Transcript Highlights:

• Population or income, employment or construction.
• So the things we forecast are things like Washington employment levels, Seattle inflation, personal income
• Personal income is a measure of all income to Washingtonians.
• So this is not only salary, Personal income is a measure of all income to Washingtonians, so this is
• not only salary and wages, but investment income, rental income, that sort of thing.

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The Finance Committee work session began with a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), explaining how the state’s revenue forecasts are built from economic models and how they are used to support the budget process. He described the main revenue sources for state operating funds, the ERFC’s membership and quarterly public process, and the factors affecting the latest forecast, including slow employment growth, weak taxable sales, higher inflation pressures, tariffs, federal spending uncertainty, and the federal shutdown. He said the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, with smaller changes to capital gains and other funds, though revenues were still roughly on track and the base case remained slow growth rather than recession. Committee members asked about whether Washington’s economy can lag national downturns, and Dr. Reich said the timing and severity of impacts can differ by recession and sector. Representative Chase asked what happens if revenues fall short of expenses, and Dr. Reich said that is a budgeting question for elected officials rather than the forecast council. Members also noted the importance of the forecast for policy decisions, especially given slowing employment and manufacturing. The committee then heard from the Department of Revenue on implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained the existing sales and use tax framework, sourcing rules, reseller permits, and the multiple points of use exemption, then walked through the new taxable categories, including live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software changes. He described DOR’s implementation efforts, including listening sessions, a public landing page, notices to taxpayers, and interim guidance, and noted a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts but no general penalty or interest relief. Committee members raised concerns about taxpayer confusion, the burden on new taxpayers, sourcing and allocation issues, and the difficulty of determining liability in cases like speakers, nonprofits, and advertising services. DOR said it would continue outreach, answer ruling requests, and likely seek technical cleanup legislation in the 2026 session. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does focus on square footage instead of income. Well, there's income.
• So, Madam Chair, Representative, so you're focusing on square footage instead of income, but some of
• there is that they're building a home that meets the definition of an entry-level home and has to be
• They have to be below the area median income limit.
• Thanks for the introduction, and Representative Hernandez covered most of the high-level points.

Committee: House House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><01:13:29.360><c> but</c> which has been at various levels, but which has been at various levels
• </c> income tax." Actually, that's not true. income tax." Actually, that's not true.
• </c> sales taxes and no income tax. sales taxes and no income tax.
• </c><01:44:22.159><c> or</c> low property taxes, lack of income or low property taxes, lack of income
• Chairman, at a high level, I am. &gt;&gt; Uh, Mr. Chairman, at a high level, I am.

Committee: Joint Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• of participation for these 2 programs and better align that funding amount to that level.
• What happens when a family faces the loss of income?
• So how does a parent report the change of income to make sure that is clear to you all?
• think the program will cost 2 main tame that level plus the following summer.
• level?

Transcript Highlights:

• Because that'll be done at the local level. All right.
• Attempting to eliminate income tax, what value is there to this when we eliminate the income tax?
• rid of the state income tax is going to do.
• Collect and use your taxes at the lowest possible level. What's the smart money?
• Participation is voluntary at the local level.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• and asset levels.
• tax credit again to align with that particular income tax credit ...breaker income tax credit, again
• , to align with that particular income tax credit.
• that will not skyrocket while they live on fixed income.
• Also, many lower-income seniors do not need to file income taxes and therefore may never learn that the

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on bills related to senior and disability property tax relief, with a focus on helping older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes. Testimony supported H. 3968, which would make certain senior and disability property tax exemptions permanent so eligible residents would not have to refile annually, and H. 3198, which would expand the senior circuit breaker tax credit by indexing income and credit limits to cost of living and raising the home valuation cap from $1.1 million to $1.5 million. Representative Scanlan also testified in favor of several additional bills, including a local option motor vehicle excise tax exemption for low-income seniors and veterans, a local property tax cap for low-income seniors, an expanded senior property tax exemption, and a senior property tax deferral program designed to be revenue neutral over time. Witnesses from the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers generally supported local-option property tax relief measures and said they would help seniors age in place while giving municipalities flexibility. Committee members raised concerns about possible abuse or fraud if exemptions became permanent, and about how assessors would verify continued eligibility without annual reapplication. Supporters responded that eligibility could still be tied to real estate transactions and other documentation, and that the current annual filing requirement causes many eligible seniors to miss out on benefits. Mass Senior Action Council members testified that many seniors are struggling with rising property taxes, insurance, and other costs, and urged broader reforms such as freezing assessed values, improving outreach, strengthening the work-off program, and allowing more flexible payment or deferral options. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, that's all incomes.
• of state median income, we're serving about 44% of our three-year-olds from low-income households.
• So we really are helping bridge significant income gaps.
• That's a lot that the county level needs, but I'd be remiss if we didn't mention that there are district-level
• EES has been serving low-income families since 1979.

Summary: The hearing was a joint budget discussion focused first on California preschool and child care, then on universal transitional kindergarten (TK), with later movement toward a reading-difficulties screener item. Members emphasized the need for a coordinated early childhood system that better serves families’ real schedules and needs, rather than forcing families to fit existing program structures. The preschool panel reviewed access, quality, workforce, facilities, and information systems, with repeated concern about whether current funding and program design are sufficient for infants, toddlers, three-year-olds, and full-day/full-year care. Witnesses from the Learning Policy Institute, CDSS, CDE, and community providers described major growth in preschool and child care enrollment, especially for two- and three-year-olds, but also noted persistent gaps, waitlists, workforce shortages, low reimbursement rates, and the need for more stable funding. Several witnesses urged expansion or permanence of two-year-old eligibility in CSPP, more support for mixed-delivery systems, facility conversion and renovation grants, better statewide enrollment and referral systems, and continued funding for one-time grants such as UPK coordinators and planning/implementation supports. Provider and parent testimony stressed that rate reform, enrollment-based reimbursement, and continued hold-harmless protections are needed to keep programs open and accessible. The TK panel reviewed the Governor’s budget proposal for full implementation of universal TK, including Proposition 98 funding for expansion and lower adult-to-child ratios, plus a multilingual learner screening implementation budget change proposal. LPI and CDE reported that TK enrollment has grown rapidly but uptake is now a little over half of eligible four-year-olds, with families citing lack of awareness, preference for other care, and logistical barriers such as location and hours. CDE and providers said the UPK planning and implementation grant, mixed-delivery planning grants, and UPK coordinators have been critical, but these one-time funds are set to sunset. Members pressed for more information on eligible population projections, full-day/full-year demand, teacher credential data, and how administrative credential programs are preparing leaders for early childhood settings. The committee held the issues open and requested follow-up data from the departments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here is a very high-level overview of key milestones for our accountable entities.
• So here's sort of a high-level timeline.
• That's your high-level differentiation.
• So moving on to line 74 and income support...
• Line 45 in the high level, I just wanted to flag.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure many of you saw it that we have the lowest farm income in 2024 of this century.
• So, thank you. ...which will make up for cuts on the federal level.
• So, thank you. ...the lowest farm income in 2024 of this century.
• This one in particular I don't see as fitting in this bill on any level. And so, Mr.
• Chair, I bring it level. And so uh Mr.

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the actions at the federal level. the actions at the federal level.
• So, if you want Tim Walz-level incompetence running Xcel or Tim Walz-level incompetence running CenterPoint
• </c> that cuz we can't afford Tim Walz level that cuz we can't afford Tim Walz level incompetence<00:
• </c><00:33:13.000><c> incompetence</c> don't want Tim Walz level incompetence don't want Tim Walz level
• 41.960><c> anywhere,</c> Walz level incompetence anywhere, Walz level incompetence anywhere, including

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you're a renter of any income level, then you're shut out of the area almost entirely.
• Low-income subsidized, missing middle, market rate, all of the above.
• It's passed numerous ordinances to promote housing development at all levels, from lowest income to market
• . ...for a right of return for lower-income unit tenants.
• and sometimes middle-income residents.

Summary: The committee heard several housing bills, with the longest discussion focused on SB 79, which would allow more housing near high-capacity transit stops and on transit agency-owned land. The author and supporters argued it would address California’s housing shortage, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and strengthen transit systems by putting more residents near rail and rapid transit. Supporters included housing advocates, local officials, environmental groups, and transit-oriented development organizations. Opponents, including many cities, the League of California Cities, and some tenant and legal advocacy groups, raised concerns about affordability requirements, displacement, demolition protections, local control, and the bill’s interaction with existing local planning efforts. The committee discussed amendments to strengthen anti-displacement protections, minimum density, affordability standards, and a local flexibility alternative, and SB 79 was moved out on a due-pass-as-amended vote of 8-1, with one member not voting. The committee then took up SB 21, which would amend the Housing Crisis Act to allow limited unit reductions when converting deed-restricted SRO buildings into larger, more livable affordable units with private bathrooms, kitchens, and supportive services. The author and nonprofit housing providers said many SRO buildings are financially unsustainable and that the bill would preserve deeply affordable housing while improving conditions for residents. There was no organized opposition testimony at the hearing, though one business property group registered opposition. Members expressed support for the preservation-focused approach, and SB 21 was approved on an 8-0 vote and sent to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. Next, SB 92 was heard, a measure to close a density bonus loophole by limiting how much additional commercial floor area a project can receive and preventing the law from being used to justify very large nonresidential projects with only minimal affordable housing. The author cited a San Diego project as an example of the problem, and the City of San Diego supported the bill as a reasonable fix. Several labor and housing groups also supported it, while no formal opposition witnesses testified. The committee accepted amendments, members praised the effort to curb abuse while preserving feasibility, and SB 92 passed on a 7-0 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 522, which would extend just-cause eviction protections to units rebuilt after disaster if they had previously been covered by the Tenant Protection Act. The author and the Los Angeles City Attorney said the bill would help preserve rental housing in disaster-affected communities, especially after the Pacific Palisades fires, and would not create new rent control. Opponents, including apartment, realtor, and property owner groups, argued it would add burdens to rebuilding and could discourage reconstruction. Members raised questions about whether existing law already protects returning tenants and whether the bill was necessary, and the hearing continued into committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So at a high level, from what you said and from what I read last night, it's eliminating, for four years—was
• All the tax, not just the income. Correct. So at that point, say it's... State-imposed taxes.
• All the tax, not just the income. Correct.
• I am not familiar at the state level with what the rules on investing of public funds are.
• So let's say we get to that level.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• So for some members of our community, this is their only job, their only income.
• Without movement, people cannot access the next level of care or housing.
• Because that bed remains occupied, someone cannot step down from a higher level of care.
• We’re at crisis level, but we need to stop it before it gets there. Thank you. Thank you.
• It's the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• You have taken my hope to another level.
• You have taken my hope to another level.
• Chair: low-income children, low-income pregnant women, disabled persons, and frail elderly, including
• The income eligibility levels are so low.
• It imposes so many sweeping new requirements on low-income Floridians.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• and national level in terms of modernization of legislative bodies.
• and comparisons at the state level.
• At the national level and comparisons at the state level.
• There are other states who take this median household income approach.
• So there's increased course there, increased preparation level.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see that corporate income tax in the top left there, individual income tax, which is a big portion
• Some core sources of revenue: income tax, corporate income tax, sales tax, product tax, and miscellaneous
• Some core sources of revenue: income tax, corporate income tax, sales tax, product tax, and miscellaneous
• Thank you for that level setting.
• On this next screen you can see, at a high level, what they spent it on.

Summary: JFAC began with a presentation from Legislative Services on the general fund and the “green sheet,” explaining how the committee tracks starting cash, revenue forecasts, transfers, appropriations, and ending balances. The analyst walked through general fund revenue sources, the difference between transfers and expenditures, structural balance, and how the green sheet is used to compare current-year collections against forecasts. Members asked about continuously appropriated funds, federal dollars, sales tax exemptions, and cash reconciliation issues tied to the state’s new Luma finance system and interest allocations. The discussion also covered the revenue monitor and how the committee can use it to track collections against forecasted amounts. The committee then moved into the Department of Health and Welfare’s overall budget overview. Legislative Services reviewed the department’s size, organizational structure, vacancy rate, five-year spending trends, and the role of continuously appropriated funds such as the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and Rural Physician Fund. Members asked about personnel vacancy rates, reverted funds, and whether the department could provide a list of subgrants and trustee-and-benefit payments. Department officials explained that some vacancies reflected a department-wide review, hiring freeze, and FTP realignment, including moving positions to State Hospital South and reverting some federal spending authority. They also said the department was actively filling funded positions and would provide additional information on grants and other payments. The committee then heard the first division-level budget presentation for Indirect Support Services. The analyst described the division’s role in centralized administration, IT, legal, communications, and management support, along with its staffing, historical expenditures, and base budget changes. The division’s budget request included a one-time irrigation system project at State Hospital West, a fund adjustment for the background check unit, the transfer of 58 FTP and related costs to the Office of Information Technology as part of modernization, and a request to remove restrictive budget language on personnel and trustee-and-benefit transfers. The governor’s recommendation also included support for some replacement items and a major new item tied to Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program, including 12 limited-service FTP in 2026, ongoing FTP in 2027, and $294 million in one-time operating funds. Members questioned the need for the new FTP, the use of AI, the definition of “rural,” and the mechanics of the IT transfer; department and ITS officials explained the transfer was a budget shift of personnel and operating costs, not a net increase in staffing. The committee adjourned after members also raised broader concerns about public input on Health and Welfare budgets and suggested a joint public meeting with the Health and Welfare committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this slide, it was something it talks about the current funding levels.
• The low income pool is still is intended to compensate front for charity Care.
• But other gaps in hospital coverage for for costs is through this left a low income pool program.
• Department of Agriculture Staff has an income based program for low income households.
• composition, all eligibility requirements for snap percent at the federal level.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to afford that level of rent, you would have to have a household income of over $68,000 a year
• We have used these funds to help create new housing serving a range of populations and income levels.
• We have used these funds to help create new housing serving a range of populations and income levels.
• We have used these funds to help create new housing serving a range of populations and income levels.
• We have used these funds to help create new housing serving a range of populations and income levels.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 530, a bill to increase funding for New Hampshire’s Affordable Housing Fund. Representative Jessica Lontine, the sponsor, described the state’s housing crisis, citing high rents, low vacancy, and the lack of affordable units. She said the bill would double the annual transfer-tax deposit into the fund from $5 million to $10 million, and she later presented an amendment to hold the Education Trust Fund harmless by directing the housing-fund deposit from remaining revenue after that trust fund is funded. She also explained a prospective appropriation idea tied to a possible future sale of the Laconia State School property, with the goal of supporting community housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Much of the testimony focused on the shortage of accessible and supportive housing for people with disabilities and aging family caregivers. Lontine, Ben Saul of Visions for Creative Housing Solutions, Lori McIntosh of Our Place NH, and Maddie Mandelbaum all described the difficulty families face in planning for adult children with disabilities as parents age or die. They emphasized that many people need not only affordable housing but accessible, supportive settings, and they argued that state investment would help nonprofit providers build such housing and prevent homelessness or inappropriate institutional placement. Several witnesses also noted that existing projects rely on capital funding and that operating revenues are limited because residents often depend on SSI and Medicaid. Committee members asked questions about the fiscal impact of the bill and amendment, including whether the proposal would shift money from the general fund or education trust fund and whether the Finance Committee should have final say over spending priorities. Lontine said she understood those concerns but argued that housing should be prioritized. Housing Action New Hampshire’s Tom Duroza also testified in support of the bill, saying the state’s housing shortage is driving record prices and vacancy rates below 1%, and that the Affordable Housing Fund has leveraged more than $500 million in private investment and helped build thousands of rental homes. He said his organization supported the underlying bill but had not yet reviewed the amendment. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The income limit far for this coverage group is 185% of the federal poverty level.
• Income limit for this for coverage, groups 185% of the federal poverty level.
• The income limit for that also is 185% of the federal poverty level.
• The income limit is 185% of federal poverty level at a time where Florida's outpacing the federal poverty
• that level of health.

Transcript Highlights:

• So not only at the state commission level, ma'am, but also at the federal level.
• Retired people, fixed-income people, young families, people just trying to do the right thing... ...fixed-income
• Many of these units are high-cost homes serving higher-income visitors, often priced at levels comparable
• lower than our not particularly high income, right?
• give you a chance on another level...

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee heard SB 1393, an omnibus update to the Fish and Game Code covering steelhead trout and Dungeness crab management. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen the steelhead trout report card program, extend and refine Dungeness crab management, and clarify vessel transit rules in closed crab fishing areas. The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and other supporters said the measure implements long-standing task force recommendations and supports both conservation and coastal fishing communities. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved forward on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1250, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning and asset management, set performance targets, and coordinate with wildlife agencies. Supporters from conservation, animal welfare, land trust, and local government groups said the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and better integrate crossings, culverts, and fencing into routine highway projects. The California Building Industry Association moved to a neutral position after amendments clarified the bill would apply to transportation right-of-way planning and not create exactions on private property. Members discussed the bill’s relationship to Caltrans planning authority and existing funding, and it was passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote. Senator Gonzalez’s SB 1268, which would codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, also received broad support from environmental justice, conservation, parks, and recreation groups. Testimony emphasized inequitable access to parks and nature, especially for low-income communities and communities of color, and said the bill would make the initiative more durable by placing it in statute. The chair and members spoke in favor of expanding outdoor access, and the bill was approved on a 3-0 vote with some members not yet voting. The committee then heard three Western Joshua tree bills from Senator Ochoa Bogh. SB 1061 would streamline relocation of limited numbers of trees without fees in certain cases; SB 1062 would require proportionate or tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and agencies; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free permitting path for basic residential utility and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters, including local water agencies, counties, and farm and business groups, said the current law imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers. Opponents, including wildlife and conservation organizations, argued the bills would weaken protections for a species they said is threatened by climate change and habitat loss, and noted that existing administrative processes are already addressing fees and permitting. After amendments, opposition was withdrawn on SB 1061 and SB 1062, and both bills advanced on 3-0 votes to Appropriations; SB 1063 remained under discussion in the portion provided.