Transcript Highlights:

• regarding access issues for the proposed widening of Route 1 between State Route 273 and the William Roth
• Regarding access issues for the proposed widening of Route 1 between State Route 273 and the William Roth

Summary: The committee met for a fiscal year 2027 capital budget writing session with all 12 members present. It first reviewed and approved the DNREC Resource Conservation and Development drainage project list, which would add projects across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties and bring the total eligible projects to 1,561. Members offered personal remarks thanking retiring conservation district staff, especially Kevin Donnelly, for years of work on drainage and water issues. The committee then reviewed DelDOT Rule 12 changes, including annual date updates and a reduction in the inflation markup applied to older estimates, and approved the rule as amended. The committee next adopted DelDOT Appendix A and the FY27 paving and rehabilitation list, including the subdivision street management fund and various road resurfacing projects. DelDOT explained that paving projects are for state-of-good-repair work and that major changes from corridor studies would be handled separately. The committee also approved DelDOT epilogue changes, including updates to authorization amounts, a $25 million increase for toll infrastructure work, changes to subdivision street paving language, and an increase in the subdivision street paving management fund to $30 million. Several sections were placed on hold for later updates. The committee then moved through boilerplate epilogue sections in the bond bill, approving a wide range of provisions affecting conservation districts, housing, economic development, corrections, DNREC, public safety, transportation, agriculture, fire prevention, education, and other agencies. Many sections were adopted in groups, while some were held for later revisions or deleted as no longer needed. The session included updates to school capital rules, transportation restrictions and reporting requirements, DNREC conservation and land-use provisions, and funding and administrative authorities across multiple agencies. The committee broke for lunch after approving the education-related sections through 147, with additional sections still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• James Roth. Okay, that's fine. One. That's the other one. Who is the necessary? James Roth.

Bills: HB2113, HB2237, HB2824, HB2926, HB2939, HB2950

Keywords: utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, appropriation, Apache Junction, tourism, recreation, Superstition trails, funding, infrastructure, C-PACE, capital expenditure, special assessment, property improvement, local government financing, energy efficiency, water conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Roth for reappointment to the ERC, Kelly Rebello Ralston as a new appointment to the ERC, James W.
• Okay, next we have Kareem Golden, who is waving in support of the confirmation of Carrie Roth from the
• Okay, next we have Kareem Golden, who is waving in support of the confirmation of Carrie Roth from the

Summary: The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of environmental and natural resources bills. It reported favorably SB 1784 on sewer collection systems, allowing municipal sewer revenues to be used for expansion; SB 1388 on vessels, which prohibits random vessel inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, bars local fuel-type boat bans, and expands funding options for boat ramps and marinas; and SB 880, which designates the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. SB 946, as amended, was also reported favorably; it restricts certain waste facilities and incinerators near the Everglades, with the amendment narrowing the focus to the Broward/Miami-Dade area near the C-9 impoundment project. SB 1792 on dry sandy beaches was reported favorably after amendment, creating a pilot and process to inventory beaches and explore voluntary public access or conservation arrangements with private owners. SB 866 on anchoring limitation areas was reported favorably despite opposition from cruisers and boaters who argued existing law should be used instead of new county-specific restrictions. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably with amendments that removed language about the necessity of phosphate mining and clarified that landowners requesting a radiation study must pay for it. The committee also reported favorably SB 1326 on hurricane evacuation clearance times and permit allocations in the Keys, and SB 1580, after a delete-all amendment, which authorizes DEP to use public-private partnerships for coastal resiliency projects. Finally, SB 1300 on oil and gas drilling permits was introduced to require DEP to consider potential harm from accidents or blowouts to natural resources when reviewing drilling permits, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill. The committee also took up confirmations, temporarily postponing the vote on Rodney Barreto’s FWC reappointment after public criticism of his leadership, while recommending favorably the other listed appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, if you look at the lower graph, we've shown this before: in that IRA lowered the out-of-pocket for
• we've shown this before um in that IRA we've shown this before um in that IRA lowered<01:04:45.760
• Next, I think this graph shows a good representation of how that changes with the IRA and has really
• as of June 30th, 2025, we had 9,732 members who had already hit the catastrophic phase with the new IRA
• And I think that this graph shows a good representation of how that changes with the IRA and has really

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:35 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:55 Approval of Minutes: 00:02:56 Deferred Compensation Authority Update: 00:03:12 Retiree Health Update - TRS: 00:15:58 Retiree Health Update - KPPA: 00:56:13 Adjournment: 01:20:33, 958, all

Summary: The Public Pension Oversight Board received updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. Chris Biddle reported that deferred compensation assets had grown to about $4.787 billion with roughly 88,000 participants, crediting auto-enrollment, targeted marketing around pay raises, and retiree-focused services. He said the board’s self-directed brokerage account, authorized by last year’s legislation, is being designed around a $40,000 account-balance threshold with up to 25% transferable into the brokerage window, tentatively for July 1 of the coming year. He also described the free financial planning program, which has been used by about 3,300 to 3,500 participants with an 87% return rate, and noted that the plan is currently in a fee holiday; members asked about the fee structure and whether the CFP service is provided through Nationwide, which Biddle confirmed. Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s growth and asked for the legislation referenced by Biddle. He said the plan’s annual fees are capped, with a $1 monthly fee plus other charges up to a $225 cap, for a maximum of $237 per year absent a managed account. He also said the program is seeking unified payroll access to expand participation, especially among teachers, and that prior lineup changes saved about $6 million annually in participant fees. Bo Barnes of TRS then addressed retired teachers’ health insurance, first clarifying a prior question about declining federal contributions to the retirement annuity trust. He explained that federally funded school positions generated contributions that rose from $72 million in 2019 to $109 million in 2022, then fell to $85 million this year, with a projection of $80 million over the next three years; if those dollars do not come from federal sources, they would have to be replaced through the SEEK formula. Barnes then reviewed TRS health coverage, explaining that the statutory contract guarantees access to group coverage but not fixed premium levels, and that TRS administers two retiree plans: KEHP for retirees under 65 or otherwise not Medicare-eligible, and MEHP for retirees 65 and older or Medicare-eligible. Barnes said TRS completed RFPs for the 2026 plan year, retaining Express Scripts for prescription drugs and switching the Medicare Advantage medical provider from UnitedHealthcare to Humana, while keeping plan design, provider access, out-of-pocket costs, and benefits materially unchanged. He noted a modest hearing-aid improvement of $500 per ear beginning in 2026. He also reported that the TRS Board approved the maximum state contribution for KEHP at $1,044.96, up from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said would require about $15 million to $16 million more annually, while the MEHP premium would drop from $210 to $200 per month because of the new contract. Using the 2024 valuation, he said the KEHP increase would slightly reduce the health trust funded ratio from 80.4% to 80.1% and raise unfunded liability from $4.036 billion to $4.051 billion. Barnes closed by reviewing the 2010 shared-responsibility reforms that shifted retiree health costs away from a pay-as-you-go model, including phased employee and district contributions and Commonwealth stabilization funding. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• working-age households do not own any retirement assets, meaning no employer-sponsored 401(k), no IRAs
• Although individuals without access to a way to save for retirement could open their own IRAs, this rarely
• Only 5% of people will go out on their own and open an IRA, and the numbers have not changed in decades
• states on this issue and developed and designed this strategy known as Secure Choice or Automatic IRAs
• the Commonwealth or any other state to embark on yet another study of this Secure Choice Automatic IRA

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on several bills focused on financial security, banking regulation, and payment-card fees. Treasurer Deborah Goldberg supported the Massachusetts baby bonds proposal (H. 48) and also endorsed bills on matched savings (H. 1158/S. 737) and retirement planning/Secure Choice (H. 1143/S. 722), arguing these measures would help address wealth inequality, build assets, and improve retirement readiness. Supporters of baby bonds included policy experts and health advocates from Children’s Health Watch and Boston Medical Center, who said early-life asset building could improve long-term economic and health outcomes for children in low-income families. AARP also urged passage of the retirement planning bill, citing the large share of private-sector workers without access to an employer retirement plan. Representative Donato testified for H. 1143, describing it as a voluntary retirement-savings opportunity for workers at small employers. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3933, concerning the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation, from former Bank Commissioner Mike Hanson, who defended the state’s full deposit insurance system for credit unions and savings institutions as a longstanding consumer-protection model. The Massachusetts Bankers Association raised concerns about the bill’s technical provisions and broader credit union/bank competitive issues, while the Cooperative Credit Union Association supported related legislation allowing modest compensation for credit union directors (S. 821/H. 1338) and flexibility for state financial institutions to grow through partnerships (S. 723). Bankers opposed those credit union bills, arguing they would upset a level playing field and blur long-standing distinctions between banks and credit unions. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 1259/S. 688, which would prohibit card interchange fees on the tax and gratuity portions of restaurant transactions. Restaurant owners and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association testified in favor, saying the fees are a significant and growing expense, especially as most customers now pay by card; they argued the bills would save restaurants money without affecting state revenue. Credit union, banking, and payments-industry representatives opposed the bills, saying interchange helps fund fraud protection and payment infrastructure, that the proposal would create compliance burdens and likely litigation, and that it would mainly affect Massachusetts-chartered institutions while national banks could be preempted. Committee members noted that a commission on payment-card fees is being established and said the issue would be studied further. The hearing also included support for a separate bill on virtual credit cards for dental providers, with dentists saying automatic virtual-card payments impose hidden processing fees and fraud risks.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, just for the members' benefit, this comes to the IRA in the greenhouse gas reduction fund
• Uh, we were created by Minnesota statute, but the money comes through the IRA and it was approved, or
• my fund question, but um, you're clarifying that the federal part of the funding that comes to the IRA
• I think what I want to ask in general terms is: the IRA contains some support for nuclear.
• Um, as I mentioned, the IRA did expand the tax credits available to fund renewable energy just beyond

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going into 530A IRA accounts.
• That's... ...what kind of accounts these are going into 530A IRA accounts.
• immediately upon January 1st of the child's 18th birthday, they immediately transition to a traditional IRA
• and will operate under the same mechanisms that every other traditional IRA operates under in the United

Bills: SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314

Keywords: 2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have a lot of faith in an IRA-type of outcome.
• uh<00:10:05.680> you<00:10:05.839> know<00:10:05.920> an<00:10:06.160> IRA
• <00:10:07.040> uh lot of faith uh in uh you know an IRA uh lot of faith uh in uh you know
• an IRA uh type<00:10:07.519> of<00:10:07.680> of<00:10:08.560> uh<00:10:09.120><

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:42 Department of Corrections 04:14 Department of Juvenile Justice 16:22 Kentucky Law Enforcement Council 28:01 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard budget-related testimony from the Department of Corrections on a request for additional funding to take over operations of the Lee Adjustment Center, including $2.2 million in fiscal year 2027 and $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028. The witness said the governor’s budget did not recommend the request. Members asked about the cost savings of private operation versus state operation, the facility’s role in the department’s long-term goals, and whether the state intends to move toward operating all adult correctional facilities directly. The Department of Juvenile Justice then presented on staffing, recruitment, retention, and facility planning. Officials described recent pay increases and other investments, including a 10% security pay raise in 2021, an 8% state employee raise in 2022, higher youth worker starting salaries, and $4.8 million in 2023 funding to sustain salary increases. They said DJJ has also expanded mental health and medical staffing, improved recruitment efforts, and seen an upward trend in hiring. In response to questions, the commissioner said barriers to recruitment and retention include the Tier 3 retirement system, the structured and restrictive nature of detention work, and competition from other employers. He also said the department wants to move toward a regional model for female facilities under SB 162 and believes those facilities can be staffed. DJJ provided staffing figures showing 1,339 funded positions, with 157 filled and 182 vacant at a January benchmark, and 524 detention positions with 450 filled and 74 vacant. Officials said 30 correctional officers were in basic training and expected to join posts soon. Members also asked about the feasibility of staffing additional facilities and the department’s vacancy trends. Finally, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council testified on a funding request for one attorney, one paralegal, one additional monitor, higher costs for existing monitor positions, and Lexington office rent. Officials said the request is needed to handle a growing decertification caseload and expanded oversight responsibilities as the number of academies has increased to about eight, with more than 2,100 instructors requiring biennial review. They said KLEC currently has one attorney and about 15 total staff, with roughly 180 cases pending, more than 50 complaints left to file, and another 30 cases expected soon. Members asked about current staffing, attorney salary, the number of academies, and the move to a separate Lexington office. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned without a quorum for approving minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• money how they wish, but they choose to put it in a retirement account, like a 457B or some type of IRA
• money how they wish, but they choose to put it in a retirement account, like a 457B or some type of IRA
• money how they wish, but they choose to put it in a retirement account, like a 457B or some type of IRA
• money how they wish, but they choose to put it in a retirement account, like a 457B or some type of IRA
• money how they wish, but they choose to put it in a retirement account, like a 457B or some type of IRA

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that the tax credit stacks on top of the federal IRA tax credits.
• <00:32:55.760> federal<00:32:56.440> iig<00:32:56.919> ja<00:32:57.840> Ira
• 00:32:58.600> tax<00:32:59.240> credits<00:33:00.240> um of the federal iig ja Ira
• tax credits um of the federal iig ja Ira tax credits um that<00:33:00.519> gives<00:33:01.039
• Uh, I guess it's just unclear if Trump or Congress will reform those tax credits or repeal the IRA.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't even fathom going down the road of taxing unrealized gains in people's IRAs and retirement accounts
• I can't even fathom going down the road of taxing unrealized gains in people's IRAs and retirement accounts
• <00:24:46.720> gains<00:24:46.919> in<00:24:47.120> people's<00:24:47.559> IRAs
• <00:24:48.320> and unrealized gains in people's IRAs and unrealized gains in people's IRAs

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and then, you know, my question is: is it really advisable for the state to impose a sales tax on IRAs
• and investment accounts when you know the tax laws that created the IRAs and the tax-deferred accounts
• and then, you know, my question is: is it really advisable for the state to impose a sales tax on IRAs
• and investment accounts when you know the tax laws that created the IRAs and the tax-deferred accounts
• <00:47:35.440> and<00:47:35.920> and to impose a sales tax on IRAs and and to impose

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2437, the governor’s proposed tax bill, and first adopted the A25-Z42 amendment to put the bill in the desired shape. Commissioner Paul Marquardt of the Department of Revenue then presented the bill as part of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s budget, describing it as a response to budget pressures that would make the tax system more fair and stable while supporting economic development and jobs. Marquardt walked through the bill’s major provisions. These included sustainable aviation fuel policy, repeal of K-12 education credit assignment, elimination of the political contribution refund, expansion of the research and development credit, short-line railroad infrastructure modernization, changes to the state airport fund levy, replacement of attachments and appearances with distribution systems, a narrow personal property tax exception for low-income housing tenants, reduced aquatic invasive species aid, and a 34% reduction in PILT payments. He then focused on the sales tax article, saying it would lower the statewide rate by 0.75% while expanding the base to selected professional services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services, with business-to-business transactions exempt. He said the proposal would be effective for sales and purchases after September 30, 2025, and estimated a first-year rate-cut impact of about $99 million versus $215 million from the service expansion, while arguing that most households would see a net tax cut. He also noted other changes such as landlord penalty adjustments, a 30% reduction in sustainable aviation fuel incentive payments, repeal of local government cannabis aid, and repeal of the tax filing modernization account. Public testimony began with Kyle Playford of the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota, who strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on professional services, especially financial planning. He argued that financial planning is an essential service for retirement, investment, and long-term financial security, and said the tax would raise costs for consumers, reduce access for middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees, and put Minnesota firms at a competitive disadvantage. The chair then indicated that additional public testimony would continue before member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Roth has provided a great overview of the bill.
• Senator<01:11:47.520> Roth<01:11:47.840> has<01:11:48.080> provided<01:11:48.400
• > a<01:11:48.719> great Senator Roth has provided a great Senator Roth has provided a great
• That's the cascade that Senator Roth has spoke of that will expedite that timeline. and then we'll do
• That's the cascade<01:14:58.320> that<01:14:58.480> Senator<01:14:58.800> Roth<01

Bills: SF0102, SF0123, SF0021, SF0099

Keywords: energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• She's on a neighbor island, but she oversees that, and I believe that project is funded through the IRA
• <00:29:55.000> funded<00:29:55.440> through<00:29:55.760> the<00:29:56.039> IRA
• project is funded through the IRA project is funded through the IRA program<00:29:57.360> and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Two of these key provisions of the IRA provide additional mechanisms for eligible taxpayers to monetize
• SB 302 would bring California tax code into conformity with the provisions of the IRA, and allow renewable
• By allowing California businesses to utilize the incentives laid out in the IRA, SB 302 will help increase

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:

• , working at Piper Jaffray, and came in with no degree, working on the trading floor or working on IRAs
• , working at Piper Jaffray, and came in with no degree, working on the trading floor or working on IRAs
• working on the trading floor or working working on the trading floor or working on<00:26:36.159> IRAs
• 37.960> up<00:26:38.120> to<00:26:38.279> the<00:26:38.399> trading on IRAs
• and then moved up to the trading on IRAs and then moved up to the trading floor<00:26:39.840> um<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee did not get to the planned testimony on attendance and excessive unexcused absences, but instead heard from Minnesota’s Superintendent of the Year and Teacher of the Year. The chair opened by noting the committee was short on time, introduced the idea of hearing from the two award recipients, and briefly referenced a question he likes to ask students about what book every high school student should read. Superintendent Putnam of St. Cloud Area Schools then testified about the superintendent-of-the-year selection process, his district’s work, and the community context in St. Cloud. Putnam described the award as a community honor and said his leadership is guided by authenticity, transparency, and hope. He highlighted district efforts to improve attendance and enrollment, expand community engagement, create family advocate and inclusive decision-making structures, and support students through partnerships and wraparound services. He also discussed district demographics and needs, including food insecurity, IEPs, multilingual services, and homelessness, and noted initiatives such as preschool partnerships, an ambulance bay, school safety improvements, and two full-service community schools funded in part by a federal grant. In response to member questions, he said PSO enrollment had not been a major issue in St. Cloud, explained that student jobs and responsibilities help improve attendance and engagement, and urged lawmakers to be curious and avoid assumptions about public schools. The committee then heard from Tracy Bird, Minnesota’s 2024 Teacher of the Year and a ninth-grade English teacher at Minneapolis Washburn. Bird shared his personal path into teaching, including earlier school struggles, work in finance, and encouragement from a principal who saw his potential. He described the nomination and selection process for Teacher of the Year and said his classroom is shaped by student energy, high expectations, and the realities of a diverse school community with both high mobility and affluent students. He emphasized that students are more engaged when they feel part of something larger than themselves and said his district’s work includes giving students meaningful jobs and responsibilities. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• capital gains... now I can't even fathom going down the road of taxing unrealized gains in people's IRA
• capital gains... now I can't even fathom going down the road of taxing unrealized gains in people's IRA
• capital gains... now I can't even fathom going down the road of taxing unrealized gains in people's IRA
• capital gains... now I can't even fathom going down the road of taxing unrealized gains in people's IRA
• capital gains... now I can't even fathom going down the road of taxing unrealized gains in people's IRA

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, lines 1.2 to 1.4 just clarify an effective date for the IRA contribution correction bill. 1.5
• Uh, lines 1.2 to 1.4 are just an effective date clarification for the IRA contribution correction bill

Bills: HF2437

Keywords: tax credits, tax increments, housing development, local government, economic aid, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We just have, if necessary, Damien Carpenter and James Roth.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• O'Neill, Roth, Torres-Fossett, Yeager, Yerick, Chair Marzola. I am present.

Bills: AB404, AB428

Keywords: brew pub, alcoholic beverages, liquor store, licensure, regulation, Department of Taxation, fertility preservation, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, oncology, reproductive medicine, infertility, cancer treatment, egg freezing, embryo freezing, oocyte cryopreservation, sperm banking, assisted reproductive technology, health insurance mandate, Medicaid