Transcript Highlights:

• like I mentioned yesterday, we would like to move the Lieutenant Governor's Office to the state pay plan
• So, during the pay plan, did we not give you all a million dollars to meet that?
• No, sir, you wasn't increased during the pay plan. Mm-mm. I'm sorry, I missed you for money.
• I can't speak, Senator, to whether or not they received money at this point within the pay plan.
• you look at the other one, if you went up to the max, it was pretty substantial, which is not the plan

Committee: All JBC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request. Office representatives said they wanted to move the office to the state pay plan to better align salaries with other constitutional offices and remain competitive, noting that OPM had approved the positions and grades. Senators questioned the size of the requested increases and the office’s workload, and after discussion the motion to adopt the proposal failed on an 8-8 tie. The committee then voted to expunge that vote and returned to the regular agenda. The committee approved a series of Governor’s letters involving position transfers and appropriation adjustments across several agencies. These included changes for AETN, the Department of Health and Nursing Board/Dietetics Board, multiple DHS divisions, DFA shared services and budget management, and the Department of Public Safety shared services division. Most of these items involved moving positions and associated salary appropriations between divisions, with no major opposition and motions passing. A lengthy discussion followed on the transfer of child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture. Education and DFA officials explained that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the funding and commodities are tied to USDA programs, and they clarified that both state and federal funding and all related positions would move. Senators raised concerns about the math in the letters, the split between state and federal funding, and whether all program resources were being transferred. After the explanation, the committee approved the Education side of the transfer and then approved the Agriculture companion letter. The committee also discussed the Educational Freedom Account program budget. Officials said the $309 million request matched current participation and included a $70 million reserve in case applications increase. Several senators expressed concern about the program’s growth and its effect on public education funding and adequacy, while others noted that the program’s rules and funding levels could be adjusted through the State Board and future legislative action. The committee then approved a Public Safety classification change and a member amendment changing a title at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor, with no change in positions or appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• like I mentioned yesterday, we would like to move the Lieutenant Governor's Office to the state pay plan
• So during the pay plan, did we not give you all a million dollars to meet that?
• No, sir, you wasn't increased during the pay plan. Mm-mm. I'm sorry, I missed you for money.
• I can't speak, Senator, to whether or not they received money at this point within the pay plan.
• agencies, so whether or not they receive some money at that time I don't know, but I know the pay plan

Committee: All JBC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request to move that office onto the state pay plan and increase salaries for its positions. Office representatives said the request was intended to make pay competitive with other constitutional offices and state agencies, that OPM had approved the grades, and that the office did not plan to max out any positions. Members questioned the size of the increase and the office’s workload. A motion to adopt the proposal failed on a tie vote, and the committee then voted to expunge the vote before moving on. The committee then approved a series of Governor’s letters and related personnel transfers, including cuts for Arkansas Educational Television Network, transfers within the Department of Health and several DHS divisions, and a DFA shared services reorganization. The committee also approved moving child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture, with department officials explaining that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the grants come from USDA and the transfer would include the positions and funding tied to the programs. Members raised questions about how the appropriations and positions were split between state and federal funding, and about the broader implications of the transfer, but the committee ultimately approved both the Education and Agriculture sides of the move. The meeting also included extended discussion of the Educational Freedom Account program. Members questioned the $309 million appropriation, whether it matched current participation, and whether future demand could require additional funding. Department officials said the amount covered current participation and that the governor had set aside an additional $70 million in case applications increased, but that any amount beyond the appropriation would require returning to the committee. Some members argued the program’s growth could threaten funding for public schools and adequacy, while others noted that the program is governed by rules under the LEARNS Act. The committee also approved a technical title change at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me to testify in support of the bill today is Angela Pontes on behalf of the bill sponsors, Planned
• Angela Pontes, on behalf of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, representing the seven Planned
• Planned Parenthood health centers are proud to be among the providers in the uncompensated care grant
• And let's remember this is money being requested by Planned Parenthood.
• And let's remember, this is money being requested by Planned Parenthood.

Summary: The Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard presentations on several bills, beginning without a quorum and later taking up the measures once a quorum was established. AB 2531 by Assemblymember Irwin would expand California’s uncompensated care grant program so veterans whose federal health coverage does not include abortion services can access abortion care, and would require CalVet to link to abortion.ca.gov. Supporters, including Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Equality California, and Reproductive Freedom for All California, said the bill responds to federal restrictions on VA abortion care; opposition from the California Family Council argued it used taxpayer dollars to promote abortion and raised concerns about incomplete information and fraud. Committee members also questioned the bill’s use of “self-identify” for veteran status and the funding structure, with the author indicating openness to looking at proof-of-veteran options. AB 2054 by Assemblymember Gibson would update California’s paid family leave rules so relatives of military service members can qualify when those members are activated for state emergencies, disaster response, or other domestic duties, not just overseas deployment. The Department of Defense sponsored the bill, and Navy Region Southwest testified in support, saying it would improve stability for military families and reflect modern service demands. Members praised the bill and noted recent National Guard deployments for fires as an example of the gap it addresses. AB 2219, the Faster Service for Veterans Act, by Chair Schiavo, would require county veterans service officer vacancies to be filled within 12 months, set accreditation timelines, expand training and public awareness, create a statewide work queue, improve data collection, and require periodic reporting and a unified satisfaction survey. The California Association of County Veterans Service Officers supported the bill, saying it would improve timeliness, accountability, and resource planning. After discussion, the committee voted to pass all of the bills and move them to the next committees: the consent calendar bills AB 1702, AB 1765, AB 2203, and AB 2467 were approved 8-0; AB 2054 passed 8-0 and was re-referred to Insurance; AB 2219 passed 8-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations; and AB 2531 passed 6-2 and was re-referred to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, the bill also specifies that gross premiums received by an assigned risk plan are exempt from
• An assigned risk plan is a type of insurance available to individuals who cannot purchase a standard
• David Foster here testifying on behalf of the Association of Washington Health Care Plans, and we are
• America's Health Insurance Plans is in opposition to House Bill 2487.
• Remaining amounts are distributed 52% to the state basic health plan trust account, 11% for prevention

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held its last scheduled public hearing of the year on March 9, 2026, taking testimony on House Bill 2487, Substitute House Bill 2689, and Engrossed House Bill 2681. For HB 2487, staff and the Department of Revenue explained that the bill would narrow a B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses after a 2024 Supreme Court decision, make several related changes including annuity and assigned risk plan exemptions, adjust the advanced computing surcharge threshold for certain affiliated groups, and allow a penalties-and-interest waiver with a repayment plan. DOR supported the bill as clarifying the original intent and preventing double taxation, while insurers and health plan groups opposed it, arguing it would create higher costs, retroactive tax liability, and uncertainty; consumer and policy groups testified in support, saying it closes a loophole and restores the intended tax structure. Committee members questioned the retroactivity, the number of affected businesses, and the fiscal estimates, and the chair reminded members that amendment requests were due by noon for the next day’s executive session. For Substitute HB 2689, staff described changes to the Working Connections Child Care program that would keep income eligibility at 60% of state median income, reduce future rate-setting from the 85th to the 75th percentile, block enhanced rates for certain cross-region providers, cancel the planned move to enrollment-based prospective payments, revise attendance-based reimbursement to a full month for absences of 10 days or fewer and half-month for longer absences, and require a 65% market survey response rate for validity. The fiscal note projected substantial savings, offset by implementation and staffing costs. SEIU 925 and Head Start representatives supported the simpler House approach to attendance billing but raised concerns about the new survey threshold and the risk of increased audits and provider burden; they also noted an amendment under discussion to address the 2026 survey issue. Committee questions focused on how a full month is defined under the attendance rules. For HB 2681, staff said the bill would raise annual issuance and renewal fees for cannabis producer, processor, and retail licenses by $400, generating about $866,000 per year for the dedicated cannabis account with minimal administrative cost. No one signed up to testify, and the chair closed the hearing without a vote on any of the bills. The chair also thanked committee staff for their work and reiterated that amendments for the heard bills were due by noon that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• in order to implement and periodically update the Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Action Plan
• requirements for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement and update the action plan
• be, and what I really wanted was for these landowners to be consulted when the connectivity action plan
• be and what I really wanted was for these landowners to be consulted when the connectivity action plan
• One, it asks WSDOT and WDFW to develop a strategy to update and implement an action plan in consultation

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 25 for executive action on three bills. House Bill 2306, a supplemental transportation appropriations bill for the 2025-27 biennium, was amended and advanced. The committee adopted a technical corrections amendment, a Fey amendment shifting King County Metro electrification funding from the South Annex Base project to the Central Campus Electrification Project, and rejected an Entenman amendment that would have moved $11 million for the 220 Corridor completion project from the 2027-29 biennium into the current biennium. Members discussed ferry vessel planning, maintenance and preservation, State Patrol staffing, and Climate Commitment Act investments before approving the bill 28-0 with one excused. House Bill 2711, dealing with transportation resources and tax changes, was also amended and passed. The committee adopted a technical amendment, rejected an Orcutt amendment that would have restored trade-in deductions for the luxury vehicle and recreational vessel taxes, adopted a Paul amendment temporarily exempting motorhomes from the luxury vehicle tax in late 2026, and adopted a Fey amendment directing interest earned on two transportation accounts to remain in those accounts. The bill’s substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, change treatment of the luxury vehicle and vessel taxes, delay tow truck reimbursement provisions, and create a Preserve Washington Account. The committee approved the bill 27-1, with Representative Orcutt voting no without recommendation. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203, which would direct WSDOT and Fish and Wildlife to develop an integrated wildlife habitat connectivity strategy and create wildlife corridor and crossings accounts, was amended and passed. The committee adopted Hall’s amendment requiring consultation with landowners, agricultural producers, and community members before construction of wildlife crossings. Supporters said the bill would improve road safety and conservation and help position the state for federal and private funding, while opponents argued it could create expectations for new crossings without identified resources. The bill advanced 16-12, with several members voting no or no without recommendation. The chair then outlined upcoming committee meetings, possible floor deadlines for the budget bills, and noted there would be no caucuses that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• earmarked for the region to support transit operations as they analyze their long-term operational plans
• earmarked for the region to support transit operations as they analyze their long-term operational plans
• Act there was a control section that required Finance to work with the entities to come up with a plan
• Our structure creates a regional plan that is cost-neutral to the state, so this is using dollars that
• here that will receive the loan from MTC is unable to make payments from accounts that they are planning

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on two early-action budget bills. AB 107 would make mostly technical corrections to prior budget acts, including extending deadlines, fixing fiscal language, moving $20 million for California travel and tourism promotion from Visit California to GoBiz, and making changes related to Proposition 4 climate bond funding. A key provision would exempt development of program guidelines and selection criteria for certain 2025 climate bond appropriations from the Administrative Procedure Act, which supporters said would speed implementation of wildfire prevention and other projects. Members raised concerns about oversight, competitive bidding, and whether vendors and safeguards were sufficient, while public commenters from water, climate, and conservation groups strongly supported the APA exemption and urged similar treatment for future allocations. AB 117 would authorize up to $590 million in short-term loans for four Bay Area transit agencies: BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit. Finance explained that the loan would be administered through MTC using Bay Area TIRCP funds that have been awarded but not yet allocated, making the structure cost-neutral to the state. The loan would run 12 years, with the first two years interest-only, and repayment would be secured through state transit assistance funds if needed. Several members questioned whether the proposal amounted to a bailout, whether it was fair to prioritize the Bay Area, and whether the structure adequately protected other projects, especially BART to Silicon Valley Phase 2; Finance and committee staff said safeguards and monitoring provisions were included and that no state funds were at risk. Public testimony was largely supportive of both bills. Transit agencies and local officials said the loan would provide bridge financing as ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, while allowing service improvements and major events to continue. San Jose representatives and some members asked for possible cleanup language to better protect large regional capital projects. The chair said the committee anticipated hearing the bills on the floor later in the week, and the hearing was adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• earmarked for the region to support transit operations as they analyze their long-term operational plans
• Act, there was a control section that required Finance to work with the entities to come up with a plan
• Our structure... ...with the entities to come up with a plan.
• Our structure creates a regional plan that is cost neutral to the state, so this is using dollars that
• here that will receive the loan from MTC is unable to make payments from accounts that they are planning

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funded health care agency shall enter into a cooperative consolidated purchasing effort to provide plans
• The request for a scratch-off proposal to proposals shall set forth one or more plans of health care
• the way I understand it, it would open up the door for other companies to come in and give better plans
• Career, which has been running hospitals, health systems, health plans, and so forth.
• I will say there are plans—I mean Presbyterian and maybe Molina.

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, did they have a feasibility plan?
• Do they have a plan to build all these major things for $100 million? Oh, they...
• I don't think they do have some plans.
• And so you're trying to plan if something happens.
• I think the plan that has been worked out locally I think the plan that has been worked out locally with

Bills: SB190 , HB247 , HB8

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, capital outlay, capital projects, appropriations, reversion, encumbrance, reauthorization, reappropriation, general fund, capital development and reserve fund, tribal infrastructure project fund, Department of Finance and Administration, DFA, state board of finance, severance tax bonds, tax-exempt bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• Number two is our fleet modernization plan. When we Look at what we've done every year.
• So when we look at it, what I would like to do is implement a plan where we're turning over our fleet
• DPS, my understanding, does have a plan.
• But for now, this is our request to be able to have a rolling plan for our vehicles across the state.
• We are still in the planning phases, so any input is available.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of aeronautics supports over 60 community airports across the state and helps them with aviation planning
• We actively manage the construction program for our highway system with the planning, the design, the
• We actively manage the construction program for our highway system with the planning, the design, the
• ITD is initiating increased planning efforts because of the growing community.
• It's not something that we can do in isolation as it comes to long-term planning.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It means discipline and not excess, planning, not wishful spending, and respect for every dollar Missouri
• to working with the General Assembly next session to carry out the will of the people and put this plan
• Our plan pairs tax relief with closing loopholes.
• Our plan does include safeguards to ensure fiscal responsibility and protect against economic downturns
• This plan is about This plan is about aligning our tax code with today's economy, and not yesterday's

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Franklin: MY NEXT QUESTION IS AROUND SOME OF THE LOCAL TECHNOLOGY PLANNING TEAMS AND MY CURIOSITY AROUND
• BUT WE ENGAGE LOCALLY WITH THOSE GOVERNMENTS AND PLANNING TEAMS, THE NONPROFITS IN THE AREA TO STRENGTHEN
• FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND I'VE HEARD THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS PLANS
• ABOUT DATA CENTERS AND THINGS WERE RUNNING INTO IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AS WE GROW BUT THAT'S THE PLAN
• FOR INTO IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AS WE GROW BUT THAT'S THE PLAN FOR THE WEEK OF THE THIRD AND IN THE

Transcript Highlights:

• value, landscape context, and the condition of the property, as well as additional natural resource planning
• and strategic criteria, which also includes a resource planning and strategic criteria, which also includes
• annual approval of the Florida Forever priority list and work plan by the governor and the cabinet each
• For fiscal year 2025-26, there are 60 projects on the Florida Forever work plan, with a vast majority
• Well, we plan on helping with that as well as best we can, for sure. So thanks.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met to hear updates on land conservation and agricultural preservation programs. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, explaining that it protects active agricultural lands through conservation easements while keeping land in private ownership and on the tax rolls. The director said the program requires participants to use agricultural best management practices, noted strong demand with 428 ranked projects for 2025, and reported that consistent legislative funding and partnerships with USDA, DOD, local governments, land trusts, and water management districts have expanded acreage protected, much of it within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Committee members asked about eligibility, ranking, local government involvement, and how many projects are typically funded each year. Conservation Florida’s president and CEO testified that both Rural and Family Lands and Florida Forever are critical and complementary tools for preserving working lands, wildlife habitat, water resources, and public access to nature. She warned that uncertainty or cuts in state funding can stall projects, raise land prices, and reduce conservation momentum. In discussion with senators, she said public access is often negotiated case by case and is more common on lands acquired for parks, forests, and other public green space than on conservation easements. The Department of Environmental Protection then updated the committee on Florida Forever, describing it as the state’s premier conservation and recreation land acquisition program. DEP said Florida Forever uses both conservation easements and fee-simple purchases, with about half of acquisitions done through easements, and emphasized that steady funding is needed to keep projects moving. The deputy secretary reported 60 projects on the current work plan, more than $1.4 billion invested since 2019, and recent acquisitions including new state forest, park, and preserve expansions. Members also raised concerns about payment in lieu of taxes for fiscally constrained counties, local notification of acquisitions, and the need for continued support for agriculture, citrus, roads, and conservation funding. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after member comments and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Substantially comply means they must have multi-factor authentication, have disaster recovery plans,
• They have to have disaster recovery plans and have all the policies and procedures in place in order
• So they all require disaster recovery plans. They all require multi-factor authentication.
• But as we turn our attention to developing a strategic plan for legislative...
• What issues require additional research to lay the groundwork for crucial long-term planning?

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1183, by Rep. G. Lombardo, as amended by a strike-all. The bill would provide liability protection for local governments and private-sector entities that substantially comply with certain cybersecurity practices, including multi-factor authentication, disaster recovery plans, and related policies and procedures. Rep. Lombardo said the measure is intended to create incentives for better cybersecurity and to limit class-action exposure after incidents, while still allowing suits where negligence can be shown. Supporters included TechNet, the Florida Justice Reform Institute, the Florida League of Cities, Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, and Dr. Edward Long of the James Madison Institute; Vice Chair Steele, Rep. Blanco, and Rep. McFarland also spoke in favor. Ranking Member Bracy Davis opposed the bill, saying she was not comfortable granting liability protections to entities that may have contributed to breaches and questioning whether substantial compliance would be self-attested. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by a 14-2 vote. After the vote, the committee shifted into an extended discussion about Florida’s state IT governance structure, procurement, and project management. Members criticized the current federated model as fragmented and lacking clear accountability, with repeated references to long-running problems such as cost overruns, weak vendor oversight, workforce shortages, and the troubled I-Connect system. Several members argued that the state needs a single accountable leader or stronger enterprise authority over agency technology decisions. Ranking Member Bracy Davis raised concerns about the impact of broken systems on vulnerable populations and asked about the role of advisory councils. Rep. G. Lombardo, Vice Chair Steele, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Groh all emphasized the need for centralized leadership, better alignment of authority and budget, and more disciplined procurement and integration practices. A public witness, Victoria Zep of Team 180, testified in support of a more enterprise-wide approach and said the private sector also wants more organization and transparency. She criticized short procurement timelines, limited competition, and poorly written scopes, and urged the state to post procurements more openly and seek broader vendor input. She also discussed the need to respect agency-specific federal requirements while still improving statewide coordination. The chair closed by asking members to bring forward ideas for immediate and long-term reforms, including review of Senate Bill 7026, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• we are 10.6% above plan um but flat we are 10.6% above plan um but flat compared<01:30:52.639><c> to<
• </c> you talking about being 15 below plan you talking about being 15 below plan which<01:43:56.239><
• :17.679><c> at</c> is that annually we're below plan at is that annually we're below plan at this this
• Revenues are coming below plan.
• Revenues are coming below plan.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• A grant accountability plan shall submit to the Department of Educational Plan identifying essential
• </c> grant, but we had accountability plans grant, but we had accountability plans for<03:41:39.520><
• And so will do the accountability plan.
• </c> three-year plan should have. three-year plan should have.
• </c><04:06:27.760><c> or</c> does not submit a plan or does not submit a plan or um<04:06:30.479><c>

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with myself, began to meet with the city officials during that time on the floor to come up with a plan
• On the fourth floor to come up with a plan. At that point, he declared a state of emergency.
• There's been a lot that's been done that was in the original plan, so we'll be able to take that out.
• I know that I think you and the senator both kind of touched on the corrective action plan, and that's
• I believe that's who was contracted originally with the corrective action plan.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the troubled water system in Tallulah and whether to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson described the system’s long-running failures, the need to expand repairs beyond the treatment plant to the distribution network, and the growing project cost, which he said had risen to roughly $26 million. Legislative Auditor’s Office staff explained that the system had received failing grades from LDH for several years, had entered joint receivership in 2024, and was placed under a public health emergency in 2025; they said the city’s adoption of limited fiscal administration in April 2026 made it eligible for additional state funding. Governor’s staff said the state, GOSEP, Magnolia, and the city had worked together to restore service and that the limited fiscal administrator would help unlock an emergency subfund and other financing sources. The mayor of Tallulah supported the appointment, saying the state’s work had improved water quality and that the limited role would focus only on the water system rather than the whole city. She said the city was preparing an RFQ to move the project toward bidding. Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that the city had recently elected a new council and should wait for new local leadership before proceeding. Another questioned the need for the appointment, criticized past management and contract arrangements, and objected to using emergency funds to pay prior project costs. State officials responded that the F grade and public health concerns justified the action, that the administrator would control water-system finances, and that the distribution system needed repairs to address leaks and water quality issues. After discussion, a committee member moved to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition. The committee then moved to public comment and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• with myself, began to meet with the city officials during that time on the floor to come up with a plan
• On the floor to come up with a plan. At that point, he declared a state of emergency.
• There's been a lot that's been done that was in the original plan, so we'll be able to take that out.
• I know that I think you and the senator both kind of touched on the corrective action plan, and that's
• I believe that's who was contracted originally with the corrective action plan.

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on the City of Tallulah’s water system and a request to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson and state officials described a long-running water crisis, including repeated failing grades from LDH, a public health emergency declaration, joint receivership efforts, and the need to expand the project beyond plant repairs to include the distribution system. They said the total cost is now estimated at about $26 million, with funding expected from USDA loans and grants, water sector funds, possible Delta Regional Authority assistance, and an emergency subfund that becomes available through limited fiscal administration. Chris Province of the Legislative Auditor’s Office explained that the system had received F grades from 2022 through 2025, that the city entered joint receivership in 2024, and that the governor declared a public health emergency in February 2025. He said the city adopted a resolution in April 2026 to enter limited fiscal administration, which was the basis for the committee’s action. Governor’s office staff and the mayor supported the request, saying the state partnership had improved water quality and that the limited administrator would help secure additional funding and move the project toward completion over roughly 24 months. Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that Tallulah had recently elected a new council and that the committee should wait for new local leadership. Another said the state had mismanaged the project, questioned the use of funds and contracts, and argued that the city should receive the full amount of promised state funding without deductions. Committee members said the legal standard was met by the system’s failing grade and the emergency conditions, and they emphasized that the limited fiscal administrator would control only the water system finances. A motion to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system was made, seconded, and passed, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I won't steal anybody's thunder from this afternoon, but you'll hear more about our work plan, including
• In May, tentatively, we've planned to head to Raton, and the superintendent out there is getting ready
• If that's where you all plan to go. In July, tentatively, we have potentially one day in Penasco.
• We're planning.
• It's always tentative until we actually have shown up in its past tense, but of our Plans.