Transcript Highlights:

• The largest program in terms of funding is the administrative program, with 43 authorized positions.
• The largest program is the administrative program, which receives 40% of the department's budget and
• But overall, we are a human resources program helping our agencies to have programs in place to attract
• So there are two major programs. One is the senior farmers' market nutrition coupon program, right?
• The Operations Program is over 44% larger than the second biggest program, which is Project Delivery.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard the House Fiscal Division’s FY 2027 budget presentations for the State Treasury, Public Service Commission, Department of Civil Service, and Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Treasury’s recommended budget was about $15 million with 74 positions, funded largely by self-generated revenue. Treasury staff highlighted strong investment returns, record unclaimed property recoveries, a new ACH option to speed and reduce the cost of payments, a School Transparency portal that helped uncover questionable school spending, and a new online portal that has sped up processing of cooperative endeavor agreements and related payments. Members praised the transparency work and faster payments, and asked about bond ratings, CEA oversight, and the public accessibility of the transparency site. The Public Service Commission’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $11.5 million, entirely self-generated, with most spending on personnel; commissioners said salary and market adjustments were needed to address heavy attorney and auditor turnover. Civil Service’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $28.7 million, with major funding from interagency transfers and general fund, and officials explained recent pay-plan and special entrance rate changes intended to improve recruitment and retention across state agencies. Members asked how those compensation changes were developed and whether market studies supported them. The Agriculture and Forestry budget was presented at $91.4 million, with major funding from statutory dedications, general fund, and federal dollars, and the commissioner described severe pressure on farmers from low commodity prices, drought, freezes, wildfires, storm damage, and labor shortages. The Agriculture and Forestry discussion was the longest and most detailed. The commissioner said the state is working to expand markets, reduce costs, and help farmers through federal assistance, while also seeking more equipment and fuel for wildfire response after a severe fire weekend and ongoing drought conditions. Members raised concerns about storm-damaged timber, soil and water conservation funding, and the loss of federal dollars that depend on local technicians. The commissioner explained the wildfire suppression subfund, the role of severance taxes, and the limits of current firefighting equipment and staffing. He also discussed the seafood sector, especially shrimp and crawfish, saying imported seafood, currency changes, tariffs, and H-2B worker shortages are hurting Louisiana producers and processors. He said the department is testing imported seafood for antibiotics, wants more authority to hold contaminated product, and is pursuing legislation to support seafood promotion and testing. Members also asked about wood chips, rail transport, timber severance reporting, and incentives for wood pellet use, and the commissioner said the department is exploring new markets, including overseas buyers for wood and agricultural products. No formal votes or bill actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting consisted of budget presentations, agency testimony, and member questions and comments. The tone throughout was supportive of the agencies’ work, with repeated praise for Treasury’s transparency efforts, Civil Service’s compensation reforms, and Agriculture and Forestry’s advocacy for farmers, foresters, and seafood producers.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> review of energy efficiency programs, review of energy efficiency programs, changes<00:14:05.279
• ,</c> the energy efficiency programs, the energy efficiency programs, virtually<02:16:54.080><c> identical
• </c> was done to uh preserve the programs was done to uh preserve the programs which<02:17:57.280><c>
• </c><02:42:00.720><c> in</c> of of um energy efficiency programs in of of um energy efficiency programs
• During fiscal downturns like programs.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not create a new program, it does not expand a program, and it has no fiscal impact.
• hydrologic analysis, and various grant programs.
• Idaho Power operates the program.
• Idaho Power operates the program.
• Our statewide aging infrastructure program has been a very popular program for rehabilitation and repair

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and through Hazard Mitigation. ...grant program.
• And houses the State National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP.
• Another key flood grant program that we manage is the FMA program.
• Program as part of FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program.
• These are our current programs. Yes.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• additional down payment assistance from another state program, including the Affordable Housing Program
• program.
• We have two certification programs.
• program.
• We do have a program.

Bills: HB2523 , HB2606 , HB2684 , HJM4012

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, some people are concerned that some of its programs might be targeted to help balance that
• I think we all recognize the importance of these programs.
• Are there any talks about general education programming possibly being targeted if special education
• Schools can provide and give that best programming for the students that need the services.
• </c> definitely help a lot of these programs definitely help a lot of these programs that<00:09:57.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:15.039><c> so</c> for the third party reviewer program so for the third party reviewer program
• program, created in 2000.
• program is that we have to this program program is that we have and<01:52:54.800><c> we</c><01:52:55.280
• </c><02:26:43.600><c> it</c> the counties to run this program it the counties to run this program it
• programs programs but<02:29:16.760><c> okay</c><02:29:17.240><c> I</c><02:29:17.319><c> hope</c><02:

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it caps the state grant program.
• </c><00:04:50.000><c> as</c> office of higher education programs as office of higher education programs
• </c><00:08:51.040><c> So,</c> into the state grant program. So, into the state grant program.
• Um, the other programs that you mentioned are very good programs, which is why they are not cut.
• </c> program that's starting up in the St. program that's starting up in the St.

Bills: HF2431 , HF2438 , HF2783 , HF1943

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• many of the named programs.
• </c><00:14:55.600><c> and</c> regional parks and trails program and regional parks and trails program
• /c><00:15:52.600><c> programs.
• Um many of the programs programs programs uh<00:19:55.280><c> starting</c><00:19:55.520><c> at</c><00
• . programs. programs.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• group insurance program.
• Importantly, the EGIP program will be modeled after that current state program using the same tiered
• He said elected school boards oppose the statewide benefits program and statewide health insurance program
• </c> dollars to an unproven statewide program dollars to an unproven statewide program instead<00:19:
• </c><00:19:55.200><c> We</c> school districts and programs. We school districts and programs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number 2 modifies the short call substitute teacher program and renames it.
• It makes the program permanent and it's a program that allows qualifying education support personnel
• Section 4 is the Minnesota Math Corps program.
• from a department program.
• Section 13 allows a program participant excluded from a department program. to request a contested case

Bills: HF1306

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: education, school policy, teacher training, student health, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a workforce empowerment program.
• And this coaching program does it. It's been successful. The school meal program.
• and our access program.
• So, again, we want these programs to be robust and ready to serve those who qualify for the program.
• Otherwise, you shouldn't be on the program.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , if we can do that across federal programs, make it easier for...
• Those are for high-risk programs. You know, think about COVID-style programs.
• The lower range is really analyzing the lower-risk programs.
• It allows them to look at programs and identify where potential fraud could exist if that program is
• and an efficient program.

Committee: Joint Joint Economic Committee

Keywords: artificial intelligence, waste reduction, fraud prevention, government efficiency, improper payments, data reliability, oversight

Summary: The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It created a revolving loan program and then it directed OPAGA to review that program, the first report
• The first is program evaluation.
• That's an investment program at SBA.
• And a major federal program is defined as one of the entities— A major federal program is defined as
• the complexity of the program.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive annual overviews of its oversight responsibilities and the work of the Auditor General and OPAGA. Committee staff reviewed the committee’s authority over state and local governments, enforcement of audit-report filing requirements, repeated audit findings, Transparency Florida reporting, and lobbying compensation audits. Auditor General Cheryl Norman described her office’s independence, audit standards, quality control, and major audit areas, including the state’s annual financial and single audits, school district and university audits, operational and performance audits, and attestation work. She also noted staffing shortages, recruitment efforts, and a request for carry-forward funds to study salaries. Members asked about whether audits can quantify recoverable dollars, how school district spending comparisons are handled, and how to raise concerns about DCF-related audits or a local city audit that has been pending for years. Norman said her office can quantify findings when possible, sometimes compares costs across districts in operational audits, and that members can bring specific concerns to the appropriate deputy auditor general or the committee. She also explained that citizen or local-government audit requests may require payment of audit costs. OPAGA Coordinator Kara Collins-Gomez outlined OPAGA’s role as a legislative research unit that conducts studies directed by law, the presiding officers, or the committee, and described its policy areas, methodologies, contract monitoring, and recurring statutory reports. Deputy Auditor General Matthew Tracy explained how to read operational audit reports, including findings, criteria, condition, cause, effect, recommendations, and management responses. Deputy Auditor General Greg Senators explained financial audit reports, including audit opinions, required supplementary information, internal control and compliance findings, federal program compliance, and management letters. The meeting concluded with thanks to the presenters and a motion to adjourn, which passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• ><00:03:44.000><c> specialist</c> program we have a program specialist program we have a program specialist
• They run and oversee the InvestNH program and the Housing Champions program.
• Well, the program itself, there are two programs that are run: there's the Housing Champions program
• So the SBDC program is a program that's been around for over 45 years.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thinking about things on a regional basis, all the workforce programs and all the DHS programs, rather
• or the programs...
• or the programs.
• Maybe they live in rural areas and are not aware of any programs or the programs.
• services programs.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee met to review an audit and recommendations from the Alliance for Opportunity as part of a broader study of social service and workforce development reform under Act 145 of 2025. Members discussed creating a more integrated, regional, and “one door to work” system that would combine eligibility screening, service delivery, and workforce connections across DHS, workforce, and related programs. Much of the discussion focused on reducing administrative overhead, improving coordination, and using tools such as AI and centralized databases to help applicants learn about benefits, training, and job opportunities while still preserving case managers and in-person help for people without digital access. Members also emphasized targeting groups with low labor-force participation, including people in generational poverty, rural residents, individuals reentering from prison, and people involved in the court system who may be employable but are not currently connected to employers. Several members raised concerns about benefit cliffs, the burden of repeated paperwork across agencies, and whether the system should include performance measures tied to cost per person served and return on investment. The committee agreed that quantifiable savings and outcomes should be part of the study and future recommendations. The committee then considered and discussed a draft consultant services agreement with Work Ed Consulting LLC, represented by Mason Bishop, to assist with the study. Bureau of Legislative Research staff explained that the contract would run through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000, billed on actual hours and expenses, and could be expanded by up to 10% if needed. Bishop said he could provide ongoing ROI updates and technical assistance based on his experience in other states. After discussion, the committee voted to move forward with the contract, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We administer a number of down payment assistance programs. Homeownership.
• We administer a number of down payment assistance programs, including a program created by the state,
• administer that program.
• So happy to spend more time with you to explain some of those programs. Yeah.
• So the two programs are working in parallel with each other. So you have two options.

Bills: HB2273 , SB5188 , HB2353 , HB2420 , HB2470

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, construction, environment, broadband, infrastructure, loan assistance, economic development, technology access, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, capital budget, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning

Transcript Highlights:

• program program Mah<00:16:20.839><c> thank</c><00:16:21.000><c> you</c><00:16:21.199><c> Leia</c><00
• and the programs that would be housed under it, conceivably the compost reimbursement program and its
• take this program and the programs<00:19:22.000><c> that</c><00:19:22.120><c> would</c><00:19:22.240
• of the food hub pilot program.
• </c> hub pilot program hub pilot program first<00:36:58.560><c> up</c><00:36:59.560><c> Department</c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so primarily what we're doing with this program is pulling the asbestos out of the program, is
• that program in the last three years.
• That's a good program. Thank you. Members are at the end of the questions.
• that program in the last three years. probably haven't had anybody through that program in the last
• That's a good program. Thank you. Remember? That's a good program. Thank you.

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first reviewed the Division of Environmental Quality’s asbestos abatement program. DEQ officials explained that the program licenses asbestos-related workers and businesses, including contractors, workers, inspectors, planners/designers, consultants, air monitors, and training providers, under federal and state requirements. Members asked about asbestos use today, grant funding for removal, inspections funded by fees and fines, complaint handling, enforcement authority, and health risks. DEQ said some asbestos-containing products are still manufactured, grants have not been issued in over six years due to funding constraints, inspectors investigate complaints and can issue civil penalties or other enforcement actions, and exposure can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma. The report was accepted without objection. The committee then heard from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Officials described the agency’s standards and training divisions, three basic academies, advanced training, and jail standards training. Members asked about recruitment, academy capacity, training costs, and curriculum changes. The commission said recruitment and retention are improving, basic academy enrollment is around 700 per year with capacity for about 725 to 750, training costs counties nothing because the state funds it, and basic training is being expanded from 528 hours to 705 hours with more practical instruction based on input from chiefs and sheriffs. Questions also covered detention officer training, school resource officer training, and whether other agencies are subject to the same standards. Officials said detention officers receive separate training, school resource officers have standalone training approved by the commission, and other law enforcement divisions such as the Department of Agriculture are held to the same standards. They also noted a Veterans to Law Enforcement program that allows eligible veterans to attend the academy without first being hired by an agency, with GI Bill support. The report was accepted without objection, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2310 is about improving transparency and accessibility of academic program requirements at
• and for any track within the program, and they're required to publicly post the minimum requirements
• while you're already doing your study abroad program and getting a foreign language credit.
• So it wouldn't require all study abroad programs or components to offer that instruction.
• , only 26 institutions participated in the leadership program.

Committee: House Higher Education