Transcript Highlights:

• THIS IS THE REDUCTION OF THE STATE SALES TAX GENERAL SALES TAX FROM 6 PERCENT TO 5.25 AND SEVERAL OTHER
• CORRESPONDING SALES TAX RATES.
• THAT ELIMINATE SALES TAX ON SALES OF PUGLIA IN IN AMOUNTS BELOW $500.
• SALES OF AMOUNTS ABOVE $500 ARE ALREADY EXEMPT FROM SALES TAX. SO WE JUST MAKE THIS CONSISTENT.
• THE SALE OF THE FOLLOWING ARE EXEMPT FROM THE TAX IMPOSED BY THIS CHAPTER WHICH IS THE SALES TAX.

Transcript Highlights:

• The preference exempts biogas processing equipment from sales and use tax.
• And then there's also some sales that might occur outside of Washington.
• then claiming a deduction, but simply reporting the taxable amount of sales.
• It does not cover the sales tax that would be due on the purchase.
• And absent the preference, they would be responsible for the sales tax.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Transcript Highlights:

• There are also some sales that might occur outside of Washington.
• So if the return says, you know, report your gross sales, and then there's a line for sales that are
• claiming a deduction, but simply reporting the taxable amount of sales.
• It does not cover the sales tax that would be due on the purchase.
• And absent the preference, they would be responsible for the sales tax.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on August 4, 2026, with all five commissioners present. The commission approved the May 26, 2026 minutes, welcomed new commissioner Diane Tabilius, and re-elected Andy Knopfsiger Meadows as chair and Dr. Sharon Keiko as vice chair. JLARC staff also introduced two Evans School interns who are assisting with preliminary research for the 2027 review cycle. JLARC presented preliminary findings on seven tax preference reviews, focusing most heavily on the Main Street communities credit, the Equitable Access to Credit Program, and the urban data center exemption. Staff concluded that the Main Street preference has helped increase the number of communities and businesses and recommended continuing it, while also recommending that DAHP collect more detailed and standardized business-count data. The Equitable Access to Credit Program was found to support underserved communities and was also recommended for continuation. The urban data center exemption was found to have been used only for refurbishment projects, not new construction, and staff recommended letting it expire; commissioners and Representative Paulette discussed the need for better performance measures, cost-per-job analysis, and clearer legislative intent language in tax preference statements. Staff then reviewed airplane modification, landfill biogas, automotive adaptive equipment, and housing for people with developmental disabilities. The airplane modification preference was found to likely support jobs and state tax revenue and was recommended for continuation. The landfill biogas preference was also recommended for continuation, with a suggestion for more detailed reporting on use and renewable natural gas production. The automotive adaptive equipment exemption was found to continue providing relief to disabled veterans and service members and was recommended for continuation, while the housing transfer exemption for adults with developmental disabilities had not been used and was recommended to expire. No public testimony was taken at this meeting, and the commission noted that public testimony would be heard at its September meeting before final comments are adopted in October.

Transcript Highlights:

• The retail sales are down roughly six to eight percent across the board in the Retail sales are down
• type of store, percentage of sales alcohol.
• For a convenience store, alcohol sales are a higher percentage of what it sells.
• bill that would make a fine in lieu of suspension applicable to all sales and not just alcohol sales
• Well, right now, the fine is based off of just alcohol sales.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed. On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information. The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This excludes investigation services from the definition of retail sale for the purposes of retail sales
• taxation from the retail sales and use tax on live presentations.
• This amendment exempts free public libraries from retail sales and use tax on certain services.
• This excludes investigative services from the definition of retail sale for the purpose of retail sales
• It just exempts them from sales taxes.

Bills: SB5994 , SB6244

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: timber tax, school funding, levy failure, tax distribution, education funding, tax exemption, agriculture, hazardous substances, crop protection, warehousing

Transcript Highlights:

• Dogs and cats for sale.
• This bill would prohibit the sale of dogs or cats from these sources.
• Paperwork viewed, the website listened to the sales pitch.
• This bill will shut our stores down. 90% of our sales are pet related.
• Sales-based financing involves a... certificates of judgment.

Bills: HB 12 , HB149 , SB229 , SB1361 , SB1749 , SB1897 , SB2113 , SB2566 , SB2677 , SB1652 , SB2327 , SB2344 , SB2696 , HB12 , HB149

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, article three is the sales, excise, gross receipts, and local sales tax article
• excise gross receipts and local um sales excise gross receipts and local sales<00:49:34.880><c> tax<
• </c> distribution uh share for uh local sales distribution uh share for uh local sales taxes<01:04:35.440
• Paul local sales tax first to the St.
• </c> regressive tax like this like the sales regressive tax like this like the sales tax,<02:08:47.360

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> voters approve local sales taxes? voters approve local sales taxes?
• Now, if we were to say we don't want to extend the sales tax or we want to remove the sales tax, all
• Paul local sales tax revenue.
• Paul local sales tax revenue.
• Paul local sales tax revenue.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill repeals the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment.
• This bill repeals the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment.
• So clearly, this sales tax exemption is no longer needed.
• This sales tax exemption is no longer needed.
• House Bill 2198 is the repeal of the sales tax exemption for data centers.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including the Civil Air Patrol Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Color Guard, district office staff, and a guest page. A quorum was established with 202 members voting on the master roll. The chamber also noted that Deputy Sergeant Hopkins is retiring after three years of service, and several committee meetings were announced for later in the day. The main floor action was on House Bill 2198, which repeals the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment. Supporters argued the exemption is no longer needed because data centers are large, profitable companies that should pay their share, and cited a projected future cost to the Commonwealth of about $517 million annually. Members in favor also said data centers place heavy burdens on local water, land, and electricity resources and should not receive taxpayer subsidies. Opponents argued the bill conflicted with broader data center policy discussions and that the House was moving too quickly after passing related infrastructure legislation the day before. After debate, the House took a recorded final vote and passed House Bill 2198 by a vote of 197-5. The bill was sent to the Senate for concurrence. The House then moved several bills from the table calendar to the active calendar and adjourned until Friday, June 26, 2026, at 12 noon unless recalled sooner by the Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Dealer reporting of crime gun traces, multiple firearm sales, thefts, and losses; prohibiting the sale
• Prohibiting the sale of extremely dangerous weapons.
• , and ending future sales of certain military-grade weapons.
• , and ending future sales of certain military-grade weapons.
• , and ending future sales of certain military-grade weapons.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation, and handled several announcements and courtesy motions, including excusing some members and relaxing the dress code. The chamber then adopted committee reports on several bills, including Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 30, and Senate Bill 43. It then moved to third reading of Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate Bill 17, the “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act.” SB 17 was read at length and explained by Senator O’Malley and co-sponsor Senator Bergman as a gun crime prevention measure aimed at dealer security, employee training, recordkeeping, reporting requirements, inspections, and a ban on future dealer sales or transfers of certain firearms and accessories, including high-capacity magazines, .50-caliber rifles and cartridges, gas-operated semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, and machine guns. Supporters argued the bill targets the retail-to-criminal pipeline, improves accountability, and would help reduce gun trafficking and violence. Opponents argued it infringes on constitutional rights, would not stop criminals from obtaining guns, and would burden law-abiding citizens and dealers. The chamber then debated Floor Amendment No. 1 by Senator Brantley, which would have struck Section 7, the portion banning certain weapons and devices. Supporters of the amendment said Section 7 was the most constitutionally vulnerable part of the bill and would likely be litigated, while opponents said the section was central to the bill’s purpose and consistent with Second Amendment case law. The amendment failed on a roll call vote, 15-22. A second amendment by Senator Block, which would have exempted certain under-21 employees from the bill’s age restriction if they were military members, veterans, or had completed hunter safety or 4-H programs, was then taken up and debated, with supporters emphasizing military training and youth firearms education as evidence of responsibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the next source is motor vehicle sales the next source is motor vehicle sales tax.<00:18:22.799>
• </c> from the regional sales tax. from the regional sales tax.
• And then the aircraft sales tax, just sales tax on sale or purchase of aircraft.
• ><c> tax,</c><00:21:36.799><c> just</c><00:21:37.039><c> sales</c> then the aircraft sales tax, just
• sales then the aircraft sales tax, just sales tax<00:21:37.440><c> on</c><00:21:37.600><c> sale</c><00

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> would uh qualify for the tax the sales would uh qualify for the tax the sales tax<00:11:01.639><
• Pollock maybe had a clarification. um currently the sales tax exemption um currently the sales tax exemption
• </c><00:48:36.079><c> tax</c> consumption under current law sales tax consumption under current law sales
• </c><01:14:44.560><c> tax</c> HF 769 which would extend the sales tax HF 769 which would extend the sales
• </c><01:26:12.800><c> tax</c> a look at the um current um sales tax a look at the um current um sales

Bills: HF4 , HF173

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief, state surplus, fiscal forecast, wealthy taxpayers, high-income exclusion, 2026 ballot, referendum, surplus distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• The counties, most of the counties do not receive property, I mean sales tax. Do you get sales tax?
• There is no restriction on the growth of sales tax.
• My revenues from sales tax exceeded property tax.
• We get zero sales tax.
• What's your sales tax increase? What's your percent revenue sales tax in Austin?

Bills: SB9 , SB 9

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• , then the court orders that sale.
• I understand that Wayfair is the federal jurisprudence that applies local sales taxes to online sales
• This is because many online sales have long been subject to sales tax, right?
• And I say that... ...because many online sales have long been subject to sales tax, right?
• to the inflated sales prices.

Bills: HB2780 , HB4029 , HB4030 , HCR2052

Committees: House Ways & Means , House House Ways & Means Committee of Reference

Keywords: judicial foreclosure, tax lien, redemption rights, excess proceeds, property auction, income tax, federal tax conformity, revenue analysis, legislative session, tax reporting, municipal fees, county fees, utility rates, moratorium, tax classification, local government, inflation, economic stability, tax increases, cost-of-living protection

Transcript Highlights:

• , the general sales tax from, I don't know, general stores.
• I did have some slides about sales tax because we did some very important things in the sales tax reform
• ... ...about sales tax because we did some very important things in the sales tax reform as well.
• The sales tax changes.
• When you look at the digital sales tax collections and you see sales taxes up, but you also have to be

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met on March 10, 2026, for a series of informational presentations rather than bill hearings. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the state’s tax structure, the 2024 third special session tax reform package, and the Revenue Estimating Conference process. They explained the move to a 3% flat individual income tax, a 5.5% flat corporate income tax, the higher standard deduction and retirement-income exclusion, the repeal of several deductions and credits, the repeal of the corporate franchise tax, and the expansion of the sales tax base to certain digital goods. Staff also walked through tax exemption data, showing the size of exemptions relative to collections, and discussed forecasted revenue gaps in the out years, including the effect of the scheduled sales tax rate reduction and the return of transportation-related revenues to their prior dedication. Members asked about declining mineral revenues, digital sales tax collections, corporate collections, and the impact of tax credits and exemptions. Division of Administration and Legislative Fiscal Office staff said lower oil and gas prices, long-term production declines, and the timing of corporate payments were major factors in revenue trends, and that it will take at least another year or two of tax returns to fully understand the reform’s effects. They emphasized that corporate collections are still below the $600 million threshold that affects the state general fund and Revenue Stabilization Fund, though the forecast remains $900 million. The committee also discussed surplus and excess revenues, the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending, and how current-year and prior-year balances are allocated under the constitution. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the relationship between Ways and Means and Appropriations. Chairman McFarland stressed that new fiscal-note bills can force cuts elsewhere if revenue is not available, and urged members to coordinate early with fiscal staff before advancing costly legislation. Members also asked how pending constitutional amendments on teacher pay and inventory tax might affect the budget; staff said the teacher stipend proposal is not currently funded in the executive budget and that the inventory tax proposal would mainly affect local governments and any reimbursements from the Revenue Stabilization Fund if approved. The committee then heard from Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bouchoux, who reported strong results from recent reforms, including $92 billion in capital investment, 37,000 new jobs, a record year of announcements, a top-10 corporate tax climate ranking, and a pipeline of 189 active projects representing nearly 42,000 potential jobs and $280 billion in potential investment. Members praised LED’s work and discussed the need to pair economic development with workforce training, infrastructure, and predictable tax policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• These sales comprise approximately 3,600 acres and $977 million in winning bids.
• On your screen, you'll see our general sale and auction process.
• A land sale fee, Madam Chair, Mr.
• It takes four years to take a subdivision from raw land to the first home sale.
• I have the... ...I have the list of sales over the last five years.

Summary: The Joint Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committees of Reference heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also identified weaknesses in continuing-education verification and other sunset-factor areas, and the board agreed to implement all 21 recommendations. Board staff said complaint volume has risen sharply since the pandemic, that the board’s process is slower because every case goes through an investigative committee and then the full board, and that it has already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues and is adding tools to improve continuing-education audits. The committee then heard testimony from the board’s executive director and from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. The executive director emphasized the board’s public-protection mission, described the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and said the board is working to improve efficiency through a new e-licensing system and staff training. Members asked about the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, complaint backlogs, and whether the board could do more to recruit rural practitioners; the board said it lacks direct recruiting authority but supports multiple licensure pathways and loan-assistance efforts. The veterinary association supported the board’s oversight and said it is also working on rural and large-animal workforce issues through partnerships and advocacy. The committee then voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next took up the Arizona State Land Department, beginning with the Auditor General’s presentation on the department’s sunset review and prior special audit. The audit found the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan since 2011, had sold more than 48,000 acres without an active plan, had allowed agricultural rental rates to go unchanged since 2006 despite market increases, and had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases or properly managed reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues created risks of lost revenue, reduced transparency, and public-safety hazards, and recommended 18 corrective actions in the main review plus 34 additional recommendations on other issues; the department agreed to most recommendations but declined to adopt a written policy for commissioner-initiated land sales. Commissioner Robin Sahid said the department is working through audit recommendations, has created a rules team, improved its customer portal, and is pursuing new policies on water use, transportation-basin leases, and disposition planning. Members questioned the department about agricultural leases, groundwater valuation, the Fondomonte leases and reimbursement for improvements, the canceled Coyotes land auction, backlog and processing times, and the use of consultants and administrative funds. The commissioner said the department had over 2,000 applications in queue when she arrived, that it has made progress reducing the backlog, and that it is conducting stakeholder outreach on water-efficiency standards and lease addenda. No final vote on the land department continuation was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's considered sales tax exempt.
• If state sales tax is exempt, local sales tax is also exempt; they follow suit at the local level, whether
• it's a county or a city sales tax.
• then city sales tax would come into play.
• Sale electricity is already exempt from sales tax in North Dakota, correct?

Committee: Joint Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee

Summary: The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum and approved the prior minutes. Staff reviewed the interim work schedule, noting that most assigned studies were complete and that the final meeting would be September 29, with remaining work focused on economic development tax incentives, the stripper well exemption, and property tax reform items such as the primary residence credit. The committee then took up a referral on political subdivision compliance with state law, especially reserve limits and levy calculations. State Auditor Josh Gallion explained the audit standards used for local governments, the state auditor’s limited authority to force compliance, and the practical challenges created by a shortage of auditors. He used Stark County and Mountrail County examples to show how reserve balances affect levy calculations, including Stark County’s 2023 general fund levy issue and Mountrail County’s zero-levy approach. Stark County Commission Chair Neil Messer defended his county’s decision to keep reserves for major projects and volatility in oil-related revenues, while acknowledging the county remained out of compliance with the 75% reserve rule. Committee members and staff discussed possible enforcement mechanisms, the role of county auditors, and whether the law should be changed to better fit current fiscal conditions. Linda from the Association of Counties and Matt Gardner from the League of Cities said both organizations have been heavily training local officials on the new tax cap and reserve rules. Linda said counties and cities are using standardized worksheets for the 3% cap and levy limitations, and suggested that an affidavit certifying compliance could be attached to levy submissions. She also clarified that the primary residence credit does not reduce mill levies; it only reduces the taxpayer’s bill. Gardner said city auditors receive required finance training and that his organization was unaware of current city reserve noncompliance. The committee did not take action on the issue and planned to revisit it at the September 29 meeting. The final portion of the meeting moved into a subcommittee report on the property tax statement, where Representative Headland introduced a bill draft to remove the legislative property tax relief line from the statement for further committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then you see the sales tax on auto parts is unchanged, and the rental tax...
• </c><00:15:19.839><c> from</c> there are also exemptions on sales from there are also exemptions on sales
• vehicle sales tax.
• So this brings me to the sales tax and the delivery fee.
• And so, transactions not subject to sales and use tax, except for clothing.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Sales Systems must include Point of Sales Systems must include separate<00:09:25.240><c> classifications
• </c><00:15:41.360><c> from</c> there are also exemptions on sales from there are also exemptions on sales
• </c><00:18:23.520><c> tax</c> actually subject to the fee a sales tax actually subject to the fee a sales
• </c><00:18:30.799><c> tax</c> so in addition to collecting sales tax so in addition to collecting sales
• , and motor vehicle sales tax.

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So it applies only to the state sales and use tax.
• So, in other words, under the amendment, the sale of biodiesel would still be exempt from state sales
• So it applies only to the state sales and use tax.
• So in other words, under the amendment, the sale of biodiesel would still be exempt from state sales
• Senate Bill 606, exempting food banks from the retail sales tax.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on March 2, 2026, and worked through two large groups of bills, hearing staff briefings, caucusing, and then voting each measure out to the Rules Committee. In the first group, the committee advanced bills on state accounts (HB 2675, with an amendment creating an adult day service facilities account), immigrant worker protections (2SHB 2105, after adopting a striker and Amendment 8 while rejecting amendments that would have changed enforcement and private rights of action), voting rights compliance (E3SHB 1710, with all proposed amendments rejected), AI content provenance and notices (E2SHB 1170, with Amendment 19 adopted to exempt state/local/tribal governments and certain video-game and technical uses), public official protections (2SHB 233, with a technical amendment adopted), WOTEC civil service coverage (HB 2249), JLARC work plan changes (HB 2120), LEOFF Plan 1 termination/restatement (E2SHB 2034, with several amendments adopted including creation of a pension surplus holding account and study directives, while proposals to redirect funds to the Climate Commitment Act or provide a lump-sum payment were rejected or withdrawn), supplemental retirement bargaining (HB 1069, with a striker adopted), port employee retirement exclusions (EHB 2179, with a striker adopted), local government revenue flexibility (ESHB 2442, with Amendment 72 adopted to remove a county public utility tax and other amendments rejected), wildfire mitigation funding (SHB 2089), and timberland REET changes (HB 1983). The committee also noted that it would not take action on some items in the packet, including SHB 1833. In the second group, the committee advanced bills on local housing tax remittance programs (ESHB 1717), renewable energy tax incentives and grants (E3SHB 1960, with a striking amendment adopted that adjusted rates, timing, and related provisions), nonprofit fundraising hall property tax relief (HB 2431), food bank sales tax relief (SB 6006), local tax increment financing (E2SHB 2451), temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities (SB 6297), school and child care-related sales tax exemptions (SSB 6351, with a substitute adopted and the competing amendment made out of order), behavioral health work group extension and leadership council creation (2SHB 2429), Working Connections Child Care changes (SB 6353, with Amendment 43 adopted), language access guidelines for state agencies (SHB 2475), unpaid wage recovery (2SHB 2479), firearms background check fee authority (HB 2521, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided), public employee information sharing (HB 2091, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided), and Office of Independent Investigations jurisdiction changes (ESHB 2508, briefed but not acted on in the portion provided). Throughout the meeting, members and staff discussed fiscal notes, implementation costs, and whether amendments would increase or reduce state impacts, with several amendments aimed at narrowing scope, delaying implementation, or shifting enforcement and funding responsibilities.