunds, eviction mediation to stabilize housing for children, AI chatbot protections for children, supported decision-making for adults with disabilities, commercial receiverships, charitable reporting protections, notice publication errors for municipalities, uniform wage garnishment procedures, and ending cost arrest warrants for unpaid court fines and fees. Most bills were reported out by recorded vote, often with sponsors noting they would continue working on language with stakeholders.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Three - Wednesday, February 18 -Morning Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My community is one that, depending on what the people decide and the elected officials decide, would
- My community is one that, depending on what the people decide and the elected officials decide, would
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote. Members then moved through a series of personal privileges and introductions of guests, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university students, nursing students, interns, and other visitors recognized from across the state.
On third reading, House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction, was debated as a taxpayer relief measure. Supporters said it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. The bill passed 94-50. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming bill aimed at cracking down on illegal “gray market” machines while creating a regulated local-option video lottery terminal system. Debate focused on enforcement, local control, consumer protection, revenue for education, veterans, and disability programs, and whether the bill effectively legalized gambling in a new form. A motion to send it to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill ultimately passed 83-66 with one present.
The chamber next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provides a little over $3 billion in additional authority for the rest of FY2026, including tax refunds, disaster response, St. Louis tornado relief, Medicaid-related spending, and Missouri Department of Transportation operations. Members discussed the size of supplemental spending, the use of federal and general revenue funds, and the first-time use of general revenue for the adult expansion Medicaid population. The House adopted an amendment reducing some unused Medicaid authority, then adopted the bill as amended and perfected it for printing. The session ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Feb 18th, 2026
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- It's hard for me to say exactly how much time that would shave off because it depends.
- It's hard for me to say exactly how much time that would shave off because it depends on how long it
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met in executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2765, which was amended to revise hemp beverage retailer delivery language, adjust retailer fees and renewals, require product registration, and remove residency requirements. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported do pass by a 10-0 vote. The committee also voted House Bill 2848, relating to mass intimidation offenses, do pass by a 9-0 vote.
In public hearing, the committee took testimony on House Joint Resolution 130, which would ask Missouri voters to authorize retrospective civil laws for child sexual abuse claims. The sponsor and survivor advocates argued the measure is needed to allow revival windows and address delayed disclosure, while opponents from the insurance, tort reform, and business communities warned it could expose third parties such as schools, churches, nonprofits, and employers to broad, open-ended liability and higher insurance costs. No vote was taken on the resolution.
The committee also heard House Bill 2254, which would speed capital post-conviction review by requiring earlier appointment of counsel and aligning Missouri procedures with federal standards. Supporters, including victims’ family members and the Attorney General’s office, said it would reduce years of delay and bring closure, while opponents raised concerns about wrongful convictions, conflicts from simultaneous representation, and increased public defender workload. Finally, House Bill 2206 on catalytic converter theft was heard; the sponsor and law enforcement supported stronger recordkeeping and licensing rules, while scrap/recycling and press representatives objected to added paperwork and a separate provision affecting public notice for self-storage sales. The hearing on HB 2206 was interrupted by the floor schedule and not completed in the transcript.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- It's hard for me to say exactly how much time that would shave off because it depends.
- It's hard for me to say exactly how much time that would shave off because it depends on how long it
Committee:
House Judiciary
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And that could put at risk the very resources our Guard depends on, and our state cannot afford it.
- And that could put at risk the very resources our Guard depends on, and our state cannot afford, including
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 9, 2026 minutes and then took up SB 1618, which restructures the Military Affairs Commission to add governor-appointed defense and industry experts, expand advisory participation, require more frequent meetings and reporting, and create a commission fund. The sponsor and a witness from the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center said the bill would modernize Arizona’s approach to retaining and attracting military missions and defense-related business. After adopting a Gowan amendment, the committee voted 6-1 to give SB 1618 a do pass recommendation as amended.
The committee then heard SB 1047, the “Defend the Guard” bill, which would bar deployment of the Arizona National Guard into active combat without a congressional declaration of war. Supporters, including veterans and activists, argued it would restore constitutional limits and protect Guard members from unauthorized foreign wars. Opponents, including a retired National Guard officer, warned it could harm readiness, create tension with the Pentagon, and risk federal funding or missions. The committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1047 a do pass recommendation.
Next was SB 1474, which preempts state and local restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, requires immigration-enforcement training, and, under amendment, requires county sheriffs to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE by January 1, 2027. The sponsor said the bill would improve cooperation and enforcement consistency, while opponents—religious leaders, public servants, and others—argued it would expand federal immigration enforcement, increase fear in communities, and burden local agencies with an unfunded mandate. After a lengthy and contentious debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1474 a do pass recommendation as amended.
Finally, the committee considered SB 1620, which changes Arizona Space Commission membership by reducing governor appointments, adding the lieutenant governor as chair, and making legislative and executive leaders nonvoting advisory members. The commission chair said the changes would align Arizona with other states and improve structure and continuity. The bill passed 5-1 with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard SB 1365, a strike-everything amendment removing the income cap for disabled veterans’ property tax exemption on a primary residence; members discussed whether very high-income veterans should still qualify, but agreed the bill would help disabled veterans. The committee adopted both amendments and gave SB 1365 a do pass recommendation.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And that could put at risk the very resources our Guard depends on, and our state cannot afford it.
- And that could put at risk the very resources our Guard depends on, and our state cannot afford, including
Committee:
Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Keywords:
National Guard, active duty, combat, Arizona, declaration of war, state law, military service, property tax, exemptions, veterans, disabilities, widows and widowers, Arizona Revised Statutes, immigration enforcement, local law enforcement, federal cooperation, law enforcement training, public safety, military affairs, funding
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, February 12, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So depending on, we use the overall county revenue based on what is submitted through the Department
- </c><00:08:32.719><c> Um</c><00:08:33.200><c> so</c> So depending on, we use the overall county revenue
Keywords:
right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Feb 12th, 2026
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- It's our students, our schools, our public services are really depending on it. Thank you.
- Our state resources should not be dependent on the whims of a billionaire who's in the pockets of other
Bills:
H4975
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - State Gov Elections and Indian Affairs Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- when they were in their 80s and 90s, they may not have ever received an actual birth certificate depending
- A special election means that the district itself has to pay the cost of that election, and depending
Summary:
The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would ask the Public Regulation Commission to convene a working group on utility service problems in manufactured home communities. The sponsor described repeated water, electricity, and gas outages in mobile home parks and said current remedies are too slow and often require attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty said manufactured home communities are an important source of affordable housing and that clearer coordination and oversight are needed. The memorial passed on a due pass motion with no opposition.
House Bill 166 then drew substantial debate. The bill would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses, while sponsors said municipalities would still retain zoning authority. Supporters argued the measure would reduce confusion, provide uniform standards, and help businesses deter crime without taxpayer cost. Several members raised concerns that the bill would override local zoning practices, favor a specific product type, and create conflicts with existing local codes and historic or mixed-use districts. Despite those objections, the committee advanced the bill on a 4-3 vote, with members noting it should be worked on further before floor consideration.
House Bill 20 proposed allowing Native American applicants to request a Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, using tribal documentation but not naming a specific tribe. Supporters, including tribal representatives, State Police, and the sponsor, said the designation could help with law enforcement, turquoise alerts, child welfare, health and education verification, and recognition of tribal political status. Opponents and some members expressed concern about racial profiling, stigma, and whether the designation could create unintended consequences or extra bureaucracy. The bill ultimately passed, with several members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes.
The committee also heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would remove constitutional language requiring school elections to be held separately from partisan elections, allowing school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot. Sponsors and school board advocates said this could reduce special-election costs and increase turnout, while some members questioned ballot crowding and whether county clerks had been consulted. The resolution passed by due pass motion. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, a committee substitute creating an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting and technical assistance on ADA compliance for state buildings and websites. Disability advocates and supporters said the office would improve coordination and accessibility, while opponents argued it lacked enforcement power and would not by itself change compliance. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But after receiving it in that line, things just take kind of a life of their own depending on what type
- It just depends on how far back. There's just only one interest in 1669. He's a fantastic Jett.
Summary:
The Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary heard presentations from several agencies. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported full National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation, major improvements in turnaround times, staffing growth to 18 forensic pathologists, and expanded rural coverage, but warned that a flat budget would leave it short of funds by August. The agency requested $4.5 million in recurring funding for professional staff and operations, citing rising supply, transport, IT, and facility costs, and said failure to fund the request would cause a catastrophic collapse. Members asked about cremation fees, other revenue sources, and the consequences of not funding the request; the chair said the recommendation would be forwarded but not necessarily adopted.
The Council on Judicial Complaints said complaints against judges have roughly doubled since 2018, with most complaints involving dissatisfaction with judicial rulings rather than misconduct. The council emphasized its goal of responding within 90 days, its new judges college to prevent ethics problems, and the cost of removal proceedings. It requested an additional $125,000 on top of its current $300,000 appropriation to cover rising operating costs, a lease increase, judicial college expenses, and salary adjustments. Senators asked about case prioritization, turnover, staffing, and whether a specific courtroom incident could be investigated; the director said it would be an appropriate complaint to review.
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System described heavy caseloads in rural counties, a mix of satellite offices and county contracts, and a need to reduce attorney workloads, especially in Norman and Lawton. It requested funding for six resource navigators, a project manager, direct-care support, eight additional attorneys, internal training, and continued county contract funding, while also discussing possible diversion programs and grant opportunities. The Department of Corrections requested increases for county jail backup per diem and ICON maintenance, highlighted contraband interdiction, centralized visitation, mobile check-ins, and tablet-based efficiencies, and discussed an ICE detention contract at Watonga that brings in monthly revenue and jobs but is not counted in the budget request. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs presented a revised legacy-fund request tied to purchasing and remodeling a building shared with OSBI, saying the new plan would cost about $25 million total and save money compared with new construction; it also noted declining wire-transfer revenue tied to fewer grow operations and other enforcement changes.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 10th, 2026 at 04:43 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, I’m sorry, Senator’s Dependence.
- Well, if you look at, depending on what sector we're looking at, and let's see, do we have our wrap-up
Committee:
Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Keywords:
prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 9th, 2026 at 08:38 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It all depends. So one final question, Madam Chair and Mr.
- Can we show savings, mixed impacts depending on the policy?
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - Senate Public Safety
Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- It depends on if it's a dangerous crime against a child. That's what this details, correct?
- Most agencies now have units of a handful of officers, depending on the size of the department, that
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1452, which would create a cargo theft task force in the Attorney General’s office to coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement on theft and fraud involving cargo and freight. The Arizona Trucking Association supported the bill, describing cargo theft as organized and rapidly increasing. The committee reported SB 1452 out with a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote.
Members then considered SB 1048, a $36 million appropriation for Coconino County to build a new juvenile court services facility and convert the existing juvenile detention center into a detox, sobriety, and crisis recovery center. The sponsor and supporters framed it as a juvenile services and recovery investment, while one member objected to funding one county in a tight budget year. The bill passed 4-3. The committee also heard SB 1092, which would prohibit early termination of lifetime probation for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children and apply the restriction retroactively. The sponsor argued it would keep child sex offenders under supervision, while opponents raised concerns about judicial discretion, retroactivity, and cases involving internet-related conduct or defendants with disabilities. After extensive testimony, the committee approved SB 1092 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee next took up SB 1391, which would direct AZ POST to create a pilot law enforcement stress management and mental wellness training program, with a $950,000 appropriation and a sunset date in 2029. Supporters, including law enforcement advocates, said it would help officers manage trauma, improve retention, and support families. The bill passed unanimously. SB 1401, creating a golf tournament charity special plate and fund to support youth athletic programs in Tucson, also passed unanimously after brief supportive testimony from the Tucson Conquistadors.
On SB 1314, a broad pay raise bill for probation staff, corrections, juvenile corrections, and DPS employees, supporters argued that recruitment and retention problems and vacancies justified the increases. Some members supported the concept but noted uncertainty about the cost and the broader budget picture. The bill passed 5-1. The committee then heard SB 1071, which would repeal statutory provisions relating to the Arizona Rangers. Testimony split sharply: the sponsor and some former members argued the organization lacked transparency and accountability, while current and former Rangers said the bill would undermine an important volunteer public safety auxiliary. Rather than vote, the chair held SB 1071 for further discussion and possible amendment. Finally, the committee began SB 1400, which would allow law enforcement agencies to establish confidential wellness and peer support programs for employees exposed to trauma; supporters said confidentiality is needed to encourage officers to seek help, and the roll call had begun when the transcript ended.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It depends on if it's a dangerous crime against a child. That's what this details, correct?
- Most agencies now have units of a handful of officers, depending on the size of the department, that
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Keywords:
juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- at a rule around, in this particular case, water temperature and streams, give us a sense of how dependable
- Give us a sense of how dependable that temperature determination is ongoing for the landowners who have
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
Keywords:
anadromous fish, environmental conservation, state coordination, wildlife recovery, fisheries management, forest management, natural resources, collaboration, forest practices, sustainability, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- It depends on who shows up with the caucuses, who gets to representation.
- It depends on who shows up with the caucuses, who gets to representation.
Committee:
House Elections
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- new landscape where many individuals, families, and patients are losing the insurance coverage they depend
- Care for our families when our lives depend on it.
Committee:
Senate Law & Justice
Keywords:
spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- a lot of dedicated folks that work 24-7 at ITS to make sure that we’re safe, that we’re up, and dependable
- We'll do it as quickly as we possibly can, but I just can't commit that, depending upon the time that
Summary:
The committee first heard a budget presentation for the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), which is in the middle of a multi-year consolidation of IT staff and functions from other agencies. The analyst and administrator explained that ITS now has 243 authorized FTP, with more growth expected as Health and Welfare IT staff move over, and that much of ITS’s budget is driven by personnel, security, and pass-through technology purchases funded through dedicated revenues. The agency’s main 2027 requests included a personnel cash transfer to move costs off general fund and onto dedicated funds, $2.7 million for enterprise firewall/security upgrades, continued access to a federal E-CORE grant for an AI/data repository project, and funding for the Health and Welfare modernization/consolidation. Members asked about the grant, the 3% holdback, whether Health and Welfare’s budget would be reduced, the cost of delaying security upgrades, and why the agency’s FTP count has grown while overall IT costs are being centralized.
ITS Administrator Alberto Gonzalez emphasized that the agency is defending against more than 100 million cyberattacks per month, with only a small fraction getting through, and said the firewall request was a critical security need. He said consolidation has produced efficiencies and a net reduction in IT personnel statewide, while also improving security and service delivery. He also explained that the agency is working on a possible policy change to separate continuously appropriated cash into a different fund for cleaner accounting. Questions from members focused on cybersecurity, bandwidth pressures from video/body-cam traffic, procurement speed, AI uses, and the rationale for office furnishings and equipment requests tied to the Health and Welfare move.
The committee then moved to the Idaho State Tax Commission budget, another roughly $55 million portfolio with five programs and 447 authorized FTP. The analyst noted that the commission’s budget is heavily general-fund supported, but it also has several dedicated funds and large continuously appropriated flows tied to tax distributions and rebates. For fiscal year 2027, the commission requested additional dedicated-fund support for property tax outreach, $400,000 for GenTax automation, use of dedicated funds for the chief operating officer, replacement items, and the governor’s rescission. Chairman Jeff McRae said the agency returns more than $7.8 billion in revenue for about $55 million in spending, but warned the commission is at a “tipping point” where further cuts would reduce its ability to process revenue and serve taxpayers.
Members questioned the commission about phone wait times, staffing levels, the multi-state tax compact, conformity work tied to the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and the parental choice tax credit program. McRae said the call center would need about 45 staff to meet standard service levels but currently has about seven, and that conformity changes would require significant software, form, and testing work, likely with overtime and possible taxpayer filing delays. He also explained that the tax credit program was designed with electronic-only applications, income prioritization, audits, and criminal penalties to reduce fraud. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting consisted of budget presentations, member questions, and agency responses.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- a lot of dedicated folks that work 24-7 at ITS to make sure that we’re safe, that we’re up, and dependable
- We’ll do it as quickly as we possibly can, but I just can’t commit that, depending upon the time that
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations for the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Idaho State Tax Commission. For ITS, the analyst and administrator described the agency’s role in statewide IT policy, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and consolidation of IT staff from other agencies. The discussion focused on the agency’s growing FTP count as more IT functions are centralized, the treatment of continuously appropriated cash used for hardware and services purchased on behalf of other agencies, and a proposed policy change to separate that cash into a distinct fund. ITS also outlined its fiscal year 2027 requests, including funding for enterprise security/firewall upgrades, a federal E-CORE grant for a statewide data repository using AI, a supplemental for Chinden Campus furnishings, and the next phase of Health and Welfare consolidation. The administrator emphasized the volume of cyberattacks, the need for security investments, and the agency’s efforts to reduce costs through redesign and consolidation.
Members asked about the E-CORE grant, the basis for the governor’s 3% holdback, whether Health and Welfare’s budget would be reduced when IT staff move to ITS, and why some equipment and furnishings were being requested instead of simply transferring assets. The administrator said the firewall request was critical, that delaying it could cost about $3 million more later, and that the 58 FTP transfer from Health and Welfare was the final consolidation phase, with some equipment being transferred and some new furnishings still needed. Questions also addressed cybersecurity threats, procurement speed, software review delays, and the use of AI. ITS said it processes over 82,000 tickets annually, works with federal and law enforcement partners on cyber threats, and is trying to improve efficiency while maintaining security.
The Tax Commission presentation covered its five programs, its roughly $55 million budget, and its role in collecting and distributing state revenues. The analyst highlighted the agency’s dedicated funds, continuous appropriations for tax rebates and distributions, and fiscal year 2027 requests for property tax education funding, GenTax automation, use of dedicated funds for a chief operating officer, replacement items, and the governor’s holdback. The chairman said the agency returns more than $7.8 billion in revenue and costs less than one penny to collect each dollar, but warned it is at a “tipping point” where further cuts would reduce service and delay revenue processing. He also discussed the Multi-State Tax Compact, the need for more staffing in the call center, and the challenges of implementing tax conformity changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which could require substantial software and form updates on a compressed timeline.
Members asked about the sustainability of dedicated fund increases, the reduction of two FTP tied to a completed rebate program, customer service delays, vehicle replacements, tax gap enforcement, and the parental choice tax credit. The chairman said the tax credit program was designed with income priority, electronic-only applications, audit and contest procedures, and criminal penalties for fraud. He also explained that the commission had received seven of ten requested staff for the tax credit, and that the new chief operating officer role was intended to provide continuity and operational management. No formal votes or bill actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting concluded with thanks to the agencies and adjournment until the next day.