Transcript Highlights:

• Then it says ongoing hardware and software support and maintenance will need to transition into DR’s
• and software support ongoing hardware and software support and<04:03:18.040><c> maintenance</c><04:03
• I can tell you we do not need any new hardware. Oh, did you in 24 only have one part-time person?
• Yeah, so that's why, because they charge you per computer that you have. hardware oh did you in 24 only
• have one hardware oh did you in 24 only have one part-time<04:59:40.638><c> person</c><04:59:41.240>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities. Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented. Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion. The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their surplus is lower. A large structural deficit remains.
• And the so-called surplus we keep hearing about isn't really $6 billion.
• He said that we have a healthy surplus of $6 billion.
• We need more than 10% in the surplus.
• Certain numbers, such as a $6 billion surplus. Nice round number.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so campaign surplus funds are definitely not something that is legislative related because people
• ..out of my campaign surplus to my friend to help his organization and help another friend.
• Actually, let me go back and just ask you one brief question about the surplus funds donations.
• I don't, I've never given surplus funds to EEC. I'm sorry, to AEJG. Thank you.
• I don't, I've never given surplus funds to EEC. I'm sorry, to AEJG. Specifically to AEJG, no.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing resumed on day two of the Legislative Ethics Board fact-finding matter involving Representative Tara Simmons. After opening remarks and confirmation that board members had not engaged in outside research or ex parte communications, Simmons’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she improperly combined a legislative proviso for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and private conduct were intertwined and that the board had enough evidence to require a defense. After deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss and proceeded to hear defense testimony. The first defense witness, Sharon Navas, testified that she met Simmons through advocacy work, later hired her at the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), and maintained written employment policies intended to separate Simmons’s legislative role from her work for EEC. Navas said Simmons was never compensated for lobbying or legislative acts, that EEC paid her from unrestricted funds, and that Simmons did not work on the AEJG dashboard project or participate in the contract dispute with Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley. Navas described the proviso request and later contract issues as separate from Simmons’s legislative duties, and said she continued to pay invoices while the project was being completed. Simmons then testified about her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics advice before taking outside employment or pursuing provisos. She said she repeatedly consulted House ethics counsel and reviewed prior board decisions to ensure her outside work and legislative actions were separated. Simmons described her relationship with Anthony Powers, the dashboard project, the proviso process, and her understanding that the work was distinct from her legislative role. The hearing paused for lunch after part of Simmons’s direct examination, with testimony set to continue after the break.

Transcript Highlights:

• expected to be down in Idaho 5 to 10% due to flat demand for beer, and there's currently a global surplus
• For beer, and there's currently a global surplus of barley.
• Some years, if there is a surplus in the market, less barley is contracted, so the acres are down.
• And if they have too much on hand, if there's a global surplus, then they'll contract less the next year

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Ag Affairs Committee approved the March 16, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 879 from Representative John Shirts. The bill was described as a pared-down version of earlier hemp-related legislation that would bring establishments selling hemp-derived THC products, including Delta-8 and Delta-9, under Idaho Department of Agriculture oversight to close a loophole allowing illegal products to be sold. Braden Jensen of the Idaho Farm Bureau supported the measure as a compromise that would help ensure retail hemp products comply with state law. The committee voted to send HB 879 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and Representative Shirts will carry the bill on the floor. The committee then received an update from Laura Wilder of the Idaho Barley Commission. She outlined the commission’s grower-funded structure, its research, market development, education, and information programs, and reported that Idaho produced 39% of the U.S. barley crop in 2025 on 490,000 harvested acres with a record-tied average yield of 112 bushels per acre. Wilder highlighted the economic impact of barley, including more than a quarter-billion dollars in agricultural output and about 2,500 jobs, and emphasized research benefits such as improved yields and cost-saving fertilizer findings. She also discussed market development efforts with foreign buyers and domestic nutrition partners, current trends showing flat beer demand and some growth in food barley, and a generally cautious outlook for prices. Amaya Aguirre Landa of the Idaho Grain Producers Association followed with a broader overview of the grain economy. She said Idaho grain growers are facing low prices, rising input costs, weather and water risks, and policy uncertainty, while noting that wheat and barley remain major crops for the state. She discussed export dependence, the importance of trade agreements and Pacific Northwest export corridors, drought and irrigation conditions, and recent federal actions such as bridge assistance, higher reference prices, and farm bill progress. Members asked about dam breaching concerns, the stalled Farm Workforce Modernization Act, and what state policy can influence, and the meeting ended with no further action beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Combined with what we have spent so far, that is more than we have left in our surplus.
• We have billions of dollars of surplus, and yet we are not funding our schools the way we need to.
• unfunded mandates, and yet public school funding has remained flat while they hoard a record-breaking surplus
• unfunded mandates and yet public school funding has remained flat while they hoard a record-breaking surplus

Keywords: public education, Department of Education, funding, Trump, Kassar, Elon Musk, education policy, youth advocacy, billionaire influence

Summary: This was a press conference organized by student advocates and Texas Democratic lawmakers to oppose efforts by the Trump administration and allies to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and to criticize Texas voucher proposals. Speakers argued that the department and its Office for Civil Rights are essential for enforcing civil rights protections, supporting special education, Title I, Pell Grants, career and technical education, and other federal education programs. They said eliminating the department would weaken oversight, shift power to states that have a poor record on student protections, and harm marginalized, low-income, disabled, and rural students. Congressman Greg Casar framed the issue as a transfer of public money from schools to billionaires, tying the department fight to federal budget and tax-cut debates and to Texas voucher efforts. State Representative Gene Wu said Texas public education is already near collapse and warned that losing federal support would worsen school closures, staffing shortages, and class-size increases. Representative Gina Hinojosa highlighted Texas’s past special education cap and attacks on Section 504, and said she filed bills to route federal block grants directly to schools if federal policy changes move forward. Representative Vicki Goodwin said the state should fund schools rather than vouchers and noted underfunding of special education and inflation pressures. Round Rock ISD trustee Melissa Ross and Texas AFT president Zef Capo emphasized that federal oversight protects students and that Texas has a history of underfunding and mishandling special education, meals, and other services. The final speaker, Westwood High School senior Eliza Abert, said the loss of federal education support would most harm low-income and middle-class students and called on attendees to oppose the changes. No votes were taken; the event ended with a call for public pressure on lawmakers and continued advocacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an actuarial surplus. It's generated from two sources.
• What my bill would do is take that $1.5 billion surplus, put it in an account like an endowment, then
• working on this for five years, trying to get it done ever since Jay Lark reported about this actuarial surplus

Keywords: House Committee Room 1200, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is one of those one-time licenses and some hardware in that printer.
• licenses<01:06:46.319><c> and</c><01:06:47.440><c> um</c><01:06:47.599><c> some</c><01:06:47.920><c> hardware
• </c><01:06:48.319><c> in</c><01:06:48.559><c> that</c> licenses and um some hardware in that licenses
• and um some hardware in that printer.<01:06:49.839><c> I</c><01:06:50.079><c> think</c><01:06:50.240

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That means trips to the local hardware store, hiring contractors, and more.
• um and which means trips to<00:52:37.920><c> the</c><00:52:38.079><c> local</c><00:52:38.319><c> hardware
• </c><00:52:38.720><c> store,</c><00:52:38.960><c> hiring</c> to the local hardware store, hiring to the
• local hardware store, hiring contractors,<00:52:39.760><c> and</c><00:52:39.920><c> more.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• looking at are the lines, uh, 37 and 38, um, 2, 38, um, 2, 25, 27 rounded in on page 1183, Technology Hardware
• 47:28.160><c> page</c><00:47:28.359><c> 1183</c><00:47:29.119><c> technology</c><00:47:29.640><c> Hardware
• </c><00:47:30.160><c> line</c> in on page 1183 technology Hardware line in on page 1183 technology Hardware

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 hearing took testimony from the director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training on the agency’s budget request and operations. He described the agency’s role in setting hiring, education, certification, and discipline standards for police, corrections, probation and parole, and court security officers, and noted that the agency runs the full-time, part-time, corrections, and court security training programs. He also outlined the agency’s staffing, facility, and budget request for FY 2026-27, including a request to keep funding level with the governor’s recommendation while shifting funds to support an IT manager position by defunding a vacant administrative slot. The agency requested several statutory changes in Chapter 106, including clarifying the definition of police misconduct, allowing a temporary member on the Conduct Review Committee, clarifying reporting requirements for misconduct allegations, and codifying the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The director also reviewed new responsibilities added in recent years, including crisis intervention training, statewide accreditation, the Conduct Review Committee, and increased annual in-service training requirements. He explained that crisis intervention funding is carried in a continuously appropriated, non-lapsing account and that some budget lines were reclassified, including software and janitorial services, to reflect actual spending needs. Members asked about national standards, the different academy tracks, crisis intervention funding, maintenance and contract changes, temporary positions, and the court security training program. The agency said it coordinates with national peers through IADLEST, that the part-time and corrections academies are longstanding programs, and that the new court security academy can be delivered either as a full academy or as in-service training depending on resources. The director also said the agency has been running extra full-time academies because of high vacancy rates, but expects to return to three full-time academies this year, with two corrections academies and one or possibly two part-time academies. He also explained the current approach to misconduct records and public disclosure, saying sustained findings under RSA 106-L are heard by the council and published, replacing the older, less standardized exculpatory list process.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not—I yes, she's shaking her head yes, so you can look here for computer hardware and you can see
• I'm not—I yes, she's shaking her head yes, so you can look here for computer hardware and you can see
• I'm not—I yes, she's shaking her head yes, so you can look here for computer hardware and you can see
• I'm not—I yes, she's shaking her head yes, so you can look here for computer hardware and you can see

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• aerospace sector means a private or public organization engaged in manufacture of aviation or aerospace hardware
• Aerospace</c> in manufacturer of Aviation or Aerospace in manufacturer of Aviation or Aerospace Hardware
• 24.359><c> or</c><01:00:24.640><c> software</c><01:00:25.359><c> Aviation</c><01:00:25.720><c> or</c> Hardware
• or software Aviation or Hardware or software Aviation or Aerospace<01:00:26.440><c> maintenance</c><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• GIS system through ETS, so we're holding on to it because, in the event that the software and the hardware
• the event that the the software<00:40:50.560><c> and</c><00:40:50.760><c> the</c><00:40:51.040><c> hardware
• </c><00:40:52.040><c> software</c> software and the hardware software software and the hardware software

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• private cloud to the public cloud to greatly reduce our current reliance on state-maintained physical hardware
• current Reliance on state maintained current Reliance on state maintained physical<01:15:53.760><c> Hardware
• 55.080><c> is</c><01:15:55.199><c> our</c><01:15:55.679><c> um</c><01:15:56.040><c> our</c> physical Hardware
• so the is our um our physical Hardware so the is our um our effort<01:15:56.520><c> to</c><01:15:56.719

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually had the department run a surplus, and so you can see there we ran a $26 million surplus on
• We actually had the department run a surplus, and so you can see there we ran a $26 million surplus on
• you cap it off with 385 projects, $1.73 billion, which is a combination of priority program, LTIF, surplus
• on what else is available, what the legislature gives you in addition to a priority program, what surplus
• Unless you take more money out of revenue stabilization or get some other surplus cash somewhere, this

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met for an information-only hearing with no votes or formal actions. DOTD Secretary Glenn LaD and Deputy Secretary Beau Black outlined the department’s transformation efforts, emphasizing faster project delivery, improved transparency, and use of technology. They reported major reductions in contractor payment processing time, from roughly 35 days to 15 days or less, and change-order approvals from about 40–45 days to around five days. They also described new tools such as inspection tablets, a project delivery dashboard, e-ticketing, a customer service portal, and a pilot using sensor technology on department vehicles to identify potholes and damaged assets. The department said it is reorganizing district staffing, replacing the old area engineer model with district points of contact for construction, maintenance, and operations, without increasing total staff. Members focused heavily on local maintenance concerns, including potholes, drainage, culverts, mowing, overgrown ditches, and utility-related delays. Several legislators asked how to get quicker responses on routine maintenance and how to distinguish state responsibility from local jurisdiction. DOTD said it would meet with district administrators to address specific problems and clarify jurisdiction, and that the new customer service portal should help track complaints electronically. Members also asked about contractor accountability, utility relocations, and public communication on long-running projects; DOTD said it is improving internal KPIs, coordinating more closely with district staff and public information officers, and considering broader public updates beyond the website. The department also reviewed highway planning and funding. Officials said the Highway Priority Program is being reworked into a more fiscally constrained, staged process that starts earlier in concept development and gives legislators and constituents more feedback before the annual road show. They said the department is using new IDIQ contracting authority to bring in outside help for bridge maintenance and other work, and that bridge maintenance backlogs remain significant. DOTD reported that LTIF 1.0 and 2.0 together cover 91 projects statewide totaling more than $534 million, with over 40 complete, and that LTIF 3.0 adds 39 projects and about $165 million. Combined with other funding sources, the department said its upcoming construction program will include 385 projects worth about $1.73 billion. Legislators generally praised the department’s progress but raised concerns about lingering local problems and the need for clearer communication. Questions were also asked about a barge strike on the Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge, with DOTD saying divers and staff were inspecting the damage and that emergency repairs would likely be needed. After the DOTD update, the new Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, led by Archie Chesson, gave its own update on its first year, describing a small staff, heavy use of consultant and contractor pools, emergency procurement authority, and rapid delivery of rural bridge and roadway projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2025, there were two bills related to the LEOFF 1 surplus, starting with Senate Bill 5085, which I'll
• The second bill related to the LEOFF 1 surplus is House Bill 2034, which terminated and recreated LEOFF
• They also said that distribution of any surplus assets is generally governed by federal law, but in this
• case, state case law indicated that plan members are not entitled to any surplus in their plan.
• Do we have to do anything with the surplus?

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods. The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions. Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to report that there is a road fund surplus for FY25.
• The revenue excess is the biggest component of that surplus.
• That added $12.8 million to the surplus.
• As you can see on this slide, net spending coming in below budget added $8.3 million to the surplus.
• The total for the road fund surplus account is $61.6 million.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met on Transportation, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a road fund update from Transportation Cabinet officials Mike Hancock, Sean McCernan, and Ron Rigney. McCernan reported that FY 2024-2025 road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but was about $11 million below FY24 because of a lower motor fuels tax rate. He said motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and that the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus account that, under the budget bill, must be appropriated to state construction. Members focused heavily on how declining motor fuels receipts affect the formula funds that support cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads. Hancock and McCernan explained that lower gas tax receipts reduce both the road plan and revenue sharing, while higher vehicle sales tax receipts from motor vehicle usage go directly to the road fund and do not help the formula distributions. They also said fuel efficiency, hybrid and electric vehicle trends, and the removal of a prior hybrid fee all affect revenue collections. On tolling, officials said Louisville bridge toll revenues are covering bills and commitments, but they did not have the latest collection figures in front of them and said they would provide them later. The committee also asked about project delivery delays, right-of-way acquisition, disaster recovery work, annual contract awards, cash management, and overprogramming in the highway plan. Officials said project delays often stem from right-of-way purchases, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the plan, and described the process as a “duck paddling” situation with substantial work happening behind the scenes. They said FY25 contract awards were already just under $998 million by the July letting and expected to exceed last year’s total, and explained that cash balances are managed so they do not fall below $100 million; the current balance was said to be about $166 million. No further votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the expense of the hardware and the software that goes into deploying those?
• What's the expense of the hardware and the software that goes into deploying those?
• What's the expense of the hardware and the software that goes into deploying those?
• What's the expense of the hardware and the software that goes into deploying those?
• What's the expense of the hardware and the software that goes into deploying those?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> right hand number on the on the surplus right hand number on the on the surplus statement<02:03:
• c> statement</c><02:04:09.840><c> I</c> which is the surplus statement I which is the surplus statement
• No, not surplus statement. It's believe. No, not surplus statement.
• </c> lower right hand corner of the surplus lower right hand corner of the surplus statement<02:04:46.639
• </c><02:05:14.719><c> statement</c> just a mini little surplus statement just a mini little surplus statement

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first revisited HB 781, the cell phone bill, after previously retaining it. On reconsideration, members moved to OTP the bill, and it passed unanimously. The committee then moved into the budget tracking packet and adopted an amendment to HB 2 to add the same cell phone policy language, also unanimously, and separately reduced HB 1 by $1 million to match the policy change. Members noted the cell phone language had already been stripped of grant funding language in the House version and that the policy and funding pieces were being aligned across the budget bills. The committee then took up a Department of Education technical amendment to HB 2 on charter school grants, which made timing and administrative changes without altering grant amounts, and adopted it unanimously. Members also discussed but held other education-related items, including adequacy grants, pending broader decisions on overall education funding. Another HB 2 item concerning E-911/state police radio communications prompted a longer discussion about whether E-911 surcharge funds were being used for purposes that should instead be general-funded. After debate over whether to leave the current practice in place or split the funding 50/50 between E-911 and general funds, the committee adopted a joint HB 1/HB 2 change to shift the funding source to a 50/50 split and delete the HB 2 language authorizing the prior use; the motion passed 7-0. The committee also discussed but did not act on several lottery-related provisions, including the video lottery terminal amendment, the increase in maximum ticket price from $30 to $50, and related tax split changes, with members planning to hear from the Lottery Commission on Monday. The meeting ended with the committee beginning review of new amendments in the tracking packet, including a Department of Education request related to Public School Infrastructure Commission grant administration, but no action was taken on that item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason I say that is because we're acting like this is surplus money.
• By definition, a surplus is what remains when your needs and obligations have been met.
• So then we're going to turn around and say to them, "Sorry, we have all this surplus money, but we're
• So I think using the word "surplus" by Dr. Templin was really the right way to go.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard three measures focused on state finances. SB 1906 by Senator Brodeur would add a ninth element to the state debt reduction strategy report and create a program to transfer $250 million annually from the General Revenue Fund to accelerate retirement of outstanding state debt, while exempting the Department of Transportation and Florida Turnpike Enterprise. Members questioned the fiscal tradeoffs and flexibility, but the bill was supported in debate and reported favorably. The committee then considered SJR 1908 by Chair Hooper, which would amend the Constitution to raise the Budget Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections, require $750 million annual deposits until the cap is reached, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by separate bill with a two-thirds vote, while keeping existing rules for emergencies and revenue shortfalls. Testimony and debate centered on whether Florida already has sufficient reserves, how “critical state need” would be defined, and whether the new requirement would reduce flexibility during recessions or federal funding cuts. Despite opposition from advocacy groups and several senators, the resolution was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 7031 as the vehicle for the tax package and adopted a delete-everything amendment to place it in the proper posture for conference. As amended, the bill was described as reducing the state sales tax by 0.75%, lowering the commercial rent tax from 2% to 1.25%, eliminating the business rent tax, and creating permanent sales tax exemptions while preserving sales tax holidays. The amended bill was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• TRACKING SYSTEM CONTAINS LAND DATA SUCH AS WHAT IS OWNED, LEASED, DISPOSED, OTHERWISE OCCUPIED, AND SURPLUS
• FACILITY INVENTORY PROVIDES A VIEW OF THE ENTIRE STATE TO SEE OWNED LANDS AND LANDS DESIGNATED AS SURPLUS
• THIS COMPONENT ALSO PROVIDES FACILITY LEASE INFORMATION AND SURPLUS PROPERTY DATA FOR STATE LANDS AND
• AND PROVIDES DETAILS ON FACILITY LEASES AND SURPLUS PROPERTY DATA FOR BOTH.

Keywords: 999, senate, all