Transcript Highlights:

• This motion is a do pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee.
• This bill is moved to the Appropriations Committee. Staying corrected.
• This is due pass as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.
• The motion is due pass to Appropriations.
• This motion is due pass as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee met first without a quorum, then established one and heard several bills. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the cannabis excise tax at its current 15% rate rather than allowing it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is under severe pressure from the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for child care, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings into housing and mixed-use projects; supporters emphasized housing production, preservation, and economic returns, and the bill was referred to suspense. AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKinnor would require studios seeking optional DEIA film tax credits to fully carry out their submitted diversity plans; it passed the committee 5-1 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Assemblymember Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners and passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. After the regular agenda, the committee took up suspense-file bills and made broad remarks about the fiscal impact of tax expenditures. The chair said the bills on suspense represented large projected revenue losses and argued the committee must weigh those costs against state priorities. On the suspense file, AB 564 was approved 6-0 with amendments including a five-year sunset and a Section 41 requirement. AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485 all passed with varying unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while several bills including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 814, AB 834, AB 838, AB 895, AB 918, AB 976, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, AB 1481, and AB 6991 were held in committee. AB 547 passed 5-1 with amendments, and AB 613 passed 6-0 after amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We respectfully request a small appropriation.
• We respectfully request a small appropriation.
• We respectfully request a small appropriation.
• We respectfully request a small appropriation.
• We respectfully request a small appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• to appropriate?
• Here on the bottom part for the appropriations.
• So that's what you appropriate.
• So if we just look really quickly at the actual appropriations.
• Now, you just saw that the legislature appropriated a lesser amount.

Committee: House Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is due pass to Appropriations. The motion is due pass to Appropriations.
• On SB 328, the motion is due pass to Appropriations. Gibson, aye.
• On SB 587, the motion is due pass to Appropriations.
• The motion is due pass to Appropriations. Do I have a motion?
• On SB 710, the motion is due pass as amended to Appropriations.

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:

• Providing that sort of continuous appropriation or statutory allocation.
• If there's anything that's appropriate. appropriate to continuously appropriate.
• You appropriate.
• agencies, and CARB is not a continuous appropriation agency.
• So I think I am not supportive of the continuous appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1798, school safety identification system appropriation. Appropriations and Education.
• SB 1731, Office of Indian Education appropriation. SB 1732, appropriation, City of Page roundabout.
• SB 1733, appropriation, senior facilities, tribal nations. SB 1734, appropriation, pedestrian pass.
• SB 1736, appropriation, Navajo Water Supply. SB 1737, appropriation, Navajo Route 8009.
• SB 1737, appropriation, Navajo Route 809. SB 1738, Coconino County Juvenile Services appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that is also true in the appropriations process.
• The Legislature has the power to reinstate an appropriation.
• The appropriation in question was recurring and had not been increased in years.
• Speaker Perez: ...recognized to explain the specific appropriation. Rep. Canady: Mr.
• Speaker Perez: Show the appropriation and related proviso reinstated.

Transcript Highlights:

• Presently, it goes under the—it's appropriate, it goes through the appropriation process. Sure.
• They would still see the money being appropriated...
• They would still see the money being appropriated out.
• And yes, it does have for appropriation only. Right.
• So right now the money comes in, general revenue appropriates it through the appropriation process.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee first met in executive session and voted 8-0, with one member absent, to do pass House Bill 3405. Members described the bill as clarifying how pass-through entity tax information and credits are handled, with supporters saying it would reduce confusion and administrative burden while preserving the tax credit. In public hearing, the committee took testimony on House Bill 2457 and House Bill 1782, both related to food pantry tax credits. HB 2457 would extend the food pantry/soup kitchen/homeless shelter credit to 2032, add food banks as eligible entities, and raise the cap from $1.75 million to $4 million, while keeping the credit at 50 percent. HB 1782 would remove the sunset from the food pantry tax credit. Supporters said food banks and related charities need stable, predictable funding to address rising hunger and food waste; there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 3518, which would redirect the existing athletes and entertainers tax into a dedicated fund and require distribution to arts, humanities, libraries, public broadcasting, and historic preservation, while extending the sunset to 2060. The sponsor and supporters argued the money was intended for these purposes and that current appropriations fall short of the statutory split, creating instability for cultural and educational organizations. Witnesses from arts groups, libraries, and humanities organizations cited economic impact, statewide reach, and the need for long-term planning; some members raised concerns about oversight, general revenue impacts, and the long sunset, but no vote was taken on HB 3518 in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The appropriations on the bottom third there, we've got the legislative one-time appropriations, both
• what you appropriated during the regular session and what you appropriated during the special session
• , along with the ongoing appropriations.
• authority where we don't need to be appropriated those dollars.
• And most of the time, those are appropriated FTEs.

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership, approved the December 11 minutes, and received a series of informational updates on the state’s finances and related policy issues. The Office of Management and Budget reported the general fund is tracking very close to forecast, with revenues about $2 million above forecast and an estimated ending balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. OMB also reviewed balances in major funds, including the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, and answered questions about oil tax revenues and fund management. The Tax Department provided updates on taxable sales and purchases by county and industry, noting Cass County as the largest county by taxable sales and that retail trade remains the largest industry sector. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus also discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its estimated effects on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the projected revenue impacts are measured against a 2025 baseline and that some provisions are temporary while others are permanent. He also reported that primary residence tax credit applications were running ahead of last year, with more than 154,000 received so far and an expectation of roughly 160,000-plus applications. The committee also heard fee-study presentations from the Department of Transportation and the Information Technology Department. DOT explained that driver’s license fees cover only about half of program costs and that the shortfall is subsidized by the highway fund, while also noting recent changes such as the blackout plate and motor vehicle excise tax distribution changes. NDIT described its internal service fund model, current billing structure, and possible future changes to simplify invoices and billing frequency. Legislative staff also updated the committee on office space needs in Bismarck-Mandan and on legislative branch space planning, and subcommittees reported progress on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including a visit to the Burleigh-Morton detention facility and discussion of future prison bed needs. No formal votes or legislative actions beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the committee adjourned with its next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a question, though, about the appropriations left blank.
• I have a question, though, about the appropriations left blank.
• For the one-time appropriations, I think any amount would be helpful.
• Those would be one-time appropriations, so thank you. Anything further, Representative Nne?
• For the one-time appropriations, I think any amount would be helpful.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 2230 has a $600,000 appropriation request.
• This is a one-time appropriation.
• This is a one-time appropriation.
• The appropriation component in the bill is in the budget, so if in conference you don't change the appropriation
• Oh, the appropriation.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2265, which would provide the Fargo National Cemetery with up to a $3 million line of credit to help fund improvements such as indoor bathrooms, parking, a family gathering area, an office, a hearse garage, and a veterans gallery. Supporters said the cemetery has expanded rapidly since 2019, has already conducted about 1,000 burials, and needs better facilities for families and the Honor Guard; they also said the project would be subject to federal VA approval and, once completed, would be taken over by the VA. Members raised questions about the project’s cost, timing, funding sources, whether the bill should be a grant instead of a line of credit, and whether a chapel should be specifically included. No vote was taken on SB 2265 during the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2230, which would have the Secretary of State mail active voters a guide on ballot measures at least 45 days before an election, with objective summaries, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against each measure. Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office already receives many questions about ballot measures and would post the same information online and at polling places, while emphasizing the need to keep the material objective and consistent with election-law restrictions. Members generally supported the idea as a voter-education tool, and the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 2230 by a 19-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2256, which would provide one-time state support for the NDSU Research and Technology Park in Fargo to expand its role in commercialization, robotics, precision agriculture, and defense-related technology. Park CEO Brenda Weiland explained that the park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit spun out of NDSU, governed by a board with both university and industry representation, and that the new model is intended to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products without competing directly with private industry. Members asked about ownership, intellectual property, the planned partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center, and how the park would use the funding; the discussion focused on contracts, licensing, and the park’s intent to build technical capacity and attract companies. The excerpt ends before any vote on SB 2256.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like I of the appropriations from 2023?
• legislature appropriated legislature legislature appropriated 1.15<00:10:59.280><c> million</c><00:10
• As it was stated, these funds were appropriated to us in 2023.
• </c><00:37:07.880><c> So</c> appropriation infrastructure bonds.
• So appropriation infrastructure bonds.

Bills: HF4736 , HF4737 , HF3806 , HF3352 , HF4840 , HF3748

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: emergency shelter, grant program, homelessness, capital investment, Minnesota Statutes, appropriation bonds, public funding, housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota constitutional amendment, public debt, state bonds, general obligation bonds, information technology, IT infrastructure, software licenses, technology modernization, capital improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2, House Appropriations and Finance Committee House Bill 2 briefing.
• That was spread to a couple of other appropriations that I'll show you.
• Chair, we were in Section 5 of the General Appropriation Act. That's special appropriations.
• That's your supplemental and deficiency appropriations for the current year.
• You know, all these are basically extending appropriations or not extending appropriations that have

Bills: SB193 , SB132 , SB35 , SB145 , HB2 , SB193 , SB132 , SB35 , SB145

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all for deciding to share it with the Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
• This chart reflects appropriations by three. Slide five.
• This chart reflects appropriations by fund over the last 10 fiscal years, including the current fiscal
• During this process, non-recurring appropriations and governor-vetoed items are removed, supplemental
• name, base appropriation for fiscal year 25-26, and explanations for each line item.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a base budget overview for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which was presented as a $46.8 billion starting point for the silo. Staff explained that HHS accounts for about half of the state base budget and roughly 36% of general revenue, with AHCA and Medicaid making up the largest share. The committee then reviewed the PACE program for the elderly, including its eligibility, service model, growth in applications, slot funding and reversions, and the agency’s plan to move from the federal three-way agreement to a more detailed two-party contract to improve accountability, transparency, and reporting. Members raised concerns about unfilled slots, reversions, rural access, and the need for clearer return-on-investment data; the agency said it would follow up on some of those questions. The committee also heard from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities on its statewide dental program. APD described its history of appropriations, the failed January 2024 solicitation, and a new up-to-$11.5 million solicitation focused on preventive care, community partnerships, teledentistry, and coordination with other services. Members questioned overlap with Medicaid dental coverage, the effect of Medicaid unwinding on APD clients, and whether state dollars were duplicating federally supported services; APD said it tries to act as payer of last resort and that services would continue during procurement. Public testimony from an APD stakeholder and the Florida Dental Association emphasized Medicaid eligibility problems for waiver recipients, low reimbursement rates, limited access to anesthesia and hospital-based dental care, and concerns that proposed Medicaid changes could reduce access for special-needs patients. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs then presented on state veterans service officers and benefits assistance. FDVA highlighted its role in helping veterans access federal benefits, reporting about $27.9 billion in federal dollars flowing into Florida and a high return on state investment. The department said it has increased outreach, claims processing, and services, and has trained staff to identify mental health concerns through its Overwatch program. In response to questions, FDVA discussed plans to expand adult day health care at a new veterans nursing home and possibly at existing locations with additional state funding. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed its presentations and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• , changes to and carryforward of prior year appropriations.
• </c> that was available for Appropriations that was available for Appropriations was was was $3,326 $3,326
• This has $19.553 million for 14 appropriations.
• </c><00:14:05.040><c> in</c><00:14:05.160><c> the</c> for seven Appropriations in the for seven Appropriations
• </c> to the availability of Appropriations to the availability of Appropriations the<00:15:42.079><c>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appropriation in that? appropriation in that?
• Appropriation. 416.
• </c> there are a few appropriations. there are a few appropriations.
• It says appropriation in the section title, but there's no appropriation.
• No appropriation. Correct. Yes. No appropriation. Correct. Proceed. Okay.

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed comparison documents and worked through a long list of House and Senate positions, agreeing on some technical or already-enacted items while setting aside others for later discussion. Early on, members agreed to delete a House Bill 2 section tied to a bill already passed into law, and a representative explained a technical amendment to the EFA provisions clarifying enrollment-cap repeal language and compulsory attendance rules for EFA students. That amendment was discussed but a vote was postponed because not all members were present. The committee also noted that the overall EFA budget numbers had already been settled separately. Several items were either agreed to or held for further negotiation. Members agreed to delete sections already covered by other enacted bills, including BTLA-related language, and to accept a technical amendment changing "municipalities" to "political subdivisions" in a section affecting funding eligibility. They also agreed on some items involving workers’ compensation second injuries, certain pilot-program language, and some sections related to state loan repayment and other technical corrections. In contrast, they set aside or disputed items involving site evaluation, lottery-related provisions, opioid abatement, the Commission on Aging, Granite Advantage premium costs, renewable energy/offshore wind funding, special education funding, and several education trust fund and unique-fund provisions. The committee spent substantial time on policy disputes. The House side argued against keeping money in dedicated Fish and Game funds rather than increasing the main Fish and Game fund, while the Senate side defended its approach and raised concerns about fee impacts, including one tied to the fishing license. The members also discussed a housing appeals board proposal, with one member suggesting a possible compromise that would preserve some function while shifting duties and possibly sunsetting the arrangement later; the contracts for the positions were noted as running through June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029. Another extended discussion concerned the child advocate records-access section, which one side wanted removed as policy that should go through the normal bill process, while another member asked to hold it and suggested a possible middle-ground, time-limited approach. Later, the committee agreed to remove sections already handled in other bills, including House sections 254 and 255, and discussed but did not resolve disputes over liquor licensing functions, cannabis-related language, cost containment, special education, and several fee and fund provisions. The Senate explained its position on the governor’s commission language, saying opioid abatement trust funds could not be used for that purpose and that the commission should continue to be funded through 5% of gross liquor profits; it also described renaming the body the Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention and expanding its scope to include problem gambling. The meeting ended with several major items still open for later negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1831, an act appropriating monies.
• SB 1837, an act appropriating monies related to the environment.
• I shared with the Appropriations Committees last week.
• I think it would be appropriate... ...and the amount of $57.6 million, I think it would be appropriate
• House Bill 4144, appropriating monies relating to the environment.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest recognitions, including a student honored for a national Mandarin speech contest, a Ms. Black Arizona candidate, and a Madison Elementary School reusable-tray pilot program. The body also recognized interns and approved the prior journal. The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted committee reports recommending passage of a series of budget-related bills. The main legislative business centered on the 2026-27 budget package and related omnibus measures, including appropriations, budget implementation, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, K-12 education, state property, revenue/taxation, and transportation bills. Most of these measures were advanced with do-pass recommendations, with repeated debate focused on the tax omnibus and the overall budget’s policy choices. Supporters argued the package provided affordability, tax relief, conformity with federal tax changes, reduced government spending, and reforms to entitlement and other programs; opponents argued it favored corporations and wealthy taxpayers, cut health care, food assistance, housing, tourism, wildfire response, and education, and would forfeit federal matching funds. Several members specifically criticized the failure to close the data center tax exemption and to raise sports betting taxes, while supporters defended those provisions as pro-business and pro-growth. There was also discussion of fund sweeps, including university research funds, housing trust funds, and other agency balances, with opponents saying the sweeps targeted encumbered or already-committed money. After debate, the Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and advanced the bills, and later took up House bills introduced and placed on third reading, with members explaining their votes on HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act, largely along party lines. At the end of the session, the Senate processed messages from the House requesting the return of SB 1160 and SB 1786 for reconsideration, and the Senate requested the House return HB 2415 for reconsideration. The chamber also introduced and placed several House budget bills on third reading, including HB 4138 through HB 4153, continuing the budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1362, appropriation, resilience plan.
• SB 1307, appropriation, DES emergency shelters. SB 1307, appropriation, DES emergency shelters.
• SB 1314, appropriations, criminal justice salary increases.
• SB 1373, appropriation, summer youth employment program.
• SB 1408, appropriation, public schools, trees.

Transcript Highlights:

• For categorical appropriations, these are year over year appropriations.
• That's the total appropriation for transportation for the fiscal year 26.
• Appropriation to $30 million a year for this year, and then depending on how you appropriate to the Indianet
• appropriated money to the fund.
• Appropriations, I did want to specifically point out the three on page 29, appropriations to the Hispanic

Transcript Highlights:

• In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
• It appropriates funds to the Department of Education for regional kitchen expansion to fulfill the local
• Okay, so this is an additional appropriation item. That's my understanding. Correct?
• this appropriation bill to put the infrastructure for facilities across the state, so the entire appropriation
• </c><00:29:59.000><c> amount</c> state so the entire appropriation amount state so the entire appropriation

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems