Transcript Highlights:

• until the effective date and dedicated until the effective date and dedicated for<01:47:37.520><
• Is there created a new dedicated fund.
• <01:53:04.719> fund which we adopt a formal dedicated fund which we adopt a formal dedicated
• Again, looking for dedicated fund?
• existing $1 that goes to the dedicated existing $1 that goes to the dedicated account.<02:14:11.199

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first revisited HB 781, the cell phone bill, after previously retaining it. On reconsideration, members moved to OTP the bill, and it passed unanimously. The committee then moved into the budget tracking packet and adopted an amendment to HB 2 to add the same cell phone policy language, also unanimously, and separately reduced HB 1 by $1 million to match the policy change. Members noted the cell phone language had already been stripped of grant funding language in the House version and that the policy and funding pieces were being aligned across the budget bills. The committee then took up a Department of Education technical amendment to HB 2 on charter school grants, which made timing and administrative changes without altering grant amounts, and adopted it unanimously. Members also discussed but held other education-related items, including adequacy grants, pending broader decisions on overall education funding. Another HB 2 item concerning E-911/state police radio communications prompted a longer discussion about whether E-911 surcharge funds were being used for purposes that should instead be general-funded. After debate over whether to leave the current practice in place or split the funding 50/50 between E-911 and general funds, the committee adopted a joint HB 1/HB 2 change to shift the funding source to a 50/50 split and delete the HB 2 language authorizing the prior use; the motion passed 7-0. The committee also discussed but did not act on several lottery-related provisions, including the video lottery terminal amendment, the increase in maximum ticket price from $30 to $50, and related tax split changes, with members planning to hear from the Lottery Commission on Monday. The meeting ended with the committee beginning review of new amendments in the tracking packet, including a Department of Education request related to Public School Infrastructure Commission grant administration, but no action was taken on that item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we also recognize this year's remarkable volunteers whose dedication and service embody the spirit
• Please help me welcome Shrey Parique. ...and being a testament to dedication and hard work.
• My honorary from Senate District 20 is Elizabeth Padilla, a dedicated community advocate and program
• He dedicated the final decades of his life to activism with the sisters and to public service.
• He dedicated the final decades of his life to activism with the sisters and to public service.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• His legacy of kindness, fairness, and dedication will endure in the lives of those he protected, mentored
• In this bill, we are dedicating $125 million for capital improvements to our public higher educational
• The point is to try to make sure that at least $300 million are dedicated as we are drawing lines about
• Today we are debating a higher ed deferred maintenance bond bill using dedicated fair share monies.
• Today we are debating a higher ed deferred maintenance bond bill using dedicated fair share monies.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up a higher education capital bond bill, House 4769, and considered a long series of amendments focused largely on campus facilities, housing, and related policy issues. Many amendments were adopted, including funding or project language for MassBay Community College HVAC and window replacement, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Springfield Technical Community College, Cape Cod Community College nursing/allied health expansion and housing-related land use, Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College, Middlesex Community College, Salem State’s Sullivan Building, Roxbury Community College’s Center for Economic and Social Justice, UMass Boston’s Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and several Massachusetts State College Building Authority updates. Some amendments were rejected, including proposals on a sustainable hand hygiene incentive program, unlocking housing on surplus land, a Senator Bill Owen Center designation, Urban College of Boston, and a board membership change. A number of amendments were held or withdrawn during the process. A major debate centered on an amendment by Senator Tarr to dedicate $300 million of surtax revenue to K-12 education, framed as a response to Chapter 70 funding concerns and the need to modernize school aid. Supporters argued that local districts face rising costs and that the state should set aside fair share revenue for school funding and future school building investments. Opponents said the bill was the wrong vehicle and noted the Commonwealth already dedicates substantial surtax revenue to K-12 programs. The amendment was defeated by roll call. Tarr also offered amendments on a safety valve for surtax revenue declines, equity analysis of surtax allocations, bond covenant requirements, and Chapter 62F taxpayer protections; those were not adopted. The Senate also adopted a separate amendment on AP credit policies at public higher education institutions, though the transcript reflects some procedural confusion around that vote. After completing amendments, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and then passed it to be engrossed by a recorded vote of 38-0. Senators then adopted several extension orders giving committees additional time to report on pending bills, including Environment and Natural Resources and Municipalities and Regional Government. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. The session concluded with a unanimous memorial adjournment in honor of Bolton Police Chief Luke Hamburger, followed by a brief statement recognizing Rare Disease Day and the challenges faced by patients seeking diagnosis and treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank Rose for her many years of dedication to the unborn and to the state of Arkansas.
• I want to thank Rose for her many years of dedication to the unborn and to the state of Arkansas.
• I want to thank Rose for her many years of dedication to the unborn and to the state of Arkansas.
• Veterans are trained for hard and dedicated work.
• Veterans are trained for hard and dedicated work.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, September 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Procurement card revenue and DAS relative to the dedicated fund exercise that the House went to.
• As you remember, the House proposed a 5% assessment with exemptions on dedicated funds.
• So which portions are dedicated to the general fund versus the Education Trust Fund.
• So which portions are dedicated to the general fund versus the Education Trust Fund.
• <01:02:54.880> 6 million a year because they dedicated 6 million a year because they dedicated

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Assistant staff presented an overview of the Senate changes to the House-passed budget, focusing on revenue estimates, appropriations, and ending balances across the general fund and education trust fund. The presentation emphasized that the Senate’s budget reflected higher revenue assumptions than the House, driven in part by updated April revenue figures, changes to business, tobacco, and real estate transfer tax splits, and different assumptions about video lottery terminal revenue. The Senate also adjusted lapse estimates upward, especially for HHS, after receiving updated information that lapses could be much larger than originally assumed. The presenter walked through the major differences in the surplus statements for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Compared with the House, the Senate budget generally showed higher revenues, lower or different appropriations in some areas, and larger balances carried forward, including a larger education trust fund balance and a different rainy day fund transfer. The Senate’s approach also changed several policy assumptions, such as maintaining liquor revenue dedication, removing the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap, changing the treatment of unique revenue, and altering the process for meeting a targeted revenue amount by giving the governor more flexibility. On the appropriations side, the Senate removed or modified several House reductions and added funding or adjustments in areas including the judicial branch, corrections, HHS, the Human Rights Commission, and certain settlement costs. The presenter also highlighted Senate changes in House Bill 2 and related budget provisions, including a new arts tax credit, a nursing home bed fee, changes to Medicaid premium assumptions, and differences in how motor vehicle inspection repeal and BLT-related revenue are handled. No votes were taken in the portion shown; the discussion was informational and comparative, aimed at explaining the Senate budget changes before conference committee negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The individuals who we honor today exemplify the dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to the
• , leadership, and a deep the dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment<00:04:15.440> to<00
• Lorelei's dedication to students is also evident in the success of the school's English Learner Program
• Lorelei's<00:08:57.800> dedication<00:08:58.600> to<00:08:58.760> students<00:08
• :59.680> is<00:08:59.960> also Lorelei's dedication to students is also Lorelei's dedication

Bills: HB1800, HB2095, HB1158, HB1518, HB1752, SCR23, SCR24, SCR25, SCR26, SCR27, SCR28, SCR29, SCR30, SCR31, SCR32, SCR33, SCR34, SCR35, SCR36, SCR37, SCR38, SCR39, SCR40, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR56, SCR57, SCR58, SCR59, SCR60, SCR61, SCR62, SCR63, SCR64, SCR65, SCR66, SCR67, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR74, SCR75, SCR76, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SCR80, SCR81, SCR82, SCR83, SCR84, SCR85, SCR86, SCR87, SCR88, SCR89, SCR90, SCR91, SCR92, SCR93, SCR94, SCR95, SCR96, SCR97, SCR98, SCR99, SCR100, SCR101, SCR102, SCR103, SCR104, SCR105, SCR106, SCR107, SCR108, SCR109, SCR110, SCR111, SCR112, SCR113, SCR114, SCR115, SCR116, SCR117, SCR118, SCR119, SCR120, SCR121, SCR122

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• These athletes have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, discipline, and resilience, qualities that
• title, and their dominating performance at the state championship match is a testament to their dedication
• <00:02:20.480> discipline<00:02:21.160> and dedication discipline and dedication discipline
• and Warrior Spirit to their dedication and Warrior Spirit first<00:03:56.799> head<00:03:57.079
• team of warrior assistant dedicated team of warrior assistant coaches<00:04:41.400> who<00:04

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the gateway in June 1928, and whereas shortly after the dedication of the gateway, officials built
• of the gateway attended the dedication of the gateway in<00:28:22.560> June<00:28:22.840>
• and whereas shortly after the dedication and whereas shortly after the dedication of<00:28:26.520
• Uh, but they're focused and they're dedicated, and they're some of the best kids that you'll ever meet
• of they're dedicated, and they're some of the<00:38:55.200> best<00:38:55.480> kids<00

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from the previous day, and heard several announcements about committee schedules and visiting groups, including Greeley Day at the Capitol and students from Wildcat Mountain Elementary. Committee notices covered upcoming hearings in Judiciary, Business Affairs and Labor, Education, Transportation/Housing/Local Government, Health and Human Services, and Capital Development. The main floor action was consideration of House Joint Resolution 1022, which designates a portion of Arapahoe Road in Boulder County as the “Road of Remembrance.” Sponsors and supporters described the history of the World War I memorial effort, the stone pillars at Arapahoe Road and US 287, and the current effort to preserve and relocate the pillars while marking the roadway. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing veterans’ remembrance and historic preservation. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 60-0, with five excused, and Representative Bottoms was added as a co-sponsor. Afterward, the House heard additional recognitions for advanced placement students and an announcement that the majority leader had paid outstanding fines. The chamber then laid over the balance of the calendar until the next day and recessed later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other
• Wells Barnett, who was an investigative journalist, sociologist, educator who dedicated her career to
• Tim Williams is dedicated to preserving the history of Val Verde, once known as the Black Palm Springs
• The current reality of limited one-time inconsistent funding dedicated to prevention work has made it
• Detective Teague's life was one of dedication, service, and compassion, both in law enforcement and in

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their dedication to Oklahoma is a direct reflection of the policies you have enacted.
• On behalf of the veterans of Oklahoma, thank you for your dedication and your leadership.
• The Oklahoma Veterans Council is proud to recognize two outstanding legislators for their dedication
• Turning personal tragedy into purpose, Aaron has dedicated himself.
• LHA Speed has dedicated her life to helping fellow women veterans...

Bills: HCR1030, HB1370, SB893, SB2, SB1589

Keywords: legislative procedure, session calendar, deadline schedule, bill deadlines, joint resolution, Oklahoma Legislature, 61st Legislature, regular session, adjourn sine die, floor deadline, third reading, committee deadlines, bill drafting, appropriations, budget bills, ethics commission, agency rules, administrative procedures act, local and special laws, pension legislation

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call, and heard an invocation and pledge before moving through several ceremonial presentations. Members recognized Monty Smith for 43 years of service with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, honored the Marlow Lady Outlaws girls golf team for winning the Class 3A state and academic state championships, and acknowledged the final group of pages for the 60th Legislature. The House also adopted HCR 1030, which sets the legislative procedure schedule and deadlines for the 61st Oklahoma Legislature. The chamber then met in a joint session with the Senate to observe Veterans Awareness Day. Speakers from both chambers and the Oklahoma Veterans Council delivered remarks honoring veterans, Gold Star families, and military service, and highlighted recent policy achievements for veterans, including the full tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, the exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax, improved funding for veterans’ homes, and restructuring of the Oklahoma Veterans Commission. The Veterans Council also presented its annual awards, naming Sen. Kerry Hicks as Outstanding Senator of the Year, Rep. Andy Menz as Outstanding Representative of the Year, Aaron Higgins as Veteran of the Year, and the Speed family as Veteran Family of the Year, and recognized Scott Howell for his service to the council. The joint session then adjourned. Back in the House, members took up Senate amendments to House Bill 1370, which concerns the Corporation Commission plugging fund and a repealer tied to a state fuel-tax offset provision. The bill’s author explained that the amendment would prevent the state from capturing savings if the federal fuel excise tax is reduced, so any reduction would benefit consumers rather than state revenue. After questions about fiscal impact and the well-plugging fund, the House adopted the Senate amendments without objection and passed HB 1370 on final passage by a vote of 89-1; the emergency clause also passed 89-1. The House then recessed, later returned for a staff appreciation and sine die-style recognition, including a tribute to long-serving bill drafter Mark Carter, and recessed again while awaiting any additional legislation from the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pennsylvania's Secretary of Agriculture described Christa as a natural teacher whose dedication makes
• Memorial Affairs, I'm dedicated to serving my fellow veterans.
• He is a dedicated public servant, and his record of accomplishment is worthy of celebration.
• HE IS A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE AND RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT IS WORTHY OF CELEBRATION.
• HIS STEADFAST DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY HAS BEEN ON FULL DISPLAY THIS YEAR.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, November 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What are our dedicated funds? We have 16 dedicated accounts within our operating budget.
• are our dedicated funds we have<03:28:05.760> 16<03:28:06.600> dedicated<03:28:07.359>
• The OHRV program is dedicated; it is part of the 16 dedicated accounts that we have in the department
• yes it's on my list of 16 dedicated yes it's on my list of 16 dedicated accounts<04:44:52.760>
• <04:56:48.798> to<04:56:49.080> Fisheries are dedicated to Fisheries are dedicated

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's not... forget that they're dedicated to their community, a subject that's near and dear to
• Each year their dedicated staff and volunteers provide direct services to tens of thousands of people
• I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Steven Satchel, a dear friend, dedicated public servant, and
• Dedicated to public service, Greg.
• And remember a man who was dedicated to this country, community, and to his family, whose spirit will

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• dedicated revenue sources. dedicated revenue sources.
• a dedicated source of revenue. a dedicated source of revenue.
• like<00:04:18.160> this<00:04:18.799> and new dedicated source like this and new dedicated
• That did not have an impact on the metro-wide sales tax dedicated to housing. Thank you.
• <00:35:49.200> funding because it creates a dedicated funding because it creates a dedicated

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 3279, the “Our Future Starts at Home” constitutional amendment, which would ask voters to approve a 3/8 of 1% statewide sales tax increase to create a dedicated housing revenue stream. Chair Howard said the proposal is intended to address Minnesota’s housing shortage through predictable, long-term funding, estimated at about $400 million annually for 25 years, and would be administered through a council that would fund housing vouchers, rental and supportive housing, and affordable homeownership. Supportive testimony came from coalition and nonprofit advocates, including Nelima Sitati Munene, Ben Helvick Anderson, Dakota Morgan, and Chris Berggren. They argued that Minnesota’s housing crisis requires permanent, sustained investment rather than one-time grants, and said the amendment could produce thousands of vouchers, supportive housing units, rental units, and starter homes over time. Testifiers also emphasized the need for community voice and lived-experience representation in how funds are distributed, and described the bill as a way to prevent homelessness and stabilize families statewide. Several members raised concerns that the proposal would add another regressive tax burden on residents already struggling with affordability. Representatives Johnson, Nash, Dotseth, and Myers argued that sales taxes hit lower-income Minnesotans hardest and said the state should focus more on zoning, regulatory reform, and other cost reductions instead of new taxes. Chair Howard responded that housing costs themselves are already highly regressive and that both policy reform and public investment are needed. The bill was laid over and no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• man through and through, he dedicated man through and through, he dedicated his<00:35:28.560>
• <00:36:24.880> father, was also a dedicated father, was also a dedicated father, grandfather
• in Providence in 1948, Allan dedicated in Providence in 1948, Allan dedicated his<00:37:03.680><
• Speaker, I yield back. continued dedication to and love of our continued dedication to and love of our
• , truly amazed by Leslie's dedication, truly amazed by Leslie's dedication, stamina,<02:14:30.960

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your dedication is a shining community.
• protecting the region as a dedicated protecting the region as a dedicated public Mr.
• ><03:36:41.920> become<03:36:42.160> an and dedicated, and he's become an and dedicated
• It is an honor to and dedication.
• <03:37:11.600> public a dedicated public a dedicated public servant.<03:37:14.080> Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, June 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And they are a football team that prides themselves on hard work, on dedication.
• work hard to get things done, that in the field of sports, they have showed that hard work, the dedication
• its civil rights landscape and launching the Wall Street Project in New York City, an initiative dedicated
• Born in Greenville, South Carolina, he dedicated his life To the ideals of freedom and fairness for all
• As noted earlier, Jesse Jackson's influence was the spark for so many who dedicated their lives to New

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.” After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements. On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We pause today to thank you for their humble dedication to safeguarding our communities and our country
• Their courage, their dedication, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
• <01:39:33.760> displayed selflessness, and dedication displayed selflessness, and dedication
• > to<01:43:05.199> education After dedicating her life to education After dedicating her
• To head coach dedication, and heart.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This year's returning win is a reflection of their continued hard work, teamwork, and dedication.
• Their names shine a light on the dedication and efforts they put forth every day.
• I'm sorry if I didn't mention you; we are all very grateful for your hard work and dedication to the
• Their tireless dedication and professionalism were profound.
• It speaks volumes about your dedication, and I am so very grateful for each and every one of you.

Bills: HB5560, HB2, HB24, HB3233, HB1397, HB2067, HB3133, HB5696, HB5680, HB2885, HB3966, HB3556, HB3595, HB144, HB26, HB2038, HB521, HB4, HB 1178, HB42, HB 1211, HB783, HB3963, HB2240, HB1690, HB 1234, HB3372, HB27, HB4211, HB2243, HB2853, HB4638, HJR7, HB 100, HB 126, HB3783, HB5138, HB2512, HB5616, HB4751, SB17, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB21, SB2778, SB260, SB8, SB12, SB37, SB379, SB441, SB1566, SB2878, HB4112, HB3866, HB4749, HB2844, HB150

Keywords: groundwater, civil penalties, water conservation, drought contingency, environmental protection, public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, zoning, public notice, local government, residential development

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked a lot about just the cost-benefit analysis of what we need to do, tax mechanisms, and dedicated
• Some states do, from big concerts with big populations, take concert fees for their dedicated funding
• funding sources the majority dedicated funding sources the majority of<00:19:49.159> them<00:
• fees yes some mechanisms and dedicated fees yes some states<00:19:59.720> do<00:20:00.440>
• funding source other states do dedicated funding source other states do CIP<00:20:09.159> Bond

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 547 HD1, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and support spay/neuter services, funded in part through a tax return check-off and other sources. The Department of Taxation said it could implement the check-off; the Attorney General and Budget and Finance raised drafting and placement concerns about which department should house the fund; and the Hawaii Humane Society strongly supported the bill, emphasizing statewide need and the importance of distributing funds to areas of greatest need, including neighbor islands. The Tax Foundation opposed the measure on special-fund grounds, arguing there was no sufficient nexus between the bill’s purpose and the proposed revenue source. The committee later recommended HB 547 HD1 with technical amendments and sent it to Finance, with members voting aye and no objections noted. The committee also heard HB 925 HD1, relating to arts funding, which would impose a 1% fee on ticket sales from concerts at state venues and direct the proceeds to a dedicated arts fund. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the measure, while the Attorney General suggested defining “concerts” for clarity and Budget and Finance was available with comments. In discussion, the committee chair asked about how other states fund arts programs, and Director Ewald said many states use dedicated funding sources such as concert fees, bond funding, cultural trusts, and hotel lodging taxes. The committee recommended HB 925 HD1 with amendments, including a preamble, a new Performing Arts special fund, a definition of “concerts,” and a defective date, and the recommendation was adopted. Finally, the committee considered HB 1378, also related to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Based on the Attorney General’s testimony, the committee proposed deleting a section of the bill, creating a Performing Arts special fund, specifying revenue sources such as legislative appropriations, foundation charges, grants, gifts, and interest, and using the fund for coordination, planning, promotion, marketing, and execution of performing arts events. The amendments also added a definition of Performing Arts, granting standards, and a defective date, while blanking out the appropriation amount for the committee report. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation on HB 1378 with amendments, and the meeting adjourned.