Video & Transcript : 'school construction assistance program' :
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AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We created a drug prevention program that's the best in the country when I was the commander of that.
- We support, you know... ...program that's the best in the country when I was the commander of that.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement by January 1, 2027, to participate in a federal 287(g) program and
- I also acted as a counselor, a librarian, and a social worker because our schools are underfunded and
- . ...oversight related to its past experience with the 287(g) program.
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 9, 2026 minutes and then took up SB 1618, which restructures the Military Affairs Commission to add governor-appointed defense and industry experts, expand advisory participation, require more frequent meetings and reporting, and create a commission fund. The sponsor and a witness from the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center said the bill would modernize Arizona’s approach to retaining and attracting military missions and defense-related business. After adopting a Gowan amendment, the committee voted 6-1 to give SB 1618 a do pass recommendation as amended.
The committee then heard SB 1047, the “Defend the Guard” bill, which would bar deployment of the Arizona National Guard into active combat without a congressional declaration of war. Supporters, including veterans and activists, argued it would restore constitutional limits and protect Guard members from unauthorized foreign wars. Opponents, including a retired National Guard officer, warned it could harm readiness, create tension with the Pentagon, and risk federal funding or missions. The committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1047 a do pass recommendation.
Next was SB 1474, which preempts state and local restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, requires immigration-enforcement training, and, under amendment, requires county sheriffs to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE by January 1, 2027. The sponsor said the bill would improve cooperation and enforcement consistency, while opponents—religious leaders, public servants, and others—argued it would expand federal immigration enforcement, increase fear in communities, and burden local agencies with an unfunded mandate. After a lengthy and contentious debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1474 a do pass recommendation as amended.
Finally, the committee considered SB 1620, which changes Arizona Space Commission membership by reducing governor appointments, adding the lieutenant governor as chair, and making legislative and executive leaders nonvoting advisory members. The commission chair said the changes would align Arizona with other states and improve structure and continuity. The bill passed 5-1 with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard SB 1365, a strike-everything amendment removing the income cap for disabled veterans’ property tax exemption on a primary residence; members discussed whether very high-income veterans should still qualify, but agreed the bill would help disabled veterans. The committee adopted both amendments and gave SB 1365 a do pass recommendation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- As Senator Villarra mentioned, under current law, a home must be constructed substantially equivalent
- to the original home to be able to transfer the base tax year to the new construction.
- that's incredibly important to us locally: our school bus program.
- However, despite these successes, our county... ...our school bus program.
- Is to ensure that the program is administered more cost-effectively in the future.
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House workforce panel considers HF335 2/20/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- bipartisan effort to keep the Greater Minnesota Business Development public infrastructure grant program
- For members that may not be really familiar with this program, let me offer a little bit of background
- This program came out of an effort from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities in 2002 and was passed
- We thank you for the grant, and we hope that you would continue to support the program.
- </c><00:13:18.639><c> has</c> considering this bill this program has considering this bill this program
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Employment Relations May 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Employment Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- agreement, PEBB, and the K-12 employee health care coalition agreement, which is called SEB, the school
- Traditionally, student employment helps students fill financial gaps while attending school.
- Traditionally, student employment helps students fill gaps, financial gaps, while attending school.
- But today's student employment plays a much more financial gaps while attending school.
- ASEs include teaching assistants who are funded by our core funds and research assistants, largely funded
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> violation or for rendering assistance. violation or for rendering assistance.
- </c><00:36:22.880><c> like</c> consistency as we push a program like consistency as we push a program
- </c> user charge program. user charge program. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
- </c> this this mobile safety check program this this mobile safety check program for<00:46:58.319><c>
- Construction and >> Oh, okay. Okay. Construction and everything. everything. everything.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles
Summary:
The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided.
The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes.
SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please contact the committee staff.
- To answer the chair's earlier question, there is a benefit by both cities constructing a wastewater treatment
- Which happens to describe the water treatment plant that both cities have constructed.
- To answer the chair's earlier question, there is a benefit by both cities constructing a wastewater treatment
- Which happens to describe the water treatment plant that both cities have constructed.
Committee:
House S/C on State-Federal Relations
Summary:
The Committee on State-Federal Relations heard testimony on HB 3484, which would formalize agreements between border municipalities and treat certain infrastructure, services, and facilities as Texas assets for funding eligibility if they are within 30 miles of the border. Representative Van Deaver and a witness from Texarkana described how the bill would help Texarkana, Texas, secure state funding for jointly used facilities such as wastewater, water treatment, and airport assets that are physically located in Arkansas but serve Texas residents. Members asked about whether Arkansas benefits from the facilities and whether the bill would apply only to U.S. border cities; testimony clarified that it applies to Texas municipalities bordering another U.S. state, and the bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn.
The committee also heard HCR 112, by Representative Perez, which urges Congress to allow state-issued Real ID cards, including Texas driver’s licenses, to be accepted as identification for U.S. citizens re-entering the country at land and sea ports of entry. Perez argued that Texas already verifies citizenship and lawful presence for Real ID issuance, that most Texans already have Real ID-compliant licenses, and that acceptance at the border would reduce costs and delays for routine cross-border travel without weakening security. Members asked about the security features of Real ID, implementation timing, passport delays, and how border crossings currently work; Perez said the resolution would not replace passports for international air travel and would apply only to U.S. citizens returning at land and sea ports. HCR 112 was also left pending, and the committee adjourned after HDR 125 was withdrawn from the schedule.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If you have any issues filling out the form, please ask a staff member to assist.
- Aims to encourage and assist with the regionalization of projects.
- We'd already be in construction for our regional plant.
- I will also note that several of our members have established bill assistance programs and they typically
- called the Low Income House, Low-income household Water Assistance Program, or LIWOP.
Bills:
HB 29 , HB 685 , HB 1633 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 1918 , HB 2010 , HB 2500 , HB 2608 , HB 2626
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy May 19th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- an employee who withdrew from the pension system and forfeited her pension was that effectively constructive
- The Court of Appeals issued its decision saying that the forfeiture was, in fact, constructive payment
- And for the record, I'm Emmett Mills, with the Washington State School Retirees Association.
- more acquainted and kind of re-familiarized with eligibility in Peacers and how that statute is constructed
- data needs that we would need to evaluate, and I know that it probably would require actuarial assistance
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy May 19th, 2026
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- an employee who withdrew from the pension system and forfeited her pension was that effectively constructive
- The Court of Appeals issued its decision saying that the forfeiture was, in fact, constructive payment
- And for the record, Emmett Mills, the Washington State School Retirees Association.
- more acquainted and kind of re-familiarized with eligibility in Peacers and how that statute is constructed
- data needs that we would need to evaluate, and I know that it probably would require actuarial assistance
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
Summary:
The Executive Committee approved the April minutes by roll call vote, with members present voting aye and the minutes adopted. The committee then received an Attorney General update on several pension-related cases. Counsel discussed the newly filed Dawson class action, which seeks to invalidate Gross Second Substitute House Bill 2034 on federal and state constitutional grounds; she said the pleadings were unclear, the committee’s involvement was uncertain, and the case would need monitoring. She also reported that the Dolan case appears concluded after the Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s ruling on constructive payment of attorney fees, and that the Fowler case remains pending after an oral ruling for plaintiffs on retroactive interest and possible disgorgement of state gains, with a written ruling still awaited.
The actuarial update said June would include the preliminary 2025 valuation results and contribution-rate discussion, along with commentary on the demographic experience study, and staff noted actuarial resources were limited for additional items until later in the summer or fall. The committee then discussed the interim work plan and correspondence, including letters supporting a Plan 1 COLA recommendation, retiree organization comments, and a request from Senator Robinson to study whether certain animal control technicians should be included in PERS. Members emphasized the need to keep working on an ad hoc COLA for Plan 1 retirees while also exploring a longer-term COLA mechanism, including possible budget proviso language to require COLA consideration each budget cycle.
Staff also explained changes to correspondence handling: materials will no longer be posted publicly on the website, but will still be available through public records requests and distributed securely to members by email or form submission. The committee agreed to add a June briefing on the PERS animal control technician issue and an introductory discussion of Plan 3, and to bring back COLA proposals in July for further executive committee review. The agenda was approved as amended, and the meeting adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/11/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- to assist in helping America vote.
- </c> helpful the belonging to that program helpful the belonging to that program has<00:23:28.760><c>
- </c> stay in their homes until the school stay in their homes until the school year<01:02:51.359><c>
- He attends school in Boston.
- <01:26:54.000><c> year</c> school year school year and<01:26:55.080><c> they're</c><01:26:55.679><c>
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of the United States Transportation Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed session in SVC-217. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- As the Air Force looks to the KC-46 and other next generation programs, programs for its air refueling
- Is the KC-46 program exempt from those funding cuts?
- Yes, we don't need to be cutting the KC-46 program.
- to reverse engineer parts for sole source programs.
- GHC ramp-up program.
Keywords:
Transcom, logistics, military readiness, air refueling, KC-135, KC-46, strategic infrastructure, geopolitical threats, Alaska
Summary:
During this meeting, the committee hosted an extensive discussion on the operations and logistical challenges facing the U.S. Transportation Command (Transcom). General Reid provided testimony on key areas including the importance of maintaining robust logistical capabilities in contested environments, particularly in relation to geopolitical threats posed by adversarial nations. Various members emphasized the necessity for modernization of the air refueling fleet, addressing issues such as the readiness of the KC-135 and the procurement of the next-generation KC-46 aircraft, which has experienced delays and technical challenges. The dialogue further extended to the strategic importance of U.S. ports and transportation infrastructure, especially in regions like Alaska which play a crucial role in military logistics and power projection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- school operators.
- For a charter school...
- The traditional schools and the charter schools make each other better.
- I took my kids to a terrific charter school... ...schools were closed.
- If this bill passes, you are tying up homeschool and other charter school programs in so much red tape
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor file of bills. Early measures passed with little or no debate, including AB 698 on local transfer taxes and affordable housing analysis, AB 456 on mobile home sales, AB 1129 on reportable infant health conditions, AB 69 on Fair Plan insurance notices and voluntary market searches, AB 357 on expedited student and faculty housing permits, AB 383 on firearms code cleanups, AB 426 on drones interfering with emergency response, AB 825 on energy affordability and transmission financing, and AB 699 on ballot transparency for local tax and bond measures. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan margins, while AB 825 drew the most extended debate over whether it would lower costs or expand state control of energy infrastructure; it ultimately passed 45-5.
The most contentious item was AB 84, which would strengthen oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and tighten accountability for charter spending and operations. Supporters argued it was needed to stop fraud and misuse of public education dollars, citing major scandals and audit findings, while opponents warned it would harm legitimate charter schools, reduce educational options, and disproportionately affect rural and special-needs students. Several members said they supported the bill only to keep negotiations going, and others urged more targeted or delayed action. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the Assembly passed AB 84 on a 41-22 vote.
The chamber also took up AB 610, a housing bill that would require cities and counties to disclose planned housing restrictions and limit new constraints for three years after housing element approval. The author framed it as a certainty and transparency measure to help address the state’s housing shortage, while noting continued discussions with local governments and housing advocates. The transcript ends with the bill’s presentation and request for an aye vote, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- They will also fund a program to develop a credentialing pathway for high school faculty.
- They have a grant from the Align Program at the Office of Skills Development to support the LPN program
- It's for $3.5 million in transfer from various financial aid programs to the Arkansas Heroes Program.
- New to the report are transfers from the water and sewage treatment facilities grant program fund.
- No, and this is through the state's consolidated insurance program.
Committee:
All ALC-PEER
Summary:
The committee considered a series of appropriation, fund transfer, and reserve requests across multiple agencies. Section B temporary appropriations included funding for state technology upgrades, personnel management staffing and IT skills assessment, court reporters and interpreters, crime victim claims, juvenile sex offender assessments, radiation lab testing, and higher education workforce grants and credentialing pathways. Additional items covered an ARPA grant for the University of Arkansas Fort Smith LPN program, an IIJA grant for the Oil and Gas Commission’s critical minerals work, a restricted reserve transfer for State Police vehicle purchases, a transfer to the Arkansas Heroes Program, and cash fund requests for the Real Estate Commission’s AV system and HVAC work. Most of these items were approved by voice vote.
One budget classification transfer request from the Commissioner of State Lands drew extended questioning and was ultimately not approved. Members questioned the $250,000 transfer to operating expenses tied to the purchase of a West Little Rock office building, the ongoing lease costs at the prior location, and whether the agency had adequately planned for building-related expenses. After discussion, the motion failed, and members told the agency to tighten spending and return if needed.
The committee then took up 15 pay plan appropriation requests totaling $25.7 million and approved them after discussion with DFA, DHS, Corrections, and the State Board of Election Commissioners. Members focused heavily on DHS staffing shortages at human development centers, where officials said vacancies and turnover were driven by overtime and burnout rather than pay alone; one member asked DHS to submit a written plan to address the issue. Corrections reported the pay plan had improved hiring and retention. The committee also approved overtime appropriations for Emergency Management and Military.
Reports on reserve funds, the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, tobacco settlement, State Central Services, Education Adequacy, Medicaid Trust, IIJA, and revenue transfer activity were received. The Medicaid Trust Fund report prompted significant concern about February’s $90 million draw; DHS said the month was unusually high because of cash-flow timing and that the fund should end the year with a balance between $150 million and $200 million, while lawmakers noted a second $100 million set-aside is planned for FY27. The final discussion centered on DHS’s state hospital damage claim and reconstruction funding, where members expressed disappointment that insurance reimbursement would likely return only about $1.8 million now and possibly about $97,000 more later, far less than the roughly $5 million initially expected. DHS explained the policy was based on actual cash value and depreciation for old buildings, and said the work would proceed on Unit 3 for secured restoration because it was the most cost-effective option.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- > which</c> Assistance System Pilot Program, which Assistance System Pilot Program, which must<00:25:
- Senate Bill 558, Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program and Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance
- Senate Bill 204, Public Schools Maryland Civic Excellence Program Establishment, favorable amendments
- Senate Bill 48, Education Public School Construction Alterations.
- Senate Bill 48, Education Public School Construction Alterations.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 60 (4-15-26) - Part 3
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause] thanked our law school externs who have thanked our law school
- Whereas Lori Parker was a graduate of Rockcastle County High School, class of '78, and Union College
- Whereas Lori Parker became special assistant to Congressman Ernie Fletcher following his election.
- County High School class of '78<02:03:46.080><c> and</c><02:03:46.360><c> Union</c><02:03:46.800><c>
- </c> school class for over 20 years. school class for over 20 years.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- I have the Assistant Vice Chair, Senator Paul Feeney [member_11144].
- Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, my Vice Chair, Senator Joanne Comerford [member_11729], my Assistant
- People in every state, millions of people use this program, right?
- And then I think the second one, which is the challenging one, is whatever this program is, right?
- So I think the upcoming school enrollment projections will be very interesting, right?
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The Senate and House Ways and Means chairs opened the FY 2027 consensus revenue hearing by emphasizing the need for a balanced, fiscally responsible budget amid federal funding cuts, health care cost pressures, and uncertainty around the federal tax law changes referred to as OB3. They also noted the state’s current revenue performance is slightly above benchmark and paid tribute to the late Representative Anne Margaret Ferranti. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorkowitz echoed the call for caution, saying Massachusetts has protected core services while building reserves and that the FY27 budget process begins with a careful revenue estimate.
Department of Revenue Commissioner Jeff Snyder, along with DOR staff, presented FY26 and FY27 tax forecasts and identified major drivers and risks: OB3’s negative impact on state revenue, surtax collections, labor market conditions, capital gains, and corporate/business excise taxes. DOR estimated OB3 would reduce FY26 revenue by about $664 million and FY27 by about $282 million, while surtax and capital gains were expected to remain strong in FY26 but soften in FY27. Members questioned the outlook for surtax, capital gains, and the potential fiscal effect of a ballot question reducing the income tax rate from 5% to 4%; DOR said that proposal could cost roughly $4.2 billion to $4.8 billion annually, with a smaller but still significant impact in FY27 because of phase-in timing.
Treasurer Deb Goldberg testified next on the stabilization fund, lottery, PRIM, unclaimed property, and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. She reported the rainy day fund at about $8.1 billion, said the lottery was on track for $1.5 billion in FY26 net profit and projected $1.25 billion in FY27, and highlighted that iLottery is expected to launch in summer 2026 with revenue beginning in FY27 and dedicated to child care initiatives. She also described strong PRIM performance and record unclaimed property returns, while members asked about the child care use of iLottery revenue, multilingual outreach, and the economic impact of expanded liquor licensing.
Mass Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate and Tufts’ Evan Horowitz then offered differing revenue outlooks and policy warnings. Howgate projected modest growth, cautioned against overusing reserves for ongoing obligations, and urged caution on federal tax conformity changes and health care spending pressures. Horowitz projected higher FY26 and FY27 revenues than other witnesses, warned that the surtax and capital gains make the tax system more volatile, and said a 4% income tax ballot question could reduce FY27 revenues by roughly $800 million to $1 billion. He also flagged the rent control ballot question as a potential risk to municipal finance and suggested the state consider giving a permanent home to the independent revenue model used by Alan Clayton-Matthews.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> high schools but also there are programs high schools but also there are programs could<00:48:55.680
- I love Spalding School, you know, Swinging High School. Three of my kids graduated from there.
- . programs. programs.
- ><c> School.
- Reached out to the schools and done.
Committee:
Senate Capital Budget
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Local Government Apr 1st, 2026
Local Government, Elections and Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- This program exists. You are simply requesting... to get it passed down here.
- This program exists. You are simply requesting that Lexington be allowed to join the program.
- And we set up our program that will cover up to a $3,000 cap.
- or a $3,000 bill, and 85% of it's covered by the program, it's pretty good.
- And this program is a separate funding source.
Summary:
The Committee on Local Government met in executive session and first adopted a substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 975, which replaced Senator Black’s version with Representative Farnan’s bill. Members discussed that the controversial community-agreement language had been removed and that related community paramedic language had been moved to another bill. The committee then voted 16-0 to do pass the substituted bill.
The committee next considered House Bill 3496, dealing with county officials’ salary schedules and county classification issues. Representative Reedy explained the substitute added election authorities language, incorporated another bill on sheriffs and prosecuting attorneys, and changed the title and substance to address county valuation rules for certain fourth-class counties. Members discussed the impact on county classifications and the inclusion of abated and tax-exempt property in valuation calculations. The substitute was adopted, and the committee voted 15-1 to do pass the bill.
In public hearing, Representative Sharp presented House Bill 3028 as a Lewis County fix to allow more at-large members on a county board instead of requiring one from each township; a retired Lewis County commissioner testified in support, and no opposition appeared. Representative Thompson presented House Bill 2431 to let Lexington ask voters for a public safety sales tax after a major gas explosion; supporters said it would fund police, fire, and ambulance needs without reducing current budgets, while an opponent argued against new taxes and special laws. Representative Violet presented House Bill 2732 to raise the voter-approved cap on water service line repair fees from $12 to $24 annually; St. Peters officials said costs have risen and the program helps residents avoid large repair bills, while an opponent said existing programs are solvent and opposed the increase. No votes were taken on the public hearing bills, and the committee adjourned after the hearings.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Our public schools.
- That we provide some of the same flexibility for traditional public schools that we do for charter schools
- It has created a money race between different college athletic programs.
- from their athletic programs. ...dollars in debt from their athletic programs just trying to keep up
- or that school.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 31 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. The body then moved through routine orders, including referral of memorials and resolutions and reports from standing committees. Among the items reported were several bills printed or enrolled, House bills referred to Senate committees, and messages from the House transmitting additional bills and memorials for referral.
A major floor item was Senate Concurrent Resolution 121, which called for modernizing Idaho’s public school funding formula. Supporters argued the current formula is outdated, overly focused on inputs and adults rather than students, and should be redesigned to give local school leaders more flexibility and better outcomes. The resolution was adopted and transmitted to the House. The Senate also adopted SCR 123 recognizing 2026 as the Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists, SR 118 supporting development of a state plan for kinship caregivers, SCR 124 supporting wildlife crossings to reduce collisions and protect wildlife migration, and SR 119 approving certain administrative rules from the Department of Agriculture and Idaho Hops Growers Commission, with one seed-related rule exception.
The Senate adopted SJM 114 urging Congress to address problems in college athletics created by name, image, and likeness rules and transfer/agent issues. It then passed SB 1350, which authorizes optional cash rounding to the nearest five cents when pennies are unavailable; the bill passed 24-9 after debate over whether the change could lead toward broader cashless practices. The chamber also passed SB 1373, the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill for economic development and related agencies, after extended debate over across-the-board budget cuts, especially the impact on the state public defender system and constitutional indigent defense obligations. The Senate concluded with announcements and adjourned until the next day.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Billings: So did you have any local government, school boards, or publishers included
- boards: a 15% to 20% reduction. ...in the school boards, of a 15% to 20% reduction, yeah, cut in what
- This is literally no different than us essentially hiring and firing our own legislative assistant.
- I mean, we've never had to fire one, but it's no different than we pick our own assistant.
- entered into a pilot program that's going to pay the parish $90 million a year.
Summary:
The committee met at 5:13 p.m. on April 15 with 14 members present and took up several local and municipal bills. HB 87, which would increase the per diem for the Livingston Parish Gas Utility District No. 1 board, was presented as a local bill with no opposition and was reported favorably without objection. HB 162, authorizing the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District to levy a fee after a local vote, was also moved favorably without objection.
A lengthy discussion centered on HB 481, which would change the rate for publishing official proceedings and public notices. Supporters from the Louisiana Press Association said a prior agreement intended a 15% to 20% reduction in newspaper revenue, but a calculation error meant the current law would instead cut revenues by about 40% to 50% when it takes effect in 2027. Representatives from police juries and other local-government groups argued the bill should be corrected to restore the intended compromise, while some members questioned whether the change would break a prior deal and whether small or single-newspaper parishes would be harmed. The committee ultimately reported HB 481 favorably by a 10-5 vote, with members urging further negotiation and possible floor amendments.
HB 573, as amended, would restructure oversight of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board by giving the New Orleans City Council and mayor more authority over operations, contracts, and accountability measures. Representative Hilferty and Mayor Helena Moreno argued the current structure diffuses responsibility and has failed residents, while one witness from the Louisiana Justice Institute warned the bill could shift control without fixing infrastructure problems and could raise equity and financial concerns. Despite that opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also advanced HB 368, increasing fines for unauthorized demolition of historic properties in New Orleans; HB 441, clarifying that Sewerage and Water Board employees remain in city civil service; and HB 257, which would give the elected police chief of Central authority to hire, fire, and discipline police personnel, subject to consultation with the city attorney and a delayed effective date. All of those bills were reported favorably after discussion and, where needed, adoption of amendments.