Transcript Highlights:

• I think that these other committees dealing with water, dealing with prisons, dealing with justice and
• , dealing with justice and health prisons, dealing with justice and health care<00:59:37.119><c> tax<
• Let's renovate something, and it doesn't have to be the one in Colorado Springs.
• Let's renovate something, and it doesn't have to be the one in Colorado Springs.
• Let's renovate something, and it doesn't have to be the one in Colorado Springs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Apparently, you could face up to five years in prison for that happening.
• Apparently, you could face up to five years in prison for that happening.
• Apparently, you could face up to five years in prison for that happening.
• face up to five Apparently, you could face up to five years<00:19:47.840><c> in</c><00:19:48.160><c> prison
• </c> years in prison for for that happening. years in prison for for that happening.

Transcript Highlights:

• But a lot of it's the portrait maintenance, and when we did the renovation within the House chamber,
• within the house chamber the renovation within the house chamber those<00:07:49.919><c> very</c><00:
• But we did the portraits on the second renewal and renovation of that space, and dramatic difference.
• That was the 1.8... was the plaza job for renovating... account for the legislative branch.
• </c> The $1.8 million was the plaza job for renovating and reestablishing the ADA requirements for the

Summary: The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them. The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time. The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each of the two centers are designated at the state level for CTE renovation support funding.
• Each of the two centers are designated at the state level for CTE renovation support funding.
• Each of the two centers are designated at the state level for CTE renovation support funding.
• </c> proposed state budget project renovation proposed state budget project renovation amount<00:24:38.840
• Renovations and replacing outdated CTE equipment, in addition to state support and local funds.

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this bill, we went over LBR recommendation because we added $15 million for repair and renovation
• going to provide for pay raise for our faculty members and also included $15 million for repair and renovation
• <00:12:53.279><c> and</c> included 15 million for repair and included 15 million for repair and renovation
• . renovation. renovation.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill, and we're going to hear the House Bill shortly, will make sure that high-rises that are being renovated
• </c> are being renovated are up to code. are being renovated are up to code.
• Uh, there is one committee amendment to alter the definition of substantial renovation.
• alter the definition<00:42:28.480><c> of</c><00:42:28.680><c> substantial</c><00:42:29.560><c> renovation
• </c> definition of substantial renovation. definition of substantial renovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be for the renovation of the Roseau Memorial Arena, which I believe is a historical site up
• </c><00:02:37.920><c> be</c><00:02:38.080><c> for</c><00:02:38.319><c> the</c><00:02:38.560><c> renovation
• </c><00:02:39.680><c> uh</c><00:02:39.840><c> of</c> That would be for the renovation uh of That would
• be for the renovation uh of the<00:02:40.160><c> Roso</c><00:02:40.640><c> Memorial</c><00:02:41.120
• and expansion of the police renovation and expansion of the police department<00:14:28.399><c> and</

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Loan rates will be renovations.
• We need free market solutions that make it easier to build, to renovate, and to create more accessible
• easier to market solutions that make it easier to build,<01:07:44.640><c> to</c><01:07:44.880><c> renovate
• and</c><01:07:45.680><c> to</c><01:07:45.920><c> create</c><01:07:46.160><c> more</c> build, to renovate
• , and to create more build, to renovate, and to create more accessible<01:07:46.960><c> places</c><01

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects. The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon. Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months. In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Construct, renovate,<00:26:33.120><c> furnish,</c><00:26:33.360><c> and</c><00:26:33.600><c> equip</c
• ><00:26:33.919><c> for</c><00:26:34.159><c> the</c><00:26:35.360><c> um</c> renovate, furnish, and equip
• for the um renovate, furnish, and equip for the um centric<00:26:36.240><c> health</c><00:26:36.960>
• ,</c><00:26:53.679><c> and</c><00:26:53.919><c> construct</c><00:26:54.240><c> a</c> equip, renovate,
• and construct a equip, renovate, and construct a specialty<00:26:54.880><c> care</c><00:26:55.240><c

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• The renovations have been done in stages over the years. It's now nearing its completion.
• year-old Litchfield Opera House, we sincerely thank you for your support during its restoration and renovation
• The ren the renovations<00:36:42.560><c> have</c><00:36:42.800><c> been</c><00:36:42.960><c> done</c>
• <00:36:43.119><c> in</c><00:36:43.440><c> stages</c> renovations have been done in stages renovations
• 38:10.800><c> its</c><00:38:11.040><c> restoration</c><00:38:11.680><c> and</c><00:38:12.000><c> renovation

Bills: HF2411 , HF2471 , HF1440 , HF1393 , HF1631 , HF1259 , HF280 , HF1281 , HF1459

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• You provided CIP funds in 2022 for phase one of this renovation project, which has all been encumbered
• We want to do a great job with this renovation, so we are going to be requesting phase two money, and
• :32:52.159><c> this</c> funds in 2022 for phase one of this funds in 2022 for phase one of this renovation
• project um which has all been renovation project um which has all been encumbered<00:32:55.799><c> and
• so we are going to with this renovation so we are going to be<00:33:08.679><c> requesting</c><00:33:

Transcript Highlights:

• So off they went and did this beautiful job renovating it.
• testimony in this case from an expert from UNH in water quality was that in the course of this renovation
• this permits so off they went and did this beautiful<01:20:49.040><c> job</c><01:20:49.280><c> renovating
• it after it was beautiful job renovating it after it was completed<01:20:51.760><c> a</c><01:20:52.000
• </c><01:22:27.280><c> things</c> in the course of this renovation things in the course of this renovation

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• They live in units that need renovation, modernization, investment.
• They live in units that need renovations. out on the street or the deed restrictions will run out.
• They live in units that need renovation, modernization, investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, the Senate amendment requires that schools seeking to do major renovation projects using
• We voted 10-1 to concur, and we ask the body to support this amendment. major renovations projects using
• state major renovations projects using state construction<00:28:37.440><c> dollars</c><00:28:38.399>

Transcript Highlights:

• If you look at the bill, it does differentiate construction from renovation, maintenance, or improvement
• If you look at the bill, it does differentiate construction from renovation, maintenance, or improvement
• Due to no fault of their own, homeowners are currently being unfairly penalized for renovations or alterations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a full agenda of bills covering port procurement, housing litigation, special district audits, cemetery district governance, county discretionary funding transparency, labor standards in density bonus projects, transit planning, and homeowner code enforcement. SB 983 would let the Port of San Diego use job order contracting for smaller repair and maintenance work; supporters said it would speed repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. SB 1256 sought to limit repeated litigation against the Harmony Grove Village South housing project; supporters framed it as a response to duplicative lawsuits delaying housing, while opponents argued it could weaken wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 would make permanent and expand a small special district audit flexibility, and SB 1115 would give Tulare County a narrower way to remove dysfunctional cemetery district trustees rather than taking over the district entirely. Both drew support from county and district representatives, with CSDA opposing SB 1115 but continuing talks on amendments. The committee also considered SB 1193, which would impose transparency and conflict-of-interest guardrails on Alameda County discretionary funding. The author and supporters said the bill responds to grand jury findings and would require clearer public reporting and board approval, while Alameda County argued it already has strong public processes and that the bill is overly restrictive. SB 1383 would clarify that density bonus projects cannot use incentives and concessions to waive locally adopted labor standards; labor groups supported it as protecting worker safety and wages, while housing interests were not present in opposition during the hearing. SB 1361 would prevent local governments from undermining planned transit projects to avoid SB 79 density requirements; LA Metro and labor supported it as protecting transit investment, and the Bay Area Council withdrew opposition. SB 1272, the CASH Act, would give homeowners more time to cure certain non-safety code violations tied to prior owners’ work, with counties and code enforcement groups opposing the introduced version but saying they were working on amendments. Several bills were voted out of committee, many on amended or consent motions, with some remaining on call before later final votes were recorded. SB 983, SB 992, SB 1115, SB 1193, SB 1256, SB 1383, SB 1361, and SB 1272 all ultimately received committee approval, while the consent calendar bills SB 1187 and SB 1388 were also adopted. The chair repeatedly noted ongoing negotiations on several measures, especially SB 983, SB 1193, and SB 1272, and members emphasized wildfire safety, transparency, and labor protections as key issues during debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• and remove hazardous buildings, asbestos, and other buildings, and allow for housing studies and renovation
• and remove hazardous buildings, asbestos and other buildings, and allow for housing studies and renovation
• of multi-story, multi-purpose apartments above businesses. and renovation of multi-story, multi-purpose

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services Division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget for the 2027-29 biennium and to receive an update on Commerce programs. Legislative Council staff first walked the committee through the “blue sheet” base budget summary, explaining the major line items, the large share of federal grant authority in Commerce’s budget, and the continuing appropriations that support several Commerce funds. Members asked how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff said collaboration varies by program but is strong in areas like UAS and LIHEAP. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken then presented on current activities, focusing heavily on grant administration, transparency, and economic development programs. Members questioned how grant applicants are selected, whether Commerce tracks applications and return on investment, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. The commissioner said Commerce uses scoring criteria, outside reviewers, a minimum 30-day application window, and typically completes awards within two to three months. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce should open some grants only to intended recipients versus running competitive application processes; Commerce said it follows best-practice grantmaking and that its attorney in the Attorney General’s office approved that approach. Commerce also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, citing long-term investment and job creation results, examples such as Red Trail Energy, Packet Digital, Valiance, Corvent Medical, child care loans, and the Automate ND program. Members asked about acceptable failures, lessons learned, regional economic development coordination, and the expansion of the fund into non-primary sectors. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell then outlined a statewide workforce ecosystem review, a new governor’s workforce sub-cabinet, and three task forces focused on simplifying entry, warm handoffs, and data integration. She discussed the in-demand occupations list, Workforce Pell, apprenticeships, and efforts to better connect students with employers and higher education. Commerce also briefly reviewed housing programs and a new housing sub-cabinet. No votes were taken; the committee simply received testimony, asked questions, and adjourned after setting up the next meeting to hear the Attorney General budget in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• initial application or subsequent to the initial application, the property is unoccupied because of renovations
• initial application or subsequent to the initial application, the property is unoccupied because of renovations
• But we unoccupied because of renovations and not currently being used for the exempt purposes but will

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard several housing-related bills and gubernatorial appointments. SB 6201 would create property tax and REET exemptions for property used as affordable housing by social housing agencies, with testimony from the sponsor and supporters from Seattle Social Housing and House Our Neighbors emphasizing lower development costs and deeper affordability. Senator Gildon questioned how the 50% occupancy requirement would work at purchase, and staff explained the covenant and compliance requirements. The committee also heard SB 6205, which would add conflict-of-interest restrictions and reporting requirements for the Community Reinvestment Account, Affordable Housing Program, and Covenant Homeownership Program; Senator Braun said the bill responds to reports of misuse and is intended to improve transparency and trust. The committee heard gubernatorial appointments Pedro Espinoza and Diana H. Perez to the Housing Finance Commission, both of whom described their construction, local government, and housing experience and were supported by committee members. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 6001 on scissors stairs, SB 6026 on allowing residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, and SB 6054 on fire-hardened building materials. SB 6026 drew the most debate, with amendments added and others rejected; supporters said it would expand housing supply, while opponents and local governments raised concerns about historic districts, main street areas, and limits on local planning authority. SB 6054 was amended to remove the 10% cap on fire-hardened materials, with members saying it would help homeowners protect against wildfire risk. The committee then moved to public hearings on SB 6069, which would require cities and counties to allow emergency shelters, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing in more zones and limit local restrictions to objective standards and administrative review. Supporters, including housing providers, the Attorney General’s Office, King County, and Disability Rights Washington, said local barriers are delaying needed housing, while cities and the Association of Washington Cities argued the bill is too broad and would limit operational agreements and local flexibility. The committee also heard SB 6167, which would bar homebuyers from receiving multiple state-funded down payment assistance loans or grants. The sponsor said the bill is meant to maximize limited assistance dollars for more households, but opponents from housing nonprofits, advocates, and a homeless veteran said it would reduce access to homeownership, especially for Black households and families needing layered assistance in high-cost markets. Finally, the committee returned to SB 6205 testimony, where supporters said the bill would prevent self-dealing and misuse of grant funds, while one testifier urged more investigation and oversight resources. No final action was taken on the public hearing bills during the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue subfund of the general fund, and a capital projects fund for major capital purposes including renovations
• revenue subfund of the general fund and a capital projects fund for major capital purposes including renovations
• A capital projects fund is for major capital purposes, including renovations and replacements of facilities

Bills: HB2440 , HB2551 , HB2593

Committee: House Education

Keywords: education, ombudsman, record-keeping, transparency, advocacy, school funding, financial solvency, education budget, district financial health, state funding, accounting, budgeting, reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• .180, UK reported its intent to use a construction management-at-risk project delivery method to renovate
• The project's anticipated investment for this restoration and renovation project is approximately $5.8
• The project's anticipated investment for this restoration and renovation project is approximately $5.8

Summary: The committee met with quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and received a set of information reports on capital projects, debt, school district bond issues, UK and KCTCS asset preservation projects, and the Louisville Arena Authority’s financial report, with the latter noted as lengthy and expected to be discussed further in person in December. The committee also heard a Finance and Administration Cabinet lease report covering three leases: a temporary lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Louisville due to ongoing maintenance and safety issues at its current site, a Department of Juvenile Justice lease in Hardin County for a day-treatment/alternative school program, and a Warren County lease renewal. Members questioned the Hardin County lease about the higher rate and limited competition; agency staff explained the specialized school setting, transportation and program requirements, and the difficulty of attracting bidders for alternative-school space. The lease package was approved after roll call. The committee then considered seven economic development grants: four EDF grants and three KPDI grants. The projects included infrastructure for Allen County’s industrial park, flood-related repairs for Weddington Plaza in the Big Sandy area, an Owensboro manufacturing expansion for Mscan America, a new Louisville manufacturing facility for Anthro Energy, a Henderson due-diligence study, a Paducah spec building, and utility extensions for the Riverbend site in Carrollton. Staff said the projects had been approved by KEFA and recommended by the relevant cabinet leadership, and the committee approved them by roll call. Finally, the committee reviewed a new Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit bond issue for about $43 million for 233 Louisville housing units, which was approved. It then took up five SFCC debt issues together: new money for an Edmonson County elementary school and Knox County middle school gym improvements, plus refundings for Callaway, Hardin, and McCracken counties. Members raised concerns that the refundings were bundled together and that some did not appear to meet a newly referenced 3% net present value savings guideline, but the package was still approved on a 5-2 vote. The meeting ended with calendar updates, including a November 20 meeting at noon and a December 16 meeting featuring the Yum Arena presentation, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In September 2024, UTEP students voted in favor of a referendum to rebuild Union West and renovate Union
• Specifically, UNT utilizes HEAF to address infrastructure needs such as renovating underutilized or poor-performing
• funding, we can address facility inefficiencies across our campus, and, for example, we hope to renovate

Bills: HB42 , HB 125 , HB 1233 , HB2853 , HB3148 , HB3326 , HB3701 , HB4066 , HB4361 , HB4762 , HB4909 , HB4912 , HB42 , HB125

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.