Transcript Highlights:

• be as easy as commending someone for service, recognizing their passing, or it could completely restructure
• be as easy as commending someone for service, recognizing their passing, or it could completely restructure
• 00:57:18.720> completely passing, or it could completely passing, or it could completely restructure
• 20.880> of<00:57:21.040> government<00:57:21.440> if<00:57:21.599> we restructure
• our form of government if we restructure our form of government if we wanted<00:57:22.000> it

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , it would have... ...on those types of debts.
• 20 doing as it relates to debt payments, if anything?
• And it had a list of debt payments that were eligible as of that time in 2014.
• It applies to both current and future school debts, debts of the General Fund to other state funds, pension
• It doesn’t have to make deposits to this debt or to that debt, but under ACA 20, through 2040, an extension

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did update that debt total.
• Debt changes on a daily basis.
• So we've never taken care of school debt. They still have that debt.
• So we've never taken care of school debt. They have still have that debt.
• They have no debt. Sure.

Summary: The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses. Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings. The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item two concerns the outstanding **TPFA** related geo debt, general obligation debt.
• Number two, we're responsible for refunding outstanding debt for debt service.
• When y'all on page eight talk about local government debt issued, define local debt for me.
• So we're ranking third in the nation on debt, and it's not really driven by the state debt; it's more
• driven by the local debt.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• million in debt that USF incurred in some of their construction projects.
• And the bill transfer for the debt service to New College.
• And then there's a proposed transfer of USF Sarasota Manatee assets and debt.
• The draft language indicates about $50 million in debt on New College.
• The draft language contemplates New College paying $100 million in debt, with $160 per month in debt

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Chair: HOUSE BILL 5017 GRADES THE PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE STATE'S DEBT BY RETIRING BONDS PRIOR TO
• Driskell: WHAT ARE THE FINANCING COSTS OF THE DEBT THEY ARE RETIRING THROUGH THIS PROGRAM. >> Rep.
• Driskell: I'M SPEAKING SPECIFICALLY DO YOU HAVE A SENSE OF WHAT THE INTEREST RATES ARE FOR THE DEBT.
• McClure: TO REDUCE THE DEBT. >> Chair: QUESTIONS MEMBERS? REPRESENTATIVE DRISKELL. >> Rep.
• YOUR DEBT CAPACITY INCREASES WITH THE LOWER, AS YOUR DEBT GOES DOWN YOUR DEBT CAPACITY GOES UP, THEIR

Transcript Highlights:

• We did update that debt total.
• We've never talked about school debt. They brought school debt up, but that's a separate issue.
• So we've never taken care of school debt. They still have that debt.
• We've never talked about school debt. They brought school debt up, but that's a separate issue.
• So we've never taken care of school debt. They still have that debt.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some practices in debt settlement are often leaving both parties worse off.
• When a borrower comes to a debt settlement company for help, they can end up paying more in debt settlement
• The debt settlement company makes money, though.
• The good news is California has already set standards to improve debt settlement.
• It doesn't prohibit debt settlement.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then proceeded with bill presentations and later formal votes once enough members arrived. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including how to submit written testimony and rules for witnesses and conduct. The agenda included AB 771, AB 1507 on the consent calendar, and AB 1166. AB 771 by Assemblymember Massetto was presented as a technical fix to California’s Uniform Commercial Code. Supporters said it would allow a mortgage or deed of trust to serve as a fixture filing without requiring an exact match to the debtor’s ID, reducing duplicate filings, fees, and administrative burdens. There was no formal opposition, and the committee voted due pass. AB 1507 was then adopted on the consent calendar with a due pass recommendation. AB 1166 by Chair Valencia addressed debt settlement protections for small business commercial financing recipients by extending existing California debt settlement standards from consumer loans to business loans. Supporters, including the Responsible Business Lending Coalition and several financing providers, said the bill would curb harmful practices and align incentives, while still allowing debt settlement services. Members asked about the private right of action and statutory damages, and the bill was approved due pass. The committee later reopened the rolls for absent members, recorded additional aye votes, and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would enable victims to limit the harmful fallout from coerced debts that linger long after
• collectors, or third-party debt collectors from attempting to collect a consumer debt from a victim
• And give creditors, debt collectors, or third-party debt collectors seven business days to cease debt
• I've been studying coerced debt for a decade and a half.
• And in my research, I've seen how coerced debt can ruin the credit of domestic violence survivors. by

Bills: HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 2467, HB 2468, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3306, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 4344, HB 4386, HB 4739

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would enable victims to limit the harmful fallout from coerced debts that linger long after
• Prohibit creditors, debt collectors, or third party debt collectors from attempting to collect a consumer
• debt collectors to notify all parties involved with the debt when it is disputed and no longer collectible
• party debt collectors 7 business days to cease debt collection activities, and it would strike subsection
• So the survivor really does not have a choice about that debt.

Bills: HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 2467, HB 2468, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3306, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 4344, HB 4386, HB 4739

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• So medical debt, you know, what is it now?
• And why is medical debt different? Nobody chooses to take on medical debt.
• Yes, people must pay their bills and their debts.
• But could people pay their debts then?
• , including medical debt in Nevada.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• General obligation bond debt service.
• FAA to estimate debt service on commercial paper and bonds.
• Before, the outstanding debt was approximately $2.9 billion.
• Number two, refunding outstanding debt for the debt service savings.
• We issue the debt for the SEPRIT program. And of course.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Debt service, this simply moved to the finance debt service appropriation unit.
• Debt service, this simply moved to the finance debt service appropriation unit.
• Debt service, this simply moved to the finance debt service appropriation unit.
• Debt service, this simply moved to the finance debt service appropriation unit.
• Debt service was moved to finance. Debt service was moved to finance.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• liabilities ratio which includes debt liabilities ratio which includes debt adjusted<01:15:47.639
• ability to pay back debt ability to pay back debt um<01:17:16.400> you<01:17:16.520> know
• And in the debt liability section, you have all kinds of debt, whether it is appropriation debt, general
• c> you<01:27:37.119> have in the debt liability section you have in the debt liability section
• debt whether it<01:27:39.480> is<01:27:39.719> appropriation<01:27:40.520> debt

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do know it says in there about the debts. The penalties we can get you an answer back to.
• These are the things that order the debts.
• Child support is a debt, and so it's not an inheritance; it's a debt.
• And taking that from other debts and prioritizing that? Yes. Okay.
• So what it would do is it would just pay that debt before mortgage debts and debts like that. Okay.

Bills: HB368, HB3311, HB1734, HB2495, HB2716, HB793, HB3376, HB2524, HB3421, HB3446, HB3181

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally, private equity firms rely on large amounts of debt to acquire majority or controlling stakes
• I already highlighted PE firms' extensive use of debt to finance the transaction.
• extensive use of debt to finance the<00:03:34.319> transaction.
• These are often structured to allow owners to offload debt while retaining the properties.
• It showed how leverage buyouts burdened facilities with massive debt.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up two bills concerning health entity ownership and heard invited testimony before acting on them. Dr. Yasha Singh of Brown University testified about private equity in healthcare, describing how PE firms use debt-financed acquisitions, short investment horizons, and roll-up strategies that can avoid disclosure requirements. He said the lack of transparency makes it difficult to track ownership and outcomes, and cited research linking PE ownership to higher costs in outpatient care, more ancillary service use, workforce turnover, and worse outcomes in hospitals and nursing homes. He also noted Minnesota-specific concerns, including PE involvement in opioid treatment programs, and said the policy challenge is balancing needed capital investment with protections for patients and workers. Sam Brooks of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care testified in strong support of the legislation, focusing on nursing homes. He argued that private equity ownership is associated with worse resident outcomes, including higher mortality, more pressure ulcers, more hospitalizations, and more deficiencies, and said leverage buyouts divert money from staffing and care into debt service, management fees, and lease-back arrangements. Brooks said staffing levels and quality ratings decline under PE ownership and pointed to recent bankruptcies as examples of instability. He said the bills would add safeguards such as transparency, attorney general approval of acquisitions, and requirements that a large share of public funds go to direct resident care. The testimony framed the bills as responses to concerns about private equity ownership in healthcare and long-term care, especially the effects on quality, staffing, and financial stability. No vote or final committee action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• now, which is junk bond status, I mean that debt is going to be very expensive debt for you to put on
• We would just maintain the existing debt. Um, but that's the requirement.
• now, which is junk bond status, I mean that debt is going to be very expensive debt for you to put on
• We would just maintain the existing debt. Um, but that's the requirement.
• <00:15:37.920> at, would be able to take on that debt at, would be able to take on that debt

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard House Bill 344 HD1, which would require new buildings to include electric vehicle charger-ready parking stalls. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the State Energy Office, Department of Accounting and General Services, the Disabilities and Communication Access Board, and others. Members asked about cost and infrastructure impacts; the State Energy Office said the added cost would likely be modest if planned from the start, but that electrical capacity remains a key challenge for expanding EV charging. The chairs proposed two amendments: extending the bill to cover on-grade parking lots and adding language for Level 1 or Level 3 charging when appropriate. After discussion, both committees voted to pass HB 344 HD1 with amendments. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, the chair voted aye, one member voted with reservation, and excused members were noted; the Government Operations committee also passed the measure, with one aye vote and one vote with reservations. The committees also heard House Bill 10001 HD1 SD1, relating to the Maui wildfire settlement trust fund. The Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Maui County, and the Tax Foundation testified in support. Members questioned Hawaii Electric Industries’ ability to fund its share of the settlement and whether the state should pay first or in tranches. The chair proposed amendments requiring all defendant parties to submit payment plans and proof of ability to pay, and requiring non-state defendants to fund their shares into escrow before the state releases its share. The committee adopted the amendments and passed the bill unanimously by the members present. Later, the committee deferred action on House Bill 229 HD1 until March 20 for clarification on amendments, then passed House Bill 860 HD1 with amendments addressing liability for limited resurfacing of disputed roads, and passed House Bill 1161 HD2 with amendments concerning highway fund use, formula calculations, and EV-related county fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the debt service is significant.
• the statutory appropriation and debt the statutory appropriation and debt service<00:07:00.840><
• So, the debt service is significant. So, the debt service is significant.
• I just mentioned, have a high debt I just mentioned, have a high debt service<00:07:40.200> that
• additional HIBs, the long-term debt additional HIBs, the long-term debt service<00:07:53.480>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That 1.5% amount is split 50-50 between BSA deposits and debt payments for certain eligible debts.
• Can you talk a little bit about the debt repayment options?
• for reserves or to maintain those debt payments.
• Sisney, around paying down the federal debt for the UI Fund.
• Sysney around paying down the federal debt for the UI Fund.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on proposals to reform California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or rainy day fund, ahead of the May Revision. Members and witnesses reviewed how Proposition 2 (2014) changed reserve rules, including mandatory deposits, a 10% cap on the fund, and limits tied to the Governor’s declaration of a budget emergency. LAO staff explained that California’s revenues are highly volatile, that current reserve rules are complicated by interactions with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit, and that under current law reserves would cover only about one-third of funding shortfalls in a benchmark scenario over 50 years. The LAO presented its report recommending a larger reserve target, including raising the cap to 50% by 2055 and pairing that with either broader, more flexible deposit rules or a simpler approach that deposits all excess capital gains. The Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exempt BSA deposits from the state appropriations limit, while Assembly Member Valencia presented ACA 1, which would make similar changes and was described as an evolving proposal. Testimony generally supported saving more during boom years, but differed on how much to hardwire into the Constitution versus leave flexible, and on whether to broaden the deposit formulas beyond capital gains. Public witnesses and committee members raised additional issues, including whether reserve reforms should also address debt repayment, the treatment of unemployment insurance fund debt, and whether the Gann limit should be adjusted to better allow reserve growth. Supporters argued that stronger reserves would protect Californians from cuts during downturns and help the state weather volatility and federal funding threats. Some advocates warned that reforms should not come at the expense of current public needs, while taxpayer representatives cautioned against turning the BSA into a pass-through account that weakens constitutional spending limits. The hearing ended without a vote, with the committee chair noting the complexity of the issue and adjourning after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those counties that are rolling off the debt service, and we've listed those on here.
• Those counties that are rolling off the debt service, and we've listed those on here.
• Those counties that are rolling off the debt service, and we've listed those on here.
• Those counties that are rolling off the debt service, and we've listed those on here.
• <00:58:45.040> debt uh with a maximum annual debt debt uh with a maximum annual debt debt

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.