Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:00.080> Kentucky<00:25:00.480> School<00:25:00.720> for<00:25:00.880>
• for the Deaf, and<00:25:01.840> the<00:25:02.080> FA<00:25:02.960> FFA<00:25:03.760
• Investments<00:25:26.480> are<00:25:26.720> also<00:25:27.039> included<00:25:27.760
• no<01:25:16.800> bearing<01:25:17.199> whatsoever<01:25:18.000> as<01:25
• <01:25:43.120> Ow<01:25:43.360> that<01:25:43.920> as<01:25:44.159> I

Keywords: Several minutes after the convene vote and before the introduction failed to properly steam. This version was pulled from a local back up., 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 97 members present, declared a quorum, approved excusing absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal for February 25, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 98 and 122 and requested concurrence. The House then received second-reading reports on a range of bills, including measures on prison educational programs, respiratory care, dietitians, wildlife depredation, temporary structures, military families, civil rights, local boards of education, light pollution, controlled-substance prescribing licenses, youth health services, class sizes for exceptional children, the athletic trainer compact, limited commercial driver’s licenses, and Senate Bill 145 relating to the Department of Agriculture and Alcohol Beverage Control. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including the main budget bills House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, along with measures on workforce investment, data centers, domestic violence, guardians ad litem, domestic relations, health delivery and “food is medicine” initiatives, state personnel, open records, and fish and wildlife resources. House Bill 500 and House Bill 504 were taken from the Rules Committee and placed on the orders of the day. House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, was then taken up for third reading and explanation. Members presented extensive floor explanations of House Bill 500 and House Committee Substitute 1, describing it as a “good first draft” of the executive budget. Supporters said the proposal emphasizes restrained spending growth, base reductions with exemptions for key areas, employee salary increments, and deposits to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future one-time investments. They highlighted funding for K-12 education, postsecondary aid and workforce training, Medicaid and behavioral health, public health infrastructure, pensions, veterans, public safety, economic development, tourism, and state technology and facility maintenance. The budget substitute was adopted by voice vote, and the discussion continued with detailed descriptions of the bill’s provisions; no final passage vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• general<00:25:46.120> fund<00:25:46.480> I<00:25:46.559> was<00:25:46.799>
• c><00:25:57.320> go<00:25:57.399> ahead<00:25:58.320> I'm<00:25:58.679> sorry
• c><01:25:04.080> do<01:25:04.800> I<01:25:04.920> mean<01:25:05.159> what
• > and<01:25:07.080> all<01:25:07.360> around<01:25:07.760> this<01:25:07.960
• ><01:25:14.159> of<01:25:14.280> it<01:25:14.760> there's<01:25:15.000> all

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:06.000> I'm<00:25:06.240> happy<00:25:06.400> to<00:25:06.480> yield
• <00:25:15.919> Motion<00:25:16.240> is<00:25:16.480> title<00:25:16.799>
• <00:25:19.520> All<00:25:19.760> those<00:25:19.919> in<00:25:20.080> favor
• <00:25:23.919> The<00:25:24.080> eyes<00:25:24.400> have<00:25:24.559> it
• >> All<00:25:28.320> in<00:25:28.559> favor<00:25:28.799> say<00:25:29.039

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 19 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony from Dr. Edney on the state revolving fund program for rural community water associations. He explained that the program has operated since 1997 using EPA grant funding and a state match, with low-interest loans, emergency funding, and loan forgiveness. He said the state match has risen in recent years because of increased federal infrastructure funding, but is expected to decline again as that enhanced funding ends. Members asked where repayment money goes, and he said it stays in the revolving fund rather than going to the general fund. He also discussed EPA pressure for consolidation of small water associations, minimum operational standards, and the possibility of using loan forgiveness incentives to encourage consolidation. No votes were taken on this presentation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2824, which extends the eligibility dates for certain energy projects to qualify for ad valorem tax exemptions, moving the relevant deadlines from 2026/2027 to 2031. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed it by voice vote. Next, Senate Bill 2867 revised an earlier employer child care tax credit program. Senator Boyd said the bill simplifies the program, allows a 50% income tax credit for employers providing dependent care during work hours or making at least $2,000 per child direct payments to licensed child care entities, and caps the credit at $3,000 per child per year. A committee substitute also placed a $1 million cap on the overall credit program. Members discussed the need for child care support, the role of federal and state funding, and whether the bill would increase employer participation. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill by voice vote. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 3109, a simple bill affecting Lafleur's Bluff State Park. Senator Blount explained that the park is managed under a lease with a nonprofit and that the bill would exempt the nonprofit from paying property taxes on the leased state park land. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by voice vote, then rose and reported the measure out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:47.360> of<00:25:47.799> so<00:25:49.159> ohvs<00:25:50.159> encompasses
• and to<01:25:04.600> do<01:25:04.840> studies<01:25:05.639> always<01:25:06.000>
• cost<01:25:06.280> a<01:25:06.400> lot<01:25:06.560> of<01:25:07.040>
• :09.520> you<01:25:09.760> seem<01:25:10.000> to<01:25:10.159> have<01:25
• c><01:25:11.440> ain't<01:25:11.639> broke<01:25:11.960> don't<01:25:12.199>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements. NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game. Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:25:05.679> I'm<00:25:06.000> representing<00:25:06.559> them<00:25:06.720
• Okay.<00:25:11.840> Other<00:25:12.080> than<00:25:12.240> that,<00:25:12.720>
• <00:25:16.960> Four<00:25:17.200> of<00:25:17.360> the<00:25:17.760> top<
• They don't<00:25:22.720> have<00:25:22.799> any<00:25:23.120> 2040<00:25:23.679>
• They're going<00:25:24.400> to<00:25:24.559> wind<00:25:24.720> and<00:25:24.960

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:25:06.640> there<00:25:06.880> are<00:25:07.039> a<00:25:07.120> number
• Uh<00:25:08.559> erosion<00:25:08.880> of<00:25:09.039> public<00:25:09.279>
• > and<00:25:13.600> I<00:25:13.760> want<00:25:13.840> to<00:25:13.919>
• <00:25:35.520> process<00:25:36.320> and<00:25:36.640> create<00:25:36.880> a
• not<01:25:03.280> and<01:25:03.600> will<01:25:03.840> not<01:25:04.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> I<00:25:03.320> think<00:25:03.520> is<00:25:03.640> here<00:25:03.800>
• Louis County.<00:25:09.360> These<00:25:09.600> grants<00:25:10.360> help<00:25:
• So, a<00:25:15.320> couple<00:25:15.640> points<00:25:15.960> in<00:25:16.040>
• > projects<00:25:32.720> up<00:25:32.840> and<00:25:32.960> running, getting
• these projects up and running, getting these projects up and running, but<00:25:33.600> also<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill<00:25:22.400> 6,<00:25:23.120> I'm<00:25:23.360> sorry,<00:25:23.840><
• <00:25:52.320> Um,<00:25:53.679> but<00:25:53.840> it<00:25:54.080> seems
• see<00:25:56.799> it<00:25:56.880> as<00:25:57.039> a<00:25:57.200> raid.
• projects? projects?
• :25:22.239> on<01:25:22.400> it<01:25:22.800> that<01:25:23.199> you<01:25

Bills: SB2613, SB2147

Keywords: public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property

Summary: The committee heard SB 2613, a cleanup bill relating to public school land transfers under Act 307 (2022), which revises tax map key references and the conveyance process for properties transferred to the Department of Education. The Hawaii State Public Library System supported the measure, saying it would complete the long-unfinished separation of the library system from DOE property control and make future building projects more efficient and cost-effective. DOE also supported the bill and requested an amendment to remove TMK 43-62 parcel 10, the Wilcox Elementary School parcel, so that it could instead be transferred to the county for use with the adjacent park and tennis courts. Members focused heavily on why land transfers and construction approvals have been slow, especially the need for right-of-entry documents and an MOA for a library construction project. Library and DOE witnesses said the delays stemmed from site-control issues and confusion over property status, and that the bill would clarify which parcels are transferred by operation of law and remove the need for additional transactional documents in many cases. Several members questioned whether the bill actually changes authority or simply clarifies existing practice, and DOE said it wanted legislative clarity so the transfers are unmistakably effective on a date certain. The committee also discussed a separate section of the bill dealing with public use of school facilities after hours, including parking fees on property under DOE jurisdiction. DOE explained that any parking charges would apply only to property it controls, not county roads, and that fees are set through existing facility-use procedures. Members raised concerns about the pace of land transfers generally and urged DOE to move more expeditiously on pending parcels. The hearing then moved on to SB 2147, which would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the library system testified in support as the committee began that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure reduces condominium association's cash flow plans from a 30-year projection to a 25-year
• By lowering these projections from a 30-year projection to a 25-year projection, the association's fees
• projections from a 30-year projection to a<00:24:05.760> 25-year<00:24:06.480> projection,
• a 25-year projection, the association's fees<00:24:08.720> will<00:24:09.039> increase
• <00:24:22.000> of projection to a 25-year projection of projection to a 25-year projection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2294, which would require condominium associations, boards, and managing agents to comply with declarations, bylaws, county ordinances, and state and federal laws, including mortgage lending requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill as redundant, arguing existing law already requires compliance and provides penalties. Supporters, including condominium owners and board members, said the measure would clarify that associations are not “self-governing” in a way that exempts them from outside laws, and cited examples where local officials or police told residents to take issues back to their boards. Several supporters said the bill would reinforce board responsibility for permits, safety, and legal compliance. The committee noted 27 pieces of testimony, with 10 in support and 17 in opposition, and then moved on without taking a vote on the measure in the transcript provided. The committee also took up SB 2298, which would require common interest community proxy forms to include additional language explaining proxy selection options. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying the proposed language was inaccurate and would not improve consumer clarity unless significantly revised. Supporters argued that proxy forms are confusing and that clearer instructions would help homeowners understand how their votes are being used. Opponents said the added language would make the forms longer and more confusing, and suggested a separate instruction sheet or other educational material instead. Testimony also raised broader concerns about proxy voting being misused in some associations, with one witness urging that proxy voting be eliminated altogether. The committee reported 29 written testimonies, including seven in support, 19 in opposition, and three with comments, and again did not record a final vote in the excerpt. For SB 2300, which would shorten condominium reserve cash-flow projections from 30 years to 25 years, the Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would not make housing more affordable, would reduce transparency, and would increase the annual burden by giving associations less time to save for long-life components. The group suggested that if affordability is the goal, lawmakers should consider allowing future loans or special assessments with guardrails. Supporters of the bill said the shorter projection period would better reflect practical budgeting and help associations plan more realistically, though some supporters also warned against relying too heavily on loans and emphasized accountability and fiduciary responsibility. Other testimony stressed that the impact of changing the projection period would vary by association and that many owners are already struggling with rising fees. The discussion remained focused on testimony and policy concerns, with no final action on SB 2300 shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• their charge<00:25:20.559> with<00:25:20.880> that<00:25:21.760> um<00:25:21.880
• <00:25:26.720> we've<00:25:26.880> been<00:25:27.080> advocating<00:25:27.600
• 00:25:32.919> um<00:25:33.120> and<00:25:33.320> I<00:25:33.559> I as well
• don't<00:25:40.360> have<00:25:40.520> the<00:25:40.960> clarity<00:25:41.960
• ><00:25:55.679> quite<00:25:55.960> get<00:25:56.120> us<00:25:56.320> to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• five projects. five projects.
• /c><00:25:53.920> impact<00:25:55.080> um<00:25:56.040> is<00:25:56.560> that
• <00:25:58.200> one<00:25:58.320> of<00:25:58.440> the<00:25:58.640> eight
• be<01:25:42.880> certified<01:25:43.560> and<01:25:43.720> have<01:25:44.280
• Permits<01:25:48.560> are<01:25:49.160> valid<01:25:49.640> no<01:25:49.960>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.679> care<01:25:00.840> of<01:25:01.000> them<01:25:01.639> um<01:25:
• are facilities<01:25:02.800> that<01:25:02.920> are<01:25:03.040> closing<01:25
• <01:25:07.239> they've<01:25:07.440> kind<01:25:07.520> of<01:25:07.639>
• <01:25:08.560> to<01:25:08.639> be<01:25:08.719> able<01:25:08.880> to up
• <01:25:12.360> to<01:25:13.000> be<01:25:13.159> able<01:25:13.360> to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There were three projects recommended and three projects approved.
• a particular project, for pipeline leak detection, a project called iPype.
• Project 3.0, I believe 3.0 is the last phase of the IPIP project.
• We awarded $42 million to five projects. Look at the costs of these projects.
• The next 25, it'll take 25 years.

Summary: The committee took roll, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a compliance-report update on the Industrial Commission and related funds and programs. Staff reviewed the status of one-time appropriations and grant programs, including electric grid resiliency, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the salt cavern business-case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members asked about funding balances, reimbursement timing, matching requirements, and how some commitments would affect the State Investment Fund and future biennia. Industrial Commission staff then gave a broader update on the agency’s administrative office, grant management system, leadership transitions at several commission agencies, and active grant rounds. They reported that the grant management system is nearing completion, that several agency leadership searches have concluded, and that the commission’s grant programs currently have 108 active grants totaling more than $165 million. They also described the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority round, the oil and gas research program’s enhanced oil recovery awards, the grid resiliency grants, the salt cavern study, and the research technology park program, noting that some projects are awaiting federal funds or additional matching cash. Ron Ness, speaking for the Oil and Gas Research Council, focused on the state of the oil industry and the enhanced oil recovery “Bakken 2.0” effort. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on better infrastructure, longer laterals, and new EOR methods such as CO2, natural gas, and surfactants. He emphasized the importance of the Bakkeneast pipeline and related gas-utilization projects, the recent DOE funding that will return some money to the research council, and the need to modernize tax and incentive rules for CO2-based recovery. Members discussed the potential economic benefits for oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and a broader strategic update. Bank leadership reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, participation lending, student lending, disaster programs, and legislatively directed programs, and said the bank is managing for a flatter deposit base and stronger liquidity because of fintech competition and changing market conditions. They reported improved earnings, with net income rising to about $231 million, and described Rough Rider Coin as a new internal payment rail for North Dakota banks and credit unions, not a public cryptocurrency. Members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster lending, and the bank’s capacity to support state programs while maintaining its balance-sheet and liquidity requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:38.960> centers<00:25:40.159> crops<00:25:40.559> up<00:25:40.720> and
• > speaking<00:25:41.360> to<00:25:41.520> folks<00:25:41.760> about<00:25
• This bill<00:25:52.240> before<00:25:52.640> us<00:25:53.039> responds<00:25:53.600
• <01:25:01.360> During<01:25:01.679> the<01:25:01.840> same<01:25:02.000>
• thankful<01:25:11.040> for<01:25:11.199> the<01:25:11.360> past<01:25:11.679>

Bills: HF3793, HF3699, HF793, HF3322, HF3426

Keywords: groundwater, water use permit, data centers, public health, environmental regulations, municipalities, state park license plate, specialty license plate, Minnesota DNR, Department of Natural Resources, license plate design contest, North Shore, Lake Superior Agate, AI-generated art, artificial intelligence, Minnesota resident, state parks, specialty plates, vehicle registration, contest requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• .<01:25:11.280> Most<01:25:11.520> likely,<01:25:11.840> we're<01:25:12.080>
• So if you<01:25:26.800> want<01:25:26.960> to<01:25:27.120> exceed<01:25:27.520>
• that<01:25:27.920> and<01:25:28.080> and<01:25:28.400> if<01:25:28.639><
• > budget<01:25:29.360> does<01:25:29.520> that,<01:25:29.840> that<01:25:
• .<01:25:33.360> But<01:25:33.440> as<01:25:33.679> a<01:25:33.840> taxpayer,<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<00:25:14.520> are<00:25:14.760> carried<00:25:15.080> out programs
• 25:15.559> state<00:25:15.880> level<00:25:16.880> and<00:25:17.000> so<00
• level and so we're just returning<00:25:18.080> the<00:25:18.200> entirety<00:25:18.600
• <00:25:21.919> than<00:25:22.080> just<00:25:22.200> simply intended purpose
• /c><00:25:23.240> general<00:25:23.760> fund<00:25:24.760> okay<00:25:25.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > in<00:25:28.320> in<00:25:28.480> this<00:25:28.640> bill<00:25:28.960>
• c><00:25:38.840> compete<00:25:39.360> for<00:25:40.360> and<00:25:40.799> uh
• think<00:25:41.960> that<00:25:42.279> with<00:25:42.520> eight<00:25:42.960>
• :35.639> with<01:25:35.960> some<01:25:36.280> other<01:25:36.679> projects
• c> before with some other projects before with some other projects sometimes<01:25:38.119> uh<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time. Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments. The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.360> level<00:25:00.880> with<00:25:01.240> um<00:25:01.640> uh<00:25
• /c><00:25:09.120> of<00:25:09.399> EMS<00:25:10.399> um<00:25:10.600> on
• Minnesota um there are two rule making projects<00:25:23.520> which<00:25:23.679> are<
• 00:25:23.960> currently<00:25:24.520> underway<00:25:25.520> uh projects which are
• currently underway uh projects which are currently underway uh the<00:25:25.799> first<00:25:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls. Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application. Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky<00:25:20.159> Community<00:25:20.480> and<00:25:20.720> Technical<00:25
• to make<00:25:25.279> sure<00:25:25.600> that<00:25:26.720> um<00:25:27.279>
• 27<00:25:30.000> and<00:25:30.240> 1.33<00:25:31.120> and<00:25:31.440>
• <00:25:32.960> foundation<00:25:33.600> program<00:25:34.000> fund<00:25:34.320>
• 25:47.760> equipment<00:25:48.240> issues, public<00:25:53.679> protection,<00:25

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:40 HB 500 Discussion 00:01:50 HB 500 Vote 00:38:40 HB 504 Discussion 00:41:45 HB 504 Vote 00:47:00, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met to consider House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, and House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget bill. The chair explained that the committee substitute for HB 500 was a starting point in the budget process and that a committee amendment was needed to correct a numbers discrepancy. The amendment to PHS1 was adopted, and the committee then adopted HB 500 as amended, with one no vote and several passes; the bill was reported favorably. The committee also voted to roll the committee amendment into PHS1 so it would be considered as a single unified version. The chair gave a broad overview of HB 500, describing funding for statewide costs, a 2% salary increase in each fiscal year for executive branch employees and elected officials, and broad percentage cuts of 4% in FY27 and 3% in FY28 with many exemptions. He highlighted funding changes for education, Medicaid, health insurance for state and school employees, public safety, corrections, health and family services, postsecondary education, fire programs, tourism and parks, and several capital projects. He also noted language changes or removals that were intended to clean up the bill rather than eliminate programs, and said some items were held steady or fully funded based on current estimates. Members asked about SEEK transportation funding, the budget reserve trust fund, and why Medicaid benefits were funded below the governor’s request. The chair said the reserve included general fund and Department of Insurance restricted funds as a safeguard, with some of that money available if Medicaid costs exceed expectations. He said Medicaid benefits were held flat at FY26 levels because eligibility and utilization have declined, but the committee added reporting requirements and oversight to monitor trends. A member expressed appreciation for the SEEK increase and KEPH stability, while another voted no on HB 500 because they were still reviewing the document and believed some items were missing. The chair then said the committee would move on to HB 504, but no action on that bill is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 1042, which would increase the BFA contingent credit limit. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli explained that under RSA 66, state debt capacity is tied to unrestricted revenue and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is contingent rather than direct debt. She said the state currently has about 4.2% to 4.3% debt-to-revenue ratio, about $120 million in additional capacity, and that approving the bill’s proposed increase would reduce available capacity for future state borrowing, including capital budgets. She noted the BFA has a long history of using guarantees without a state payout, but said the legislature should consider whether the full additional $250 million is needed and whether unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Pease Development Authority, should be reviewed in the future. Committee members asked whether guarantees have the same effect as actual debt for bonding capacity, and the treasurer confirmed that they do for purposes of the formula. Members also asked about the usual level of debt relative to the statutory 10% cap, and she said the state generally stays well below that limit. BFA Executive Director James Key Wallace then testified that the request was driven by rising project costs, inflation, and the need for more runway so the agency does not have to return to the legislature in an emergency. He said the BFA is self-supported, has never had a guarantee paid out by the state, requires collateral and reserves, and believes the appropriate range is closer to $400 million to $450 million; he also said a Senate bill would raise the limit to $400 million. He added that the BFA’s pipeline includes projects from about $15 million to $100 million and that housing availability is an important factor in business location decisions. After closing the work session on House Bill 1042, the committee opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage for pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Dave Nagel, the prime sponsor, gave extensive background on his long career in pain medicine and said the bill is intended to improve access to non-opioid therapies and evidence-based pain management. He described the broad population affected by chronic pain and opioid use disorder, and said the proposal has long had bipartisan and stakeholder support. No vote or final action was taken on House Bill 241 in the portion of the meeting provided.