Video & Transcript Research : 'payroll deduction'
Page 44 of 149
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (03/11/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- limited coverage and higher deductibles limited coverage and higher deductibles while<01:30:49.440
- premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs.
- premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs.
- There can be trade-offs high deductible.
- <01:37:04.400>
and between premium and deductible and between premium and deductible and out-of
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 19th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- gaming revenue by allowing operators to deduct either $5 million or up to 10% of taxable revenue by
- So we spoke about the local deductions, and the amendment removes that.
- So we spoke about the local deductions, and the amendment removes that.
- The amendment removes the ability for this to affect local deductions.
- Any effects to local deductions? You have a right to close.
Bills:
HR295, HR296, HR297, HR298, HR299, HR300, HR301, HR302, HR303, HR304, HR305, HR306, HR307, HCR115, HCR116, HCR117, HR286, HR287, HR288, HR290, HR291, HR292, HR293, HR294, SCR61, SCR68, SB121, SB250, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR252, HR253, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, SB268, SB283, SB414, HCR98, HR179, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB74, HB108, HB956, HB1085, HB1137, HB75, SB39, SB99, SB111, SB112, SB124, SB134, SB174, SB189, SB190, SB201, SB233, SB236, SB258, SB270, SB273, SB288, SB307, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB326, SB331, SB339, SB341, SB345, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB357, SB359, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB419, SB422, SB426, SB435, SB437, SB440, SB451, SB464, SB470, SB487, SB488, SB495, SB504, SB505, SB518, SB523, HR84, HB646, HB998, HB1191, SB78, SB81, SB97, SB100, SB109, SB123, SB125, SB208, SB385, SB479, SB56, SB163, SB197, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB149, SB382, SB441
Keywords:
Energy Caucus, Louisiana House of Representatives, energy policy, fossil fuels, oil and gas, natural gas, renewable energy, solar, wind power, nuclear power, legislative caucus, industry group, economic development, state legislature, House resolution, energy sector, victims' services, criminal justice, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Act No. 370
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 19th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- gaming revenue by allowing operators to deduct either $5 million or up to 10% of taxable revenue by
- So we spoke about the local deductions, and the amendment removes that.
- So we spoke about the local deductions, and the amendment removes that.
- The amendment removes the ability for this to affect local deductions.
- Any effects to local deductions? You have a right to close.
Bills:
HR295, HR296, HR297, HR298, HR299, HR300, HR301, HR302, HR303, HR304, HR305, HR306, HR307, HCR115, HCR116, HCR117, HR286, HR287, HR288, HR290, HR291, HR292, HR293, HR294, SCR61, SCR68, SB121, SB250, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR252, HR253, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, SB268, SB283, SB414, HCR98, HR179, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB74, HB108, HB956, HB1085, HB1137, HB75, SB39, SB99, SB111, SB112, SB124, SB134, SB174, SB189, SB190, SB201, SB233, SB236, SB258, SB270, SB273, SB288, SB307, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB326, SB331, SB339, SB341, SB345, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB357, SB359, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB419, SB422, SB426, SB435, SB437, SB440, SB451, SB464, SB470, SB487, SB488, SB495, SB504, SB505, SB518, SB523, HR84, HB646, HB998, HB1191, SB78, SB81, SB97, SB100, SB109, SB123, SB125, SB208, SB385, SB479, SB56, SB163, SB197, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB149, SB382, SB441
Keywords:
Energy Caucus, Louisiana House of Representatives, energy policy, fossil fuels, oil and gas, natural gas, renewable energy, solar, wind power, nuclear power, legislative caucus, industry group, economic development, state legislature, House resolution, energy sector, victims' services, criminal justice, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Act No. 370
Summary:
The House met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present, and began with prayer, the pledge, leave requests, and several personal privileges recognizing visitors and groups at the Capitol, including early education advocates, a poster contest winner, Entergy’s River Bend Nuclear Station on its 40th anniversary, a Children’s Miracle Network champion, Community Action leaders, and Leadership Tangipahoa participants. The chamber also received Senate messages, enrollment reports, a conference committee report on Senate Bill 149 that was allowed to lie over, and a long list of House resolutions and Senate bills that were either introduced, referred, or set aside for later consideration. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, including measures recognizing Early Education Day, World Preeclampsia Awareness Day, Dora’s Voyager, Tourism Day, and National Mississippi River Day, while House Concurrent Resolution 98 on SNAP grocery delivery fees failed on reconsideration by a vote of 46 yeas to 39 nays.
The House then took up a series of Senate bills. Among the measures passed were SB 39 on provisional massage therapist licenses; SB 111 on freshwater recreational fish limits in the Atchafalaya Basin; SB 124 on peer review confidentiality for health systems; SB 134 on child sexual abuse material and sexting involving minors under 17; SB 99 on electronic DEQ notifications; SB 190 on special-focus nursing facilities; SB 201 on juvenile life-without-parole sentencing procedures; SB 233 on a statewide data exchange compact; SB 236 on annual kidney disease reporting; SB 258 on juvenile traffic offenses; SB 270 on medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients in health care facilities; SB 273 on hospice care requirements; SB 307 on educational displays and a Ten Commandments monument on Capitol grounds; SB 320 on CODIS hit tracking; SB 321 on electronic bonds; SB 325 on excluding threatening persons from sports wagering; SB 331 on temporary exceptions to the Scenic Rivers Act for lower Pearl River Basin work; SB 339 on gaming-related background checks; SB 345 on annual OJJ reporting; SB 346 and SB 347 on deepfake misuse in schools and on campuses; SB 357 on judiciary cleanup provisions; SB 359 on hospital district commissioner terms; SB 387 on pharmacy benefit managers; SB 393 on explosives regulation; SB 401 creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board; SB 415 creating the Empower Louisiana Food Purchase Program; SB 419 on pre-charged pneumatic devices for deer hunting; SB 422 on unsupervised probation for certain repeat DWI offenders; SB 426 on the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority and peer support credentials; SB 435 creating a Commission on Fatherhood Engagement; SB 437 on licensed treatment services in facilities housing judicially referred residents; SB 440 creating a Renaissance District in Rapides Parish; SB 451 on newborn hearing screening and intervention; SB 464 on severe obesity treatment coverage; SB 470 on pregnancy-related rules in correctional facilities; SB 487 on gaming premises rental agreements; and SB 488 creating a school safety drone response pilot program. Several bills were returned to the calendar for later action, including SB 189 on atmospheric releases affecting weather and climate, SB 326, SB 341, SB 353, and SB 495.
A number of bills drew debate over policy and fiscal effects. SB 112 on school release time for religious instruction prompted questions about public-school participation, sponsoring entities, and parental consent; SB 189 on prohibiting intentional atmospheric release of substances for climate or weather modification passed 75-21 after questions about aircraft fuel dumping and agricultural exceptions; SB 201 on juvenile sentencing led to discussion of Supreme Court precedent and appellate review; SB 233 raised privacy concerns about interagency data sharing; SB 313 on electronic filing fees in criminal matters was criticized as a possible unfunded mandate and failed 25-68; and SB 451 on newborn hearing screening drew questions about board expansion, Medicaid coverage, and added administrative costs before passing 94-1. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, and the House repeatedly adopted motions to table reconsideration after final passage votes. The chamber also announced it would stop debate at 5:00 p.m. and continued working through Senate bills as the Natural Resources Committee finished its meeting.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty One - Thursday, April 30
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And basically, it is a tax deduction, not a tax credit.
- And basically, it is a tax deduction, not a tax credit.
- Right now, they have a fairly manual process where they're tracking tax deductions.
- They're tracking tax deductions.
- If they pay the taxes, then you get a deduction from that on your local taxes.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal by roll call vote, 120-0. Members also suspended House Rule 98 to allow hats on the chamber floor, approving that motion 87-32. The chamber then recognized several special guests and personal introductions, including the Eugene High School basketball team, family members of members, and other visitors. One member delivered a lengthy personal privilege speech responding to a U.S. Supreme Court voting-rights decision and urging protection of democracy and voting access.
In committee reports, the House received favorable reports on substitute House Bill 2426 and Senate Bills 866 and 863. The chamber then agreed to a conference on the property-tax omnibus package, Senate Bills 1066 and 1088. On third reading, House Bill 3329 passed 142-0, repealing expired tax credits, and House Bill 3405 passed 138-0, cleaning up SALT deduction language and clarifying it as a deduction rather than a credit. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2426, a parental-rights bill, was debated at length with opposition focused on its school reporting and financial-ledger provisions, but the motion to pass it failed 70-60.
The House then took up Senate Bill 1233, a licensure bill dealing with CPA licensing and other professional licensing provisions. One amendment removing compacts and related language was adopted, a nursing-home physicals amendment was withdrawn, and the bill passed 129-6. Senate Bill 1408, originally a highway-speed bill, was heavily amended to remove some Department of Revenue and other provisions, while adding or revising items including vehicle inspections, motorcycle lighting, hands-free enforcement, driver education, and specialty plates for women’s professional sports; it passed 82-53. The final bill of the day, Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863, creating a five-member interscholastic athletic oversight commission for appeals from statewide activities associations, was introduced and debated, with questions raised about its relationship to MSHSAA.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Elections panel approves HF72 2/17/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- nonprofits that have received resources and not just direct appropriations or grants, but also deductions
- just nonprofits but also corporations and folks who are not just getting grants but also getting deductions
- <00:08:41.120>
credits <00:08:41.959>any Grants but also deductions credits any Grants - but also deductions credits any expenditure<00:08:42.880>
any <00:08:43.479>uh <00:08:43.760 - but also um getting uh deductions but also um getting uh deductions credits<00:09:39.959>
or<
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/10/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #5
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members, HB 2785, conformity internal revenue code deductions, creates tax credits and deductions
- It creates tax credits and deductions in the Arizona Revenue Code to match all line items in H.R. 1.
- conforms our tax statutes to also define foreign dividends the same way the federal government does for deduction
- It creates tax credits and deductions in the Arizona Revenue Code to match all line items in H.R.1.
- conforms our tax statutes to also define foreign dividends the same way the federal government does for deduction
Summary:
The committee worked through a very long minority caucus calendar covering a wide range of bills, with many items being described and then either left on consent, pulled from consent, or noted for votes. Topics included bullion and state depository proposals, a produce incentive appropriation, a biennial budget change, veterans services funding, driver licensing and traffic enforcement measures, procurement and public records changes, school board and school facilities rules, SNAP work requirements and verification, child welfare and juvenile justice provisions, housing and homelessness measures, energy and fuel policy, election administration, and several tax, commerce, and licensing bills. Members repeatedly raised concerns about constitutionality, federal preemption, duplication of existing law, and whether some measures were policy priorities that had been vetoed in prior sessions and were returning unchanged.
Several bills drew extended debate. Members objected to English-proficiency requirements for commercial drivers and motor carriers, arguing federal law and the supremacy clause would bar them. Earned wage access regulation prompted strong opposition over consumer harm, overdraft cycles, and high effective APRs. School-related bills were criticized for overregulating public schools while not imposing similar requirements on ESA/private-school programs, especially on fingerprint clearance and reporting. SNAP-related bills were also opposed as setting unrealistic mandates and repeating vetoed proposals. Other contested measures included a drag-show criminalization bill, a bill restricting photo enforcement, a bill limiting local regulation of unmanned aircraft, and a bill conforming Arizona tax law to federal changes, which members said would benefit wealthy taxpayers and corporations without a clear funding source.
The committee also heard a number of supportive or less controversial measures, including bills on veterans awareness, dementia care telemonitoring, Braille transcription funding, CPA licensure pathways, cash acceptance by retailers, and some child safety and court administration changes. Several bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, while others were noted as having unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The meeting ended with caucus announcements, including an affordability award presentation, an upcoming Latino Caucus discussion on community land trusts, and an invitation to African American Legislative Day activities, followed by adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- premium; it's $900 a month just because I'm 62 years old, with no medical problems and an $8,000 deductible
- Deductible payment and other costs. I'd be happy to take any questions at this time.
- for them to have more of the money up front to help them because they're going to be out the deductible
- If they bought replacement cost coverage, they will typically deduct...
- We need to talk about those because I've seen provisions where the replacement cost doesn't deduct depreciation
Keywords:
prescription drugs, drug pricing, pharmacy benefits, health insurance, health benefit plan, insurer, HMO, self-insured employer, public employer, school district, county, municipality, university system, higher education, retirees, dependent coverage, stop-loss coverage, bulk purchasing, group purchasing, purchasing pool
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Banking & Insurance (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, and so I end up raising my premium up $10,000 to keep it to where my deductible is $10,000, to
- Yeah, and so I end up raising my premium up $10,000 to keep it to where my deductible is $10,000, to
- Yeah, and so I end up raising my premium up $10,000 to keep it to where my deductible is $10,000, to
- Yeah, and so I end up raising my premium up $10,000 to keep it to where my deductible is $10,000, to
- Yeah, and so I end up raising my premium up $10,000 to keep it to where my deductible is $10,000, to
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll Call: 00:06
SB24 Discussion: 01:08
SB24 Vote: 13:22
SB18 Discussion: 14:40
SB18 Vote: 21:54, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 24, a measure aimed at combating property and casualty insurance fraud. Senator Girdler and witnesses from the Insurance Institute of Kentucky and the National Insurance Crime Bureau said the bill would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover statements that misrepresent the scope of property damage or repair costs, with the goal of addressing inflated storm-damage claims and out-of-state bad actors. Members discussed whether existing prosecutors were already handling these cases, the role of Commonwealth’s attorneys versus the Attorney General, and the need to keep the bill narrowly tailored to criminal intent rather than negligence or ordinary disputes over value. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill received favorable expression, and a title amendment was also adopted.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 18, which would address a shortage of insurance options for automobile dealers by allowing nonadmitted carriers to provide garage liability coverage in Kentucky. Testimony from an insurance agent and a legislative agent for Big I Kentucky described a shrinking market in which some small dealers cannot find coverage at all, risking closure. Members asked about the meaning of garage liability, consumer protections, solvency concerns, and whether more competition could lower prices; witnesses said surplus lines carriers already operate in Kentucky, agents play an important vetting role, and errors-and-omissions coverage would apply to the agent. The bill was supported as a way to preserve dealer businesses and expand coverage options, and it passed the committee with favorable expression after roll call.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And that would allow for a deductible credit, Madam President, for someone who gets their care for less
- they were to go directly to a provider and obtain the service of that provider for less than their deductible
- would be to be able to obtain it in that way and then get a credit for the difference against their deductible
- . ...and then get a credit for the difference against their deductible.
- instance of the purchase of the service, and number two, save money with regard to reducing their deductible
Summary:
The Senate considered a series of amendments to a primary care health care bill and also took up a separate literacy bill. Several amendments were withdrawn, including one on artificial intelligence in health care and others related to cost controls, direct primary care, and provider studies. The Senate adopted amendments on preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness, modernizing the definition of primary care, clarifying payment rates for community health centers, excluding pharmaceutical spending from primary care expenditure calculations, and strengthening health equity reporting. Other amendments on rate bands, alternative payment systems, private equity reporting, scope of practice, and ownership disclosure were rejected. The Senate then approved the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the primary care bill to a third reading.
The chamber also took up final passage of An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy, with senators describing it as a long-awaited compromise focused on improving early reading outcomes. Supporters said the bill requires evidence-based K-3 literacy curricula, regular student screening and family notification, dyslexia screening protocols, professional development for teachers, and a free state-developed curriculum option. Senators emphasized the need to address declining third-grade reading proficiency and equity gaps. The bill passed to be enacted by a unanimous roll call and was sent to the Governor.
After the literacy bill, the Senate returned to the primary care bill, where senators again debated cost containment, innovation, and access. The final version included the adopted amendments and was passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed, adjourning in memory of Henry Thomas III, former Representative Ben Swan, and Mr. Dennis Frane.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The deductible would still apply. Everything would still apply.
- I'm just thinking that most of us have extremely large deductibles.
- So at least they would have something go towards the deductible for the child, right?
- every year in my practice, we get really busy in the fourth quarter, regardless of how high the deductibles
- They are, but they're still subject to a deductible. But anyway, thank you.
Keywords:
autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education, admin penalties
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 490 will allow a deduction for interest paid on a qualified personal vehicle loan, helping taxpayers
- Consumer interest was deductible many years ago, but has long ago been eliminated.
- Again, the deductibility of consumer interest should not be introduced or reintroduced, I should say,
- The FTB established this deduction will cost over... Thank you.
- The FTB estimated this deduction will cost over $1 billion in the taxable year.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its second regular hearing of the 2025-26 session and announced that, under reinstated suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee first heard AB 53, which would create a state income tax exemption of up to $20,000 for military retirees and certain survivor benefits. Supporters, including veterans’ groups, military retirees, and local officials, argued California is the only state taxing military retirement pay in full and that the exemption would help retain veterans and their families. Committee members voiced strong support, but the bill was sent to suspense.
The committee then heard several wildfire-related tax relief bills. AB 429 would exempt certain wildfire settlement payments from gross income for victims of fires from 2020 through 2026; the author and a Greenville fire victim described the burden of taxing settlement funds, and rural county and forestry groups supported the measure. AB 97 proposed similar relief for Bobcat Fire settlement payments, and AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit for home-hardening expenses in high fire-risk areas, with Cal Fire and realtor representatives supporting the bill as a way to reduce future losses. Each of these measures drew no formal opposition in the hearing and was referred to suspense.
AB 386 would create a tax credit for employers that help full-time employees repay student loans, up to $3,000 per employee per year. Supporters said it would help recruit and retain workers and reduce student debt burdens, while the California Tax Reform Association opposed the bill because it lacked allocation criteria and would reduce General Fund and education revenues. Committee members expressed interest but asked for clearer eligibility standards, and the bill was sent to suspense. AB 490 would allow a deduction for interest paid on qualified personal vehicle loans; the author framed it as relief for families dependent on cars, but opposition again came from the tax reform group, which argued the deduction would mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers. The bill also went to suspense.
The committee also heard AB 547, which would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for IVF and other fertility-treatment expenses. The author and a witness who described a long and costly IVF journey said the credit would help families afford treatment and support parenthood; members responded sympathetically and asked why the proposal was structured as a tax credit rather than a health coverage mandate. Finally, AB 330 would extend the prepaid mobile telephony services collection act through 2031, preserving an 80-cent surcharge that supports 911 and local government revenues; local government representatives and cities supported the extension, and it too was referred to suspense. The hearing ended with the committee adjourning after all measures were held for suspense-file consideration.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Providing a gross receipts tax deduction for the sale of medical equipment, supplies, and drugs. tax
- deduction to receipts for certain medical services, except for those for Medicaid patients.
- Removing the sunset date of a gross receipts tax deduction for receipts from co-payments or deductibles
- Extending a gross receipts tax deduction to receipts from a patient paid to a health care practitioner
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 04/10/26
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- “It creates a centralized certified payroll reporting portal and database requirement for all state projects
- 04.240>
certified It creates a centralized uh certified It creates a centralized uh certified payroll - reporting<00:35:05.840>
portal <00:35:06.720>and <00:35:06.920>database payroll - reporting portal and database payroll reporting portal and database requirement<00:35:07.920>
for
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- criticized the executive branch for having a number of people making decisions who have never made a payroll
- criticized the executive branch for having a number of people making decisions who have never made a payroll
- This goes to my criticism about people who have never made a payroll. Zero so far.
- This goes to my criticism about people who have never made a payroll who run this state because of the
Summary:
The committee took up four bills before moving to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Trust Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a home’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented as a homeowner protection measure and reported favorably. CS/SB 110, clarifying that certain 98-year-or-longer residential leaseholders remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably without opposition. SB 856, requiring online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew supportive testimony from property appraisers, Zillow, and local government groups; members emphasized transparency for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then spent most of the meeting on SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Supporters, including the Division of Emergency Management, argued the fund is needed for hurricanes, flooding, other disasters, and rapid response operations, and said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Opponents from advocacy and policy groups argued the fund has been used too broadly, especially for immigration-related detention and enforcement activities, and criticized the lack of tighter guardrails and transparency. They cited deaths in detention facilities, the use of emergency dollars for non-disaster purposes, and concerns about political favoritism and public accountability.
Director Kevin Guthrie testified at length in support of the extension, explaining that the fund is used for natural, man-made, and technological emergencies, that reimbursements from federal and other sources are returned to the fund, and that the state has used it for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, international evacuations, and immigration-related operations under Operation Vigilant Sentry. He said the division has sought federal reimbursement for some expenses and that the fund helps the state respond quickly when emergencies arise. Members questioned the size of the fund, the amount spent on immigration-related activities, the status of federal reimbursements, and whether lawmakers should have more oversight or unannounced access to detention facilities. The bill discussion remained ongoing in the portion provided, with no final vote on SPB 7040 shown in the transcript excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- fiscal year 2024 to 2025 to the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Judiciary for payroll
- fiscal year 2024 to 2025 to the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Judiciary for payroll
- Judiciary for payroll INF fringe Judiciary for payroll INF fringe benefits<00:04:54.120>
of <00
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several public safety and criminal justice measures. HB 433 HD1 would appropriate funds for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services; DCR Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the same $4 million request is in the governor’s executive budget, and the Correctional System Oversight Commission, Public Defender, ACLU, OHA, Chamber of Commerce, and other groups testified in support. Members asked whether the funding was already in the governor’s budget, and Johnson confirmed it was requested there for the next two fiscal years.
HB 1045 would make emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and the Department of Law Enforcement, DAGS, Budget and Finance, and the Judiciary testified in support, with DLE saying the amounts match what Budget and Finance will present. HB 1296 would require timely notice and reporting to the Legislature when the governor transfers money to the major disaster fund; Budget and Finance and the Governor’s office offered comments, and no opposition was noted. HB 1002 would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify inspection authority; DCR and the commission supported it, with the commission saying a longer term would help the coordinator do the job effectively and allow inspections without notice.
HB 596 would clarify what events qualify as disasters and emergencies for emergency management purposes. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency opposed the bill, while maritime and Grassroot Institute representatives supported it. Members asked whether the bill’s 21-day limit should be extended to 30 days, and HEMA said it opposed any change that would limit the governor’s flexibility in the response phase. The committee also heard HB 1128 HD1, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require officers to record the justification. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU, and some reform advocates supported it as a check on police discretion and a way to encourage citations, while the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department, prosecutors, DLE, county police chiefs, SHOPO, and others opposed it as too restrictive and likely to create litigation and court delays. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Feb 25th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're a Blue Cross person, uh you'll pay your deductible and that's it. There's no more bill.
- uh you'll you're a Blue Cross person, uh you'll pay<00:14:43.839>
your <00:14:44.000>deductible - pay your deductible and that's it. pay your deductible and that's it.
Keywords:
teachers retirement, credit purchase, St. Clair County, DAY Program, pension reform, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, HB444, vaccines, vaccine exemption, religious exemption, religious liberty, private school, church school, faith-based school, parochial school, school immunization
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 23rd, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Talk to me about the payroll. How will it be handled? Payroll will be handled by the clerk’s fund.
- Talk to me about the payroll. How well? reduce the current term. Okay.
- Talk to me about the payroll. How will it be handled? Payroll will be handled by the clerk's fund.
Bills:
HR192, HR193, HR194, HCR80, HCR81, HCR82, HCR83, HCR84, HCR85, HR188, HR189, HR190, HR191, SB134, SB140, SB281, SB331, SB384, SB389, SB415, SB451, SB458, SB479, SB504, SB523, HR38, HR96, HR160, HCR31, HCR61, SCR19, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB646, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1186, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1222, HB1244, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, HB225, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HCR32, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB745, HB749, HB752, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, SB256, HB911, HB306, HB366, HB1161, HB1230, HB59, HB481, HB772, HB897, HB1003, HB1008, HB1112, HB1180, HB1189, HB181, HB1118, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB525, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB864, HB996, HB1035, HB1058, HB1082, HB1113, HB1234, HB1240
Keywords:
ACOG, maternal health, healthcare professionals, patient-physician relationship, obstetrics, gynecology, condolences, military service, veteran, community, memorial, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, property rights, carbon dioxide sequestration, expropriation, Landowner Bill of Rights
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill proposes Minnesota constitutional amendment to fund affordable housing 4/8/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We had a payroll tax increase. We're seeing property tax increases.
- We had a payroll tax increase. We're seeing property tax increases.
- We had a payroll tax increase. We're seeing property tax increases.
- We had a payroll tax increase. We're seeing property tax increases.
- We had a payroll tax increase. We're seeing property tax increases.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3279, the “Our Future Starts at Home” constitutional amendment, which would ask voters to approve a 3/8 of 1% statewide sales tax increase to create a dedicated housing revenue stream. Chair Howard said the proposal is intended to address Minnesota’s housing shortage through predictable, long-term funding, estimated at about $400 million annually for 25 years, and would be administered through a council that would fund housing vouchers, rental and supportive housing, and affordable homeownership.
Supportive testimony came from coalition and nonprofit advocates, including Nelima Sitati Munene, Ben Helvick Anderson, Dakota Morgan, and Chris Berggren. They argued that Minnesota’s housing crisis requires permanent, sustained investment rather than one-time grants, and said the amendment could produce thousands of vouchers, supportive housing units, rental units, and starter homes over time. Testifiers also emphasized the need for community voice and lived-experience representation in how funds are distributed, and described the bill as a way to prevent homelessness and stabilize families statewide.
Several members raised concerns that the proposal would add another regressive tax burden on residents already struggling with affordability. Representatives Johnson, Nash, Dotseth, and Myers argued that sales taxes hit lower-income Minnesotans hardest and said the state should focus more on zoning, regulatory reform, and other cost reductions instead of new taxes. Chair Howard responded that housing costs themselves are already highly regressive and that both policy reform and public investment are needed. The bill was laid over and no vote was taken.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- private school tenures; SB 1577, private clubs exemption websites; SB 1578, income tax standard deduction
- SB 1638, conformity, Internal Revenue Code deductions. SB 1643, firearm sales regulation. SB 1648.
- SB 1648, revenue code deductions. SB 1643, firearm sales regulation.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic roll call, and approval of the journal. Members then introduced several guests, including Doctor of the Day Dr. Kelly Arari, representatives and students from Arizona Western College, a Tempe Leadership participant, Flagstaff officials who were present to testify on a public safety bill related to detox centers, and participants in the Doty London Excellence in Public Service program.
The chamber also adopted a legislative proclamation honoring Dr. Daniel P. Kor for his decade of leadership at Arizona Western College, citing record enrollment, expanded transfer and dual-enrollment opportunities, financial stability, and broader educational impact in Yuma and La Paz counties. Senators noted the college’s role in rural health-care training and referenced the planned University of Arizona regional medical campus in Yuma. In addition, the President announced a temporary committee appointment and a referral change for SB 1176.
A lengthy second-reading calendar of Senate bills and one concurrent resolution was read, covering topics including taxes, education, housing, public safety, health care, elections, water, labor, and appropriations. No floor debate or votes on those measures occurred in the transcript. Committee announcements were made for the following day, and the Senate adjourned by motion to Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 01/05/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:21:29.280>
for standard which same as deductions for standard which same as deductions - <00:21:36.640>
Now, mile that you deduct on your taxes. - Now, mile that you deduct on your taxes.
- So you deduct that and you include that deduction, and you've got your... and you could come up with,
- So you deduct that and you include that deduction, and you've got your... and you could come up with,
Summary:
The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies.
Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment.
Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.