Transcript Highlights:

• I call this meeting of the House Finance and Policy Committee to order.
• That gap is not accidental and is something we can change.
• <01:06:09.680> or ownership structures, financing or ownership structures, financing or performance
• I already highlighted PE firms' extensive use of debt to finance the transaction.
• It addresses gaps in transparency around ownership and financing of health systems.

Bills: HF3668, HF2779, HF2771

Keywords: gun violence, public health, Department of Health, prevention, criminal justice, health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration

Summary: The House Finance and Policy Committee met on March 2 with a quorum present and heard House File 3668, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The bill author argued the office would treat gun violence as a public health crisis, improve research and coordination, and help reduce deaths and trauma, especially among children. Several supporters testified, including representatives from the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, family medicine, public health, and obstetrics/gynecology, all emphasizing firearm injury and suicide as major public health problems and urging a coordinated, data-driven response. Multiple testifiers shared personal accounts of shootings and their effects on children and families, including the Annunciation shooting, and said the office could help align prevention efforts across health care, law enforcement, and community organizations. Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a permanent taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to shape firearm policy and restrict a constitutional right. The group said Minnesota should focus instead on enforcing existing laws, prosecuting violent offenders, and providing direct victim services. During committee discussion, Vice Chair Nadeau offered an A2 amendment to move the proposed office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing, accountability, and examples from other cities and states; after discussion with the bill author, he withdrew the amendment. Chair Becker then noted existing state and local spending on violence prevention and public safety programs and raised concerns about duplication of effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I ask that because I just want to make sure there's no legal liability or gaps.
• So I don't know if this is going to help bring somebody up there, but there's a huge gap in rural New
• I still have a ways to go, but there's a huge gap, and a huge risk to our rural population out there.
• And. this just asks the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a working group to map the system.
• Santa Fe, I am here in strong support of Senate Memorial 22, a memorial that recognizes a critical gap

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this doesn't—there's no gap in this project per statute.
• between the expiration of an gap between the expiration of an existing<00:08:48.920> tax<00:08
• So, this doesn't This is there's no gap So, this doesn't This is there's no gap in<00:09:00.160>
• With me today is my cohort, Baxter Finance Director Jeremy Vesenak, who is there to provide any help
• I'm Jeremy Vesenak, Finance Director for the city of Baxter. Um, Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess my question is, and you talked about there's an advocacy gap, but there’s a gap that potentially
• My constituents live 500 miles away from here. that there is potential for there to be gaps.
• way you're making it seem like it's an easy process because if it was so easy, we wouldn't have the gaps
• not plenty to testify originally, but I wanted to offer myself as a resource to fill in some of the gaps
• Each utility is required to file an annual report to review their finances.

Bills: HB29, HB685, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1918, HB2010, HB2500, HB2608, HB2626, HB29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Of our rent, take control of our finances, and be able to live securely and healthily.
• So again, what this bill is trying to do is step in and fill some of those gaps and make sure that we
• So again, what this bill is trying to do is step in and fill some of those gaps and make sure that we
• fill<00:16:09.360> some<00:16:09.480> of<00:16:09.639> those<00:16:09.880> gaps
• and make sure fill some of those gaps and make sure that<00:16:10.880> we're<00:16:11.120>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In Iowa, SBIR and STTR fundings help bridge the gap between research and market deployment, particularly
• STRATFI in the Air Force and Space Force and Catalyst in the Army provide a model for bridging this gap
• VC financing on a grand scale. It is small but a mighty force, just like Siber within federal R&D.
• In our experience we tend to focus in trying to understand what the gap is for the warfighter.
• Okay, so you mentioned that 18% kind of make that gap over to phase two, right?

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is important because finance is part of a critical infrastructure.
• And this is important because finance is part of a critical infrastructure.
• The persistent homeownership gap, we know, is more than a statistic.
• They figured out the financing package. They've figured everything else out.
• And they have 85%... ...figured out the financing package. They've figured everything else out.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Senate Committee on Finance come to order.
• Thank you all for the opportunity, Chairwoman Huffman, to address the Finance Committee.
• Multiple short employment gaps.
• S handles multiple service gaps during the grace period in a way that is financially responsible and
• Finance hearing. Yes, okay, Senator Hinojosa.

Bills: HB104, HB2434, HB2529, HB2688, HB3161, HB3486, HB3487, HB3745, HB4044, HB4226, HB4945, HB104

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, salary supplement, county judges, judicial functions, state law, government compensation, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age

Transcript Highlights:

• this on to finance. Thank you. this on to finance. Thank you.
• move to Finance Committee. move to Finance Committee.
• > in<01:47:46.480> many But, significant gaps remain in many But, significant gaps remain
• create a finance create a finance um<02:11:14.560> a<02:11:14.640> financing<02:11
• It would be smart financing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some may have lived in units financed by the agency.
• And so, um these individuals finance.
• It This bill address the gap in our law.
• $20 million Minnesota housing finance $20 million Minnesota housing finance agency<00:38:14.960>
• Bendy, you really identified uh a a gap Bendy, you really identified uh a a gap or<01:17:30.239>

Bills: HF4207, HF3639, HF3981, HF3064, HF2123

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, landlord regulations, tenant rights, minor children, lease agreements, eviction, privacy protection, housing, lease termination, medical care, death, infirmity, landlord obligations, St. Paul, public housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Finance. Danielle Branden, Department of Finance. You can move that just.
• Danielle Branden, Department of Finance.
• Alison Hewitt, Department of Finance.
• Department of Finance, Kayla Lamon, Department of Finance, nothing to add, available for questions.
• Okay, Han Jalming from Department of Finance.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets. The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan. Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029. Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, today, um, before you, the Senate Finance Committee amendment for House Appropriation and Finance
• And lastly, the Senate Finance amendment also focuses on public safety.
• So you have before you the committee report with the Senate Finance amendment.
• Chairman, members of the Senate Finance Committee.
• Chair, go ahead, fill in the gaps.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:16:13.760> and controlling movement and finances and controlling movement and finances
• He controlled her movements, her communication, her finances.
• As you heard from Mary Krueger today, this gap has been recognized around the country for decades.
• Would that bridge that gap?
• Would that bridge that gap? gap? gap?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• number 1141, an act relating to housing, establishing a supplemental budget for the Minnesota Housing Finance
• Uh, and we're doing this with an eye towards making sure that the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency does
• Uh, and we're doing this with an eye towards making sure that the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency does
• And so with public investment, I think we can close those gaps.
• With public investment, I think we can close those gaps.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 1141, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency supplemental budget bill. Representative Howard described it as a bipartisan housing package aimed at addressing Minnesota’s housing shortage by funding housing infrastructure bonds, Greater Minnesota workforce housing, homeowner education, a senior housing pilot, and family homelessness assistance and prevention. He said the bill is budget-neutral, using unspent interest earnings and other redirected funds, and includes transparency and accountability reforms for MHFA. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing housing supply, affordability, and the need for more homes across the state. The main floor debate centered on the Norris A6 amendment and the Igo A1 amendment to it. Norris proposed changing rent-increase limits in low-income housing tax credit properties from area median income to the lower of area median income or the consumer price index, arguing that seniors on fixed incomes were being priced out as rents rose faster than Social Security COLAs. Igo’s A1 amendment instead would have preempted cities, counties, and townships from adopting or renewing rent control ordinances statewide, with supporters arguing rent control harms development and affordability. Opponents said the proposal had not been fully vetted in committee and that public subsidies justify rent limits. Both the A1 amendment to the amendment and the underlying A6 amendment failed on tied 67-67 votes. After the amendments were defeated, the bill received its third reading and further discussion. Howard and other supporters reiterated that the bill would help produce an estimated 2,000 to 2,200 housing units, with HIB-funded projects historically spread across the metro and Greater Minnesota. Members also highlighted the bill’s support for first-time homebuyers, manufactured housing, senior housing, and homelessness prevention. No final passage vote is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amazon Leo will help bridge the gap in places where service is either unreliable or just does not exist
• This would be a great sort of fill-in-the-gap network.
• I think we're going to bridge that gap by providing the same kinds of infrastructure we have on the ground
• All of you know, but just in case, I want to make sure that, you know, as the state's aerospace finance
• All of you know, but just in case, I want to make sure that, you know, as the state's aerospace finance

Summary: The committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and heard a series of presentations focused on Florida’s space and aerospace industry. Blue Origin’s Anna Spencer described the company’s Florida operations at Rocket Park, including New Glenn manufacturing and launch activities, Blue Moon lunar lander work, workforce development, and recent booster recovery and launch milestones. Amazon’s Beth Cooley presented an update on Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), outlining the satellite broadband network, customer terminals, dark skies mitigation efforts, Florida facilities and jobs, and launch plans; members asked about RV/mobile applications, satellite counts, and the role of fiber, but no action was taken. Starcatcher Industries CEO Andrew Rush then described his company’s effort to create an orbital energy grid that beams power to satellites to extend mission life and increase available power, citing demonstrations in Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral and plans for a first satellite launch next year. Space Florida CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace sector, citing billions in private investment, hundreds of projects in the pipeline, the leverage of state spaceport funding, workforce and university programs, and the need for additional tools and infrastructure to keep Florida competitive. He emphasized growth in launch activity, manufacturing, research, and military support infrastructure, and said Space Florida would bring forward legislative proposals. Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro delivered the strongest policy message of the meeting, warning that KSC’s aging infrastructure and relatively smaller NASA budget share could cause Florida to lose aerospace leadership to states like Texas unless the state strengthens its partnership, research investment, and infrastructure support. Members questioned her about federal restrictions on commercial investment in common-use infrastructure, the need for more state-federal alignment, and how Florida can preserve its role as the launch capital of the world. After the presentations and questions, Senator Burgess moved to adjourn, there was no objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• funding for TSTC allowing them to expand their technical training in order to meet the growing skills gap
• Texas State Technical Colleges are at the forefront of closing this skills gap by providing technical
• , for the financing of capital. construction, and modernization efforts necessary to meet our state's
• and modernization, the state can leverage its proven model to accelerate the closure of the skills gap
• Chairman as chair of the article three work group and the other members Members of Senate Finance have

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Transcript Highlights:

• And $100 million—that's the number we're able to finance in housing infrastructure bonds, which will
• And $100 million—that's the number we're able to finance in housing infrastructure bonds, which will
• He continued, "And importantly, we've eliminated one of our nation's worst racial home ownership gaps
• Solving our housing shortage has gaps.
• are evaporating because opportunity gaps are evaporating because we<00:35:31.040> know<00:35:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A gap, they came in, and he told a story about a lady.
• As far as gaps...
• So, there are data gaps.
• And put it into the finance model as well as the flood plan.
• So when I say their primary role is finance...

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• Schwartner left about finances and why we need six replacement helicopters.
• As far as gaps related to your question, sir, if it's okay, I'll take it.
• So there are data gaps.
• The Water Development Board's role is to bank and finance requests.
• The staff developed the base-level engineering because they saw there were big gaps.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Housing Finance LLC in support. Hawaii Housing Finance LLC in support.
• you know on the financing and the you know on the financing and the development<00:35:40.480>
• financing.
• financing.
• financing.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard HCR 66, which asks the State Building Code Council to update the state building code to allow point access block construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Testimony was generally in support, including from Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and OPSD, with one registered opponent. No questions were raised, and the joint committee later adopted a recommendation to pass the resolution as is. Because the housing committee lacked quorum at that time, final action on the resolution was deferred to the housing-only agenda. On the housing-only agenda, the committee first heard HTR 78, which states the intent that housing projects qualifying for credits under Act 31 remain eligible for those credits after the act’s repeal. Testimony was in support from HHFTC and the DIY chapter, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 592, confirming Lisa Darcy to the HPHA board. Support came from HPHA board members and several individuals, and Darcy said she accepted the nomination and emphasized her experience and interest in HPHA’s work. Members questioned her about the HPHA board’s oversight role, the 10,000-unit RFQ, and media coverage of Kuhio Park Terrace relocations; she said she supports the project, values transparency, and would push for better context and accountability, though some members felt she had not directly answered concerns about on-the-ground oversight. The committee also heard Governor’s Message 736, confirming Grant Chun to the HHFDC board. Support testimony highlighted his experience in nonprofit housing, real estate, and leadership roles, and Chun said he was pleased to serve the state. Members asked about his residence and his perspective on senior care at Hali Makua, where he said his family found the care compassionate and thorough, while noting staffing shortages. The transcript ends before any final vote on the housing-only items is shown.