Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:35:32.960><c> Oh,</c><00:35:33.119><c> you</c> Senator W for third general.
• Oh, you Senator W for third general.
• The House removed the general funds only.
• The House removed the general<00:56:59.119><c> funds</c><00:56:59.440><c> only.
• </c> general funds only. general funds only.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> tuition uh, paid for uh, by the generous tuition uh, paid for uh, by the generous taxpayers<00:18
• The carryforward is kind of like a general amount.
• The carryforward is kind of like a general amount.
• The carryforward is kind of like a general amount.
• </c> general amount. general amount. Thank<00:43:03.599><c> you,</c><00:43:03.760><c> Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• election changes between for the general election changes between um<00:24:42.600><c> when</c><00:24
• election locations um because I general election locations um because I know<00:26:33.440><c> here</
• </c> we've posted information for the general we've posted information for the general election<00:26
• People know if you're posting it ahead of time that this is a primary election or a general election,
• Etc because the dates primary General Etc because the dates would<00:29:24.880><c> be</c><00:29:25.760

Bills: HF1345 , HF71 , HF993 , HF1943

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: HF1345, statutory city, public utility commission, municipal utilities, city council, local government, utility governance, commission membership, staggered terms, vacancy appointment, ordinance, Minnesota Statutes 412.341, municipal ordinance, city commission, public utilities, HF71, Minnesota, public safety, peace officers, correctional officers

Transcript Highlights:

• Petroleum is used so much throughout society, and the General Court saw that there was a problem with
• Petroleum is used so much throughout society, and the General Court saw that there was a problem with
• </c><01:52:57.920><c> like</c> out so it'll just it'll be General like out so it'll just it'll be General
• I mean, you're not committing, but okay, so there's general interest. All right, thank you.
• I mean, you're not committing, but okay, so there's general interest. All right, thank you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on HB 660, which would require historic horse racing facilities to provide 10% of HHR winnings to host municipalities as mitigation. Representative Om said the bill was intended to offset local costs associated with large gaming facilities, noting that prior gaming measures included opt-in provisions and that this proposal would leave charities and the state whole while taking the 10% from the operator’s share. Members questioned why 10% was chosen and whether municipalities were currently experiencing added costs; Om said the amount was meant to address projected future impacts, not broader municipal budget issues, and cited a study on casino-related community costs. Opponents from the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association argued the bill unfairly singled out one industry and said gaming facilities do not impose more municipal burden than other entertainment venues. The hearing closed without a vote, and a member clarified the bill would apply to existing and future casinos/facilities. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 658-FN, which raises the cap on reimbursements from the Oil Discharge and Disposal Cleanup Fund and makes related changes to the Oil Pollution Control Fund. Representative Malloy introduced the bill, and Representative Aly described the funds as an insurance backstop for oil spill cleanup and low-income tank replacement, saying the program helps prevent environmental hazards and satisfies financial responsibility requirements. Bob Scully of the Energy Marketers Association supported the bill but noted that fee changes are ultimately passed on to consumers. Department of Environmental Services officials Robert Bishop and Jennifer Marts explained that the bill would change reporting deadlines, raise the reimbursement cap for low-income homeowners, extend the fee collection period for 10 years, and adjust petroleum import fees based on an actuarial review. They said the funds cover spill response, prevention, and tank replacement, and that the fee structure was designed to keep the funds solvent while balancing costs across fuel categories. Committee members asked about the actuarial basis for the fee changes, why some fees would rise while others would fall, and how the funds are used. DES said the review used 10 years of claims and exposure data and that the fuel oil fee would otherwise need to rise sharply, so the board proposed a smaller increase and rebalanced other fees. Members also asked about the scope of covered oil imports, and DES explained that the fee applies to oil destined for use in New Hampshire, not merely passing through the state. The discussion also covered home heating oil spills, which DES said are often discovered by homeowners or fire departments and are usually caused by tank corrosion, piping, or overfills. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that the policy committee had already approved the bill before the finance-focused review.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would generate close to a million dollars in savings for the legions, $900,000 according to the revenue
• It would generate close to a million dollars in savings for the legions, $900,000 according to the revenue
• It would generate close to a million dollars in savings for the legions, $900,000 according to the revenue
• I describe myself as a second-generation Minnesotan.
• I describe myself as a second-generation Minnesotan.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the Senate proceed to the order of general orders. Without objection, it is so ordered.
• President, I move the Senate resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the General
• To proceed to the order of general orders. Without objection, Senator Lowers will preside.
• Chair, that completes the specified items under General Orders. Mr.
• Chair, that completes the specified items under General Orders.

Summary: The Senate met with 29 members present and a quorum, opened with invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved several temporary and full excusals for absent senators. During introduction and referral, the chamber received a large number of new Senate bills and House bills, covering election law, public health, occupational and skilled trades regulation, school code and school aid issues, child protection, cemetery and funeral regulation, insurance, estates, food law, political activity, credit unions, social welfare, transportation, natural resources, and a veterans hyperbaric oxygen therapy grant/fund proposal. All of these measures were read and referred to the appropriate committees; no substantive debate occurred at this stage. The Senate then moved into the Committee of the Whole and considered Senate Bills 480, 517, and 278. SB 480, dealing with child care organization licensing and regulation, received and adopted a committee substitute and advanced. SB 517, a Revised School Code bill, received and adopted a floor substitute and advanced. SB 278, amending the State Housing Development Authority Act, was reported without amendment and advanced. The Committee of the Whole reported SBs 480 and 517 with amendments and SB 278 without amendment, and the Senate concurred in those recommendations. On third reading, the Senate took up Senate Bill 49, amending the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Senate Bill 50, amending the Code of Criminal Procedure. Senator Albert offered an amendment to SB 49 to require citations within six months of a violation, arguing it would align with federal standards and provide certainty; the amendment failed. Both SB 49 and SB 50 then passed by votes of 20-15, with three senators excused. The Senate also suspended the rules to immediately consider Senate Resolution 134, which recognized June 23-29, 2026 as Grassroots Week; Senator Kavanaugh spoke in support, citing civil rights history and modern grassroots organizing, and the resolution was adopted. The chamber then proceeded to statements and adjourned until Wednesday, June 24 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• With a general manager that inspires confidence, we have seen slow zones decrease and ridership increase
• However, in order to better control costs going forward, we have tasked the Inspector General to investigate
• However, in order to better control costs going forward in the future, we have tasked the Inspector General
• Chapter 71 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 official edition, is hereby amended by inserting
• Amendment No. 81 be further amended by inserting at the end thereof the following: Notwithstanding any general

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two ceremonial resolutions: one commemorating the dedication of the Woburn Battle Road Memorial as part of the Massachusetts 250th celebration, and another recognizing May 1-7 as Elks National Youth Week. The chamber then took up House Bill 4005, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill using FY24 Fair Share surtax surplus funds, and ordered it to a third reading before later considering it for passage to be engrossed. During debate on the bill, the House heard a lengthy presentation in support of the proposal, which would direct about $828 million to transportation and $353 million to education. The transportation spending was described as primarily supporting the MBTA, including workforce and safety funding, reserve replenishment, station and infrastructure improvements, reduced fares, and reimbursement for tunnel closure costs, along with smaller amounts for regional transit authorities and unpaved roads. The education side included additional special education circuit breaker funding, vocational school capital, early education workforce supports, early literacy, universal school meals, higher education endowment matches, Green School Works, and ESOL waitlist reduction, with the Inspector General directed to review circuit breaker cost controls. Members then debated several amendments. One amendment related to a school athletics policy was modified by a further amendment calling for DESE analysis before implementation; both the further amendment and the underlying amendment as amended were adopted. A transportation amendment to shift $50 million from MBTA funding to Chapter 90 municipal roads was supported by members emphasizing rural road needs but was rejected on a roll call, 25-120. Another transportation amendment adding at least $300,000 for Route 93 mitigation costs in Medford was adopted, 133-20. The bill itself then passed to be engrossed on a roll call, 140-14. The House also observed moments of silence for former First Lady Kitty Dukakis and for victims of the Santo Domingo nightclub collapse, and later adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning in memory of former Representative Philip W. Johnston.

Transcript Highlights:

• The General Assembly enacted a...
• The General Assembly enacted a generally speaking a sales tax on a new car because of the price point
• How much does that generate each year? Do you know?
• How much does that generate each year? Do you know?

Summary: The committee met to approve special expenses and then considered two interim study proposals. ISP 2025-069, by Representative Perry and presented by Representative Eaton, would move vehicle sales tax collection from the current registration-based process to the point of sale. Members asked about the current 60-day registration period, the fiscal and administrative impact on DFA, the burden on dealerships, verification and audit issues, and whether the change could affect tax collection or vehicle pricing. DFA said it was neutral on the proposal, noted programming and process changes would be needed, and said the total tax collected would not change, though timing would. The committee approved the ISP and sent it on for research. The committee then took up ISP 2025-071, based on House Bill 1636 from the 2025 session, which would phase out the state soda excise tax over five years if Medicaid trust fund revenue triggers are met. Representative Ray said the bill was intended to continue discussion after the underlying bill failed on the House floor. Members asked about the tax’s annual revenue, its dedication to the Medicaid Trust Fund, and whether the revenue would be replaced. Ray estimated the tax brings in roughly $40 million to $50 million annually and said the proposal did not replace that revenue. DFA was asked to explain how withdrawals from the trust fund are authorized and whether the legislature has oversight, and said it would provide that information later. The committee then adopted the interim study proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today with great pride as a fourth-generation Portuguese American to present ACR 185, recognizing
• It is a privilege to help recognize the generations of Portuguese Californians whose hard work and sacrifice
• Institute at Fresno State for their work preserving Portuguese language and culture for future generations
• the president of the California Portuguese American Coalition, and Felipe Ramalheida, the Consul General
• opportunity for working families reflected the same spirit of service and determination that has defined generations

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and then moved through guest introductions and floor items. Members welcomed students from Futures High School’s Hydrogen Car Grand Prix team, family members and visitors from their districts, and former legislator George Runner. The chamber also took up several ceremonial resolutions recognizing Portuguese Heritage Month, Italian American Heritage Month, congenital cytomegalovirus awareness month, and World No Tobacco Day. ACR 185 by Assembly Member Macedo was adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added, honoring Portuguese Heritage Month and the contributions of Portuguese Californians. ACR 197 by Assembly Member Stephanie was also adopted after 54 co-authors were added, recognizing Italian American Heritage Month and Italian American contributions to California. ACR 205 by Assembly Member Lackey was adopted after 55 co-authors were added, designating June as CMV Awareness Month, and SCR 177 by Assembly Member Connolly was adopted after 49 co-authors were added, proclaiming May 31, 2026, as World No Tobacco Day and reaffirming California’s anti-tobacco efforts. The session also included adjournments in memory for John Wesley Finney, Jr., a longtime educator and public servant, and Deputy Levi Vargas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Assembly observed a moment of silence for Finney. The body then announced upcoming committee and floor schedules and adjourned until Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some general comments.
• Just general data and information around public school funding, including capital outlay appropriations
• So, just a general request, thank you.
• But it's also, I think, is a real testament to the LESC in general.
• schools, because they cannot impose taxes cannot levy their own, cannot levy taxes, and so they cannot generate

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of these facilities would be sited alongside a zero-emission or carbon-free power generation site
• A lot of these facilities would be sited alongside a zero-emission or carbon-free power generation site
• Next: Bill number 6882, sponsored by Senator Harcum, an act to amend the General Municipal Law in relation
• this bill, it says no local government shall under any zoning ordinance, zoning law, or ordinance of general
• "If it's within a zoning ordinance, zoning law, or an ordinance of general applicability, then yes.

Committee: Senate Energy And Telecommunications

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee met under Chair Kevin Parker and considered a series of energy, utility, and clean transportation bills. The committee first advanced a bill by Senator Connery on make-ready electric infrastructure for public-serving EV charging, after members raised concerns that the costs of preparing school bus charging infrastructure could be shifted to ratepayers. The committee then advanced Senator Parker’s pilot program for resilient EV charging microgrids, with discussion focused on using existing NYSERDA resources, the role of batteries, and the bill’s purpose in supporting emergency charging during outages. Another bill on heavy distribution centers and EV charging was also advanced after debate over its application to large warehouse and e-commerce facilities. The committee also considered a bill on carport-mounted solar systems that would limit local zoning restrictions. A motion to substitute in a different bill was ruled improper for lack of notice, and the chair’s ruling was upheld on appeal. Members then advanced a PSC guidebook bill on gas and electric rate-making, and a utility shutoff protection bill for medical emergencies, life support equipment, and elderly, blind, or disabled customers, with questions about age definitions and the scope of medical documentation. The committee also advanced the Home Utility Weatherization Jobs Act, which would create a pilot program for electrification and weatherization in disadvantaged communities, with members discussing whether the program would be available at no cost to building owners and how utilities would access capital. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly raised concerns about who would pay for the programs, whether ratepayers or taxpayers would bear the costs, and how much local control would remain under the solar siting bill. At the end of the meeting, members briefly discussed a recent NYISO report warning about possible summer reliability issues and urged the committee and the PSC to review it closely. The chair noted the report should be considered alongside other state planning documents, and the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14th, 2026, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the physical session of the 95th General
• It's federal funding, no general revenue.
• This is federal funding and does not have any general revenue.
• It's not going to draw on general revenue.
• No general revenue. We're happy to take any questions.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The chamber recognized several guests, including state troopers, a nurse of the day, students, a cheer team, and a representative-elect. The Governor’s office also reported approval of House Bill 1002, Act 1. The House then moved into the red and yellow calendars to consider a series of appropriation bills and amendments. House Bill 1003, the Arkansas House Representative Staff appropriation for fiscal years 2026-2027, passed unanimously with its emergency clause. On the budget calendar, the House adopted amendments to several appropriation bills, including funding changes for the Labor and Licensing Board, the University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain, the State Treasurer, the Department of Finance and Administration, the Department of Education, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Fort Chaffee-related appropriations. Members also batched and passed a large group of appropriation bills by a 94-1 vote, while some bills were pulled out for separate consideration. Several separate bills were then considered. House Bill 1014, for the Department of Health and Human Services’ DIPSQA appropriation, failed on a 74-9 vote with 12 present. House Bill 1021 (Arkansas State University–Mid-South), 1027 (Health Services permit agency), 1049 (Treasurer’s office appropriation for animal rescue shelters), 1056 (Martin Luther King Jr. Commission), 1061 (Department of Labor and Licensing), 1074 (Oil and Gas Commission), 1075 (Division of Agriculture and Arkansas Bioscience Institute), and 1079 (Department of Corrections contraband cell phone prevention program) all passed, while House Bills 1060 (Arkansas State Library) and 1062 (Medicaid Tobacco Settlement Program) failed. The House also adopted House Resolutions 1004 and 1005, which were described as necessary to introduce a non-appropriation bill. At the end of the meeting, the House adopted a motion to adjourn until 11 a.m. the next day. Announcements were made for House Rules, Special Language, and Joint Budget committee meetings scheduled for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• April 14, 2026, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the fiscal session of the 95th General
• It's federal funding, no general revenue.
• This is federal funding; it doesn't have any general revenue. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
• It's not going to draw on general revenue.
• No general revenue. We're happy to take any questions. Seeing none, I appreciate a good vote.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, granted several leaves, and received a gubernatorial communication noting approval of House Bill 1002 (Act 1). The chamber also recognized guests, including state troopers, a nurse of the day, students, a cheer team, Entergy representatives, and a representative-elect, before moving to the calendar. Members passed House Bill 1003, the Arkansas House Representative Staff appropriation, by 94-0 with the emergency clause. On the budget calendar, the House considered a series of appropriation amendments and bills affecting agencies and institutions including the Labor and Licensing Board, University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain, the State Treasurer, DFA, county turnbacks, career technical education, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and the Fort Chaffee appropriation. Several amendments were adopted by voice vote, and the House then batched and passed multiple appropriation bills, while some were pulled out for separate votes. In separate roll-call votes, House Bills 1021, 1027, 1029, 1049, 1056, 1061, 1074, 1075, and 1079 passed, while House Bills 1014, 1060, and 1062 failed. The chamber also adopted House Resolutions 1004 and 1005, which were described as necessary to introduce a non-appropriation bill. The meeting ended with adjournment set for 11:00 a.m. the next day, and committee announcements noted upcoming House Rules, Special Language, and Joint Budget meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• flood and then they get paid for that money, or paid for that claim, does that money go back to the general
• flood and then they get paid for that money, or paid for that claim, does that money go back to the general
• The only time, to my knowledge, that the funds might flow back to the general fund is if that was the
• original source of the funding. ...that the funds might flow back to the general fund is if that was
• surplus, the money from a claim goes back to the agency. ...that the funds might flow back to the general

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The House State Affairs Committee approved the minutes from March 13, 2026, then heard and advanced several bills with due pass recommendations. House Bill 873, an elections cleanup bill, would standardize filing and canvassing timelines, align soil and water conservation district supervisor elections with other local offices on odd-numbered years, restore the 45-day mail-ballot timeline for remote precincts, and clarify canvassing deadlines. It passed without opposition after a brief question period and no testimony. The committee then considered House Bill 889, a major procurement reform bill. Representative Raibald described changes including new definitions, clearer bid and scoring procedures, use of subject matter experts, multiple-award contracts, prior-performance standards, confidentiality rules for technical information, vendor debarment, a one-year cooling-off period for certain officials and employees, protest bonds, and disclosure of procurement-related expenditures over $50. Members asked about the scope of the cooling-off period and whether the bill covered ITD contracts; Raibald said ITD procurement is outside the act, while health and welfare contracts are included. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bills 890 and 900, also by Raibald, addressed state property disposal and insurance claims. HB 890 repeals a vague surplus-property disposal section and returns the process to existing code with clearer deadlines and transparency, prompted by concerns over the ITD State Street building disposal. HB 900 creates a clearer process for claims of $100,000 or more on state property, including a confidential report, legislative review, possible separate appraisals, Board of Examiners resolution if needed, and public meetings if a claim leads to a change in operations or sale of property. Members asked how insurance proceeds would be used, and Raibald said they would generally return to the affected agency or dedicated fund to repair the property unless the property had been declared surplus. Both bills passed with due pass recommendations. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1321, presented by Representative Heather Scott, which builds on prior transparency legislation requiring agencies to report agreements, MOUs, and contracts to the state controller. The bill sets a process for noncompliance: written notice, a 30-day correction period with a possible 60-day extension, and then inclusion in the controller’s annual report to the legislature, which could inform budget holdbacks. The committee approved the bill with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• program's efficiency to target the areas of need that we're seeing or outside of the program just generally
• again, the average age being 40, it is actually altering the definition, and some in the younger generations
• :43.919><c> younger</c> definition. and some in the younger definition. and some in the younger generations
• 44.880><c> giving</c><00:06:45.199><c> up</c><00:06:45.680><c> and</c><00:06:45.919><c> they're</c> generations
• are giving up and they're generations are giving up and they're saying<00:06:46.319><c> they're</c><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Price from Geneva, sixth-generation rancher. I'm Chelsea Romano.
• We have an issue not just in the potato industry, but in agriculture in general: the next generation
• groups like this, try to support as much as we can, wanting to keep farms intact, make them multi-generational
• You hear, you know, this generation doesn’t know how to work.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee met with a quorum and approved the February 5, 2026 minutes. The meeting was devoted to presentations and introductions rather than legislation. The committee welcomed Leadership Idaho Agriculture Class 46, introduced by Rick Waitley, and members briefly identified themselves and their agricultural and related professions. The committee also recognized and thanked page Charlie Butler for his service, and Butler shared his experience working with the committee and his plans to return to school, serve a two-year LDS mission, and later pursue college and chiropractic school. The Idaho Potato Commission then presented on its mission to promote and protect the “Grown in Idaho” seal, its financial status, and current industry conditions. Speakers said the commission remains financially healthy, but the potato industry faces low prices for non-contracted product, high input costs, increased competition in processed potatoes from India and China, labor and succession challenges, disease pressures, water concerns, and urban encroachment on farmland. They also discussed marketing and policy issues, including the potato’s place in dietary guidance, an agreement with the American Diabetes Association recognizing Idaho potatoes as a healthy carbohydrate source, and the effects of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on food consumption. Committee members asked about potato classification, farm succession, the fresh-versus-processed market split, imports, freight costs, and strategies to increase consumption, and commissioners said their outreach focuses on younger consumers and health messaging. The commission also highlighted its national advertising, including a new commercial and the launch of the 14th Big Idaho Potato Truck tour at Micron, emphasizing the connection between Idaho agriculture and technology. Finally, the Idaho Grain Producers Association briefly introduced its executive director, Amaya Yerlanda, who noted that the board was in Boise for legislative meetings. No bills were heard or voted on, and the committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Price from Geneva, six-generation rancher. I'm Chelsea Romano.
• We have an issue not just in the potato industry, but in agriculture in general: the next generation
• like this, we try to support as much as we can, wanting to keep farms intact, make them multi-generational
• You hear, you know, this generation doesn't know how to work.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And while there's some projected general fund revenue increases to the tune of about $1.8 billion for
• it's a result of the largest tax increases in state history, and you can see that in the B&O tax generation
• Attorney General's office to not only investigate but punish and expand the role of the Attorney General
• , because generally the Attorney General doesn't have the authority to prosecute.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: At this Republican media availability, Senate and House GOP leaders focused on affordability, taxes, and government accountability as the session approached cutoff. Senate Republican Leader John Braun criticized the Senate’s income tax bill and a range of other tax proposals, arguing they would raise costs for food, health care, prescription drugs, data centers, startups, grocery bags, and employers of Apple Health/Medicaid users. House Republican leaders Peter Abbarno and April Connors echoed those concerns, saying the latest revenue forecast did not justify new taxes and that Democrats were relying on tax increases rather than relief for families and small businesses. A major topic was the income tax bill that had passed the Senate and was headed to the House. Republicans said they opposed it on constitutional and policy grounds, argued it would eventually expand beyond high earners, and said the bill should be amended to remove the necessity clause so it could be referred to voters. They also said any meaningful tax reform should include broader relief such as property or sales tax reductions, not just narrow carveouts. Braun also said he hoped Governor Inslee would reconsider support for the measure, while House Republicans said they would try to stop it from advancing. The lawmakers also discussed child welfare and public safety bills, especially efforts to force votes on legislation related to DCYF and child deaths. They criticized House Democrats for not hearing or advancing several Republican-backed bills and said process objections were being used to avoid accountability. Braun noted that a bipartisan bill to add fentanyl to the endangerment statute, HB 5071, remained alive in the House. Other bills mentioned as priorities to oppose included an environmental crimes bill, a juvenile release bill, a real estate excise tax measure, and a bottle bill, all of which Republicans said would increase costs or expand state authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• And while there's some projected general fund revenue increases to the tune of about $1.8 billion for
• it's a result of the largest tax increases in state history, and you can see that in the B&O tax generation
• Attorney General's office to not only investigate but punish and expand the role of the Attorney General
• , because generally the Attorney General doesn't have the authority to prosecute.

Summary: Washington Senate and House Republican leaders held a media availability focused on affordability, taxes, and government accountability as cutoff day approached. Senator John Braun and Representatives Peter Abbarno and April Connors criticized the Senate-passed income tax bill, arguing it is unconstitutional, would eventually expand beyond high earners, and should be stopped in the House. They also warned about a range of other tax proposals they said would raise costs for groceries, prescription drugs, data centers, startups, and businesses that employ people on Apple Health or Medicaid. The lawmakers also highlighted concerns about energy policy, saying past decisions have driven up utility costs and forced more spending on low-income energy assistance. Abbarno criticized a bill affecting L&I funds and said money was diverted to CCA instead of education or health care. They also objected to several agency-expansion and enforcement bills, including an environmental crimes bill and an Attorney General investigations bill, saying they would centralize power in Olympia and discourage investment. A major portion of the discussion centered on child welfare and DCYF accountability. Republicans said House Democrats blocked motions to bring child welfare bills to the floor, including measures tied to the Keeping Families Together Act and a bill to clarify “imminent harm,” and argued the Legislature should focus on child safety rather than process objections. In closing, Braun noted that a bipartisan fentanyl/endangerment bill, HB 5071, remains alive in the House, while Republicans said they would continue trying to stop tax increases and other bills they view as harmful before the cutoff deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• think the definition is a point source is what we're looking at here versus the water contaminant in general
• Yeah, so generally, in most circumstances, manure application from a CAFO is always going to be covered
• And when it is sold, it does generally separate itself from the permit and becomes basically a product
• I am General Counsel for the Missouri Agribusiness Association.
• I am General Counsel for the Missouri Agribusiness Association.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Summary: The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where House Bill 2686 was voted do pass on a 10-0 roll call. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 3076, sponsored by Representative Doyle Justice, which would remove the words “water contaminant” from a Clean Water Law provision. Justice and supporters said the change is intended to clarify that routine agricultural practices and non-point sources, such as runoff, sediment, manure, fertilizer, grazing, and field drainage, are not subject to DNR permitting, while point sources like wastewater plants and CAFOs would still remain regulated. Committee members focused heavily on the distinction between point sources and non-point sources and on whether the bill would exempt harmful pollution. Justice and witnesses explained that the bill would not remove DNR authority over point sources or egregious conduct, but would prevent permits for diffuse, routine runoff that cannot realistically be permitted event-by-event. Several members used examples like deer, dogs, cattle, and rain runoff to probe the issue, and witnesses repeatedly said the bill is meant to eliminate uncertainty and avoid absurd permitting requirements. Support came from the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Dairy, and Missouri Wine and Grape Board/Missouri Grape Growers Association. They argued the bill aligns state law with existing federal and state practice, preserves voluntary soil and water conservation programs, and provides regulatory certainty. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing on HB 3076 concluded with no further business before the committee.