Transcript Highlights:

• The additional revenue would increase levy authority for those school districts.
• section 16 provides some definitions for the purpose of the building lease levy program.
• The additional revenue would increase levy authority for those school districts.
• The additional revenue would increase levy authority for those school districts.
• the qualifying levy costs and levy<01:36:07.440> amount<01:36:08.239> among<01:36:08.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• levies imposed by such districts shall be reduced concurrently to offset 100% of the sales tax revenue
• generated by the levy imposed pursuant to the act.
• Cass or Johnson counties, the rate shall not exceed 0.33%, rather than the half percent, and such a levy
• Those two carve-outs were of all real and personal property tax levies imposed by such districts.
• That's a big ask for our voters to take the levy, which are current levies around 16 cents, to take that

Summary: The Committee on Local Government held a public hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Senator Justin Brown. Brown explained that the bill would expand existing authority for certain public library districts to seek voter approval for a sales tax, with property tax reductions tied to the sales tax in some cases. He noted special provisions for Cass and Johnson counties, where the sales tax rate would be capped at 0.33% and would replace real and personal property taxes, and also described a separate provision allowing circuit courts to collect a civil case filing surcharge of up to $15 for law library maintenance. Library representatives and supporters testified in favor. They argued that libraries rely heavily on property tax revenue, that the bill would let local voters choose a more diversified funding mix, and that it would help libraries respond to growth and facility needs. Witnesses from Scenic Regional Library, St. Charles City-County Library, Marshall Public Library, the Missouri Library Association, and the Kansas City Public Library described local circumstances, including St. Charles County’s three-year phase-out and rollback requirement, Marshall’s voter-approved sales tax and concerns about county reclassification, and Kansas City’s request for fiscal-year flexibility. Committee members raised questions about the fairness of shifting library funding to sales tax, especially for nonresidents, and one member objected to the tone of the senator’s questioning during the hearing. No one testified in opposition, and the chair closed the public hearing. The committee announced it planned to executive the bill on Monday, with notice to follow. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• playing field when it comes to the distribution for charter schools from voter-approved property tax levies
• by school districts to apply to such levies authorized by a vote of the electors on or after... or are
• by school districts to apply to such levies authorized by a vote of the electors electors on or after
• So, in essence, making this prospective as it relates to those levies and those collections from those
• millages levied by school districts.

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis. The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote. The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 25 of the spreadsheet is the ice arena levy.
• <00:28:41.200> under zero net change to state levies under zero net change to state levies
• with lease levy with lease levy proceeds.<00:53:42.160> Section<00:53:42.640> 8<00
• <00:53:54.240> in funded with building lease levy in funded with building lease levy in excess
• As a through levy authority or aid.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of aid; then the next year you levied low, your aid would be going up and down.
• with the based on the levies um with the amendment<00:03:47.439> what<00:03:47.599> we
• take a five-year average of the levies take a five-year average of the levies so<00:03:52.720>
• ><00:04:22.360> your<00:04:22.639> Aid<00:04:23.000> would levied low you your Levy
• your Aid would levied low you your Levy your Aid would be<00:04:23.320> going<00:04:23.560>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are one of the few districts that do not have a local operating levy.
• We are one of the few districts that do not have a local operating levy.
• We are one of the few districts that do not have a local operating levy.
• We are one of the few districts that do not have a local operating levy.
• We are one of the few districts that do not have a local operating levy.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee approved the minutes from January 21, 2025, and then heard testimony from several school superintendents about the financial and operational impact of recent education-related mandates. Chair Bennett framed the hearing as an opportunity to hear from districts about the effects of more than 65 new mandates and restrictions adopted in recent years. The first witnesses were Corey McIntyre of Anoka-Hennepin, Michael Thomas of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, and David Law of Minnetonka Public Schools. The superintendents said districts are facing rising costs, flat or declining enrollment, the end of federal pandemic aid, and mandates they described as unfunded or underfunded. McIntyre cited major budget cuts in Anoka-Hennepin, including reductions in central office staff, and said the district faces continuing shortfalls tied to special education, multilingual learner costs, unemployment claims, paid leave, transportation, literacy materials, and the K-3 discipline statute. Thomas said Prior Lake-Savage is balancing growing student needs against limited revenue, and argued that mandates such as REACT and other requirements should be delayed or better funded so districts can implement them with fidelity. Law said the concerns are statewide, not just metro-based, and criticized the accumulation of expectations around food service, mental health, sick and safe time, unemployment, and family leave without corresponding resources. Several witnesses emphasized that school budgets are heavily committed to staff costs and that new obligations create administrative burdens as well as direct expenses. They urged lawmakers to reduce, delay, or better fund mandates, adjust timelines, and provide more flexibility in local revenue tools and equalization aid. No votes were taken on legislation during this portion of the meeting beyond approval of the prior day’s minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair. advantage of that Levy opportunity advantage of that Levy opportunity across<00:19:52.760>
• Levy Levy Authority<00:20:38.960> and<00:20:39.280> thank<00:20:39.440> you<00:
• have been excluded because it is a levy have been excluded because it is a levy aid<00:57:36.640
• Districts receive through local levies Districts receive through local levies safe<01:00:02.079>
• <01:25:38.480> like from being excluded from levies like from being excluded from levies like

Bills: HF827, HF1258, HF2387, HF2388, HF2534, HF2016

Keywords: education, school funding, consolidation aid, financial support, Minnesota Statutes, education finance, ice arena, school districts, cooperation agreement, equal sports opportunities, school milk program, nutrition, food waste, kindergarten, public schools, supplemental revenue, charter schools, funding, state appropriations, general education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• increase for school district levies increase for school district levies because<01:03:25.760>
• There would also be a $40 million reduction in the levy going forward because of the timing of the levy
• this upcoming levy.
• because of the timing of the levy because of the timing of the levy interactions<01:09:03.040>
• The levy is slower to action than levy.

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So the first per-pupil column then shows the Safe Schools levy per pupil for each of the districts in
• a levy Authority currently has that's a levy Authority for<00:03:38.120> school<00:03:38.439>
• would also need to make a levy change as well.
• would also need to make a levy change as well.
• would also need to make a levy change as well.

Bills: HF56, HF780

Keywords: HF56, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Hutchinson Area Transportation Services, Hutchinson, McLeod County, transportation facility, vehicle storage, equipment storage, fueling facility, temperate storage, local infrastructure, public works, general obligation bonds, education finance, school funding, state aid, appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Lease Levy as well as safe schools levy Lease Levy as well as safe schools levy that<00:05:11.560
• That levy generates about $5 million per year.
• <00:43:01.520> generates student programs that Levy generates student programs that Levy generates
• Schools would Levy an average of0 to Schools would Levy an average of0 to $5,000<00:49:43.640> per
• <00:50:05.920> so budget These funds cannot be levied so budget These funds cannot be levied

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education Policy Committee met under a co-chair arrangement and heard opening remarks emphasizing civility, direct testimony from school leaders, and a focus on whether state policy is meeting student needs in the least intrusive and most cost-effective way. Chair Coleman asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and policy-focused, and the committee began with a series of superintendents describing local budget pressures and the cumulative impact of state mandates. Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Corey McIntyre said the district, the state’s largest, is serving about 37,000 students and faces a roughly $26 million deficit even after major reductions, including cutting about $44 million and roughly 250 central office jobs. He cited rising costs tied to compensation, special education and multilingual cross-subsidies, unemployment, paid leave, READ Act implementation, student/staff safety and K-3 discipline requirements, and transportation, saying the district still faces about $50 million in mandate-related shortfalls and may need to reduce class size and student supports. Senator Kunesh responded that summer unemployment claims are paid from a separate state budget line, not the district general fund, and asked about paid leave costs; McIntyre and the chair clarified the district’s concern was the possibility of future costs if state funding ends. Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Michael Thomas said district revenues are rising only about 2.5% to 3% while expenses are growing 5% or more, driven by inflation and vendor costs. He argued that the state’s inflationary funding tie should be maintained, and asked for an increase in local optional aid of $250 per pupil and more flexibility for districts that struggle to pass local levies. Minnetonka Superintendent David Law argued that schools are being asked to absorb broader community burdens, including food and mental health needs, while still being judged on academics and graduation; he said REACT funding fell short, forcing the district to shift reading funds to staff development, and urged the committee not to roll mandates forward without funding. Fergus Falls Superintendent Jeff Drake said expanded unemployment, earned sick and safe time, and paid family leave are creating staffing and budget challenges for rural districts, estimating unemployment costs could reach $240,000 annually and sick and safe time about $25,000, with added difficulty recruiting support staff and substitutes. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• City tax levies dropped some but are still at 8.2%.
• Becomes part of their levy. Yes.
• Their levy in the future, and that levy can be used for all purposes or a specific purpose?
• I mean, that's levied by government.
• They don't levy a property tax; they don't levy it for INS.

Bills: SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB 2, SB 3, SB 5, SB 9, SB 10, SB 14, SB 16, SB 18, SB 34, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 4, SB1, SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB4

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Representative Kempenich, we literally just completed the Mill Levy Report, which would be
• There is a provision that says you have to have levied 60 mills in the past.
• If previously you were only levying 40, the state wasn't going to provide that gap funding.
• They put that dollar amount in their certificate of levy as dollars.
• They put that dollar amount in their certificate of levy as dollars.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Representative Kempinick, we literally just completed the Mill Levy Report, which it would
• There is a provision that says you have to have levied 60 mills in the past.
• If previously you were only levying 40, the state wasn't going to provide that gap funding.
• They put that dollar amount in their certificate of levy as dollars.
• They put that dollar amount in their certificate of levy as dollars.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The franchise tax is a tax that is levied, uh, on the privilege of doing business in Texas.
• Next, we have tax levies by taxing unit type.
• So our goal, I think the legislature's goal should be to ensure that property tax levies do not grow
• And so the bar chart on the bottom shows you that at the high point of property tax levies, which was
• in 2022, levies had grown 68% since 1994, whereas income had grown only 55%.

Transcript Highlights:

• The franchise tax is a tax that is levied on the privilege of doing business in Texas.
• Next, we have tax levies by taxing unit type.
• So, our goal, I think, the legislature's goal should be to ensure that property tax levies do not grow
• So the bars on the bottom are total levies in the state adjusted for population inflation. and their
• in 2022, levies had. had grown 68% since 1994, whereas income had grown only.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:54.960> It<00:36:55.120> simply local property tax levies.
• It simply local property tax levies.
• If you look at some levy equalization.
• <00:53:18.720> would Expanding access to the levy would Expanding access to the levy would
• chooses to levy um for these<00:54:03.440> costs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we were going to toss it over to Levi first, correct? Yeah, Mr.
• Over to Levi first. Yeah, Mr. Chairman and members of the task force.
• Levi, can we back up?
• Levi, I believe we're trying to figure out we should come.
• And had those discussions with Levi about agendas and stuff.

Summary: The task force approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, striking language about contracting with a security vendor. Members then reviewed a draft bill on concessions procurement (LC 27.0161), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, update language for vending and merchandising machines, and clarify where concession proceeds are deposited. OMB explained the bill and said it was open to further changes, including language to address artificial fragmentation, clarify which government entities are covered, and possibly set contract-length limits. Members raised questions about whether the bill would apply to school districts, park districts, airports, and other political subdivisions, and about whether concession agreements could direct proceeds to nonprofits or other secondary recipients; OMB said the statute is intended to require proceeds to go to the government entity’s operating fund or general fund. OMB also reported on other survey suggestions. It said a proposed general authority for agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is best limited to high-volume agencies. On legal notices, OMB said it had made progress with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernizing online notices, improving ADA compliance, and discussing rate and definition changes. On click-through agreements, OMB and the Attorney General’s office concluded no statutory change was needed after revising internal guidance; the $20,000 threshold was described as a practical cutoff for adhesive, nonnegotiable software terms. OMB also said issues raised by the Center for Distance Education on alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures had been resolved through policy clarification. The University System gave a brief update on its collaboration with OMB and said it was continuing to review concessions, surplus property, and capital project statutes with all institutions involved. The task force then discussed a draft bill on requirements for new or expanded spending, intended to require agencies to identify program purpose, needs, alternatives, success measures, and budget details, and to report on outcomes over time. Members and staff debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how much should be real-time versus periodic, and whether the bill should include full implementation costs for pilot programs. Legislative Council staff said the new program evaluation division is still being built out, that staffing remains limited, and that the office plans to continue working with OMB and the executive branch to refine the proposal before the next meeting. No final action was taken on the draft bills beyond directing further work and follow-up for the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you supporting letting the levy for it?
• targets, and sometimes we do give the education chairs levy targets.
• That's exactly right about levy targets.
• chairs levy targets. I I don't disagree. chairs levy targets. I I don't disagree.
• That's speaker exactly right about levy That's speaker exactly right about levy targets.<00:10:45.920

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Democratic leaders and House Republican leaders announced a compromise set of budget targets reached Friday night, describing it as a numbers-only deal that leaves policy issues aside. They said the targets are the first step in the budget process: House committee chairs will write bills to fit the targets, those bills will go to Ways and Means, and later leaders will negotiate global targets with the governor and Senate. Leaders emphasized that the agreement reflects compromise rather than either party’s ideal budget, and that they will continue talks with Governor Walz and the Senate over the next several weeks. The speakers highlighted what was not included in the deal, saying it does not target paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe time, reproductive rights, or universal school meals. They said the House priorities that did make it in include housing, education, pensions, public safety, and transportation. On education, they said the compromise provides $40 million in new money in the first biennium for the READ Act and no cuts in either biennium, contrasting that with larger cuts in the governor’s and Senate proposals. They also said schools could still choose to fund unemployment insurance for school workers from existing resources, though it was not earmarked in the targets. Leaders said the agreement leaves room for committee chairs to make choices within the targets, including in health and human services, where they described the target as a reduction in projected growth rather than a cut to existing appropriations. They said the budget plan sets aside discretionary inflation adjustments in the first biennium while preserving inflation indexing for items like the K-12 formula. They also said the deal improves the state’s long-term balance, with a projected $1.6 billion balance in the first biennium and a $1.3 billion deficit in the second, and that the House’s numbers do not include the same revenue assumptions as the governor’s and Senate’s plans. In questions, leaders said conference committees will require majority support from both House and Senate conferees, and that the House will send equal numbers of Democratic and Republican conferees. They said the bonding bill size is still under discussion, but the adopted numbers would allow for roughly a $700 million general obligation bill. They also said large state spending for professional sports facilities is likely over, and explained that the press conference was held without Republican leaders for logistical reasons after the deal was reached late Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• comes to the distribution for charter schools Senator Avila: from the voter-approved property tax levies
• Finally, in regard to the tax administration changes, the bill requires that governments that did not levy
• The amendment makes the change to the tax distribution from voter discretion operating millage as levied
• by school districts. to apply to such levies authorized by a vote of the elector after July 1st, 2026
• levied by school districts.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• playing field when it comes to the distribution for charter schools from voter-approved property tax levies
• change in Senator Trunow's bill that prohibits counties, municipalities, and special districts from levying
• by school districts to apply to such levies authorized by a vote of the electors on or after July 1,
• So, in essence, making this prospective as it relates to those levies and those collections from those
• millages levied by school districts.

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax opt-outs, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, RV park special assessments, fiscally constrained county funding, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, and provisions barring governmental net zero policies. An amendment made the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the charter-school language would divert money from traditional public schools and on the fiscal-constrained county formula. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill after a roll call vote, with Senators Bernard and Jones voting no. The committee also considered SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and partially decouples from federal tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses bonus depreciation, research and experimental expenses, business meal deductions, and the business interest deduction, with the Revenue Estimating Conference expected to review the fiscal impact later in the week. The Florida Chamber testified that the bill should better align with federal tax relief and reduce administrative burdens, while senators emphasized the need to balance business tax relief with state revenue constraints. SPB 7048 was also reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote.