Video & Transcript : 'first grade' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. to order this is First I just want to stop and Emphasize that this is a really complicated
- First, we will have introductory comments from many of the committee members that are here.
- Of course, the first one is just, what are your top priorities?
- I'll tell you what, we're going To switch over, but I'm going to make this comment first.
- But transit funding ought to be focused on first, the first priority which is to make sure that the people
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-AEN, HHS-CPN, TCA-CPN, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN Public Hearings 04-01-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- First up, Hawaii State Department of Health providing comments.
- And testifying first is vehicle owners.
- The first is STR 57 and resolutions.
- So uh on this first resol set of tandem.
- The first measure is them out today.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Summary:
At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote.
At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed.
The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues.
The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Mar 27, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 40
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Recess subject to the call of the chair or floor presentation first. Floor presentation first.
- Recess subject to the call of the chair or floor presentation first. Floor presentation first.
- </c><00:17:07.760><c> Sorry,</c> first. Floor presentation first. Sorry, first.
- The first is that on the first page, it talks about sanctuary locations.
- The first<00:54:23.680><c> is</c><00:54:24.000><c> that</c> first is that first is that um<00:54:25.839
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 3rd, 2025
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And first, I want to sincerely thank the incredible nurses.
- We will go to Zoom first.
- I didn't realize I was first up. Thank you so much for your presentation.
- The first thing we do is ask for consent, and oftentimes we get consent.
- My first job... The field was 2022.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This creates an... well first let me explain.
- Bowers first. She just has one witness.
- An expert to go back first, make sure it's authentic, right?
- First, this was a common-sense law.
- Yes, so first of all, I want to thank you for persevering.
Bills:
HB867 , HB1347 , HB1801 , HB1820 , HB2197 , HB2617 , HB3110 , HB3166 , HB3330 , HB4237 , HB4342 , HB4629 , HB4933 , HJR148
Committee:
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Keywords:
criminal case dismissal, attorney discretion, law enforcement misconduct, judicial approval, evidence, judicial consent, transparency, healthcare, Medicare, insurance, elderly, retired, benefits, access, cost, criminal justice, case dismissal, prosecutorial discretion, law enforcement oversight, criminal procedure
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Kratom Working Group Aug 7th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to ask legislators to step forward or online, and we're going to do the in-house ones first
- First of all, let's talk about House Bill 1101.
- However, during the course of the process of House Bill 1566, that was first...
- Representative Satrom, you are up first. Thank you. Thank you, Chair. I appreciate your time.
- So, so I want to go with, first time of course, point of view, you know.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- I introduced this bill for the first time in 2016.
- But first, Madam President, I ask that my remarks be printed in the journal.
- First reading of the resolution.
- First reading of the bill.
- First reading of the bill. Senate Bill 1088, a bill to amend the Social Welfare Act.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, pledge, attendance, and a series of recesses and caucus calls. The chamber also recognized the retirement of Larry Horn of the Michigan Senate Police Department and later honored departing staff members Macy Maine, Maddie Cutler, and Julia Schmidt. Senator Geiss delivered a statement marking the 62nd anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, emphasizing its legacy and the need to protect and strengthen civil rights protections.
The Senate received House messages on Senate Bills 870 and 878, with SB 878 sent to conference. It also introduced several new measures, including Senate Joint Resolution L and Senate Bills 1085 through 1091, plus House Bills 4833, 5152, 5153, and 5727, referring them to the appropriate committees. The chamber discharged multiple committees from further consideration of bills and suspended rules several times to move legislation onto the General Orders calendar and to allow committee meetings during session.
On the floor, the Senate passed House Bill 4072 and Senate Bills 792, 793, 1013, and 947. SB 1013, dealing with the Insurance Code and price optimization, included a failed Tice amendment and passed 34-3. SB 947, concerning dam safety under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, drew supportive remarks from Senator McMorrow and a strong no-vote explanation from Senator McBroom before passing 22-15. The Senate also adopted a McMorrow substitute for SB 947 and later considered a large group of bills in Committee of the Whole, reporting many with amendments and others without amendment for third reading. The session ended with the Senate adjourning until Friday, July 3rd at 12:15 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Michael Chaisson from the First Bristol District, Foxborough, Mansfield, Norton.
- So first, I want to talk a little bit about that concept of delivery drivers, app-based drivers being
- But before we get into that, let me first speak briefly to all of the auto labor rate bills.
- increased 97% in 2024 to 4,115 suits, and 2025 already exceeded the 2024 numbers through only the first
- It will take Gilman's effort, and at first I thought that was part of the exploitation, is to wear us
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Financial Services Committee heard testimony on several insurance, transportation, and labor-related bills. Senator Edwards supported bills addressing app-based delivery workers, arguing that food-delivery drivers should be treated as employees with protections and mileage reimbursement, and that a small surcharge on app-based deliveries could raise revenue for the Commonwealth and localities. Kevin Brousseau of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO also backed the delivery-worker bill, saying it would preserve employee status, add data transparency, and create a process for challenging deactivations. MAPC supported a bill to change transportation network company fees from a flat per-ride charge to a percentage-based assessment, saying the current fee is outdated and that a higher fee could raise more transportation revenue and help address congestion and emissions.
A large portion of the hearing focused on auto insurance and collision repair issues. Insurance industry witnesses supported a bill to limit attorney’s fees in PIP cases by giving insurers 30 days after a complaint is served to pay amounts due without fee exposure, arguing that PIP litigation has surged, is clogging courts, and is being driven by out-of-state firms. They also opposed auto body labor-rate bills, saying the market is already adjusting and that a statutory floor is unnecessary. In contrast, auto body shop representatives and the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts urged favorable action on bills to raise and regularly update collision repair labor rates, saying current reimbursement levels are far below market, have not kept pace with inflation or vehicle technology, and are making it hard to retain workers and keep small shops open. One witness also supported a bill to limit insurance surcharge points for low-damage accidents or minor moving violations.
Committee members asked questions about deactivation rights for delivery workers, the mechanics of the PIP litigation issue, and the gap between body-shop and mechanical labor rates. Testimony emphasized that current auto body reimbursement rates are around the mid-$40s per hour, while mechanical work can be reimbursed at much higher rates, and that advisory-board discussions have produced only limited progress. At the end of the hearing, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, then moved to close the hearing; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- First of all, House 1100 and Senate 785, relative to adjusters.
- So the first is Senate Bill 785, an act relative to insurance claims.
- It was our first house.
- My first homeowner loss was in March of 2021 due to frozen pipes and water damage.
- company was $46,000, which was almost double the value of the first loss.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on a wide range of insurance-related bills. Topics included public adjusters (H. 1100/S. 785), electronic cancellation notices (H. 1123/S. 701), insurance rebates and loss-mitigation devices (H. 1233), flood hazard determinations (H. 1087 and related flood bills), organ donor insurance protections (H. 1248/S. 727), mental health parity in disability policies (S. 780), motor vehicle service contracts (H. 1139/S. 812), modernization of business-to-business insurance transactions (H. 1105), and a bill changing the GIC withdrawal notice deadline (H. 1150). Committee chairs set a three-minute testimony limit and heard from legislators, industry representatives, advocates, and affected consumers.
Testimony on public adjusters was sharply divided. Insurance agents and property-casualty industry representatives argued that bills barring insurers from prohibiting public adjusters would interfere with policy terms, while public adjusters and several consumers described cases where adjusters helped secure substantially higher settlements and said some surplus lines policies already contain anti-public-adjuster endorsements. On electronic notices, the insurance industry supported consumer opt-in email communications, while agents warned that email-only cancellation notices could cause consumers to miss cancellations. On rebates/loss mitigation, insurers supported allowing risk-mitigation devices outside the policy to encourage innovation, while agents opposed the bill as an improper inducement. Flood-related bills drew opposition from insurers who said flood determinations are complex and federally governed.
The committee also heard strong support for organ donor protections from a kidney transplant recipient and the American Kidney Fund, who said the bill would prevent insurance discrimination against living donors and could encourage more donations. On disability parity, a disability insurance specialist opposed S. 780, arguing that mental health limitations are a consumer choice that helps keep coverage affordable, while the bill’s sponsor said it would prevent unequal limits on behavioral health claims. The committee also heard support for H. 1139/S. 812 from the service contract industry, and support for H. 1105 from APCIA as a modernization measure for specialty commercial lines. No votes were taken; after testimony concluded, the chairs closed the hearing.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The first rule does two things.
- The first rule I have today is the rule concerning adverse decisions.
- And I want to say, first off, thank you for your work on the DME rule.
- The first one of those is all pediatric dental services.
- As to the first request, is there any question?
Committee:
All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
Summary:
The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large slate of agency rules and related reports. The chair announced that several items were stricken from the agenda and that the maternal health providers and remote monitoring rules were pulled by the agency. The committee filed reports on emergency rules, ALC subcommittee rule reviews, and administrative directives, then moved through agency rules from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce/Insurance, Department of Corrections, and multiple divisions of the Department of Human Services.
Most rules were explained as technical updates or implementations of 2025 legislation and were approved without objection. Examples included repeal of obsolete equine ID-chip rules, updates to agriculture financing and pesticide rules, removal of duplicative workers’ compensation plan language, a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities, DHS marketing rules for PASS programs, a comprehensive DCFS policy manual revision, Medicaid-related changes for fictive kin, ABLE accounts, presumptive eligibility for pregnant women, SNAP work requirements and alien eligibility, coverage for certain incarcerated youth, nurse aide training updates, and permanent rules for state employee insurance and procurement. The committee also approved requests to exclude the Insurance Department from rulemaking requirements for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting and for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would issue rules later when more guidance is available.
The most extended discussion concerned DHS’s dental Medicaid rate rule under Act 1025. Members and witnesses debated whether the statute’s language covered only oral surgeons or also general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, and whether the rate increase should apply more broadly to the services rather than the provider title. DHS said it was following the black-letter language of the law and could not confirm a broader interpretation without further approvals and funding, while legislators and a Dental Association representative said the intent was to increase payment for the services, especially in rural areas. Members also discussed the possibility of fixing the language in a future session or through a new rule if approvals and CMS review allow. Despite the concerns, the committee approved the rule. The meeting ended with approval of rule review reports and monthly updates, and the committee adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The first bill we're going to do will be House Bill 930.
- The first bill we're going to do will be House Bill 938 by Representative Chairman Turner.
- Let me do my opposition first. I forgot about that. Hang on a second.
- And first, I would like to stop and acknowledge Senator Bass and Representative Turner.
- My first time in Senate Insurance, so we share that in common. There we go, right? I love it.
Committee:
Senate Insurance
Keywords:
automobile repairs, insurance transparency, repair shop liability, non-OEM parts, policyholder rights, automobile insurance, appraisal process, insurance policyholders, dispute resolution, claim valuation, family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, behavioral health, crisis services, mental health care, insurance coverage, healthcare access
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor (3-26-26)
Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, first up on our agenda, we have—I see we just have— >> [sighs] Uh, obtained Senator Thomas as well
- Well, first<00:01:05.239><c> up</c><00:01:05.440><c> on</c><00:01:05.560><c> our</c><00:01:05.680><c>
- <00:01:06.400><c> have</c><00:01:06.840><c> I</c><00:01:06.960><c> see</c><00:01:07.120><c> we</c> first
- up on our agenda, we have I see we first up on our agenda, we have I see we just<00:01:07.520><c> have
- Um, first of all, Representative McPherson, it's good to see you.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues Mar 23rd, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, first of all, you show him your ID. You'd show him your ID.
- Well, first of all, you show him your ID. You'd, you'd show him your ID.
- Well, first of all, you'd show him your ID.
- First, we will go in favor of 2032.
- First in favor. Hello. Hi, my name is Quentin Hayes. Hi, my name is Quentin Hayes, Jr.
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on three sets of bills before adjourning: House Bill 1611, House Bill 2032, and House Bills 3393 and 2392. No votes were taken. HB 1611, sponsored by Representative Billington, would combat catalytic converter theft by requiring scrap buyers to record the vehicle identification number of the car the converter came from, in addition to existing seller ID requirements. The sponsor and a representative of the Recycled Materials Association supported the bill as a practical way to trace stolen converters; members asked how the VIN would be used to catch thieves, and the sponsor said it could help law enforcement track the source of a converter. No opposition testified.
HB 2032, the “Guard Act,” sponsored by Representative Schmidt, would require age verification for AI companions, require disclosure that the chatbot is non-human and not a professional, and prohibit AI systems from knowingly or recklessly encouraging minors toward sexually explicit content, suicide, self-injury, or violence. The sponsor cited cases involving harmful AI interactions with children and said the bill was intended to create guardrails, with possible language changes still under discussion. Support came from the Missouri Psychological Association and Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, while the Entertainment Software Association raised concern that the bill’s definitions might unintentionally cover video games and asked for clearer exclusions.
House Bills 3393 and 2392, sponsored by Representatives Mayhew and Murray, would restrict minors’ access to social media and impose parental consent, age verification, and limits on addictive design features, targeted advertising, and adult contact with children. The sponsors argued that social media is harming youth mental health and cited studies, lawsuits, and examples of cyberbullying and self-harm; they also suggested possible amendments on definitions, data handling, severability, and a fund for prevention efforts. Testimony in favor included a 12-year-old student describing bullying and its effects, as well as a pediatric/psychology advocate who recounted the Megan Meier case and supported stronger safeguards. Members questioned age verification, privacy, fake IDs, email accounts, and whether the bills should be broader or more narrowly tailored, but no formal action was taken.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's my first time, so if I do something wrong, please forgive me. Thank you, Mr.
- It's my first time, so if I do something wrong, please forgive me.
- Chairman, for taking me first. That's exactly what this does.
- My first piece of legislation was SCR-8 back in 2023.
- Like I said, my first one was SCR 8, so they had to wait on my second one. Yes, sir.
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, March 11, with a quorum present and heard several specialty license plate bills. HB 801 by Rep. Martinez would create a classic black specialty plate, with revenue directed to State Police high-speed pursuit training for local law enforcement. Members discussed the need for better pursuit training in light of fatal crashes, adopted a set of amendments and a technical change, and reported the bill favorably with amendments.
The committee also advanced HB 891 by Rep. Landry, which creates wildlife conservation specialty plates and adjusts revenue distribution to support conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited and Quail Forever, while also helping the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries conservation fund. Testimony from LDWF and the conservation groups emphasized habitat work, fundraising leverage, and conservation benefits. The bill drew extended questioning from Vice Chair Fontenot about Ducks Unlimited’s work, including its projects in Louisiana and other states and whether certain habitat practices affect duck migration; the committee then reported the bill with amendments.
HB 587 by Rep. Dickerson would create a PANS/PANDAS specialty plate to raise awareness and return revenue to the general fund to help cover treatment costs. The bill was supported by a parent and child who described the disorder and the impact of insurance coverage for IVIG treatment; it was reported with amendments. HB 331 by Rep. Mack created a Louisiana GOP specialty plate and was reported with amendments after brief discussion. HB 629 by Rep. Lyons created a plate for the Crew of Athena and was also reported with amendments. HB 428 by Rep. Baham created an LSU baseball championship plate recognizing the 2023 and 2025 national title teams and was reported with amendments. Rep. Walters voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, and HB 854, and the committee adjourned afterward.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to move into executive session first.
- We heard testimony on this back in January, first bill out.
- We will now move to the first witness in support of House Bill 1894.
- All right, first witness in opposition to House Bill 1894. Let's come forward.
- We'll now move to the first in support of House Bill 3314.
Committee:
House Insurance
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 9th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, well, in that case, we'll go with the first up in support.
- For the first time in 60 years, connect the Gateway Arch grounds through to downtown.
- First, I just want to say thank you. Mr.
- In that first year, we had 500,000 people visit downtown Kansas City, visitors and guests.
- We had 10.4 million visitors in the first half, or in the year of 2025.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 3395, sponsored by Representative Christ, which would reauthorize and update the Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA) to spur redevelopment in downtown St. Louis and Kansas City. Christ said the program previously helped create Ballpark Village and Power & Light District through a no-upfront-cost, tax-revenue-sharing model, and he indicated a committee substitute would significantly revise the bill language while keeping the same overall concept. Representative Sides supported the bill in principle but said he wanted the final version to read more like standard Missouri statute.
A long line of witnesses testified in support, including representatives of the Cordish Companies, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Greater St. Louis, Inc., St. Louis City SC, the City of St. Louis, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Chamber/Civic Council, the Downtown Council of Kansas City, J.E. Dunn, and the Missouri Chamber. Supporters described MODESA as a proven tool that leveraged private investment, created jobs, increased visitors and tax revenue, and helped revitalize downtown areas. Cordish said the company had invested more than $2 billion in Missouri and would pursue another large mixed-use project, including residential, office, and entertainment components, if the program were renewed.
Testimony focused heavily on two proposed St. Louis projects: redevelopment of the Millennium Hotel site and broader riverfront/downtown connectivity around the Arch grounds. Gateway Arch Park Foundation said it had purchased the Millennium site, was demolishing the old tower, and believed the project would connect the Arch grounds to downtown with a high-rise residential and office mixed-use development. Committee members asked about impacts on taxing jurisdictions, property taxes, retail demand, and whether the bill would benefit communities broadly rather than only developers; witnesses said cities would be applicants, property taxes would still be paid, and the projects were intended to bring new residents and activity rather than simply shift existing development. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee took no vote before adjourning.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Feb 18th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Labor & Workplace Standards
Transcript Highlights:
- I think I saw Senator McEwen first.
- Vice Chair Scott to call up our first panel on our panel on deck.
- I checked in with all their executive directors first.
- But I think first, to Representative Barra's question about the wages...
- So Vice Chair Scott, please call up our first panel and our panel on deck.
Bills:
SB5944
Committee:
House Labor & Workplace Standards
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you go back to your first slide that had the FTEs on it, please? Thank you.
- So the first year of the program, their grants were part of the FY25 appropriation.
- First, I'm going to talk about the rehabilitation revenue and refunds fund.
- So first, it's the key indicators of how many citizens are served by these programs.
- So the first thing you see is $133,200 ongoing for the Old Pen staff.
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations first for the Idaho Workforce Development Council. Analyst Brooke Dupree reviewed the agency’s statutory role, funding sources, staffing, and FY27 requests, including an ongoing transfer within the In Demand Careers Fund to increase trustee and benefit payments for Idaho Launch grants, a proposal to consolidate the STEM Action Center into the council, and requests for reappropriation authority for several grant funds. Director Wendy Sechrist said Launch, workforce training, semiconductor, and child care grants have produced strong participation and wage gains, and she explained that the proposed STEM merger would transfer remaining dedicated-fund balances to the Workforce Development Training Fund. Members asked about the effect of a $10 million cash transfer on Launch awards, repayment of grants by students who do not meet requirements, and the use of employer training funds; Sechrist said wording such as “up to $10 million” would avoid reducing awards and that the agency is still exploring debt collection options.
The committee then reviewed the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dupree outlined the agency’s vocational rehabilitation and independent living services, its dedicated funds, and FY27 requests for additional appropriation to spend Social Security reimbursement revenue and for replacement vehicles from the adaptive aids fund. Administrator Beth Cunningham said the agency uses those funds to support clients’ employment and independence, and that the requested increases would help cover needed vehicles and offset other costs. She also said holdbacks would have a modest effect on services, including reduced site restoration funding and some cuts to client services and travel.
Finally, the Idaho State Historical Society presented its budget. Dupree described the agency’s preservation mission, staffing, dedicated funds, and FY27 requests, including $450,000 for the second year of moving state records and collections into a new archives addition, plus IT hardware and reappropriation authority. Director Janet Gallimore emphasized stewardship of state records and artifacts, the importance of the collections move, and the agency’s role in America 250 activities. Members asked about archaeological review travel, the agency’s long tenure, and the use of miscellaneous revenue; Gallimore agreed to provide travel records and thanked the committee for its support. The meeting ended with a presentation of historical artifacts and adjournment until the next day.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you go back to your first slide that had the FTPs on it, please? Thank you.
- Can you go back to your first slide that had the FTPs on it? Please, thank you.
- So the first year of the program, their grants were part of the FY25 appropriation.
- First, I'm going to talk about the rehabilitation revenue and refunds fund.
- So the first thing you see is $133,200 ongoing for the Old Pen staff.
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations first for the Idaho Workforce Development Council. Analyst Brooke Dupree reviewed the council’s statutory role, fund balances, and FY 2027 requests, including an ongoing transfer of $1.15 million within the In Demand Careers Fund to support more Launch grants, a proposed consolidation of the STEM Action Center into the council, and reappropriation authority for ARPA and other grant funds. Director Wendy Sechrist said Launch, workforce training grants, child care grants, and semiconductor-related grants have produced strong participation and wage gains, and she explained that the STEM education fund would be sunset under the merger. Members asked about the remaining STEM dedicated fund, the timing and impact of a proposed $10 million cash transfer from Launch, repayment of some Launch grants, and how much of the training funding goes to incumbent workers versus new hires.
The committee then reviewed the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dupree outlined the agency’s dedicated funds and FY 2027 requests for additional appropriation authority tied to Social Security reimbursements and adaptive aids store revenue, plus one-time vehicle replacement funding. Administrator Beth Cunningham said the agency uses those funds to support vocational rehabilitation, independent living services, and surgeries for eligible clients without other coverage. Members asked about discrepancies in fund figures, the growth in the adaptive aids fund balance, and the effect of holdbacks on services; Cunningham said the cuts would modestly reduce client services, travel, and some site restoration support.
Finally, the Idaho State Historical Society presented its budget. Dupree described requests for $450,000 to complete the move of state records and collections into the new archives addition, $36,300 for IT hardware, and reappropriation authority for moving costs, along with prior enhancements for Old Pen staffing and archival work. Director Janet Gallimore emphasized stewardship of state records and artifacts, the importance of the move, and the agency’s role in Idaho’s America 250 efforts. Members praised the agency’s work and asked about historic preservation reviews and archaeological surveys; Gallimore said staff consult with federal agencies under the National Historic Preservation Act and agreed to provide travel records for surveys in Bonner County. The meeting ended with a presentation of historical artifacts and adjournment.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The first item on our agenda is a...
- So just briefly on this first slide, here's my outline.
- first year we added funding for Tech?
- So that's the first primary resource I would look at.
- So that's the first primary resource I would look at.
Summary:
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on January 22, 2012, for budget briefings from Legislative Services Office staff. Keith Bybee gave an overview of Idaho’s general fund structural balance, explaining that recent revenue projections for FY 2026-2028 still show pressure on the budget if spending continues to grow at historical rates. He reviewed how prior surpluses were used for stabilization funds, transportation, building projects, and other one-time investments, and noted major budget drivers such as Medicaid expansion, the state public defender system, and water-related spending. He also walked through the state’s cash position, explaining beginning balances, reappropriations, carryforwards, reversions, and the governor’s proposed use of cash transfers and temporary spending reductions to help balance the budget.
Members asked questions about whether JFAC discusses raising revenues versus cutting spending, whether the figures were inflation-adjusted, and how sales tax exemptions affect the overall picture. Bybee said the charts were nominal, not inflation-adjusted, and estimated sales tax exemptions and exclusions at about $2 billion, with current collections around $3.3 billion. He also addressed contract inflation and health insurance costs, saying health care growth is driven more by actual program costs than contract terms. The committee then discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Idaho tax conformity, with Bybee summarizing Tax Commission estimates for provisions such as the standard deduction, overtime, tips, senior deductions, car loan interest, and research and experimentation expensing; members also raised questions about bonus depreciation and the possible budget impact of conforming to federal changes.
Christopher LaHocet then demonstrated LSO budget and revenue tools available online, including the general fund budget monitor, daily updates, the budget book, sales tax distribution tables, and the base budget dashboard. He explained that these resources help track revenue performance, legislative budget actions, and the buildup of agency base budgets over time. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after announcing a follow-up RS hearing on tax conformity for the next morning.