Transcript Highlights:

• So you can price people out in multiple ways, but we do work hard to bring in other money.
• If we start putting these heavy levies and price tags on that, we know how far it will go, and there
• If we start putting these heavy levies and price tags on that, we know how far it will go, and there
• As I understand it, again, I was just a rural county mayor at the time, the department estimated that
• We've heard a little bit about the 7,000 licensees estimate with only just over 1,200 licenses.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• A key cost barrier for California RNG is often the high price of interconnecting projects.
• it and collects dollars through the rates, or the project pays for it, then has to charge higher prices
• I do appreciate the comments from Edison that sometimes these are unforeseen, difficult to estimate,
• And those will all be reflected in the price of a vehicle.
• Research from the Berkeley Energy Institute, using a capital asset pricing model, estimated the cost

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension. SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact. The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:31.120><c> Using</c><00:29:31.440><c> wastewater</c> price stabilization.
• Using wastewater price stabilization.
• Herur, what would be helpful, and you kind of touched on it in your testimony, is a comparative price
• I have estimated through work on the fuel clause and at the Public Utilities Commission that it adds
• In addition, it carried a very high price for even solar energy.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here, Senator Price for Senator Harris. Here, President Henry. Senator Jackson Andrews.
• That estimate that DOGE came up with was in the $300 million range.
• Colleen went through the revenue estimates.
• All right, I have a motion by Senator Price.
• I have a motion by Senator Price to approve the item of legislative intent.

Summary: The committee met to review budget and fiscal items, beginning with a roll call and a reminder about severe weather and the need to keep the meeting brief. Members first received the January fiscal status statement and certified the prior-year surplus at $577,073,871, with no changes from the prior month. The fiscal status statement was approved without objection. Staff then reviewed the five-year baseline budget and continuation/standstill budgets, noting projected imbalances in later years driven by revenue declines, including the redirection of motor vehicle sales tax, and by rising costs such as inflation and Medicaid adjustments. Representative Amadee asked about Medicaid growth and SNAP administrative costs, and staff explained that the SNAP federal match change is separate from Medicaid. The governor’s executive budget presentation focused on a third year of standstill budgeting, efficiency savings, and the impact of one-time reductions and agency reorganizations. Officials said the budget avoids recurring spending from nonrecurring revenue and incorporates savings from prior efficiency efforts. Major items discussed included funding for LA Gator vouchers, the high-impact jobs program at Louisiana Economic Development, DCFS modernization, corrections overtime and offender costs, Angola population growth, nursing home and MCO adjustments at LDH, and additional support for the MJ Foster Scholarship and Board of Regents systems. Members also discussed the distinction between state general fund and federal funds, the effect of inflation on specific purchases, and the use of surplus dollars, including deposits to the Budget Stabilization Fund and UAL paydown. No formal action was taken on the budget presentation. Later items included the FY27 expenditure limit calculation of $20.1 billion, up $953 million from FY26, and the annual comprehensive financial report, which received an unmodified audit opinion. The committee approved a BA-7 increasing federal funds for the governor’s office by $2 million for U.S. DOT-related infrastructure and rural transit work. It also approved Facility Planning and Control requests to add five higher education deferred maintenance projects and to combine two Baton Rouge Community College projects. CPRA received approval to extend contracts with Coastal Estuary Services and Access Sciences for monitoring and records-management services. The committee also approved a legislative intent clarification for a $500,000 appropriation to the New Orleans Recreational Development Foundation. The final major discussion was a presentation on a weighted caseload study for appellate and district courts. Judicial officials explained that the study updates an outdated formula used to assess judgeship needs, incorporates specialty courts and commissioners, and is intended as one tool in a broader collaborative process with the legislature. Members raised concerns about the number of judges, court funding, and how Louisiana compares with other states. No vote was taken on the study, but the discussion emphasized future collaboration on judicial resource allocation and possible structural changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also came up with a conservative estimate on daily visitor spending at $60 per day.
• We considered studies from Arizona and Texas, and also the New Mexico Tourism Department's estimate for
• These benefits generally do not have price tags, however, they do have value.
• So, putting these together on the bottom, we have the recreational use value estimate.
• Number one, the taxpayer's price tag will be huge.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, estimate<00:33:20.159><c> estimates</c><00:33:20.640><c> suggest</c><00:33:20.880><c> that</
• c><00:33:21.120><c> building</c> estimate estimates suggest that building estimate estimates suggest
• The price of corn in the some of them.
• Uh while estimates real estate taxes.
• uh competitive with wholesale prices uh competitive with other<01:04:09.680><c> utilities.

Bills: HF1669 , HF4709 , HF3531 , HF4048

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, electricity generation, property tax exemption, renewable energy, incentives, economic development, fuel delivery, tax exemption, retail transactions, diesel exhaust fluid, fuel lubricants, healthcare tax, gross receipts tax, hospitals, chiropractors, healthcare providers

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> like to with pricing like to with pricing signals<00:10:13.680><c> um</c><00:10:14.560><c> and</
• </c> both buy and sell at uh real-time prices both buy and sell at uh real-time prices for<00:39:10.760
• </c> can expect this hold up to retail price can expect this hold up to retail price signaling<01:16:
• </c> suppliers to offer the the um prices suppliers to offer the the um prices that<01:32:06.600><c>
• were low and then discharge when prices were low and then discharge when prices<02:14:31.920><c> were

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Price, Senator Shet, Senator Stewart. We have a quorum. Excellent, thank you.
• then another estimated 12.7 million dollars.
• Senator Price, aye. Senator Stewart, no. Weaver, we have a 10 to 4 vote.
• Senator Price, aye. Senator Shonet... Senator Stewart.
• Senator Price. Senator Or. Senator Price, aye. Senator Shonet. Senator Stewart, no.

Bills: SB245 , SB246 , HB30 , HB30

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: SB245, public assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, food assistance, Alabama Medicaid Agency, Department of Human Resources, eligibility verification, self-attestation, data matching, fraud prevention, improper payments, program integrity, benefit eligibility, income verification, residency verification, asset verification, electronic benefit transfer, EBT, cross-checks

Transcript Highlights:

• of homes and what some of the regulation red tape is doing to the price of homes.
• We had a big one around surveillance price and wage setting.
• </c> holders, including methods of estimating holders, including methods of estimating user<02:04:46.159
• The reason uh price and wage setting.
• measures to estimate the age of<02:26:28.399><c> a</c><02:26:28.640><c> user.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we need to look at a different graph, the consumer price index, to see how prices have changed over
• </c><00:14:14.000><c> a</c> into some of the labor um uh prices a into some of the labor um uh prices
• </c><00:26:41.360><c> I'm</c> price on all that. I'm price on all that.
• </c> price in the years to come? price in the years to come?
• </c> we haven't seen prices go up yet. we haven't seen prices go up yet.

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> model's worked on finding a low price model's worked on finding a low price point<00:26:34.400><
• to note here is that the price of this endorsement and the price of our other permits is extremely critical
• </c><00:29:27.279><c> of</c> to to note here is that the price of to to note here is that the price of
• </c> Our next slide looks at the pricing Our next slide looks at the pricing structure.<00:31:20.880>
• And so very price from the onset.

Bills: HF624

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF624, Minnesota fishing law, game and fish, walleye stamp, walleye stamp validation, angling, angler, fishing lines, two lines, four lines, open water fishing, ice fishing, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, fishing regulations, fish harvest, conservation, Minnesota Statutes 97C.315, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> additional rental, bring bring the price additional rental, bring bring the price of<01:39:49.160
• Thank you, Gas prices are rising.
• <c> that</c><03:11:41.720><c> consumer</c> We have an estimate that consumer We have an estimate that
• I was wondering if you have any I was wondering if you have any estimates estimates estimates on<03:24
• ><c> million</c> there's an estimated $75 million there's an estimated $75 million for<03:26:46.840><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , CONTRACTORS ESTIMATES OR REPAIR SHOP OR MEDICAL PROVIDER BILLING.
• THE FIRST THING IS INCREASE PRECISION AND PRICING.
• GETTING PRICES HELPS CONSUMERS BECAUSE IT ALLOWS INSURANCE COMPANIES TO BRING MORE PRODUCTS TO MARKET
• OF COURSE AS TO PRICING THE FACTORS WILL BE DIFFERENT. AI WOULD WORK THE SAME WAY.
• HOW DO YOU FORESEE THAT, THE AI TECHNOLOGY TO AFFECT PREMIUM PRICES?

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the, the estimates for the state of Texas is less than $5000 or around $5000.
• Revenues will make it up, of course, it's kind of sometimes not that easy to estimate if it's like more
• Um, we estimated a value.
• Um, for the fiscal year 26, I can say that our office estimated the city levy loss to be 267.5 million
• You're sort of getting two for the price of one.

Bills: HB8 , HB9 , HJR1 , HB 22

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> over our most recent revenue estimate. over our most recent revenue estimate.
• /c><00:17:10.400><c> for</c><00:17:10.559><c> New</c> estimate that the marketplace for New estimate
• estimates? estimates? Thank<00:21:16.799><c> you</c><00:21:16.960><c> Mr.
• </c><00:22:39.919><c> that,</c><00:22:40.480><c> you</c> prices war in Ukraine etc. that, you prices
• </c> reflects their revenue estimates. reflects their revenue estimates.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 met to review revenue estimates and begin working through a side-by-side of the budget. New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre testified that lottery revenues are outperforming prior estimates, projecting a $27 million return to the state this year, up $7 million, and $200 million per year in the next biennium, up $6.5 million per year. He attributed the increase to stronger scratch ticket sales, no negative impact from Massachusetts sports betting, and overall better performance. Members questioned the assumptions behind the higher numbers, including the proposed $50 scratch tickets, the effect of inflation, and whether the projections were conservative enough. McIntyre said the $50 ticket could produce modest growth and that the estimates were intentionally cautious. The discussion also covered gaming revenue assumptions for historical horse racing and video lottery terminals, with McIntyre saying the state market is not yet saturated and that future conversions from HHR to VLTs should be net positive for the state. Members also discussed differences between House and Senate revenue numbers for gaming, including machine counts, daily revenue assumptions, and the tax split. The Senate version used higher machine counts and a 31.25% tax rate, with a quarter-point reserved for responsible gaming and the remainder split between charities and the state. The House had used a 30% rate with a different distribution. McIntyre and committee members also reviewed House Bill 2 items affecting Kino hours and local option games of chance, with McIntyre explaining that the bill would expand playing hours and shift towns to an opt-out model. No votes were taken during the lottery discussion, but the committee indicated it would continue refining the revenue model and circulate the spreadsheet used for the estimates. The committee then moved through the HB 1 detail change sheet, accepting several Senate positions and holding others for later. It agreed to a zero-cost realignment in the Department of Safety moving the international fuel tax agreement function from administration to motor vehicles, and it restored eight passenger motor vehicle inspection positions for later discussion in HB 2. The Department of Corrections reorganization was set aside for a later, more detailed discussion. The committee also accepted no-change positions for the Department of Employment Security and agreed to a technical footnote fix in the Judicial Council section. It discussed a new HB 2 item moving contract counsel for involuntary mental health admissions from the judicial branch to the Judicial Council, funded at $100,000 per year, and noted that the public defender funding issue would be revisited when the overall budget picture is clearer. The meeting ended with the committee continuing its review of the remaining pages of the detail change sheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as you know, prices did increase significantly.
• did increase significantly know prices did increase significantly for<00:13:48.920><c> example</c><00
• The first original estimate in 2023 was 3.6 million, and due to the...
• </c><00:22:04.120><c> so</c> 5.4 um why was your estimate so 5.4 um why was your estimate so off<00:22
• </c><00:22:08.640><c> in</c> off um the first original estimate in off um the first original estimate

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 HB 537 Discussion 00:00:40 HB 537 Vote 00:02:45 HJR 34 Discussion 00:03:30 HJR 34 Vote 00:07:45 HJR 30 Discussion 00:08:30 HJR 30 Vote 00:10:25 HJR 32 Discussion 00:11:00 HJR 32 Vote 00:41:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee took up several measures related to appropriations and school facilities. House Bill 537 was explained as a technical fix to Kentucky’s opioid abatement settlement framework so the state can accept funds from national bankruptcy settlements under the allocation structure now used by the courts; the bill was supported by the Attorney General’s office and local government groups and received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 34 authorized release of previously appropriated KCTCS funds for three projects, and members discussed whether KCTCS facilities could be used more broadly for community needs such as public health, workforce, and other services. KCTCS officials said they were open to that idea, and the resolution also received a favorable recommendation. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning the Waters program and release of funds for projects that had remained in design, was adopted by committee substitute and passed favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Joint Resolution 32, which concerns school facility gap funding for districts with low bonding capacity. The chair and sponsor explained that the General Assembly had previously asked the auditor and Blue & Co. to analyze district data because of disputes over project costs and bonding capacity. Superintendents from Marion County, Augusta Independent, Williamstown, and Walton Verona described their projects and financial constraints. Marion County and Augusta argued that full gap funding is necessary for new school or multipurpose facility projects that cannot be phased in; Augusta emphasized its old building stock, high poverty rate, and the need for a gymnasium/multipurpose space used for school and community functions. Williamstown described a STEM center and field expansion, saying the project would be delayed for years without full funding. Walton Verona described rapid growth, overcrowding, and an intermediate school project that had risen sharply in cost from the original estimate. Members asked questions about the accuracy of cost estimates and the scope of the projects, including why some estimates differed from the auditor’s figures and whether the funding requests covered only parts of larger phased plans. The testimony generally supported full funding for the listed districts, with the districts arguing that the projects are necessary for safe, modern learning environments and that local tax effort has already been substantial. Each of the measures considered during the meeting was reported out favorably, with the chair voting no on the resolutions and bills before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's estimated that 2 to 5% of people in prisons are actually innocent.
• Our budget office estimated that this could cost taxpayers in excess of $100 million because it will
• Do y'all have an estimate? Does anybody keep the hard numbers?
• I would have, you know, Dallas had an estimation. I don't know how they came up with it.
• I know Dallas had an estimation. I don't know how they came up with it.

Bills: SB552 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1372 , SB1506 , SB1667 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1870 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2180 , SB2405 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB1646

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard testimony on several bills dealing with criminal discovery, crime lab access, controlled substances, community supervision, interference with officers, oilfield theft, and copper theft. On SB 1124, witnesses split over whether the bill clarified discovery law after the Heath decision or rolled back the Michael Morton Act; opponents argued it narrowed disclosure and shifted responsibility away from prosecutors, while supporters said it restored balance, limited harsh sanctions, and preserved exculpatory-disclosure duties. The committee later voted 4-0 to report SB 1124 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard and later reported favorably SB 1372, which resolves a statutory conflict over access to the DPS crime lab portal, and SB 1936, which changes how LSD “abuse units” are defined for testing and charging purposes; both were sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1937, which would require a subject-matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence, was also reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 552, which would make people defined in the bill as “illegal aliens” ineligible for judge-ordered or jury-recommended community supervision, including deferred adjudication. Supporters said the bill would prevent state-funded early release of people who entered or remained in the country unlawfully, while county officials and immigration advocates warned it would be overbroad, difficult to administer, and costly to local jails and taxpayers. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to report SB 552 favorably, and Senator Huffman requested it be taken to the floor. On SB 1208, which increases interference with a peace officer or public official from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony, law enforcement witnesses said repeat “auditors” and similar actors were creating dangerous confrontations and needed stronger deterrence; opponents argued the bill would chill protected filming and protest activity. The committee voted to report SB 1208 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also took testimony on SB 1806, a committee substitute addressing oilfield theft and related crimes. Supporters from law enforcement and the oil and gas industry said organized theft of crude, equipment, and related materials is a growing problem and that the bill would strengthen penalties, allow seizure and sale of stolen product, and improve inspection and forensic tools. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with placement on the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee heard SB 1646, which targets copper theft and fiber vandalism by increasing penalties, requiring reporting and recordkeeping for certain purchases, and adding training and enforcement tools. Telecommunications, law enforcement, and emergency-network witnesses supported the bill as necessary to protect 9-1-1 and critical infrastructure, while metal recyclers warned the bill could overregulate legitimate businesses and sweep too broadly. The committee later voted to report the committee substitute for SB 1646 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Estimates for the state of Texas is less than $5,000, around $5,000. Thank you very much.
• Now, the LBB estimates that's going to be about $4 billion, just in the next few years alone.
• The less stress there is on reducing, excuse me, on increasing prices.
• But whether you're looking at the price of eggs or you're looking at your portfolio or you're looking
• You're sort of getting two for the price. It's a one.

Bills: HB8 , HB9 , HJR1 , HB22 , HB8 , HB9 , HJR1 , HB22

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: HB 8, school finance, compressed tax rate, maximum compressed tax rate, MCR, PYMCR, property tax, school district taxes, Education Code, Tax Code, state aid, school funding formula, local school taxes, Texas school finance, tax rate compression, public education funding, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property

Transcript Highlights:

• The delegate from Newport News, Delegate Price. Mr.
• Delegate Price, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Speaker, energy prices are skyrocketing, and Virginia... Mr.
• From Newport News, Delegate Price. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Price. Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Revenue estimates no impact to the state general fund and one-time expenditures to
• House Bill 2334 provides for the rounding of the total price of a transaction involving cash payments
• If the total price ends in three cents, four cents, eight cents, or nine cents, the total price must
• The total price of a transaction means the final including credit cards, will not be rounded.
• Grocery stores have very limited ability to absorb new costs without affecting prices.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2140 would exempt land sold or transferred to a governmental entity from additional tax when removed from open space classification in certain circumstances. Staff explained the current use property tax system and said the bill would likely have minimal but indeterminate revenue effects, with about $30,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Representative Lowe said the bill was intended to fix a niche problem where a farmer loses a small frontage strip to a county and is then charged back taxes despite no change in land use. FutureWise testified in support of the bill’s intent but asked for small language changes to ensure transferred land remains compatible with agricultural or open space use. The public hearing on HB 2140 was then closed. HB 2326 would allow a fire protection district that is partially overlapped by another district’s EMS levy to impose its own levy on the portion not already covered, subject to voter approval in the affected area. Staff said the bill would have no state general fund impact and about $28,000 in one-time Department of Revenue costs. Fire district and fire chief representatives testified in support, describing situations in Clark County and Kittitas County where most residents cannot vote on an EMS levy because a small overlapping area already has one. Opponents, including Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill would add to property tax burdens. The hearing on HB 2326 then closed. HB 2334 would require rounding of cash transactions to the nearest five cents as pennies are phased out of circulation, while leaving non-cash payments unchanged. Staff said the bill would apply to the final total after taxes and fees, with an indeterminate but minimal state revenue impact and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The prime sponsor said the bill was needed because the federal government ended penny production without giving states guidance. Retail and grocery groups generally supported the concept but requested amendments for clarity, consumer protection, SNAP compliance, and flexibility while pennies remain in circulation; one witness opposed the bill as another tax burden. The hearing on HB 2334 was then closed. The committee then heard HB 2100, a proposed statewide payroll expense tax on large operating companies to fund a new Well Washington Fund for higher education, health care, cash assistance, energy, and housing. Staff said the proposed substitute would apply to employers with at least 250 employees and $7 million in annual payroll, exclude certain public and health care entities, and generate substantial revenue, with the fiscal note estimating about $7.6 billion to the general fund and $4.2 billion to the new fund in the 2027–29 biennium under the revised threshold. Supporters, including poverty, housing, labor, education, disability, and faith advocates, said the bill would help offset federal cuts and protect vulnerable residents. Business, retail, hospitality, construction, and technology groups opposed it, warning of job losses, higher costs, reduced competitiveness, and broader impacts on consumers and employers. The prime sponsor said the bill was a response to federal divestment and that the state needed a progressive revenue source now; no vote was taken in the transcript.