Transcript Highlights:

• of the Surplus Land Act and the exercise program of the Governor.
• the authority of the Governor.
• We, of course, can't get ahead of the Governor in terms of commenting on legislation being proposed right
• We, of course, can't get ahead of the Governor in terms of commenting on legislation being proposed right
• We, of course, can't get ahead of the Governor in terms of commenting on legislation being proposed right

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs. Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs. Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• the rules of the agency available on the website of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in a digitally
• of the office of the lieutenant website of the office of the lieutenant governor<01:20:31.080><c> in
• It’s not obvious what type of boards it would apply to that aren’t already covered by neighborhood boards
• It’s not obvious what type of boards it would apply to that aren’t already covered by neighborhood boards
• </c><01:30:15.199><c> of</c> courts or before the taxation board of courts or before the taxation board

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we have the Office of Wellness and Resilience from the Office of the Governor in support.
• The Authority shall consist of 12 members, 10 of whom shall be appointed and removed by the governor,
• The Authority shall consist of 12 members, 10 of whom shall be appointed and removed by the governor,
• c> selected by the Governor from a list of selected by the Governor from a list of one<00:58:22.520><
• ><00:58:59.160><c> and</c><00:58:59.359><c> natural</c> of the board of land and natural of the board

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, with most witnesses either supporting the bills or offering technical concerns and suggested amendments. On SB 338, testimony came from the Department of Taxation, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and Surpac, and the bill later moved forward with amendments. On SB 558, testimony was largely in support from the Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Local Food Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation, which described the measure as supporting rural jobs, food-system development, and use of off-grade agricultural products. ADC requested flexibility for neighbor-island siting and funding allocations, while the committee also discussed whether the bill’s language should be made more general and whether it could raise constitutional concerns about overly specific site designations. The bill was advanced with amendments and a noted appropriation allocation of $350,000. The committee also heard SB 186, which drew support from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, DED, ADC, AAHU RC&D, and the Hawaii Youth Food Council. Supporters said the measure would improve coordination among agencies on food systems, help address food security and the state’s 30% by 2030 farm-to-school goal, and create a more organized statewide food systems effort. SB 328 received support from the Department of Taxation and Hawaii Farm Bureau, with Farm Bureau describing it as a way to repurpose existing dairy infrastructure to revive hog production and support livestock and farm-to-school goals; the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the measure as a potentially narrow industry incentive that could unfairly benefit a specific taxpayer and said a direct appropriation would be more transparent. SB 89 was described by Hawaii Farm Bureau as a labeling measure intended to protect the integrity of a culturally relevant local product, though the group raised concerns about wording and implementation timing. Later, SB 742 received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaii System, Hawaii KidsCAN, the Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative, and the State Commission on the Status of Women. Testifiers said the bill would improve cross-agency data sharing, support workforce and education planning, and create public-facing dashboards; the Commission on the Status of Women asked to be included in the working group or as an advisory member. In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments and advanced SB 338, SB 558, and SB 1186. For SB 1186, the chair’s recommendation added three positions, specified committee-note funding amounts for those positions and operating funds, and revised working-group membership to have co-chairs appoint five members with relevant experience and expertise.

Transcript Highlights:

• Advisor to Governor Ferguson also in the Office of Financial Management.
• capacity, and the governor bonds about $3.1 billion of that.
• We... ...to $5.3 billion worth of capacity, and the governor bonds about $3.1 billion of that.
• So we're very glad to see the governor and members of this committee take that message to heart.
• So we applaud the governor for really sort of highlighting this and putting forward a proposal.

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard a presentation from WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith on the agency’s mission, 2025 accomplishments, and 2026 priorities. Meredith emphasized preservation, safety, emergency response, ferry reliability, culvert replacement, and major projects such as the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge work, North Spokane Corridor, Confluence Parkway, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. She highlighted the state’s aging transportation assets, recent storm and flood damage, bridge strikes, and the need for additional preservation funding, including the governor’s proposed $1 billion investment in Washington State Ferries and continued work on the World Cup and future regional growth planning. Members asked about ferry service disruptions, rising IBR costs, staffing needs, aviation assets, and bridge-strike certainty tied to the Coast Guard’s upcoming decision on bridge clearance requirements. The committee then received a briefing on HB 2306, the governor’s supplemental transportation budget, which totals $16.7 billion and increases the enacted budget by about $1.2 billion, with most of the increase directed to WSDOT capital spending. OFM staff said the proposal is driven by preservation, maintenance, and ferry needs, and relies on about $3.1 billion in bonding against transportation revenues, while staying below the Treasurer’s coverage ratio. The proposal includes $2 billion for preservation, $164 million for paving this summer, $756 million for paving over 10 years, $250 million for maintenance, $150 million for preserving existing ferries, $15 million for Lower Columbia River dredging, and smaller investments for WSP communications, DOL access, and local road grants. Committee members asked about debt service, remaining bonding capacity, and the impact of office closures and ferry service reductions. Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s budget, especially its preservation and ferry investments. Local officials and associations backed ferry funding, local road grants, pavement and bridge preservation, and the Columbia River dredging match. Several speakers urged more support for cities and counties, while rail and transit advocates asked for more rail capital funding and less highway expansion. One ferry advocate criticized the cost of hybrid-electric vessel maintenance compared with diesel, and another witness warned against a pay-per-mile tax. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair announced a short caucus before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as you know, back in September of 2023, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-12-23, which was
• Governor Newsom launched the Development of the California Master Plan for Career Education.
• Yeah, so the remaining members are the President of the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent
• A newly appointed board member of the State Allocation Board and had our first my first meeting last
• the department. of General Services, and we also serve as staff to the State Allocation Board.

Transcript Highlights:

• Higher Education, and my good friend, Governor Janelle Roybal of the Pueblo Puaque.
• I'm the Executive Director of the New Mexico School Boards Association.
• New Mexico's school boards urge your favorable consideration of her confirmation.
• The Llanos Foundation, Think New Mexico, Santa Fe Public Schools, the All Pueblo Council of Governors
• The Senate, the House, and the governor each get a third of that.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• But also with us, we have a Board of Regents member, Elaine Luna, and they call it the Banco.
• We also have a Board of Regent student member, Grace Hernandez.
• Seeing no objection, we are on that order of business. Messages from the governor.
• President and Senator, how does the medical board know of these circumstances? So, Mr.
• aspects of the New Mexico adult parole board.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of announcements recognizing visiting groups and guests, including Pecos High School’s boys cross-country champions, School-Based Health Care Day, Route 66 Centennial activities, New Mexico Highlands University, an honorary lieutenant governor and shadow senator, and Bernalillo County officials. The chamber also received House messages on several bills and a gubernatorial message authorizing consideration of Senate Bill 130, which would change insurance and pharmacy rules related to cholesterol treatment and screening. Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Bill 183, Senate Bills 211 and 222, Senate Bill 254, Senate Bill 235 as a committee substitute, Senate Bill 40 as a Judiciary Committee substitute, and Senate Bill 104. The Senate then moved to third reading and took up Senate Bill 30, which repeals the state’s abortion reporting requirement. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued the reporting law is outdated, unnecessary, and creates privacy and safety risks for providers, while opponents said the data is needed for transparency, public health oversight, and accountability, and objected to the loss of reporting on a sensitive issue. After a roll call vote, Senate Bill 30 passed 24-15. The Senate next passed Senate Bill 43 unanimously, updating parole board procedures, including evidence-based practices, reimbursement for closed hearings, and scheduling protections for homicide victims’ families. It also passed Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 35 unanimously, creating judgeships in the First and Second Judicial Districts. Debate then began on Senate Bill 193, which would increase transfers from the Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the acequia community ditch infrastructure fund from $2.5 million to $5 million; the sponsor explained the increase as necessary to meet growing statewide acequia needs, while senators raised concerns about existing fund balances and whether the higher transfer was justified.

Transcript Highlights:

• Think of this as more of a licensing question and maybe a disciplinary situation underneath a board made
• So just the boards that are made up primarily of those people who do that—I'm thinking of, like, how
• Or is it just like a dentist board being made up of dentists? I always think of it as more...
• I think most of those boards— We'll follow up. Thank you.
• I think most of those boards, the membership is appointed by the governor, so the governor does have

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 419, as amended to update the effective date to 2026. The bill would allow the State Treasurer and the Department of Wildlife Conservation/Wildlife Conservation Commission to employ or appoint attorneys, joining other entities already authorized to do so. Supporters argued the treasurer’s office handles highly specialized financial matters and large state assets, and that in-house counsel could provide faster, more specialized advice. Members questioned possible conflicts with the Attorney General’s role, the fiscal impact, and why Wildlife was included; the sponsor said Wildlife’s inclusion was tied to similar specialized needs and indicated willingness to remove it if needed. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-2 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 835, also amended to update the effective date to 2026. This measure would require qualifying licensing boards and commissions to submit proposed non-rulemaking actions with anti-competitive implications for review, shifting oversight from the Attorney General to the Secretary of State. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address antitrust concerns raised by the North Carolina dental board case and to provide earlier executive-branch review of potentially anti-competitive board actions. Members raised concerns about whether the Secretary of State should be the arbiter of anti-competitive conduct and whether existing court remedies or current executive-order processes were sufficient. The bill passed on an 8-2 due pass vote. Senate Bill 1618 would require courts to conduct pretrial risk assessments early in criminal cases. The sponsor said the assessments would be one tool judges could use in setting bond and determining release conditions, and that the bill was intended to make the practice available statewide rather than only in some counties. Questions focused on who would validate the assessments, whether counties already could do this, whether it would delay release in smaller counties, and whether it would add costs; the sponsor said counties could tailor the process, that it was already being done in some places, and that the fiscal impact would be minimal. The committee voted 6-4 to report the bill due pass. Finally, the chair presented Senate Bill 262, which had been amended and had its title and enacting clause struck as part of ongoing work. The bill was described as an effort to reduce county jail overcrowding by allowing certain inmates awaiting transfer to the Department of Corrections to be handled differently, with further amendments expected. Members discussed concerns about fairness and the use of factors such as community ties in release decisions, and the sponsor said the measure was still being refined and was intended to solve a practical jail-capacity problem. The committee voted 8-1 to pass the bill out.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's another... commission that the Board of Regents can put together to help with the review of the
• Sarah Keaton of the Higher Education Coordination Board.
• of our governing board in directing our universities.
• higher education in Texas, in terms of curriculum requirements, the role of the governing boards, the
• And, you know, the fact of the matter The fact of the matter is, you know, the Board of Regents, you

Bills: HB2476 , HB2893 , HB4848 , HB5062 , SB37 , SB60 , HB2860 , HB4930 , SB646 , SB 37

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Courtney Welsh as a member of the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors.
• As you all probably can recall or know, the first governor of the state waged a war against my people
• We have a higher level Office of Health Equity Advisory Board.
• I, Kui, CEO of the California Rural Indian Health Board and a member of the York Tribe...
• Aikui, CEO of the California Rural Indian Health Board and a member of the York Tribe, in support of

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• attempting</c><01:04:01.200><c> to</c> the board of pharmacy was attempting to the board of pharmacy
• Two of the Board of Pharmacy members, Mr.
• So, if the board of reiterating.
• of the board is just I would the purpose of the board is and<01:25:02.320><c> I</c><01:25:02.480><c>
• I I have a lot of board members.

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• I have on my list Andrew Krattch, the deputy director of the Minnesota State Board of Investment.
• a member appointed by the State Board of Investment, that's me; four members appointed by the governor
• a member appointed by the State Board of Investment, that's me; four members appointed by the governor
• </c> the office of Lieutenant Governor. the office of Lieutenant Governor.
• </c> accountability of the governor. accountability of the governor.

Bills: HF3900 , HF1849

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• of of our resources steward stewardship of of our resources here<00:04:18.680><c> in</c><00:04:18.720
• MAPE is a union of over 18,000 state workers across all Minnesota's agencies, boards, and commissions
• The Department of Corrections requested $183 million for its projects, but the governor recommended a
• I'm the treasurer of the Red River Water Management Board, also known as the Red Board, and a farmer
• Jason Bratton of the Red Board brought up.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5838 adds a tribal member to the Board of Natural Resources.
• When appointing tribal representatives, the governor would consider nominees from each of the federally
• And when appointing tribal representatives, the governor would consider nominees from each of the federally
• makeup of the board in a way that hasn't been done before.
• With that, the meeting is adjourned subject to signatures of the board, or we're adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an executive session on a series of bills and a joint memorial. Staff summarized measures on agricultural marketing (SB 5816, adding juice grapes), Board of Natural Resources membership and tribal representation (SB 5838), irrigation district hiring exemptions (SB 5930), ungulate population management and predator mitigation (SB 5960), a green fertilizer incentive program (SB 5971), mitigation grants for landowners (SB 6075), tribal participation in the Conservation Futures Program (SB 6097), agricultural impact statements and related protections for farmland (SB 6104), timber sale process modernization (SB 6216), increased wildlife penalty assessments for covered species trade (SB 6233), shellfish licensing and biotoxin fee caps (SB 6318), and a federal wildfire response memorial (SJM 8015). Several bills had proposed substitutes or amendments, including competing changes to SB 5838 and SB 5960, but some items were ultimately set aside with no action. The committee adopted a substitute for SB 5971 and advanced it to Ways and Means. It also adopted a substitute for SB 6097 and sent it to Rules. SB 5816, SB 6216, SB 6233, SB 6318, and SJM 8015 all received due pass recommendations, with SB 5971 and SB 6318 referred onward to Ways and Means. SB 5838 was debated at length over tribal representation on the Board of Natural Resources; amendments to require forest-management expertise or alternate east/west representation were rejected, and the proposed substitute was approved and passed. SB 6233 drew comments about possible unintended consequences, but the bill passed. The committee took no action on SB 5930, SB 5960, SB 6075, and SB 6104. The chair later confirmed that every bill on the executive session agenda had either been moved forward or dropped from the agenda. The meeting ended with the chair thanking staff and members for getting through the last committee meeting before the policy cutoff, and the committee adjourned subject to signature of the boards.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Pus</c><00:57:42.720><c> of</c> Even Democrat Governor Jared Pus of Even Democrat Governor Jared
• be the education governor of Ohio.
• be the education governor of Ohio.
• that's</c> the acts of the governor and that's the acts of the governor and that's under<01:30:28.400
• But of state than it is to the governor?

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications. The Senate reported passage of Senate Bills 52 and 124, and several House committees reported favorable action on bills including HB 1, HB 2, HB 94, HB 246, HB 282, HB 299, HB 307, HB 519, HB 613, and HB 648. Most of those measures were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar; HB 1 and HB 307 were sent to the Rules Committee after having had two previous readings. The House then recessed briefly before returning to the orders of the day. The chamber took up HB 568, relating to public adjusters. The sponsor explained that the bill would prohibit new public adjuster licenses, allow current licensees to renew, impose conflict-of-interest and contract requirements, set a 5% fee cap, and bar public adjusters from negotiating claims, citing consumer protection concerns and legal opinions about the practice of law. After debate and a brief explanation of vote from a member citing local storm-related abuses, the House voted on roll call and passed HB 568 with one nay vote. The House then considered HB 1, which would opt Kentucky into the federal education freedom tax credit program. Supporters said it would allow private donations to scholarship-granting organizations to benefit Kentucky students without using state general funds, and argued it could help public, private, and homeschool families with education-related expenses. Opponents criticized the speed of the process, warned it could open the door to vouchers and charters, and argued it would mainly benefit wealthier donors while public schools remain underfunded. Members also questioned the bill’s waiver of 11th Amendment immunity and received explanations that the waiver was limited to federal-court jurisdiction over the federal program and would not create individual liability for state actors. A motion to table the bill failed with 19 votes in favor, and debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, to the good senator, I will go with you to the Board of Finance for emergency loans if we
• The Superintendent Association, school board association, and the unions have all spoken in support of
• And I'm glad you brought up our APCG, the All Pueblo Council of Governors.
• Lieutenant Governor Morales has served and will continue to serve the people of New Mexico well.
• Lieutenant Governor Morales has earned the trust and respect of ladies and gentlemen. No, no.

Bills: SB273 , SB37 , SB100

Summary: The Senate convened on the 30th day of the 2026 session, established a quorum, heard an invocation from Chaplain Harry Eberts, and received several announcements and House messages. The chamber then took up multiple concurrence and third-reading items, including Senate Bill 273, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 41, House Bill 34, House Bill 20, House Bill 43, House Bill 38, and House Bill 256. The body also heard that House Joint Memorial 2 was moved from the President’s table to the calendar, and later received messages from the House on several other Senate and House measures. The most contentious action was concurrence on Senate Bill 273, which concerns correction facility loss of revenue for counties affected by the loss of ICE detainees. Senators debated the economic impact on Torrance, Otero, and Cibola counties, with supporters arguing the bill provided partial relief and critics saying it did not come close to replacing lost jobs and revenue. The Senate ultimately concurred with the House amendments by a vote of 22-18. On Senate Bill 100, which would have expanded burglary-related definitions to include an “extension of a dwelling,” several senators argued the House language was too broad and legally vague, and the Senate voted not to concur, sending the bill back to the House. Senate Bill 41, with a technical correction and addition of second-degree criminal sexual penetration, was concurred with by voice vote. Among the bills passed on third reading, House Bill 34 updated school nurse licensure rules and supervision pathways and passed 38-0. House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, clarified retirement and survivor-benefit provisions, and passed 39-0 after questions about whether it affected PERA’s unfunded liability; sponsors said it did not. House Bill 38 expanded insurance coverage for powered mobility devices and prosthetics, including coverage for batteries and in-state provider requirements, and passed 38-0. House Bill 256 expanded cardiac emergency response planning and AED requirements to athletic activities and schools, including private schools on a phased-in basis, and was debated over cost and scope before passing. House Bill 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and IDs, prompted extended discussion about tribal support, documentation, and possible profiling concerns; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am chair of the State Water Resources Control Board.
• Governor Newsom signed SB 72 in October of 2025.
• I mean, has there been an analysis by the Water Board of that?
• And one of the interesting things, I was going back through some of the old minutes of the board, and
• I know we'd get a lot of pushback maybe from the State Board, but because of the Cosumnes River, the

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:

• When we get to the boards, and I think maybe we did this last year, but instead of having each one of
• Appropriation also includes funding for board personnel, board members' per diem for some of the boards
• How about any of the boards?
• start up the operations of a new board.
• The State Board of Mediation is found on page 58.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• positions Board of tax and Corrections positions Board of tax and land<00:40:40.079><c> appeals</c><
• </c><00:55:45.119><c> of</c> detailed changes to the uh Board of detailed changes to the uh Board of
• > wanted</c> for that board that the governor wanted for that board that the governor wanted and<00:56
• That judge was a member of the housing appeals board; it was promoted by Governor Sununu to be a Superior
• That judge was a member of the housing appeals board; it was promoted by Governor Sununu to be a Superior

Summary: The Finance Committee met to review Division One of a very large budget package, with the chair explaining that the budget was being analyzed in three divisions over multiple days. Members first discussed procedure, including when amendments and line-item votes would be taken, and agreed to proceed with the division’s presentation before questions. Representative Maguire then outlined the division’s approach as a series of tradeoffs to close a large budget gap, emphasizing cuts, some revenue changes, and a focus on overall spending levels as well as individual reductions. The presentation covered a wide range of agencies and policy areas. Major proposed changes included cuts or eliminations to several boards and commissions viewed as costly or duplicative, such as the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Aging, Office of the Child Advocate, and the Personnel Appeals Board, with some functions consolidated into other boards. The division also proposed back-of-the-budget cuts to the Information Technology Department, Judicial Branch, Justice Department, Retirement System, Corrections, and Environmental Services, along with fee increases in several areas. Other notable items included ending marketing for Paid Family Leave, reducing job advertising and tourism promotion, defunding the Arts Council, moving liquor enforcement functions out of the Liquor Commission, and shifting some funds such as the College Savings Commission money to Division Two. Several members questioned specific cuts, especially the elimination of the Council on Aging, the reduction in regional planning commission grants, and the large cut to tourism advertising. Maguire defended the choices as necessary budget tradeoffs, arguing that some programs duplicated work done elsewhere, that regional planning grants were not among the most essential items, and that tourism promotion was a form of spending he viewed skeptically. He also explained that the public defender’s budget was partially restored after a credible claim of a governor’s budget error, and that the committee would continue refining corrections-related cuts because the House was only halfway through the budget process and further changes could still occur in the Senate and conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the current Secretary-Treasurer of the board. Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr.
• Anthony Ellison, a board member of the Navajo Code Talker Association, and a former representative.
• I am the Vice President of the Navajo Co-Talker Association Board. Thank you.
• Myron Leiser, the ex-Vice President of the Navajo Nation, is also on our board, so we have seven board
• He's part of that group. Yeah, I made contact for the Kotakus board back in 2000.