Video & Transcript : 'tourism activities' :
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (8-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The third project is the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
- The third project is the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
- the three projects that are funded 50% or more through federal funds. >> The third project is the Tourism
- </c><00:09:06.800><c> arts</c> The third project is the tourism arts The third project is the tourism
- </c><00:13:34.320><c> arts</c> And the last project is the tourism arts And the last project is the tourism
Keywords:
0:00:08 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:38 Approval of Minutes
0:01:02 Information Items
0:02:17 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions
0:06:42 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:15:03 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:24:00 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority
0:42:55 Economic Development Fund Grants
0:53:38 Rpt from OFM – New Debt Issues
1:16:33 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates
1:16:45 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, approval of the July minutes, and several informational reports. Those reports included a University of Kentucky restricted-fund medical equipment purchase for Chandler Hospital, debt issues for five school districts, Eastern Kentucky University’s planned model laboratory school using construction management risk delivery, a Division of Real Properties lease advertisement, Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly project reports, and EKU asset preservation revisions.
Members then heard and approved a new UK St. Clair Urgent Care Clinic lease in Morehead and an amendment expanding space for the UK Family and Community Medicine Clinic at Turflin Clinic. Testimony explained that both properties are privately owned, the Morehead lease predated the UK/St. Clair arrangement, and the Turflin Clinic is tight on space. The committee also approved three new projects and an appropriation increase: two Department of Military Affairs projects, a Window Ford Training Center underground electric project and a Williamsburg Readiness Center interior repair project, a Fish and Wildlife property acquisition adjoining Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area, and an $8.113 million increase for the Department of Revenue integrated tax system (DORIS). The DORIS increase was described as needed for change orders tied to legislation and to complete the unified tax system.
The committee next reviewed no-action items, including a $3 million emergency flood-damage repair project for the Bush Building and Vest-Lindsay House in Frankfort, and three pool projects over $1 million: a Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women window replacement phase 2 project, a Department of Criminal Justice Training interior refurbishment at Thompson Hall, and the Muddy Gut Branch stream mitigation project in Johnson County. The flood project was confirmed to be fully reimbursed by insurance proceeds.
Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented six loans and nine grants. Action items included water and sewer financing for Cumberland County, Lebanon, Northern Kentucky Water District, Lewisport, and Providence, plus a major Taylor Mill treatment plant project and several cleaner water grants and reallocations. Members asked about loan rates, local rate increases needed to repay debt, and the Providence emergency water interconnect; staff explained that Lewisport had begun a rate increase process, and that the Providence project would connect Webster County Water District and the city of Providence to stabilize pressure after a systemwide failure. All action items were approved.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine turning back time, focusing on locking the clock. Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- There are arguments that longer daylight hours in the evening can boost economic activity in certain
- sectors, such as retail, tourism, and entertainment.
- For golf and many outdoor activities, a shift. can have significant economic and wellness implications
- workers and tourism and recreation.
- It would add to the golf industry at least $1 billion of economic activity.
Keywords:
daylight saving time, Sunshine Protection Act, health impacts, clock change, legislative discussion
Summary:
The committee meeting was dedicated to discussing significant legislative topics, focusing particularly on the implications of daylight saving time (DST). Senator Scott advocated for the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and keep daylight saving time year-round. He emphasized the negative health impacts associated with DST, including increased risks of heart attacks and accidents immediately following the time changes. Various witnesses provided personal testimonies and expert opinions, highlighting the confusion and health disruptions caused by the current time change practices.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It's on the National Register of Historic Places, and it's an important tourism attraction between the
- It's on the National Register of Historic Places, and it's an important tourism attraction between the
- It's on the National Register of Historic Places, and it's an important tourism attraction between the
- destinations, a rural premier tourism destinations, a rural economic<00:29:09.120><c> driver</c><00:
- </c> activities for all of the residents. activities for all of the residents.
Bills:
HF474 , HF218 , HF210 , HF441 , HF691 , HF720 , HF1068 , HF1314 , HF1465 , HF1860 , HF2046 , HF1389 , HF2404 , HF2854 , HF2985 , HF3128 , HF3103 , HF778 , HF3125
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice, Statuary Hall, United States Capitol, statue replacement, capital investment, general fund appropriation, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Historical Society, public art, commemorative statue, National Statuary Hall Collection, commissioner of administration, cultural heritage, monument, Washington D.C., HF218, Minnesota, Department of Public Safety
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Commerce and Tourism will now come to order. Renita, please call the roll.
- It also requires the Department of Commerce to publish on its website activity around fraudulent claims
- Members, we're under tab 3, SPB 7014 by Commerce and Tourism relating to OGSR with the Department of
- Until the investigation is completed or ceases to be active, certain information must remain confidential
- Until the investigation is completed or ceases to be active, certain information must remain confidential
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee first heard SB 410, which would add current and former licensed private investigators, and their spouses and children, to the list of people whose home address, phone number, date of birth, photographs, and related family information are exempt from public records disclosure. Sponsor Senator Trunow said the exemption is meant to protect investigators who work on sensitive matters such as fraud, missing persons, human trafficking, and abuse cases and may face retaliation. After a technical amendment was adopted, the committee heard testimony from a private investigator describing threats and safety concerns, then voted to report the bill favorably as CS/SB 410.
The committee then took up SB 216 on reemployment assistance eligibility verification. Senator McClain said the bill is intended to combat unemployment fraud by requiring claimants to contact five prospective employers per week, appear for scheduled interviews, and undergo regular identity, immigration, employment, and incarceration checks, with fraud information shared among agencies and published annually. Opponents, including labor advocates and representatives of construction and rural workers, argued the bill would add barriers for legitimate claimants, worsen Florida’s already low recipiency rate, and create problems for seasonal, rural, and transportation-limited workers. Supporters said the system needs stronger fraud controls and that employers and taxpayers bear real costs from noncompliance. The committee reported SB 216 favorably after debate.
In routine open-government sunset review business, the committee approved two committee bills. SPB 7014 extends for five years a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations of a social media standards law, with staff noting the exemption has not been used because of ongoing constitutional litigation. SPB 7016 preserves a public records exemption for certain financial information held by an economic development agency when administering state or federally funded small business loan programs; supporters said the exemption protects applicants from fraud and harassment, while Senator Smith said he would vote no to remain consistent with his prior opposition. Both measures were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommitee Aug 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- What kind of activity and what kind of connection are we having right now with the main campus?
- But if you know that within 45 days there can only be one active file and one active count.
- And tourism was one of those on the short list of those things, especially outdoor recreation.
- Welcome to us to continue to bolster and support tourism in the state of New Mexico.
- And infrastructure is such an important part of tourism.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Lanesboro is a regional tourism hub, drawing thousands of visitors each year to enjoy our historic downtown
- This isn't just about Lanesboro, though; it's about preserving access to one of Minnesota's premier tourism
- The City of Lanesboro is a regional area for tourism, and they have made every effort for infrastructure
- It is also important that the city provide an open park space and meaningful recreation activities for
- It would also create a community gathering space that allows for activation...
Bills:
HF474 , HF218 , HF210 , HF441 , HF691 , HF720 , HF1068 , HF1314 , HF1465 , HF1860 , HF2046 , HF1389 , HF2404 , HF2854 , HF2985 , HF3128 , HF3103 , HF778 , HF3125
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice, Statuary Hall, United States Capitol, statue replacement, capital investment, general fund appropriation, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Historical Society, public art, commemorative statue, National Statuary Hall Collection, commissioner of administration, cultural heritage, monument, Washington D.C., HF218, Minnesota, Department of Public Safety
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- One, it's going to impact tourism negatively.
- </c> activities, etc. activities, etc.
- Um again it's a tourism negatively.
- Um a new tax would reduce tourism.
- </c> hadn't come up in our in our activities. hadn't come up in our in our activities.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we had over 600 soldiers on state active duty since the beginning of the year, and then we
- </c><00:45:53.839><c> duty</c> over 600 soldiers on state active duty over 600 soldiers on state active
- We might be talking about activities.
- ,</c> as well as law enforcement activities, as well as law enforcement activities, search<01:06:45.280
- And I think, and I really love tourism and supporting greater Minnesota, but the reality is most people
Committee:
House Capital Investment
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So this kind of serves as a regional anchor for tourism and local activity. ...but it is for the children
- So, tourism...
- Let's use tourism dollars to fund this expo.
- Yes, there's plenty of funds in the tourism fund, tourism advertising.
- The one thing we have to ask ourselves is, are some of these tourism dollars, they're designed for tourism
Committee:
House Budget
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/18/26
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> um speaking of some of that uh activity um speaking of some of that uh activity we've<01:03:42.623
- </c><01:36:35.600><c> businesses</c> statewide survey to tourism businesses statewide survey to tourism
- </c><01:37:46.480><c> conference</c> awards at a national tourism conference awards at a national tourism
- The level of activity helps offset the tax burden for Minnesotans as well.
- </c><01:40:08.239><c> helps</c> Uh the level act of activity helps Uh the level act of activity helps
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- respond quickly when incidents occur, and cover some, if not all, costs associated with nefarious activity
- We have a wide range of economic activity, all locally owned small businesses that are feeling this crunch
- There’s been discussion in front of you today about tourism.
- I want to be very clear: tourism in Massachusetts exists because of small business and operations.
- And we are small businesses that focus on driving tourism, revitalizing neighborhoods, anchoring main
Summary:
The commission met to hear testimony on the future of credit card payments and swipe fees, with a focus on impacts to small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers. Members and witnesses discussed interchange fees, processing fees, chargebacks, fraud risk, rewards programs, and the growing use of card-not-present and digital wallet transactions. Several witnesses urged the commission to support legislation that would prohibit fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions and allow businesses to pass credit card fees on to customers if they choose, while others warned that state regulation of interchange could reduce fraud protections and harm consumer rewards programs.
Small business owners and trade groups described rising costs and thin margins, saying card fees are now among their largest expenses and are often charged on money that is merely passing through the business, such as sales tax and gratuities. Restaurant representatives said the current system shifts fraud and chargeback losses onto merchants, with little ability to negotiate rates or recover disputed funds, and argued that transparency and fee relief would help keep independent businesses open. Retailers gave similar testimony, citing rising swipe fees, complex statements, and the burden of online and phone transactions. A representative from the airline industry opposed interchange reform, arguing that airline credit card rewards are popular with consumers and support travel and jobs in Massachusetts.
Credit union representatives cautioned that state-level interchange limits could weaken fraud prevention and force higher rates or reduced services, while the National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that banks and networks already operate under fee caps in other contexts and that interchange rates are fixed rather than competitive. Commission members asked questions about how chargebacks work, how fees are broken down, whether businesses can negotiate with processors or POS providers, and how consumer behavior has shifted toward cards, online ordering, and delivery since the pandemic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- entity to be a local jurisdiction, requiring the property owner to develop the property for uses, activities
- retain the land in current use classification or to use the land for infrastructure to support uses, activities
- this is one of the few opportunities for gathering at these senior centers for various different activities
- But particularly in small communities with a lot of tourism, with a need for workforce housing, and with
- industry may need to be there to work at restaurants, to be able to work in that tourism industry.
Summary:
House Finance heard briefings on several tax and housing-related bills, including HB 1717 on a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing, HB 1859 on expanding density bonuses for housing on religious organization property, HB 1960 on a renewable energy excise tax, HB 2133 on making a senior citizen center property tax exemption permanent, HB 2135 on extending a disabled veterans housing sales tax preference, HB 2140 on tax treatment for land transferred to government entities, HB 2442 on a broad package of local tax and levy changes, and HB 2559 on a local option short-term rental tax for affordable housing. Staff also described multiple proposed substitutes and amendments, many of them technical or aimed at shifting administrative duties, changing tax credits, or requiring voter approval.
In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for HB 1717 and reported it out unanimously with a due pass recommendation. HB 1859 was also reported out with a due pass recommendation after members discussed added flexibility for affordable housing on faith-owned land. For HB 1960, the committee adopted amendments clarifying tax administration and JLARC review, rejected an amendment that would have adjusted property tax levies to offset shifts, and then advanced the bill on an 11-4 vote. HB 2133 and HB 2135 both received technical amendments and were reported out unanimously, with members emphasizing the value of permanent or extended tax preferences for senior centers and disabled veterans.
The committee then advanced HB 2140, which narrows tax consequences when land is transferred to a governmental entity and is used for current-use purposes, with members describing it as a fix for unintended burdens on landowners and farmers. HB 2442, a large local government finance package, drew the most debate; amendments to make new taxes credits against state taxes and to require voter approval were rejected, and the bill passed 9-6. HB 2559, which would allow a local option excise tax on short-term rentals to fund affordable housing, also saw rejected amendments on state tax credits, local control, and voter approval before passing 9-6. Throughout, supporters framed the bills as tools for local governments and affordable housing, while opponents argued they would increase taxes and should require direct voter approval or state offsets.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- fish communities to return, and restoration of nearly 20 springs, which will support public use and tourism
- So they make sure we don't interrupt any of the military activities and exercises going on. Great.
- for close to 40 years, and I'm just here to share some comments for an individual that's been very active
- If something has happened during the permitting process where somebody didn’t actively engage in a BMAP
- It is the most beautiful area for fishing and boating and all kinds of water activities.
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Keywords:
onsite sewage treatment, disposal systems, building permits, environmental regulation, local government authority, drinking straws, stirrers, local regulation, compostable, environmental impact, Ocklawaha River, St. Johns River, Silver Springs, river restoration, dam removal, Kirkpatrick Dam, Buckman Lock, Cross Florida Barge Canal, environmental restoration, springs protection
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition.
The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably.
SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 24 (2-10-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- development, community and technical colleges, public four-year universities, research parks, and tourism
- My district offers other things, adventure tourism, etc.
- and the opportunities and the activities and the opportunities and the buildings<00:43:03.119><c> that
- But it's silly to vote tourism, etc.
- My district offers other things, adventure tourism, etc.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Hampshire, um, has a very large tourism Hampshire, um, has a very large tourism industry<00:48:42.480
- It's useful information to thwart criminal activity and it's not for public dissemination.
- There has been general law enforcement activity.
- It's useful information to thwart criminal activity and it's not for public dissemination.
- It's useful information to thwart criminal activity and it's not for public dissemination.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Unfortunately, when applied together in a connection to a border county, otherwise exempt activities
- Members, Senate Bill 1921 is a cleanup bill regarding tourism public improvement districts (TPIDs) in
- particular committee substitute clarifies who are eligible signatories on a petition to create a tourism
- For that reason, when a hotel owner gets notice... ...of the proposed tourism public improvement district
- hotel management company official as the authorized signatory to sign all the documents related to a tourism
Bills:
SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1579 , SB1708 , SB1844 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB1921 , SB1951 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2406 , SB2407
Committee:
Senate Local Government
Keywords:
SB 1079, Texas, county government, commissioners court, Local Government Code, Chapter 263, surplus property, salvage property, data storage device, hard drive, electronic media, digital records, confidential information, protected information, privacy, records retention, information security, data destruction, device disposal, sensitive data
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Feb 4, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Revitalization Special Fund, that would allow these projects and other things to occur within the tourism
- <00:12:05.079><c> Authority</c><00:12:05.639><c> offering</c> tourism Authority offering tourism Authority
- </c><00:33:11.679><c> Resort</c> holistically the tourism Resort holistically the tourism Resort districts
- We've been active in working with them. Thank you. Any more questions?
- </c><01:19:34.320><c> in</c> viable sites who we've been active in viable sites who we've been active
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work.
The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed.
Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-09 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- By the Governmental Oversight and Accountability and Commerce and Tourism Committees, CS Senate Bill
- By the Governmental Oversight and Accountability and Commerce and Tourism Committees, CS Senate Bill
- By Commerce and Tourism.
- By Commerce and Tourism.
- , or sponsor, to classify such a person as an extracurricular activity administrator.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Cody Popple of the FSU Police Department for his actions during the April campus shooting. The Speaker also outlined the final week of session, noting the chamber had passed 253 House bills and 149 Senate bills to date, with budget negotiations still unresolved and the 2026-27 budget not expected to be completed that week. The special order report was adopted, setting the day’s calendar and debate times.
The chamber then took up several Senate bills, mostly technical or open-government sunset review measures, and passed them with little or no opposition: SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on Florida statutes; SB 7006, SB 7014, SB 7002, SB 7012, SB 7024, SB 7016, SB 7026, SB 7008, SB 7000, and SB 7004 on public-records or meeting exemptions; and SB 7022 on public records related to exams. Members asked questions on a few of these bills, especially the exam-records bill and the military and gaming-related exemptions, but the measures generally advanced without amendment. Votes ranged from unanimous to modest opposition, with SB 7026 passing 106-3 and SB 7022 passing 101-8.
The most substantial debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the emergency preparedness and response trust fund in the Executive Office of the Governor. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment to let the fund expire, arguing the money had been misused and that the Legislature should retain control over spending; several members supported her position, while others said the fund is needed for rapid disaster response. A strike-all amendment from Rep. Griffiths was adopted instead, adding accountability provisions and expanding the fund to cover man-made emergencies as well as natural disasters. The bill then passed 82-25. The House also passed CS/CS/SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS/SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, CS/SB 474 on military affairs, and SB 488 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues, with SB 488 still under amendment debate when the transcript ends.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Jun 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You went through the core activities. How is that completely defined?
- So there are only six core activities. So where does So there are only six core activities.
- One that they should be able to rely on is our tourism.
- One that they should be able to rely on is our tourism development taxes.
- Yes, our TDT taxes pay for really important tourism-related needs.
Summary:
The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes by lowering assessment caps on non-homestead property, expanding homestead exemptions over time, and allowing local governments to increase exemptions further. The sponsor argued the measure would provide broad property tax relief while requiring revenues to be directed to core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource projects, with a trust fund intended to help local governments transition. Senators raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal score, the effect on counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes.
Several amendments were debated. Senator Polsky’s amendment to explicitly authorize user fees and non-ad valorem assessments to offset lost property tax revenue failed. Senator Avila’s amendment broadening permissible uses of ad valorem revenue to include county constitutional officers and other expenditures approved by local governing bodies was adopted after debate over whether the bill would otherwise underfund essential functions. Senator Smith’s sunset amendment, which would have made the constitutional changes expire after five years, failed. Senator Smith’s amendment to allow tourism development tax revenue to support public safety and education also failed. Senator Graal’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund language was adopted, with supporters arguing the Constitution should not promise an unfunded account.
Additional late-file amendments were considered. Senator Berman’s proposal to change the ballot title to more neutrally describe the measure as affecting property taxes and local community service reductions failed. Senator Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal was adopted, preserving school taxes. Senator Smith’s amendment narrowing the non-homestead assessment cap reduction to small businesses only failed. The committee then returned to the bill as amended and continued questioning the sponsor about eligibility, fiscal impacts, and whether the proposal could lead to local governments offsetting lost revenue through special assessments or other charges.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So last year, we changed our strategic shift from high-cost active management to more cost-efficient
- the agenda is review of amendments to contracts between the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
- Jeff Harlan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Tourism.
- These are all marketing and advertising contracts for the Office of Tourism we utilize.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget met on February 19, 2026, and first received an unchanged fiscal status statement and five-year baseline projection from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members approved the fiscal status statement, and the baseline budget was noted as unchanged from the prior month. The committee also approved Facility Planning and Control’s request to add five higher education deferred maintenance projects to the Act 751 eligible list, and reviewed four change orders over $50,000 for informational purposes.
The committee then approved the Louisiana Lottery Corporation’s fiscal year 2026-2027 operating budget. Lottery officials reported $610 million in projected gross revenue, emphasized 29 consecutive years without legislative auditor findings or management comments, and noted the corporation’s long-running transfers to the MFP and State General Fund. Members also approved the 2026-2027 operating budgets for LASERS, TRSL, the School Employees’ Retirement System, and the State Police Retirement System en bloc. The retirement systems described modest budget increases or decreases, strong investment performance, and continued progress in reducing unfunded liabilities; members discussed COLA prospects, UAL paydown, and the impact of surplus dollars on retirement debt reduction.
The committee approved prior-year deputy sheriff supplemental pay expenditures of $20,262.32 and then approved several legislative intent clarifications for prior appropriations, including items for Tangipahoa Parish, Harahan, Allen Parish, Morgan City, and DeSoto Parish. It also approved the Water Sector Commission’s recommendation for an additional $2.8 million for four ongoing water and sewer projects. Several contract items were reviewed without action, including DEQ’s extension with RTI International, Tourism’s marketing contract amendments, and the Office of Risk Management’s Sedgwick claims administration amendment. The meeting concluded with adjournment after no further business.