Video & Transcript Research : 'LBA Briefing on Budget'

Page 46 of 500
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Finance Division I (03/09/2026)

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:19:59.760><c> one</c><00:20:00.080><c> line</c> election day on line page one line election day on
  • And I guess what I would say on that is um I have no doubt that in the next budget there would need to
  • It's on page on &gt;&gt; further down on that.
  • have</c><00:52:38.480><c> no</c> evaluated on on something you have no evaluated on on something you
  • </c> on that? on that?
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern. The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee. Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm working on the budget right now. We're using 2019 as kind of a base for comparison.
  • </c> started on on a defined contribution started on on a defined contribution system<04:07:54.239><c
  • One other point I wanted to make in the actuary's report, which we'll be providing to LBA tomorrow, is
  • </c> on record 10 of the worst years on on record 10 of the worst years on record<04:57:47.520><c> and
  • on and on and savings you know it goes on and on and and<05:26:42.878><c> this</c><05:26:43.000><c>
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 622, but after the sponsor said further research raised concerns, he asked that the bill be tabled. The committee then moved in executive session and voted unanimously to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, sending it to consent. The committee also retained House Bill 349, the ophthalmologic laser bill, after members said more time was needed for the professions involved to work out training standards and provide additional information; that motion also passed unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 244, a municipal building/fire code recodification measure. Members said the bill needed more review and careful scrutiny because of its length and possible unintended effects, and they voted unanimously to retain it as well. House Bill 534 was then heard; the sponsor said the bill did not do what was intended because of a misunderstanding about current processing, and the committee voted inexpedient to legislate and placed it on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 233, with an amendment to remove a requirement affecting the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. Supporters argued the bill would reduce an unnecessary burden and improve transparency, while opponents said the committee should not single out one private 501(c)(3) organization. The amendment was adopted 8-5, and the bill as amended then passed 7-6; a minority report was requested. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 536, a proposed 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for certain state retirees. The sponsor and supporters argued retirees had not received adequate COLAs and that the bill would help offset inflation, while the retirement system testified that the proposal would add significant costs, including an estimated $1.5 million for the state, $6.6 million for political subdivisions, and about $100.7 million in present-value unfunded liability, with the impact reflected in future employer contribution rates.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Finance (02/04/2025)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • So how much is the... based on the previous year's budget?
  • </c> maintenance budget and so House Bill one maintenance budget and so House Bill one would<01:10:22.280
  • yeah based on the previous year's budget you've<01:10:51.880><c> explained</c><01:10:52.239><c> that
  • LBA come back with this one on hold let LBA come back with the the the amendment<01:56:02.880><c> and
  • Work with LBA, and we'll put this one on hold also. All righty then.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (05/01/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> one</c><00:31:51.279><c> of</c><00:31:51.440><c> his</c> this forward was a request on one of his
  • </c> on other things, would I now vote no on on other things, would I now vote no on the<01:29:15.040
  • The motion has been adopted, and House Bill 445 is laid on the table. to lay on the table is to lay on
  • I'll be brief.
  • definitely not one. our state operating<01:55:02.880><c> budget,</c><01:55:03.199><c> our</c><01:55:
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Finance (05/09/2025)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I'm very pleased we'll be able to kick off our deliberation on the budget with this, uh, very strong
  • this</c> our deliberation on the budget with this our deliberation on the budget with this uh<00:07:26.479
  • All Come on up. We're back to regular budget things. Um, I do want to have a...
  • </c><00:31:06.480><c> uh</c> committee conference on the budget. uh committee conference on the budget
  • </c><00:34:51.359><c> based</c><00:34:51.599><c> on</c> left or added to the budget based on left or
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance (02/11/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><01:05:16.680><c> on</c> of related to my first question on on of related to my first question on
  • They have already been instructed by Division 3 LBA to make sure that happens and will follow up on it
  • to make sure that that happens and 3 LBA to make sure that that happens and it's<01:06:21.799><c> one
  • > the the Takeaway on to me on your the the Takeaway on to me on your question<01:10:02.080><c> is</c
  • </c><02:00:50.360><c> correct</c> committee on one at 1:00 right correct committee on one at 1:00 right
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs. Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales. Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Health and Human Services (02/04/2026)

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> one of the that's one of the long-term one of the that's one of the long-term benefits<00:10:42.000
  • steps on one of these?
  • for one uh needle. requiring to do a one for one uh needle.
  • Was it a one-on-one or was it a box of 50?
  • </c> providing individualized one-on-one providing individualized one-on-one recovery<01:59:03.360><c
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, not on that subject, but on the budget subject, how are we doing with the back-of-the-budget cuts
  • This is a brief overview of the agency budget and our vacancy rates.
  • And you'll see in the pie graph on the left, this represents the total budget, all funds.
  • I just wanted to add, just based on your question prior, you know, on the back of the budget cut, so
  • </c><00:31:00.000><c> on</c><00:31:00.240><c> a</c> how we're going to end budget on a how we're going
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, we're not planning on doing that on this budget. Yeah. I was just waving at the Speaker.
  • I was doing that on this budget. Yeah.
  • </c> their position on the budget. their position on the budget.
  • So I would be against this one, Mr. Chair. and Tourism Budget.
  • </c> LBA. So, we're comments, questions on that.
Keywords: 10am HB 1 & HB 2, 928, house, all
Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed comparison documents and worked through a long list of House and Senate positions, agreeing on some technical or already-enacted items while setting aside others for later discussion. Early on, members agreed to delete a House Bill 2 section tied to a bill already passed into law, and a representative explained a technical amendment to the EFA provisions clarifying enrollment-cap repeal language and compulsory attendance rules for EFA students. That amendment was discussed but a vote was postponed because not all members were present. The committee also noted that the overall EFA budget numbers had already been settled separately. Several items were either agreed to or held for further negotiation. Members agreed to delete sections already covered by other enacted bills, including BTLA-related language, and to accept a technical amendment changing "municipalities" to "political subdivisions" in a section affecting funding eligibility. They also agreed on some items involving workers’ compensation second injuries, certain pilot-program language, and some sections related to state loan repayment and other technical corrections. In contrast, they set aside or disputed items involving site evaluation, lottery-related provisions, opioid abatement, the Commission on Aging, Granite Advantage premium costs, renewable energy/offshore wind funding, special education funding, and several education trust fund and unique-fund provisions. The committee spent substantial time on policy disputes. The House side argued against keeping money in dedicated Fish and Game funds rather than increasing the main Fish and Game fund, while the Senate side defended its approach and raised concerns about fee impacts, including one tied to the fishing license. The members also discussed a housing appeals board proposal, with one member suggesting a possible compromise that would preserve some function while shifting duties and possibly sunsetting the arrangement later; the contracts for the positions were noted as running through June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029. Another extended discussion concerned the child advocate records-access section, which one side wanted removed as policy that should go through the normal bill process, while another member asked to hold it and suggested a possible middle-ground, time-limited approach. Later, the committee agreed to remove sections already handled in other bills, including House sections 254 and 255, and discussed but did not resolve disputes over liquor licensing functions, cannabis-related language, cost containment, special education, and several fee and fund provisions. The Senate explained its position on the governor’s commission language, saying opioid abatement trust funds could not be used for that purpose and that the commission should continue to be funded through 5% of gross liquor profits; it also described renaming the body the Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention and expanding its scope to include problem gambling. The meeting ended with several major items still open for later negotiation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee on local government will come to order.
  • I'll recognize that we're going to vote on some bills.
  • It should be on the floor over there early next week.
  • Third-party review is one method that is gaining traction.
  • The bill simply builds on what's already worked.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 24th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have door number one, two, three. We have doors number one, two, three.
  • Hold on.
  • local needs and budgets.
  • I'm going to try to shorten my layout on this, and if the witnesses can be brief, if there's theoretically
  • Let me call one more, a recall on Wes Benedict or Kimberly Miller. All right.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and limited public testimony to two minutes per person. The committee heard Senate Bill 628 by Senator Zaffirini, which would clarify that counties may enter interlocal agreements with emergency service districts to administer and enforce county fire codes, including for multi-county ESDs in the committee substitute. Witnesses from Travis County ESD-11, the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office, and a member of the public supported the bill as a way to reduce duplication, costs, and jurisdictional confusion. Public testimony was closed and the committee substitute was left pending. The committee then heard several housing-related bills. Senate Bill 208 by Senator West would create a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund to provide zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders for workforce housing; Habitat for Humanity representatives, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, and housing advocates supported it as a way to finance infrastructure and land development for affordable homes. Senate Bill 2835 by Senator Johnson would allow cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings for small-scale, multi-story housing; supporters said the design is safe and could expand housing supply, while the Texas APA expressed qualified opposition over code-process concerns and fire-safety questions. Both bills were left pending after testimony. Additional bills heard included SB 1042 updating the Kimble County Hospital District’s enabling law; SB 1708, a committee substitute protecting familial property divisions from platting requirements; SB 2778 raising the ESD expenditure threshold requiring board approval from $2,000 to up to $50,000; SB 2608 expanding LIHTC eligibility for certain public housing projects; SB 3044 adding board representation for Marfa and Presidio on the Presidio County Underground Water Conservation District and adjusting an exemption; SB 2367 extending park board authority to Waller County; SB 2523 clarifying ETJ reduction procedures and owner opt-out rights; SB 2521 requiring death-certificate reporting to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead exemption issues; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in larger cities. In each case, the bills were laid out, testimony was taken, and the measures were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until 15 to 30 minutes after adjournment.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 24th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee on Local Government will come to order. I'll recognize we're going to vote on some bills.
  • On the west side of I-45, the ESD—we did something at one time.
  • On the west side of I-45, the ESD—we did something at one time.
  • Well, one way or the other has to fall under the 2% local cap on the local... on discussion wasn't talking
  • I have two motions in writing, one from Senator Cook and the other one from Senator West.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government considered and voted on several bills, adopting committee substitutes on Senate Bills 1237, 1708, 1844, 1454, 2520, and 2541. In each case, the committee substitute was explained as narrowing or clarifying the filed bill, and the committee voted to report the substitute version to the full Senate, usually with a recommendation that the filed bill not pass. The committee also recommended each of those measures for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1237 concerned property tax exemption eligibility for charitable organizations; SB 1844 addressed annexation and disannexation limits tied to city services; SB 1454 clarified housing authority tax exemptions and agreements with districts; SB 2520 dealt with a school district tax ceiling comparison; and SB 2541 reduced the unused increment period from three years to two years. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 2354, which would allow developers to hire qualified third-party professionals for plat review, permit review, and inspections if local governments are delayed. Supporters included affordable housing providers, builders, Pew Charitable Trusts, housing advocates, and legal groups, who said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help housing production. A Corpus Christi representative testified as neutral, asking for amendments to preserve city final inspection authority, document sharing, and floodplain enforcement. Urban counties opposed the bill as written, arguing it removed too much local oversight, though they acknowledged work on a committee substitute. SB 2354 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2703, which would clarify that condominiums are not subdivisions for local platting purposes. Builders and a land use attorney supported the bill, saying it would reduce confusion and duplicative regulation; the bill was left pending. SB 777, dealing with firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures, drew support from Austin and Texarkana firefighter representatives and the City of Austin, who said the committee substitute reflected stakeholder agreement and preserved voter-approved local procedures; it was left pending. SB 2965, concerning annexation and emergency service district response obligations, drew support from ESD and fire association witnesses who said it would prevent service gaps after annexation, and opposition from local officials who argued it gave unelected ESD boards too much power and lacked neutral review; it was also left pending. The committee then recessed subject to call of the chair.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Local Government (Part I) Apr 24th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have door number one, two, three. We have doors number one, two, three.
  • Hold on.
  • local needs and budgets.
  • Come on up, Kimberly. Come on up. Good morning. My name is Kimberly Miller.
  • I'm going to try to shorten my layout on this, and if the witnesses can be brief, if there's theoretically
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum at the start, adopted a two-minute limit for public testimony, and heard a series of housing, local government, fire code, and district-governance bills. Several measures were laid out with committee substitutes, including SB 628 on county fire code administration through interlocal agreements with emergency service districts; SB 208 creating a Workforce Housing Capital Investment Fund for zero-interest loans to nonprofit builders; SB 2835 allowing cities to opt into single-stair apartment buildings; and SB 2477 easing office-to-residential conversions in certain cities. Other bills addressed ESD spending thresholds (SB 2778), hospital district updates (SB 1042), subdivision/platting issues (SB 1708), public housing tax credit eligibility (SB 2608), groundwater district representation for Marfa and Presidio (SB 3044), park board authority in Waller County (SB 2367), ETJ removal procedures (SB 2523), and reporting death certificates to appraisal districts to help address squatting and homestead issues (SB 2521). Testimony was largely supportive on the housing bills. Supporters of SB 208, including Habitat for Humanity affiliates, a Brownsville nonprofit developer, Texans for Housing, and an educator, said the revolving fund would help nonprofit builders finance land, infrastructure, and development costs for affordable homes, especially for families earning 30% to 80% of area median income. SB 2835 drew support from architects, planners, and housing advocates who argued that single-stair buildings can be safe, more efficient, and better suited to missing-middle housing, though the Texas APA registered qualified opposition, saying the proposal bypasses the usual code-development process and may not be sufficiently studied. SB 2477 also received broad support from housing groups and policy organizations, who said office conversions could help address vacancy and housing shortages, though Corpus Christi raised a concern about fee recovery and local cost reimbursement. The committee also heard support for SB 628 from a county fire marshal and an ESD representative, who said the bill would reduce duplicate fire-code enforcement and costs. SB 2778 was backed by a Bexar County ESD fire chief, who said the current $2,000 expenditure approval threshold is outdated and slows emergency purchases and repairs. SB 2608 was supported by the El Paso housing authority, which said adding certain Section 8 projects to the at-risk LIHTC set-aside would help renovate aging subsidized housing. SB 3044 was presented as a way to give Marfa and Presidio representation on the groundwater district board while preserving permitting authority. Each bill heard public testimony was left pending subject to the call of the chair, and the committee recessed to reconvene after the Senate adjourns.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways and Means (04/22/2026)

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> rate cuts on January 1. rate cuts on January 1.
  • on the Medicaid budget?
  • </c> about. one being rate methodology, one about. one being rate methodology, one being<00:14:45.600
  • on which one has general funds depending on which one has availability.<00:23:32.400><c> So,</c> availability
  • Um, the one thing I did until later on.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Finance (03/10/2026)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • What DEES just stated is they plan on hiring in the next budget another position, which would eat up
  • What DEES just stated is they plan on hiring in the next budget another position, which would eat up
  • &gt;&gt; One<00:28:09.440><c> more.</c> &gt;&gt; One more. &gt;&gt; One more.
  • There was one support, one online.
  • And I can keep going on, but you know, it's a nice plan, you know, but we've already in the budget, we've
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Finance (04/29/2025)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And as I've said before, if one of the LBA seats are not filled and you need a third person, bring them
  • said before, if one of the LBA<00:04:37.680><c> seats</c><00:04:38.080><c> are</c><00:04:38.320><c>
  • On slide three, the overview of this particular budget.
  • </c> budget which I assume is the same one budget which I assume is the same one you're<02:02:55.679>
  • </c> budget again for the eenth time is on budget again for the eenth time is on page page page 969<02
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/11/2025)

Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think we would be interested in what LBA or Legislative Services might be able to advise on.
  • I think we would be interested in what LBA or Legislative Services might be able to advise on.
  • I think we would be interested in what LBA or Legislative Services might be able to advise on.
  • I think we would be interested in what LBA or Legislative Services might be able to advise on.
  • I think we would be interested in what LBA or Legislative Services might be able to advise on.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all