Transcript Highlights:

• , of which two are budget bill juniors and 17 are trailer bills.
• Moving on to our next bill, this is our other budget bill junior.
• The next bill is SB 12, Education trailer bill.
• The next bill is SB 135, the higher education trailer bill.
• The next bill is SB 172, the general government trailer bill.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> First reading the bill. First reading the bill.
• First reading of the bill. bill. bill.
• </c> the bill. the bill.
• . bill. bill.
• </c> Vote aye on the bill. Vote aye on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1, excuse me, Representative, sorry. Senate Bill 1 was a separate entity.
• This is what we're spending in match. This is what we're spending in maintenance of effort.
• How would you spend the money?
• budget bill.
• budget bill.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• to bill.
• So, the state does not mandate spending.
• What bill number did you want me to look at?
• There was a library bill.
• It is how you spend the money.

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Alongside House 2, we... ...filed a supplemental budget bill to spend $1.15 billion in surplus Fair Share
• That's a jobs bill. That's keeping people here.
• And they took it off the bill, okay?” “People.
• But fundamentally, the majority of somebody’s bill is supply.
• I like to spend time with my husband and my kids.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:42.000><c> bills</c><00:32:42.559><c> like</c> Cruz's bill there's other bills like Cruz's
• </c> Representative Smith continued: Unequally, this bill does not spend any money, but its passage could
• , House Bill 999, in 1999. for raising the revenue and for spending for raising the revenue and for spending
• : House Bill 603 and House Bill 550.
• ><c> um</c> and House Bill 550 House Bill 603 um and House Bill 550 House Bill 603 um would<04:19:21.720

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 402, a bill to repeal a provision in RSA 194-F:2 stating that Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds “shall not constitute taxable income” to the parent or student. The bill sponsor argued the current language is misleading because the state cannot determine federal tax liability, and said the bill would simply remove inaccurate tax advice from state law. He cited IRS guidance and prior federal legislation, including a Ted Cruz proposal, to suggest some EFA uses may be taxable under federal law, while others may not, and said the bill could be amended if needed to avoid confusion. Testimony was sharply divided. Py Campbell opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly single out EFA students and could amount to a tax on education funds, including for self-employed families, and recommended it be voted inexpedient to legislate. Stephen Matthew French, a tax preparer, also opposed the bill, saying IRS Publication 970 already makes clear that scholarship-type payments used for tuition and related expenses are not taxable, and that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist. He warned that adding tax reporting requirements could create administrative costs for families and the program administrator. Bill Ardinger, a tax attorney, supported the repeal of the statutory language, saying the state should not place potentially incorrect tax advice into law. He explained that under federal tax law, only certain scholarship-like uses are exempt, while many EFA-eligible expenses may not be, especially for families using the program for homeschooling or other nontraditional expenses. He said the current statute could mislead families into thinking all EFA payments are tax-free and could expose the state to future legal problems. The hearing ended after questions from committee members; no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• if one's objection is that we're not spending enough money in House Bill 2 or on public education that
• Bill 3.
• Bill 3 in subsequent budget bills as well.
• For the past six years, I have consistently voted against budget bills to protest excessive spending.
• For the past six years, I have consistently voted against budget bills to protest excessive spending.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and numerous introductions of visiting groups and guests, including schoolchildren, Republican women’s organizations, county commissioners, and family members of legislators. Members also suspended House Rule 98 to allow baseball apparel in celebration of opening day, with the motion passing 118-22. The chamber then took up the state budget bills. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2002, covering elementary and secondary education and child care, drew the most debate. Supporters said it maintained record funding for the foundation formula, transportation, and early childhood programs, while critics argued it still fell short of fully funding the formula and underfunded child care subsidies by about $51 million. After extended debate over statutory obligations, school funding, and child care policy, the bill passed 85-70. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2003, the higher education and workforce development budget, also prompted substantial debate over a proposed shift to an FTE-based funding model for colleges and universities. Supporters called it a fairer, more equitable system that follows students and encourages efficiency, while opponents warned it would sharply reduce funding for some institutions, including community colleges and regional universities. The bill passed 83-66. The House then passed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2004, covering revenue and transportation, 91-50, despite objections over a public transit cut and constitutional concerns raised about MoDOT appropriations. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2005, the Office of Administration and employee benefits budget, passed overwhelmingly after members discussed state worker compensation, deferred compensation, and benefits funding. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2006, covering agriculture, natural resources, and conservation, passed 133-17 after members highlighted restored funding for agriculture business development and food insecurity grants, while others criticized cuts to natural resources and parks funding. The chamber then moved on to House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2007, covering economic development, commerce and insurance, and labor and industrial relations, with the budget chair introducing the bill and outlining its major departmental appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• reductions if a bill is passed to increase the deficit.
• There's a lot of money for discretionary non-defense spending.
• And the deficit spending that's triggered by H.R. 1 is.
• They're going to spend the money.
• Bills come forth for tax credits, as an example.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 432 of the 2018 legislative session established the council.
• down, they're requesting reappropriation authority to spend those into the following year.
• But that has always been a spending authority.
• Chairman, then Representative, the policy bill sunsets the STEM education fund.
• On average, the agency fills those positions at 97% and spends 98% of personnel on personal.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• TODAY WE HAVE THREE BILLS BEFORE US.
• THAT IS THE BILL MR. CHAIRMAN. >> Chair: QUESTIONS ON THE BILL?
• WE ARE BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED. ARE THERE QUESTIONS ON THE BILL AS AMENDED?
• THERE ARE NO APPEARANCE FORMS FOR THIS BILL. IS THERE DEBATE ON THE BILL AS AMENDED?
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE ON THE BILL AS AMENDED. >> Senator Hooper: THE HOUSE BILL WAS THE BILL THAT

Transcript Highlights:

• It all is just a function of how much we’re spending.
• And so how much we’re spending becomes a very, very important policy... ...question because we don’t
• So when that trailer bill, that second trailer bill, was enacted and signed in late 2023... to give us
• that second trailer bill was enacted and signed in late 2023 The second trailer bill was enacted and
• cost of what 7,000 people or licensees were anticipated to spend before.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget proposals, beginning with Exposition Park. Park leadership described the 160-acre state property’s historic role, growing visitation, and major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup fan fest and the 2028 Olympics. The governor’s proposal sought $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and public safety/traffic systems, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability. The LAO said the proposals had merit but suggested the Legislature could consider downscaling some work given the budget condition. Members generally supported the requests, emphasizing deferred maintenance, public access, and the park’s statewide importance; both Exposition Park items were held open. The California Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, a major expansion featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, higher parking fees, or private funds. Members debated whether the state should continue to fund operations without charging admission, with the Science Center explaining its public-private funding model and warning that fees could sharply reduce attendance, especially for underserved communities. The item was held open. The committee also reviewed continuation funding for the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s consumer protection and debt collection programs. DFPI and Finance said the requests would extend existing expenditure authority and were not General Fund asks. The LAO supported limited-term funding but urged cumulative reporting or a sunset-style review before permanent funding. Members pressed DFPI on outcomes, workload, and the high cost of the debt collection licensing program, noting that the number of licensees was far below early estimates and that assessments on the industry were substantial. Public commenters from the debt collection industry echoed those concerns, while others supported DFPI’s consumer protection work. The committee then heard a Board of Registered Nursing request for $1.4 million to fund eight special investigators. The board said complaint volume has risen with licensee growth and more complex cases, and members asked about complaint outcomes, regional caseloads, med spa oversight, viral complaints, and bias-related complaints. The board explained its investigation, probation, and intervention processes and said most cases reaching the Attorney General result in discipline. That item was also held open. After public comment on additional agenda items, the committee voted on several vote-only items. Items 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17 were approved 4-0. Items 7, 9, and 14 were also approved, with the chair correcting the tally to 4-0. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of the bill.
• Question is on passing that bill to be enacted. Question is on passing that bill to be enacted.
• Second reading of the bills.
• Second reading of the bills.
• House Bill E.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill reins spending levels and ensures that American families can thrive without costly regulations
• THIS BILL REINS SPENDING LEVELS AND ENSURES THAT AMERICAN FAMILIES CAN THRIVE WITHOUT COSTLY REGULATIONS
• This bill will rein in spending from government agencies such as the EPA, which had little or no oversight
• This bill is ugly. The bill is a scam.
• This bill is ugly. The bill is a scam.

Bills: HB1969 , HB1701 , HR1 , HR435 , SJR31 , HR436

Keywords: veterans, VA, Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide prevention, mental health, emergent suicide care, Columbia Protocol, Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, No Wrong Door for Veterans Act, title 38, adaptive prostheses, prosthetic devices, recreational activities, sports prosthetics, pension payments, veterans benefits, Veterans Affairs Committee, suicide screening, crisis care

Transcript Highlights:

• He said this was never a bill. It is an introduced bill.
• and other bills.
• bill was signed.
• together, and this bill will be a functioning bill.
• At the demand of Governor Walz, the bill before you slashes education spending by $420 million in the

Transcript Highlights:

• They're reappropriated in House Bill 17.
• bill in House Bill 17.
• You don't spend GR if you don't have to.
• Like we spend all those dollars.
• Like we spend all those dollars.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• left the bill in the kitchen, or where did my spouse put that bill?
• This bill included a small drafting error, which is fixed in this bill.
• It's a very simple bill.
• This bill is even needed.
• We have one more bill, and then we have four bills on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee sent a bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation, that being House Bill 951, which
• Care Program bill failed.
• This language additionally was in Senate Bill 1428.
• The first page has to do with the trailer to House Bill 730.
• The committee makeup follows what you've seen in House Bill 916.

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee first revisited the Office of the Attorney General budget after House Bill 951 had failed on the House floor. Members considered two competing restorations from the Consumer Protection Fund: one to restore broader personnel costs and another limited to the Internet Crimes Against Children program. The narrower ICAC-only motion failed, while the broader restoration passed and received a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up several Department of Health and Welfare items from Senate Bill 1428, including the Division of Early Learning and Development, Division of Youth Safety and Permanency, and Division of Family and Community Partnerships. Members approved funding for moving the Idaho Home Visiting Program to Early Learning and Development, a mower replacement at the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center, population forecast adjustments, transfer-limit exemptions, a report on home visiting outcomes, restoration of foster care/post-adoption and safety assessment funding, and $180,000 for kinship navigation services. They also approved a supplemental and FY 2027 budget for Public Health Services, including one-time funding for home visiting, immunization assessment, HIV and hepatitis prevention, suicide prevention, and ARPA grants, along with language requiring reports on outcomes and immunization fund use. A separate Public Health Services language item requiring public health districts to report documented immigration status of HIV prevention service users drew debate. The motion to adopt the language passed after discussion about its purpose and concerns about discrimination. The committee also approved a SNAP-related federal fund appropriation for House Bill 730 and then turned to the Rural Health Transformation Program, creating the fund and oversight structure, approving a FY 2026 supplemental, and approving the FY 2027 appropriation for the program. Members discussed legislative oversight versus executive administration of the new federal dollars, and the committee adopted intent language on physician assistant and dental hygienist reforms. The meeting ended early because of time constraints, with plans to reconvene the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the abortion bills have caused us to spend a lot of time with attorneys, helping to consult our
• It was part of a bill that did not pass, but the transparency bill did. >> Mr.
• care spend.
• Healthcare spend.
• It's not the adoption of the bill. It's just for a bill draft...

Committee: Joint Health Insurance Affordability Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• bills.
• So, thank you for bringing in the bill. I think it's a great bill.
• So I just want the public to understand that the other bill was a much narrower bill so that we could
• Assembly Member Burr carried a bill for us on it that was held up this year, and had a bill last year
• I want to thank the Chair for this big, ambitious bill. Big, ambitious bill.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard two bills focused on electricity affordability and utility costs. AB 745 would restructure the California Climate Credit by shifting it from lump-sum bill credits to direct reductions in volumetric electricity rates, with the credit timed to summer months when bills are highest. The author and supporting witnesses argued this would better help households during extreme heat and could lower summer rates significantly; supporters also urged consideration of applying the gas climate credit and targeting low-income customers. There was no formal opposition, and the bill passed unanimously, 18-0, to the floor. The committee then took up AB 825, a broader affordability package addressing wildfire mitigation costs, transmission financing, and permitting delays. The bill proposes securitization and removing the first $15 billion of undergrounding capital from utility rate base returns, stronger oversight of wildfire mitigation plans, a public transmission financing program using state and IBank resources, and a task force to review ratepayer-funded programs. Supporters said the bill could produce major long-term savings and improve financing for transmission; opponents and some neutral witnesses raised concerns about liability, wildfire fund participation, impacts on utility credit ratings, and whether the changes could slow undergrounding or destabilize utility finances. After extensive discussion, the committee passed AB 825 to the floor on a 13-0 vote, with several members not voting or reserving their votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I expect you to have some sort of supplemental bill to spend some of that in the coming session.
• spending limit.
• You'll spend $9.9 billion; that's all the law will allow you to spend.
• How much of that you wind up spending is entirely up to you.
• So you will see a supplemental bill in the package.