Transcript Highlights:

• WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN YOU DEMOLISH ONE TO BUILD A REPLACEMENT.
• I HAVE BEEN BEATING THE DRUM OF RAISING FILING FEES IN CIVIL CASES.
• THEY ARE ALSO SHARED WITH THE CLERK OF COURTS AND RETAIN SOME FILING FEE AND THEN SOME GO INTO OTHER
• I DO AS A POLICY MATTER TO THE LEGISLATURE ON WHETHER THERE IS THE NEED TO INCREASE THOSE FEES.
• IF YOU KNOW WHEN IS THE LAST TIME FILING FEES WERE LOOKED AT OR REACHED?

Transcript Highlights:

• replacing the existing forms-driven system.
• First, we have the Cal-Access Replacement Project.
• And that is an annual fee incurred by all... ...looked at revisiting that fee.
• Yeah, so in addition to the campaign committee annual fee, there's also a lobbying registration fee per
• lobbyist. ...committee annual fee.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard updates from the Secretary of State, EDD, the State Controller’s Office, CalHR, and DGS on a range of budget proposals and federal policy impacts. Secretary of State Shirley Weber opened with remarks about California’s election system, emphasizing its safety, transparency, high voter registration and vote-by-mail participation, and the office’s response to bomb threats and other election threats. Her staff then presented funding requests for the Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS) and Help America Vote Act/VoteCal activities, describing them as needed to modernize campaign finance and lobbying disclosure systems and maintain election security and voter services. A major portion of the hearing focused on federal election policy, especially the potential effects of a presidential executive order and the SAVE Act. Secretary of State staff said California would face significant, potentially unquantifiable costs if forced to comply, including new burdens on county recorders, county election offices, and the Secretary of State’s office, and warned of voter disenfranchisement, especially for students, seniors, disabled voters, military and overseas voters, rural residents, and people with limited transportation. Members and public commenters strongly opposed the federal proposals and argued California’s current system is functioning well. The committee also heard that federal HAVA funds were not expected to be at risk because the state draws them down into an interest-bearing account. EDD reported on paid family leave, explaining that recent delays were tied to a system transition and increased claim volume, and said it was simplifying applications and adding staff and automation. Public testimony supported expanding paid family leave to chosen family. EDD also said it is prepared for possible unemployment spikes, citing a recession plan, a command center, and recent hiring. The State Controller’s Office requested funding to continue the Fiscal migration project, which would move the state’s accounting book of record to the new system by July 1, 2026; Finance and LAO had no objections, and the committee expressed support for the project’s progress. CalHR presented a proposal for a statewide recruitment, outreach, and education paid media campaign under AB 1511, saying its current advertising budget is too small to reach diverse communities effectively. The final item addressed Governor Newsom’s executive order requiring a return to office on a four-day schedule. CalHR and DGS said they were working department-by-department to assess space, parking, transit, and other logistics, but had not completed a statewide cost analysis. Members and many public commenters criticized the order, arguing it was rushed, costly, harmful to telework benefits, and potentially disruptive to workers, especially those with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or long commutes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think of greatest importance is clarifying that this fee does not supersede or replace and is collected
• And I think of greatest importance is clarifying that this fee does not supersede or replace and is collected
• existing passenger fees that we collect. existing passenger fees that we collect.
• > passenger And those fees, including passenger And those fees, including passenger fees,<00:21
• new fee. new fee.

Bills: HB1709, HB2195, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB1937, HB2586, HB2575, HB2038, HB2030

Keywords: water carriers, transportation, public utility, Department of Transportation, liability, agricultural rates, certificates of convenience, cruise ship, passenger head fee, harbor, capital improvement, funding, environmental impact, active intelligent speed assistance, intelligent speed assistance, speed limiter, speed limiting device, speed governor, vehicle telematics, traffic safety

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation, Labor and Technology, and later Transportation and Economic Development and Tourism, heard several bills. SB 2573 would allow administrative driver’s license revocation hearings to be held by interactive conference technology such as Zoom and permit electronic exchange of evidence. The chief adjudicator for the ADLRO supported it as a non-mandatory option that has worked well since 2021, improving attendance and saving time and money; DOT also supported it. The committees voted to pass SB 2573 with technical, non-substantive amendments. SB 3215 would make permanent the requirement that securing mooring lines at commercial docks be performed by labor subject to collective bargaining by repealing the sunset date in existing harbor safety law. DOT did not submit testimony, and the chair noted support from longshore labor. The committees voted to pass SB 3215 unamended. The committees also heard SB 2693, which authorizes $15 million in general obligation bonds for planning, design, and construction of a 50,000-square-foot aerospace hangar and related facilities at Hilo International Airport. A Phoenix Space executive testified in support, saying Hawaii and Hilo have geographic advantages and that the project could support aerospace investment and jobs; several other organizations and individuals submitted supportive testimony. Committee members questioned whether federal matching funds or airport capacity existed, and DOT said it had no assurance of federal participation and would need to check on capacity and potential users. The hearing then moved to SB 2698, which would create a cruise ship special fund and impose a per-passenger head fee on cruise ships docking in state commercial harbors while repealing the existing cruise ship TAT framework effective January 1, 2026. DOT supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the new fee is in addition to existing passenger, port entry, and dockage fees and to raise the fee from $6.50 to $10; DOT said the higher amount would better fund harbor improvements such as shore power. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings testified in support but said the added fee would significantly increase costs, while a local ship supply business supported the cruise industry and opposed the TAT approach, saying cruise activity benefits local farmers and jobs. No final vote on SB 2698 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe that there is an alternative: you could increase the fees for the commissary fees, but I'm
• We believe that there is an alternative: you could increase the fees for the commissary fees, but I'm
• <00:18:09.960> for<00:18:10.200> the could increase the fees for the could increase
• the fees for the commissary<00:18:10.919> fees<00:18:11.360> but<00:18:11.679> um
• but um I'm not sure that commissary fees but um I'm not sure that the<00:18:13.240> proponents

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes. Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782. The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to the statute, the fees collected by the two permits were to be split equally.
• During the last biennium fiscal year 2223, 6.08 million was generated from these permit fees.
• Uh, uh, been, uh, does your bill address these fees because this goes on in Harris County too.
• You got a $1.25 toll and then there's a $50 fee, right?
• It does not penalty fees, and I've never even seen that.

Transcript Highlights:

• the this replaced all those sections. the this replaced all those sections.
• <06:58:13.200> It fees. Um and I apologize I misspoke. It fees.
• Can we accept it with the $4 fee instead of the $6 fee?
• fee instead of the $6 fee? fee instead of the $6 fee?
• the fee.

Keywords: 10am HB 1 & HB 2, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference for HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed the side-by-side budget comparison and began working through agreed and disputed items. Members first confirmed that grayed-out items were already settled and discussed a process for making later technical and intent changes, especially to true up abolished positions after additional decisions were made. They then moved through several budget sections, including judicial branch reductions, retirement systems, the Department of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, liquor enforcement, corrections, and the Department of Information Technology. Several items were agreed to or treated as settled package items, including the judicial branch position, the Department of Justice reduction, the Human Rights Commission item being held until related HB 2 language is finalized, the Housing Appeals Board being moved into the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, and the Office of Child Advocate. The committee also agreed to update the House bill language as needed based on HB 2 decisions, and to keep certain IT support rows in place unless related boards and commissions are eliminated. The effective date remained July 1, 2025, with no change. The main unresolved discussion centered on the retirement systems budget, where the Senate defended a large increase for deferred IT security and investment-function improvements, while the House argued the increase was too large and favored a back-of-the-budget cut. The Senate said the funds would support strategic IT and investment changes and would remain in the trust if cut, while the House emphasized the size of the increase and suggested a compromise. The committee ultimately retained the Senate position on retirement systems for the moment and said it would return to the issue later. On corrections and liquor enforcement, the committee described a negotiated back-of-the-budget cut structure, including a $10 million cut for corrections with some restoration of POS offices and administrative aides, and a liquor enforcement cut that was treated as part of a broader package. The Department of Safety item related to commercial enforcement and motor vehicle inspections was held for later discussion. The meeting ended with several items agreed, several held for coordination with HB 2, and some major budget questions still open.

Transcript Highlights:

• It essentially replaces the whole bill by replacing it with this amendment.
• the whole bill by essentially replaces the whole bill by replacing<00:21:06.159> it<00:21:06.320
• So, the the amendment is the replace So, the the amendment is the replace all.<00:39:57.839>
• So, which is a replace-all.
• So the fees, so this transcripts.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Replace line 28 on page one with the following as set out in sections three and four.
• after expiration or termination fee.
• after expiration or termination fee.
• Termination fee.
• Replace lines the legislature concurs.

Bills: SB54, SB126, SB128, SB101, SB102, SB104, HB282, HB298, SB54, SB126, SB128, SB101, SB102, SB104, HB282, HB298

Keywords: sunset law, Alabama Surface Mining Commission, environmental regulation, mining, state commission, Alabama Private Investigation Board, regulatory oversight, agency review, continuation, sickle cell disease, healthcare, regulatory commission, public health, regulation, electrical contractors, state agencies, home medical equipment, board continuation, boards, commissions

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of them are $200,000 or $300,000 projects: sign replacement, guardrail repairs, fence replacement
• We have a lot of bridges that need replacement throughout the district.
• This is one fee schedule that has not been changed. since 1963.
• In Federal Fiscal Year 24, we have At 40 clinics, we checked 258 seats and replaced 90.
• We have a collection of seats that we can replace, sometimes at low or no fee for families.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and then the retail delivery fee, 100% of that fee revenue comes into this account.
• Those are now exemptions in the retail delivery fee, but that survived. It's under DHS.
• Um it's under fee, but that survived.
• So Minnesota, with the recent increase in license tab fees, Minnesota has the highest registration fees
• ,<00:32:34.240> for uh a traffic signal replacement, for uh a traffic signal replacement,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The only protections in place are for the professional dispensing fee, and so the protections do not
• And that's not including any kind of dispensing fee. That's say I buy a box of diabetic medication.
• The bill doesn't refer to replacement cost coverage. It just refers to all property policies.
• But then this only applies to replacement cost coverage if you have that on your policy.
• Uh, you're saying no, it's about replacement.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've already heard facility fees. 20 states have enacted some sort of facility fee bill.
• And creating these facility fees.
• Our fees that we get paid from the insurance companies are way less than facility fees.
• We talked about facility fees.
• So we have typically built physician fees differently than the facility fee, and the facility fee ostensibly

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The language in that amendment that we heard in committee earlier had some fees, marriage fees.
• Frankly, there should be no fees.
• This isn't the fee increase.
• This isn't<01:56:19.280> the<01:56:19.440> fee isn't the fee isn't the fee increase.<01
• And yes, Senator Limmer, you and I partnered in reducing filing fees and motion fees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or establish fees?
• When we talk about increasing user fees, user fees are capped to a certain amount because of Medicare
• It could cost them even more in fees and losses... ...It could cost them even more in fees and losses
• Sales taxes, fees for everything... ...will go up. Sales taxes, fees for everything, rents.
• The Children's Services Council can't assess fees. Who are you going to assess your fee on?

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes by lowering assessment caps on non-homestead property, expanding homestead exemptions over time, and allowing local governments to increase exemptions further. The sponsor argued the measure would provide broad property tax relief while requiring revenues to be directed to core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource projects, with a trust fund intended to help local governments transition. Senators raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal score, the effect on counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. Several amendments were debated. Senator Polsky’s amendment to explicitly authorize user fees and non-ad valorem assessments to offset lost property tax revenue failed. Senator Avila’s amendment broadening permissible uses of ad valorem revenue to include county constitutional officers and other expenditures approved by local governing bodies was adopted after debate over whether the bill would otherwise underfund essential functions. Senator Smith’s sunset amendment, which would have made the constitutional changes expire after five years, failed. Senator Smith’s amendment to allow tourism development tax revenue to support public safety and education also failed. Senator Graal’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund language was adopted, with supporters arguing the Constitution should not promise an unfunded account. Additional late-file amendments were considered. Senator Berman’s proposal to change the ballot title to more neutrally describe the measure as affecting property taxes and local community service reductions failed. Senator Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal was adopted, preserving school taxes. Senator Smith’s amendment narrowing the non-homestead assessment cap reduction to small businesses only failed. The committee then returned to the bill as amended and continued questioning the sponsor about eligibility, fiscal impacts, and whether the proposal could lead to local governments offsetting lost revenue through special assessments or other charges.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we have an HVAC unit go out, we end up going to our bank and having to borrow money to replace
• even afford to resurface it and restripe it, let alone actually tear it out and replace it, which we
• <00:12:50.120> our Grove we really need to replace our Grove we really need to replace our
• Currently, we charge no fees for the use of the meeting room.
• for the use of the meeting room all fees for the use of the meeting room all we<00:15:19.360> ask

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh, it is in the replace-all.
• not residents would pay this higher fee. not residents would pay this higher fee.
• They are paying our turnpike fees.
• One doesn't replace continuing cycle. One doesn't replace the<01:13:11.679> other.
• You can get back to me. going to cost the state a fee to do going to cost the state a fee to do this?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• get um inefficient lighting replaced get um inefficient lighting replaced with<01:13:15.679>
• So, as I said, it’s simply placing a fee on fossil fuels.
• Last, as I mentioned, visitors pay the fee. They don’t receive anything.
• As I said, it’s simply placing a fee on fossil fuels.
• <01:43:31.440> they I mentioned visitors pay the fee they I mentioned visitors pay the fee

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, the last one is impact fees and mobility fees.
• We do not have a mobility fee. Our impact fee has gone down. Gone down?
• The reason for pausing is because we have a couple mobility fees and impact fees.
• fees that are actually taxes, you know, hidden with the word fees, but they're taxes.
• Revenue replacement is one of them.

Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes heard first from city representatives through the Florida League of Cities, who argued that property taxes are a stable local revenue source that funds core services such as police, fire, parks, public works, and stormwater work. Casey Cook emphasized that cities are optional governments with widely different tax bases and service levels, that exemptions shift the burden to fewer taxpayers, and that transparency already exists through TRIM notices, public budgets, and local hearings. Sarah Campbell of Fernandina Beach, T. Michael Stavris of Winter Haven, and Stephen O’Kee of Port St. Lucie described their budget processes, the share of general-fund revenue coming from property taxes, reserve policies, debt and capital planning, and the impact of inflation, minimum wage increases, and personnel costs. They all said local governments need predictable revenue and that any property tax changes would require careful consideration of replacement funding or service reductions. Members questioned the city panel about whether homebuyers are clearly informed about city versus county taxes and services, the role of HOAs, how many lobbyists cities employ, reserve levels, average salaries, and whether utility revenues are used only for utility purposes. The panel said TRIM notices, realtor listings, and city websites provide tax information; HOAs generally do not provide emergency services; lobbyists help local governments track Tallahassee legislation; reserves vary by city and fund; and utility revenues are generally restricted, though some cities use limited transfers. Members also asked about revenue replacement if ad valorem taxes were reduced or eliminated, and the panel said options would likely include user fees, service cuts, or other local revenue shifts. The chair also asked about public safety consolidation, and the response was that such decisions are local and may shift costs rather than create true savings. The committee then heard from county representatives after an overview by the Florida Association of Counties’ Davin Suggs, who framed counties as shared partners with the state and emphasized the gap between rising market values and the shrinking share of taxable value after exemptions and assessment limits. He said counties face a mismatch between revenue based on taxable value and expenses driven by real-world costs, and noted that most counties either held millage steady or lowered it without reaching rollback rates. He also highlighted that property taxes are only one part of county revenue, with charges for services and intergovernmental revenue often larger in some counties, and that public safety at the county level includes more than law enforcement, such as EMS, emergency management, inspections, and corrections. Deborah Manzo of Okeechobee County described a fiscally constrained rural county with limited staff, a county-supported airport, heavy reliance on property taxes for the general fund, and major cost pressures from inflation, insurance, retirement, and state and federal mandates. She said the county lowered millage slightly over recent years but still depends on multiple revenue sources and special assessments, and she flagged Medicaid, medical examiner costs, and possible firefighter workweek changes as significant concerns. Bay County Administrator Mark McQueen said his county’s budget is shaped by Hurricane Michael recovery, non-discretionary obligations, and rapid growth; he described ongoing FEMA reimbursement delays, substantial borrowing to cover disaster costs, and continuing interest expenses while the county waits for reimbursement. The county panel was still in progress when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 13th item is $2.5 million to replace 57 eligible investigative vehicles.
• We need to replace some 223 this next year.
• To replace the Jacksonville Forensic Firearm Range.
• The 18th item is $800,000 for increased fees for laboratory services and supplies.
• costs in addition to regular maintenance fees.

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to complete required application materials, fees, and criminal background check.
• ,<00:40:30.720> and application materials, fees, and application materials, fees, and criminal
• We're going to replace line 67 on page three with the following: D.
• And then F, when notifying the individual of his or her— And then we're going to also replace line 72
• And then F, when notifying the individual of his or her— And then we're going to also replace line 72

Keywords: 1136, house, all