Transcript Highlights:

• property tax increase from 2025 on top of a 5.5% property tax increase in 2024.
• property tax increase from 2025 on top of a 5.5% property tax increase in 2024.
• property tax increase from 2025 on top of a 5.5% property tax increase in 2024.
• property tax increase from 2025 on top of a 5.5% property tax increase in 2024.
• property tax increase from 2025 on top of a 5.5% property tax increase in 2024.

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• It suspends the gas tax, the most regressive gas tax on everyday Californians.
• This bill adds more taxes, more taxes on everyday businesses.
• This is a regressive app tax for the working people of California and the... ...tax.
• Now members, I know most of our constituents cannot use tax breaks to zero... ...tax breaks.
• Just to set the record straight, colleagues, the MCO tax has been used for over... ...tax bill.

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Tax Commission is actually the one who requested that because they did not have The Tax Commission
• So for tax year, when they file their taxes next year for tax year 2026, we would be prepared to implement
• So, again, I am not a tax expert.
• And in Idaho, we do allow for R&D, but we have a nonrefundable tax credit where they can use that tax
• the tax versus a deduction coming off the revenue. ...credit would reduce the tax versus a deduction

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee opened the session with roll call, confirmed a quorum, and introduced new members, staff, and pages. Co-chairs and staff then reviewed JFAC’s role as the legislature’s main budget committee, the committee’s daily schedule, and the resources available through legislative staff, the impact team, and the newly released 2026 Legislative Budget Book and related budget tools. The committee received a detailed briefing from the Division of Financial Management on the JFAC calendar and then from Governor’s Budget Director Lori Wolf on the governor’s FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget recommendations. Wolf said the budget is balanced but tight, relying on a mix of ongoing reductions and one-time actions rather than reserve fund transfers. Major budget actions included a 3% ongoing reduction across most state agencies, reversions of certain one-time balances to the general fund, no recommended pay increase for state employees or teachers, and higher employee health insurance costs. The budget also proposed reductions or policy changes in Medicaid, virtual school funding, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, and some transportation and water-related funds, while preserving funding for public safety, education, water, and transportation priorities. Members questioned the assumptions behind the budget, especially the projected ending balances, the use of one-time transfers, the impact of rising health insurance costs on employees, the effect of Medicaid cuts on services and cost shifts, and the rationale for reductions to online education and IDLA. Several members also asked about the proposed federal tax conformity changes, including the timing of implementation and the treatment of Idaho’s existing R&E tax credit. Wolf said the conformity estimate was based on Tax Commission analysis and that the administration was not recommending use of the budget stabilization fund. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee concluded by noting that the Economic Outlook Committee would meet later in the week and that JFAC would continue budget hearings the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• and what kind of tax is meant by the word tax.
• But the tax is here; the tax itself is a health care tax. It is not a tax on the ballpark.
• It the tax itself is a healthcare tax.
• tax.
• It uses a regressive tax. It taxes the poor.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• tax credit to include urban underserved areas.
• And when we look at the property tax abatement, the way that that works is we look at the current taxes
• they're paying and we freeze those taxes.
• They make a payment in lieu of taxes back to all the taxing authorities.
• To all the taxing authorities.

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 82, which would extend the Technology Readiness Gross Receipts Tax Credit for 10 years and increase the annual cap from $1 million per lab to $5 million over time. The sponsor and witnesses from Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories said the program helps New Mexico businesses commercialize deep-tech innovations and is unique in the country. Multiple business and economic development representatives testified in support, describing successful projects and job creation. Committee members asked about specific companies, wages, and the program’s impact, but several members raised concerns about the bill’s fiscal effect and the lack of room in the tax package. The committee adopted a substitute that delayed the credit increase by one year, but then voted to table HB 82 by about 5-3. The committee then heard House Bill 142, which would increase the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit and expand eligibility to underserved urban areas. Supporters, including Think New Mexico and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, said the credit has not been updated in years and could help recruit more health professionals, especially EMTs. Members questioned whether urban areas should be included, how “underserved” is defined, the size of the current expenditure, and whether the credit actually changes provider behavior. Some members expressed concern that the bill could dilute support for rural areas, while others noted that most New Mexico counties are designated shortage areas. The sponsor moved to table HB 142, and the committee agreed. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 58, as amended, which extends the period for metropolitan redevelopment area property tax abatements from seven years to up to 14 years. The sponsor and MRA representatives said the longer period would help projects in blighted areas become financially feasible, especially for housing and redevelopment projects in Albuquerque and other cities. Support came from housing developers, Realtors, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups. Committee members asked about how MRAs are designated, how the abatements work, and why the bill also changed a separate 10-year reference; concerns were raised about the lack of statewide reporting on MRAs. The committee ultimately voted do pass on SB 58 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a tax that's paid. Well, we previously had a tax that was per milliliter.
• So that's a wholesale tax.
• That's what the previous tax was and what this current tax is going to do.
• to the vapor tax account.
• They do not remit excise taxes. They operate without valid licenses They do not remit excise taxes.

Bills: HB2439 , HB2483 , HB2400

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, data broker, registry, consumer protection, privacy, data regulation, social media, content creation, online platforms, digital marketing, user-generated content

Transcript Highlights:

• , not property tax.
• Nothing else is taxed other than an RV.
• What is the actual state and local sales tax revenue? $4.2.25. 4-2. And local sales tax revenue.
• start charging tax.
• There ain't no tax on that.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're moving it to say personal property tax or property tax. Thank you.
• So we are looking to remove the ability to say no tax increase tax proposal.
• Tax incentives or abatements must decrease the levy for real property tax or for real property owners
• So we're allowing currently 6 percent of voters to vote yes on a tax issue and impose that tax on the
• is a school tax.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 120-0. Members then used personal privilege and guest introductions to recognize several groups and visitors, including Alpha Phi Alpha members, students from multiple schools and programs, dental hygienists, public administrators, credit union representatives, National History Day participants, and others. One member also spoke emotionally about a relative killed in a domestic violence incident and requested a moment of silence in her honor. The main floor action centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2780 and 2668, a large property tax reform package. The sponsor described it as the product of extensive statewide hearings and public testimony, aimed at stabilizing Missouri’s property tax system. The bill and amendments would, among other things, require clearer ballot language for tax measures, move tax-related ballot questions to November general elections, eliminate “no tax increase” wording, standardize ballot wording, address assessment and valuation rules, require physical inspections for certain commercial property assessment increases, allow quarterly tax payments in more counties, and make other technical changes. Members debated the size and scope of the bill, local control concerns, voter turnout and “voter fatigue,” and whether the changes were sufficiently vetted. Amendments were adopted to narrow the title to property taxation, add the ballot-language provisions, remove duplicative language, and exempt township counties so their levy elections could still occur on the schedule they need. The House then adopted the substitute as amended and ordered it perfected and printed. The chamber also took up House Bill 1917, a targeted utility/economic development bill involving a Jefferson County water district. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a dispute in which a water district sought payment or infrastructure contributions from a company planning a roughly $400 million investment and about 250 jobs, despite the district’s inability to serve the site. Supporters said the bill would allow detachment of a ratepayer under specified conditions and prevent water districts from blocking development; the committee vote had been 15-0. Members raised concerns about the bill’s narrow, district-specific scope and possible litigation, but the House ultimately ordered the bill perfected and printed. The House also read three new bills for first reading and later recessed after announcements about committee meetings and a property tax discussion event with FFA students.

Transcript Highlights:

• state who said their tax bills tripled, their tax bills doubled. ...find tax relief for people that
• how why those taxes went up.
• How long have you been, how long have you had your mind in your past wrapped around the taxes and tax
• You mean property tax? Yeah, property tax. I'm leading to this question. over elected officials.
• You mean property tax? Yeah, property tax. I'm leading to this question. You have property tax.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Summary: The Special Committee on Property Tax Reform heard public testimony on House Bills 3253 and 3254, presented by Representatives Steinhoff and Jobe. The bills would expand assessor training and continuing education requirements, require physical inspections for large assessment increases on commercial property as well as residential property, allow greater use of technology and remote imagery in assessments, create optional electronic notices and communications for taxpayers, and move toward setting property tax levies by subclass with a small-parcel exception. The bill also included provisions to raise the per-parcel reimbursement floor for assessors, reimburse local governments for revenue losses tied to SB 190 and SB 3, provide payment options during appeals, and require counties to offer installment payment options for property taxes. The sponsors said the proposal was built from bipartisan committee discussions and statewide listening sessions, and they emphasized assessor professionalism, taxpayer flexibility, and fairness in the assessment process. Committee members asked about assessor training, the fiscal note, the parcel reimbursement formula, and how the subclass levy system would work in small jurisdictions. Witnesses from the Missouri Special Districts Association and school administrators generally supported the concepts of better assessor training, more resources, and taxpayer payment flexibility, while also warning about implementation burdens and the fiscal impact of state backfill for SB 190 and SB 3. Testimony also focused on the accuracy of ratio studies and the fairness of moving to subclass-based levies. Some members argued the current system can shift tax burdens unfairly between residential, commercial, and agricultural property owners, while others cautioned that the new structure could create winners and losers depending on local assessment practices. A representative from the State Tax Commission clarified that commissioners do receive training, corrected the parcel reimbursement discussion to note the first 20,000 parcels are treated differently under current law, and said the commission already provides assessor training. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that then be taxed under this bill? that then be taxed under this bill?
• For the state to tax...
• Thank you, gentlemen, very much. more tax money. This big huge government more tax money.
• </c> voters approve local sales taxes? voters approve local sales taxes?
• ,</c> tax or we want to remove the sales tax, tax or we want to remove the sales tax, all<01:35:07.520

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• one you need to pay the tax.
• one you need to pay the tax.
• So there's no interest because they paid the tax. >> They just paid the tax. Yeah.
• So there's no interest because they paid the tax. >> They just paid the tax. Yeah.
• </c> the tax. the tax. Questions<00:58:46.960><c> or</c><00:58:47.200><c> concerns?

Bills: SB2040 , SB2248 , SB2530 , SB2732 , SB2871 , SB2919 , SB3076 , SB3300 , SB3301

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• state who said their tax bills tripled, their tax bills doubled.
• their tax bills doubled.
• why those taxes went up.
• You may have said the source, but was that the tax, state tax commission? Yes.
• You mean, property tax? Yeah, property tax. I'm leading to this question.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 63 doesn't raise taxes.
• SB 56 extends that same principle to property tax relief.
• It'll expand KETFA's sales and use tax exemption program.
• law to federal tax law.
• One underscore three points: this is a federal tax credit; this is not a state tax giveaway.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused on transit funding, veterans’ tax relief, clean energy incentives, housing development costs, and tax conformity. SB 63 would authorize a Bay Area regional sales tax measure for transit agencies facing fiscal shortfalls; supporters said it was needed to avoid major service cuts, while the California Taxpayers Association opposed it on Proposition 13/218 concerns. SB 56 would exclude veterans’ disability compensation from income calculations for the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, and SB 296 would expand property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses; both drew broad veterans’ support. SB 86 would extend and expand the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority sales and use tax exemption program, including fusion energy, and SB 302 would conform state tax law to federal clean energy credit monetization provisions; both were backed by industry, labor, and clean energy advocates. SB 328 would cap Department of Toxic Substances Control fees on contaminated-soil remediation for infill and master-planned housing projects, with housing groups arguing the current fee structure can make projects infeasible. SB 711 would update California’s tax conformity date to January 1, 2025 to reduce complexity and inconsistencies with federal law, and was supported by tax professionals and business groups. Several bills were held or sent to suspense, while others advanced with amendments. After quorum was established, SB 63 passed the committee 4-2 and SB 86, SB 302, SB 328, and SB 711 were referred to suspense, with SB 86 and SB 302 later approved out of suspense with amendments. SB 56 was held in committee, SB 296 was made a two-year bill, and SB 284 and SB 723 were held. The committee also approved a number of additional suspense-file bills, including SB 293, SB 359, SB 419, SB 587, SB 603, SB 663, SB 710, and SB 785, while SB 591 was approved with amendments and SB 353 was made a two-year bill. The hearing concluded with the committee adjournment after final roll calls and bill actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Particularly in individual income tax and corporate franchise taxes.
• </c> and corporate franchise taxes. and corporate franchise taxes.
• </c> &gt;&gt; What about tax conformity? &gt;&gt; What about tax conformity?
• Federal tax ready in three ways. Federal tax conformity. conformity. conformity.
• </c> reducing property taxes? reducing property taxes?

Transcript Highlights:

• The SAF tax credit would reduce diesel excise tax receipts by between... ...drivers.
• was the tax selected.
• , excise tax?
• So providing a tax credit wouldn't necessarily be beneficial. have corporate income tax.
• was a tax re-selected.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that requires that when voters approve a new tax increase on the ballot, that tax increase has to
• be put into the... ...tax increase on the ballot, that tax increase has to be put into the rate formulating
• But the irony to this is you were saying the taxing district should tax at a higher level than they need
• They're sitting on the ability to tax.
• Most taxing jurisdictions, most school boards, most fire districts, those who charge property taxes,

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 56th day by roll call vote, 131-2. The Speaker also signed several enrolled measures, including HB 1768, HB 1866, HB 1870, HB 2180, and HJR 173 and 174, suspending business for those signings. Members then offered multiple points of personal privilege and introduced numerous student groups, family members, interns, and former Representative Richard Brown as special guests. The main floor business focused on budget conference motions for HB 2002 through HB 2013. The budget chair moved to refuse Senate substitutes and send the bills to conference, and the House approved each motion. In discussion, members highlighted major budget differences, including child care subsidies, transportation funding, higher education funding, and the movement of about $1.76 billion in broadband-related funds into HB 2017, which was noted as affecting how the operating budget totals appear. The House also received Senate messages on several budget bills and other measures, including HB 2002-2013, HB 2637, and HB 3155. The House then took up SB 975, an ambulance district and emergency medical services bill. A House substitute was adopted, along with Amendment 1 adding a compromise community paramedic provision and a minor first-responder mental health change. Members described the bill as helping struggling ambulance districts, improving emergency response, and allowing community paramedics to provide in-home services to reduce unnecessary ER use. The bill passed 136-7. Later, the House considered the combined property tax reform bill on SB 1066 and 1086, adopting three amendments addressing technical cleanup, uniform levy increases and timing of voter-approved tax increases, and assessor training, electronic notices, and changes to payment-under-protest procedures. Supporters said the bill improved transparency and reform; opponents warned it could reduce local control and strain funding for schools, libraries, and other local services. The bill ultimately passed 83-61. The House adjourned until 4 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning in tax year 2026, under federal law, the deduction lasts until tax year 2028.
• Tax year 2028.
• tax liability for that individual in tax year 2024.
• Lastly, on the income tax rebate, you said that that was based on tax liability.
• One-time money now, ongoing tax relief now, ongoing property tax relief now.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I am going to go tax by tax, and Mr.
• Next tax is tobacco tax.
• tax and private railroad car excise tax, timber tax, and the statewide education property tax—these
• tax that tax has interest and dividends tax that tax has been<01:56:16.400><c> repealed</c><01:56:17.400
• gets</c> has income taxes and sales taxes gets has income taxes and sales taxes gets more<02:11:38.920

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment would modernize the Tax Reform Code by taxing digital ads.
• This is a corporate revenue tax, not a tax passed through to families.
• Today we can eliminate the tax exemption on big tech and use the revenue to offset the gas tax.
• In essence, the taxes data centers will pay will offset our gas tax.
• Pennsylvania won't be paying that gross receipts tax because basically we're taxing ourselves.

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we talk about the tax provisions, we have an increase in the child tax credit.
• Of an increase in the taxes.
• The main ones I’ll touch on first of all: the next full conformity for tax year 2025 and for tax year
• House Bill 4152 continues the next full conformity for tax year 2025 and tax year 2026.
• conformity, full tax relief, because... ...providing full tax conformity, full tax relief provided by

Summary: House Republican caucus met on April 29 to review the FY 2027 budget package and several related “budget implementation” bills, with Chairman Livingston noting that HB 2415 was being held. Staff and members walked through HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act (“feed bill”), which appropriates about $17.96 billion from the general fund and includes one-time fund transfers, 5% lump-sum reductions for most agencies, funding for the state health insurance plan, school facilities, child care, correctional officer stipends, public safety, and other prior-year items. Members emphasized that the budget reflected House and Senate negotiations after the governor left budget talks, and Republican leaders framed it as a package that lowers taxes, shrinks government, and funds priorities such as K-12, child care, foster care, and public safety. The caucus then reviewed a series of mostly standard budget bills: HB 4139 on gaming/racing assessments; HB 4140 on federal monies, the budget stabilization fund, and ACE initiative savings reporting; HB 4141 on capital outlay, highway construction, airport funding, and rural transportation match funds; HB 4142 on commerce and lottery distributions; HB 4143 on corrections reporting; HB 4144 on environmental provisions and water-related fund uses; HB 4145 on state employee health insurance premiums and DES reforms; HB 4146 on higher education funding provisions; HB 4147 on SNAP administration and error-rate reduction; HB 4148 on K-12 inflation adjustments, school facilities, and ASDB property-sale oversight; HB 4150 on county expenditure flexibility and state office rent rates; HB 4151 on the Department of Revenue’s integrated tax system funding and related charges; HB 4152 on tax conformity, deductions, and repeal of several renewable-energy tax preferences and the Rio Nuevo diversion; and HB 4153 on transportation reporting. Discussion repeatedly centered on health plan solvency, SNAP/ACCESS eligibility and fraud controls, school funding, rural transportation, and tax conformity and relief. The caucus also took up several blue-sheet bills: HB 2035 on extended-family placement notifications in child welfare cases; HB 2170 restricting certain PRC-controlled companies from state IT contracts; HB 2249 expanding Parents’ Bill of Rights provisions; HB 2573 on DUI interlock/restricted-license rules and psychotherapy definitions; and HB 2873, which was amended to allow withdrawal of referendum petitions before ballot qualification. HB 2415 was held. The Speaker closed by praising the caucus for its budget work, saying the package delivers tax relief, protects vulnerable populations and public safety, and reflects months of Republican negotiations, and the meeting adjourned to the floor.