Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not sure if that is something that we can get more of a concrete analysis of, because there's some
• Things like this, so maybe we get some type of analysis just on all the moving parts.
• Things like this, so maybe we get some type of analysis just on all the moving parts. All right.
• Asked a question about additional employees and staff, and in that earlier assessment of our fiscals,
• So next fiscal year, Cal ICH will be releasing public dashboards pursuant to SB 914, which will measure

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress. A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding. The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments. Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It began increasing again in fiscal year 2023 and is projected to continue increasing through fiscal
• It began increasing again in fiscal year 2023 and is projected to continue increasing through fiscal
• to fiscal year 2024 by over 6,000.
• fiscal year 2027.
• to 165 in fiscal year 2024.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand. DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• As one of the largest park services in the country, in fiscal year 2024-25, the Florida Park Service
• During last fiscal year, the Florida Park Service generated over $75 million in revenue and had a $3.6
• DEP also conducted analysis that evaluated future growth and recreational demands through the review
• The Florida Park Service analysis of our unit management plans for all 175 state parks identified and
• The Florida Park Service analysis of our unit management plans for all 175 state parks identified and

Bills: S0544, S0636, S0848, S0546

Keywords: golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably. The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because that comes up in one of our analysis.
• And I know that in the analysis here this would only be for policies written after, I think, July.
• Our analysis says after this year, so presumably the carriers could just simply come...
• The funds are available for expenditure in fiscal year 2026.
• Any unexpended balance at the end of fiscal year 2027 reverts to the general fund.

Bills: SB154, SB187, SB193, SM3

Keywords: insurance, wildfire, flood damage, natural disasters, property coverage, water projects, appropriation, New Mexico, finance authority, infrastructure, New Mexico Finance Authority, funding, SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law

Transcript Highlights:

• With me is the Chief of our fiscal management office, Sarah Hamilton, as well as the acting deputy over
• With me is the Chief of our fiscal management office, Sarah Hamilton, as well as the acting deputy over
• Last year, the last fiscal year, the assessments and fees were $2,800.
• It is anticipated that the federal funds will be fully depleted in fiscal year 2027-28. All right.
• That includes one fiscal year of M&O, maintenance and operations.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for fiscal year 24 within CFANS.
• This is for fiscal year 24 within CFANS.
• This is for fiscal year 24 within CFANS.
• This is for fiscal year 24 within CFANS.
• <01:27:01.320> year uh gone at the end of this fiscal year uh gone at the end of this fiscal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We invest in it every fiscal year.
• As a reminder, the average cost to plug a well last fiscal year was $163,000.
• We're looking at the fiscal and economic impact.
• All right, that's the economic impact analysis calculated using a REMI software.
• I think that cost-benefit analysis gets at exactly that point.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Thank you for taking care of the fiscal >> Thank you for taking care of the fiscal
• folks to to provide and do the analysis. folks to to provide and do the analysis.
• 30.000> back<01:25:30.239> here sending that fiscal note back here sending that fiscal
• Um, so I again, you know, fiscal cost.
• <01:36:56.159> and allow more time for analysis and allow more time for analysis and deliberation

Bills: HF3477, HF3480, HF3781, HF3357, HF3737, HF3664, HF3621

Keywords: civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, immigration enforcement, economic impact, Operation Metro Surge, study, appropriation, local government, Legislative Commission on Legislative Security, legislator security, elected official security, staff security, statehouse security, capitol security, legislative district safety, political violence prevention, threat assessment

Summary: The committee first attempted to approve minutes from February 24 and March 3, but members identified multiple spelling errors in names, so approval was held and the motion withdrawn. The committee then took up House File 3477, a bill by Representative Long proposing a civil remedy for constitutional violations by government actors, including federal actors. An author’s amendment (A4) was adopted to remove a subdivision and clarify retroactivity. In discussion, members raised concerns about Supremacy Clause and immigration-related issues; the author responded that the bill applies evenly to state and federal actors and is meant to enforce constitutional rights, not immigration law. After debate, the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register failed on a 6-7 vote, with one member excused. The committee next heard House File 3480, authored by Representative Howard, which would commission an independent economic impact study of Operation Metro Surge. An A2 amendment was adopted to add a dollar amount for the study and clarify timing. Representative Howard said the study would help the legislature understand statewide impacts and noted reported harm to businesses, child care, schools, and local governments. Testimony in support came from Laura Santiago, reading a statement from Christopher Gomez of Willmar, who described ICE agents entering his family’s restaurant, the detention and deportation of family members, and resulting business losses. Rachel Ser, Minneapolis emergency management director, cited a preliminary city assessment estimating major impacts including food insecurity, lost wages, business revenue losses, hotel cancellations, and rental assistance needs. Some members questioned the cost and usefulness of the study, while others said suburban and greater Minnesota communities also wanted the data. The transcript ends during continued discussion of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, we saw 16,500 patients in fiscal year 24.
• As we know, nothing happens fiscally without doing work.
• We also have the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center, which is our independent evaluator.
• And you should have that in your back pocket for the next fiscal year.
• So, the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center (WISAC) is our independent evaluator.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finance estimates that the state will get about $171 billion in 2025-2026, the upcoming fiscal year,
• We're a research and analysis nonprofit that works to expand opportunities and promote well-being for
• And Medi-Cal is delivering between $1 billion and $3.5 billion to your districts this fiscal year.
• Chair and thank you panelists for your presentations. and your overview of the current fiscal outlook
• That was one of the largest and most significant fiscal—that would have been one of the largest fiscal

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and policy analyst for the LAO; and Kenneth Kappahan, the principal fiscal and policy analyst also for
• Every objective analysis has made the case for the reform proposed.
• fiscal planning.
• We recommend that all these governance changes be accompanied by a cost-neutral fiscal plan.
• We recommend that all these governance changes be accompanied by a cost-neutral fiscal plan.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Education and Budget Committee hearing focused on Governor Newsom’s education governance proposal, which would reorganize state K-12 education leadership by shifting day-to-day management of the Department of Education from the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction to a governor-appointed education commissioner, while giving the superintendent a more policy-focused role and voting seats on the State Board of Education and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Brooks Allen, for the State Board of Education and Governor’s office, argued the change would reduce fragmented authority, improve accountability, and align California with other states that use appointed chief education officials. Amber Alexander of the Department of Finance outlined the budget-neutral staffing transfers and transition timeline, and LAO analyst Sarah Cortez said the LAO supports the shift to an appointed commissioner but recommends Senate confirmation, clearer statutory duties, preserved legislative oversight, and a cost-neutral fiscal plan. Committee members raised substantial concerns about timing, constitutionality, voter expectations, and whether the proposal would actually improve student outcomes. Senator Cabaldon argued the change would effectively alter the meaning of the constitutionally created superintendent office during an election year without voter approval, and questioned whether governance restructuring has evidence of improving achievement or should instead yield savings. Other senators asked how the new structure would work in practice, who would be accountable if it failed, whether a governor-appointed commissioner was the best model, and whether local districts would truly see clearer lines of authority. Allen responded that the Legislature retains plenary authority over education, that the transition would be minimally disruptive, and that the proposal was designed to create a single line of management and clearer communication for local districts. The discussion also covered the Legislature’s role in curriculum and education policy. LAO staff explained that the Legislature has broad authority over education and can direct curriculum-related policy, though it has generally delegated detailed curriculum work to the State Board and the Instructional Quality Commission. Several senators said the current system already creates confusion for voters and local educators, while others argued the proposal adds another layer of bureaucracy and overpromises on results. No vote was taken at this hearing; members continued questioning witnesses and indicated the proposal would be examined further in later panels, including testimony from local education leaders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, an update from the Comptroller's Office on fiscal.
• What Fiscal is. Good afternoon Chair and members.
• are migrated to Fiscal.
• So no, not not a statewide analysis on our part.
• I'm a fiscal analyst there.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• note as you go to going to the fiscal note as you go to the<04:08:51.600> fiscal<04:08:51.920
• have you done that analysis? have you done that analysis?
• analysis you're speaking about? analysis you're speaking about?
• DOE's fiscal note says rate to $0.
• midyear fiscal year 2028. midyear fiscal year 2028.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House fiscal staff, Miss Shelene.
• do a more in-depth analysis do a more in-depth analysis that<00:07:12.400> should<00:07:12.639
• It keeps available the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 appropriations until the end of fiscal year 2028, effective
• It keeps available the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 appropriations until the end of fiscal year 2028, effective
• Uh, looking at the House fiscal.

Bills: HF3732

Keywords: workforce development, unemployment benefits, youth training, economic development, grants, job creation

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill that has some significant fiscal impacts for various agencies.
• To follow up, do you have a fiscal impact question?
• So it's hard to have fiscal questions with no fiscal attached, but I do have a question about the disabled
• So from a fiscal standpoint...
• Fiscally, this is bad for Florida. Thank you for being here today.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 1342, a transit-oriented development bill intended to expand housing near fixed transit corridors. The sponsor said the measure builds on the Live Local Act by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging private investment around transit investments. An amendment was adopted that narrowed definitions, limited the bill to land use and development regulations, removed a private cause of action, and exempted certain sensitive areas including military installations and environmentally sensitive lands. Supporters argued the bill would increase housing supply and maximize the return on state transit spending, while local government groups and other opponents warned it would preempt local zoning, impose uniform density rules, and create infrastructure, evacuation, and public input concerns. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1334, an elections bill that would require documentary proof of citizenship in certain voter registration and verification processes, update candidate qualification rules, require U.S. citizen markers on driver licenses and ID cards, and clarify that paper ballots are the primary voting method. Two technical amendments were adopted. The sponsor said the bill would streamline verification by allowing agencies to rely on Real ID and DHSMV records, reduce duplicate documentation, and improve communication between state systems. Senators questioned the fiscal impact, data-sharing procedures, storage of sensitive documents, effects on students, disabled voters, and people without driver licenses or Real IDs. A large number of public speakers opposed the bill, arguing it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled people, low-income residents, naturalized citizens, and people with name changes, while a smaller number supported it as an election integrity measure. The bill was ultimately not finished in the portion of the transcript provided, but the committee continued taking testimony and questions. Later, the committee took up CS for SB 1362 on advanced air mobility. A strike-all amendment was adopted to align the bill with the House version and authorize FDOT to fund vertiports and charging systems as part of public-private partnerships, including up to 80% of the non-federal share when federal funds are available and up to 100% if FDOT elects to do so. The sponsor framed the bill as helping Florida lead in advanced air mobility, and the measure was reported favorably with support from industry and local government representatives. Finally, the committee heard SB 174, which would designate a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and direct FDOT to install markers at an estimated cost of $2,400. The sponsor said the designation was tied to Turning Point USA activity at FIU and civic engagement. Several senators objected in debate, arguing Kirk was divisive and that the state should reserve road memorials for figures more broadly deserving of honor; others defended the designation as symbolic and non-regulatory. The transcript ends during the sponsor’s closing remarks, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know this is not a fiscal committee, but we did have a stop in the Ways and Means Committee, and we
• Christian Tower, Fiscal Analysis Division, for the record.
• And you will see it's the reprint because at first there was a fiscal note because it was asking GOED
• But by taking that out and making it just going forward, we were able to remove the fiscal note on the
• Thank you, Christian Tauer, Fiscal Analysis Division, for the record.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She also noted that there is a fiscal note of zero in the packet.
• They said those questions require analysis and looking at the relationship between things.
• come back with with uh the fiscal note. come back with with uh the fiscal note.
• Um, is there a fiscal note expected with this?
• Co-Chair, um, I don't have a fiscal note.

Bills: HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• And one thing: just shy of 7,000 disabled veteran credit recipients in fiscal year 2025.
• And one thing, just shy of 7,000 disabled veteran credit recipients in fiscal year 2025.
• The fiscal team, they are a key part of it. They work with the treasurer's office.
• Is there a number of denials that you could share with us for fiscal 25 or 26? The, yes.
• So, From an audience standpoint, our fiscal division performs that.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fiscal Year 25 was actually the third year of our project.
• Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.
• So our operational budget for the past fiscal year.
• And we wanted to do a trend analysis, so we looked at 2019 to 2024.
• Thanks for this analysis. This is so impressive. And for.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's fiscal year 2025, 2.3 billion dollars."
• there's been some contesting about the fiscal note itself.
• there's been some contesting about the fiscal note itself.
• there's been some contesting about the fiscal note itself.
• there's been some contesting about the fiscal note itself.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all