Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2902 Appropriation Program Health, Human Services, and Appropriations.
• HB 2229 Appropriation Health and Human Services and Appropriations.
• HB 2236, appropriation. Education and Appropriations. HB 2237, appropriation package junction.
• Rural Economic Development and Appropriations. HB 2238, appropriation packages and appropriations.
• HB 2414, appropriation, DPS, safety, law enforcement, and appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Appropriations. Yes, sir.
• This is Appropriations. Yes, sir.
• If we do not appropriate it, then it does not actually go into effect because it says subject to appropriation
• Because it says subject to appropriation.
• Subject to appropriating. But the question here is not whether or not we will appropriate it.

Bills: SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB237 , SB250 , SB433

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: dental care, cancer treatment, health insurance, medically necessary, health coverage, paid parental leave, educators, teachers, school employees, public schools, local education agency, LEA, school board, charter schools, maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, foster care leave, pregnancy loss, stillbirth

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1249, Alzheimer's disease state plan appropriation; Health and Human Services and Appropriations and
• SB 1250, appropriation State Route 87; Appropriations and Transportation and Technology.
• SB 1251, appropriation Department of Gaming telehealth; Appropriations and Transportation and Technology
• SB 1272, appropriation Douglas Porter entry. Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.
• SP 1273, appropriation Olga frontage road. Appropriations, Transportation and Technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• . appropriations. appropriations.
• The $250,000 general fund appropriation is on line 28, and that is an appropriation to DEED to conduct
• . 2023 forward fund appropriation.
• . appropriation. appropriation.
• </c> a previous appropriation. a previous appropriation.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We stand with you all at the appropriate time.
• It would be the most appropriate one.
• It would be the most appropriate one.
• It's very appropriate. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• It's very appropriate. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> there's um various uh appropriations there's um various uh appropriations here<00:08:47.920><c>
• ><c> the</c><00:08:53.600><c> commission</c> appropriation for the the commission appropriation for the
• , and 50 years celebration is the appropriation last year, not this year, because if you appropriate
• last year our that it is appropriate last year our appropriation<00:37:03.359><c> to</c><00:37:03.520
• </c><00:37:11.599><c> last</c> celebration is the appropriation last celebration is the appropriation

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is money that was appropriated or not appropriated but set in the base in the 2023 session bill,
• This is money that was appropriated or not appropriated but set in the base in the 2023 session bill,
• This is money that was appropriated or not appropriated but set in the base in the 2023 session bill,
• appropriated</c><00:30:25.520><c> but</c><00:30:25.760><c> set</c> appropriated or not appropriated
• </c> appropriated in the in the 2023 session. appropriated in the in the 2023 session.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• :53.360><c> um</c><00:06:53.440><c> the</c> corrections appropriations that um the corrections appropriations
• </c> you reduced the original appropriation you reduced the original appropriation that<00:08:26.960>
• Um, Senator Avard believes that adding to the prior appropriation for kitchen renovations is an appropriate
• </c><00:19:49.760><c> within</c> is fix the total appropriation within is fix the total appropriation
• </c> get up to the uh original appropriation get up to the uh original appropriation that<00:25:06.880

Committee: Senate Capital Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's anything that's appropriate to continuously appropriate, it's something—a deadly phenomenon
• That percentage, I think, is not appropriate.
• That percentage, I think, is not appropriate.
• We have a continuous appropriation for that.
• We have a continuous appropriation, you know, for that.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support. Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization. Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2 The House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Article 3 will come to order.
• As a reminder, appropriations to institutions are lump sum.
• This has resulted in a supplemental appropriations need for FY 2025.
• The university would do the same with the 26-27 appropriation.
• I'm here in support of appropriation matters.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll move the bill when it's appropriate. Thank you. Thank you.
• Do pass to appropriations: Allen? Aye. Ochoa Bogh? Aye. Do pass to appropriations: Allen? Aye.
• Do pass to Appropriations. Current vote 12-0. Richardson? Aye.
• Do pass to Appropriations. Current vote 13-0. Hurtado? Call the roll. Do pass to Appropriations.
• Do pass to Appropriations. Current vote 9-0. Do pass to Appropriations. Current vote 9-0. Hurtado?

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> A includes the different appropriation A includes the different appropriation items.<00:04:02.080
• </c> 25 the current bienium appropriation 25 the current bienium appropriation amounts<00:04:11.280><
• </c> appropriation for administrative costs. appropriation for administrative costs.
• </c><00:09:45.440><c> The</c> appropriation in fiscal 26. The appropriation in fiscal 26.
• </c> of these appropriations are one time. of these appropriations are one time.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Appropriations. Yes, sir.
• don't have a clue what we're appropriating.
• If we do not appropriate it, then it does not actually go into effect, because it says subject to appropriation
• Subject to appropriating. But the question here is not whether or not we will appropriate it.
• So I would move favorable and appropriate. Okay.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on May 26, 2026, and first took up Senate Bill 433, which would provide Medicaid coverage for certain weight-loss medications. After adopting a House amendment adding customary subject-to-appropriation language, the committee heard from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein, who said the state currently spends about $240 million a year on GLP-1 drugs for Medicaid patients with obesity and certain other conditions, and that the bill would let the department expand coverage gradually while controlling costs and negotiating better pricing. Members spoke in strong support, and SB 433 was reported favorable as amended. The committee then considered Senate Bill 157, which creates paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 educators and staff. An amendment was adopted to adjust fund language and make the bill proper for Appropriations. Senator Jenkins and supporters, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, described the bill as providing six weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, fostering, and related family-building events, while members discussed whether medical leave should also be included and confirmed the leave applies to fathers as well. The bill drew broad support and was reported favorable as amended. Senate Bill 250, requiring the Office of Group Benefits to offer a comprehensive weight management plan with employees paying the full premium and medication costs, was briefly discussed and reported favorable without objection. The committee then spent considerable time on Senate Bill 237, a child welfare measure from Senator Barrow that would expand notification, access, and investigative procedures for the Child Ombudsman and DCFS, including child-on-child sexual abuse cases and multidisciplinary fatality reviews. Members and agency officials debated the fiscal note, with estimates ranging from about $525,000 to $3.2 million and disagreement over whether some costs were already covered or could be absorbed; after a roll call, the bill passed 10-9 and was reported favorable as amended. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 155, which requires insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care tied to cancer treatment. Senator Talbot and medical and cancer advocacy witnesses said the bill would remove a barrier to timely chemotherapy or radiation and could prevent more expensive complications later. Members expressed support and discussed a relatively small fiscal note, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 875 is another appropriations bill, but it's a process of the appropriations budgeting process
• There are things with when it comes to appropriations that deal with House Appropriations that will go
• House Bill 905, by the Appropriations Committee, is an act relating to the appropriation to the Office
• House Bill 906, by the Appropriations Committee, is an act relating to the appropriation to the State
• House Bill 909, by the Appropriations Committee, is an act relating to the appropriation to the Office

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not the fund that's continuously appropriated.
• So the fund right now has a blend of both appropriated cash from the annual JFAC appropriation process
• Here's the five-year appropriations and expenditures.
• That's very appropriate.
• That's very appropriate.

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation for the Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), which is in the middle of a multi-year consolidation of IT staff and functions from other agencies. The analyst and administrator explained that ITS now has 243 authorized FTP, with more growth expected as Health and Welfare IT staff move over, and that much of ITS’s budget is driven by personnel, security, and pass-through technology purchases funded through dedicated revenues. The agency’s main 2027 requests included a personnel cash transfer to move costs off general fund and onto dedicated funds, $2.7 million for enterprise firewall/security upgrades, continued access to a federal E-CORE grant for an AI/data repository project, and funding for the Health and Welfare modernization/consolidation. Members asked about the grant, the 3% holdback, whether Health and Welfare’s budget would be reduced, the cost of delaying security upgrades, and why the agency’s FTP count has grown while overall IT costs are being centralized. ITS Administrator Alberto Gonzalez emphasized that the agency is defending against more than 100 million cyberattacks per month, with only a small fraction getting through, and said the firewall request was a critical security need. He said consolidation has produced efficiencies and a net reduction in IT personnel statewide, while also improving security and service delivery. He also explained that the agency is working on a possible policy change to separate continuously appropriated cash into a different fund for cleaner accounting. Questions from members focused on cybersecurity, bandwidth pressures from video/body-cam traffic, procurement speed, AI uses, and the rationale for office furnishings and equipment requests tied to the Health and Welfare move. The committee then moved to the Idaho State Tax Commission budget, another roughly $55 million portfolio with five programs and 447 authorized FTP. The analyst noted that the commission’s budget is heavily general-fund supported, but it also has several dedicated funds and large continuously appropriated flows tied to tax distributions and rebates. For fiscal year 2027, the commission requested additional dedicated-fund support for property tax outreach, $400,000 for GenTax automation, use of dedicated funds for the chief operating officer, replacement items, and the governor’s rescission. Chairman Jeff McRae said the agency returns more than $7.8 billion in revenue for about $55 million in spending, but warned the commission is at a “tipping point” where further cuts would reduce its ability to process revenue and serve taxpayers. Members questioned the commission about phone wait times, staffing levels, the multi-state tax compact, conformity work tied to the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and the parental choice tax credit program. McRae said the call center would need about 45 staff to meet standard service levels but currently has about seven, and that conformity changes would require significant software, form, and testing work, likely with overtime and possible taxpayer filing delays. He also explained that the tax credit program was designed with electronic-only applications, income prioritization, audits, and criminal penalties to reduce fraud. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting consisted of budget presentations, member questions, and agency responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• And That we've been talking about are the continuously appropriated expenditures.
• What is the sum total of the continuously appropriated funds? Mr. Loz: Mr.
• Dedicated in federal funds only represent the appropriation.
• appropriation also authorized by the legislature.
• back to what's in the pages in the budget book to match the appropriation bills.

Summary: JFAC began with a presentation from Legislative Services on the general fund and the “green sheet,” explaining how the committee tracks starting cash, revenue forecasts, transfers, appropriations, and ending balances. The analyst walked through general fund revenue sources, the difference between transfers and expenditures, structural balance, and how the green sheet is used to compare current-year collections against forecasts. Members asked about continuously appropriated funds, federal dollars, sales tax exemptions, and cash reconciliation issues tied to the state’s new Luma finance system and interest allocations. The discussion also covered the revenue monitor and how the committee can use it to track collections against forecasted amounts. The committee then moved into the Department of Health and Welfare’s overall budget overview. Legislative Services reviewed the department’s size, organizational structure, vacancy rate, five-year spending trends, and the role of continuously appropriated funds such as the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and Rural Physician Fund. Members asked about personnel vacancy rates, reverted funds, and whether the department could provide a list of subgrants and trustee-and-benefit payments. Department officials explained that some vacancies reflected a department-wide review, hiring freeze, and FTP realignment, including moving positions to State Hospital South and reverting some federal spending authority. They also said the department was actively filling funded positions and would provide additional information on grants and other payments. The committee then heard the first division-level budget presentation for Indirect Support Services. The analyst described the division’s role in centralized administration, IT, legal, communications, and management support, along with its staffing, historical expenditures, and base budget changes. The division’s budget request included a one-time irrigation system project at State Hospital West, a fund adjustment for the background check unit, the transfer of 58 FTP and related costs to the Office of Information Technology as part of modernization, and a request to remove restrictive budget language on personnel and trustee-and-benefit transfers. The governor’s recommendation also included support for some replacement items and a major new item tied to Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program, including 12 limited-service FTP in 2026, ongoing FTP in 2027, and $294 million in one-time operating funds. Members questioned the need for the new FTP, the use of AI, the definition of “rural,” and the mechanics of the IT transfer; department and ITS officials explained the transfer was a budget shift of personnel and operating costs, not a net increase in staffing. The committee adjourned after members also raised broader concerns about public input on Health and Welfare budgets and suggested a joint public meeting with the Health and Welfare committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, your supplemental and deficiency appropriation.
• Those are the two appropriations that come to mind.
• GROW appropriation for a very similar GROW appropriation.
• The special appropriation that we're...
• That's through leveraging and appropriations.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• LFC included about half of that appropriation at $15.7 million.
• On Row 130, I just mentioned that LFC zeroed out your appropriation.
• Your current appropriation for out of school.
• Supplemental appropriation to the SEG.
• You've already appropriated that money.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd be happy to move the bill when appropriate, ma'am.
• I understand would probably be more appropriate, I think.
• or not appropriate?
• Motion is due pass to Appropriations Committee. Becker? Okay.
• Motion is do pass to Appropriations Committee, Becker.”

Summary: The committee heard testimony on AB 262, which would direct the new California Housing and Homelessness Agency to study the needs of pregnant people experiencing homelessness and evaluate a voluntary “Pink Alert” notification system. Supporters, including the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and a mutual-aid volunteer, said the bill would help identify gaps in housing and prenatal services for a highly vulnerable population. Members generally supported the study concept, though one senator cautioned that the “Pink Alert” name could imply a missing-person alert. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and placed on call. Members then heard AB 673, creating the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program for 16- and 17-year-old homeless students not in a parent or guardian’s custody. The Superintendent of Public Instruction and advocates said the bill would help connect youth to housing, basic needs, tutoring, employment readiness, and mental health services, while opponents raised concerns about duplication with existing school and county services and staffing shortages. The author and supporters argued the program would fill gaps for youth who often fall through existing systems. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and was held on call. The committee also approved AB 1575, which updates the Lanterman Act to replace the term “consumer” with person-first language for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and AB 2510, which would expand CalWORKs family reunification aid so families do not lose support when only some children are removed from the home. AB 1688, requiring broader notice when abuse or neglect is alleged in foster placements so attorneys for other children in the placement can check on their safety, also passed to Appropriations. AB 2304, “Gabriel’s Law,” requiring a child in immediate medical need to be seen by a medical professional and clarifying penalties for falsifying child welfare records, passed to Public Safety after testimony from the author, Gabriel Fernandez’s aunt, prosecutors, and a dependency lawyer who opposed parts of the penalty language. The committee then heard AB 1746 on faster county processing of CalWORKs child care requests, with support from the author, advocates, and county welfare directors who said they were still working on amendments; it was moved to Appropriations and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd like to make a motion to accept $22,195,000.45 in excess funds from appropriated to the Oklahoma
• Pass to the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget.
• to the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget.
• We will also be recommending the appropriation of interest funds to address these gaps.
• all of our members will at least on the appropriation budget.

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding