Transcript Highlights:

• community engagement requirements.
• A doctor's prescription is not required.
• A doctor's prescription is not required.
• It returns all surplus state administrative facility dispositions to the general surplus real property
• They are required to consult under the Section 106 process. They are required to administer.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh 513 the requiring other three bills.
• :16.799><c> complete</c> requires the district to complete requires the district to complete submitting
• </c><00:38:13.280><c> has</c> filing or submission requirement has filing or submission requirement has
• It requiring the audit thing.
• ,</c><01:51:37.119><c> one</c> have six audits that are required, one have six audits that are required

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and reviewed several previously heard bills, but focused its discussion on SB 586 and SB 580. The chair explained that SB 586 would require school districts and school administrative units to publish audit reports after the fiscal year, and that an amendment, 1472H, had been prepared to replace the relevant audit/reporting section. The amendment would add SAUs to the reporting entities, expand the contents of audits to include items such as employee lists, pay, benefits, and pension liabilities, and change the timing so audits are submitted nine months after the fiscal year end, followed by a three-month Department of Education review and then a further correction period before any grant funding could be withheld. The amendment would also require the reports to be posted in searchable electronic form on the web. Committee members discussed whether the bill’s “non-compliance” language referred only to incomplete submissions or also to audit findings, and several members raised concerns about whether the Department of Education had the staff and authority to take on this role, whether the existing DOE25 process would be displaced, and whether the bill should instead remain with the Department of Revenue Administration. One member noted that the fiscal note anticipated the need for additional auditors and significant staffing costs. The committee also reviewed SB 580, described as a school cooperative purchasing program bill that also contains policy provisions for charter school trustees, school board members, and receivership-related language tied to Claremont. The chair said the committee had previously heard comments from Charlie Arlinghouse on the cooperative purchasing portion and would use a side-by-side comparison prepared by staff when it reached that bill. Other bills on the docket were briefly described but not taken up that day: SB 491, which has committee-requested amendments and a separate non-germane amendment related to curriculum frameworks and academic standards; SB 513, an owner’s project manager bill held as a possible vehicle for future non-germane language; and SB 531, concerning a cosmetology program in Coös County and a possible task force. The chair said the committee would not address 491, 513, or 531 that day and would return to 580 and 586.

Transcript Highlights:

• we've imposed on families here in the state in the past three years, on top of the $18.5 billion surplus
• we've imposed on families here in the state in the past three years, on top of the $18.5 billion surplus
• we've imposed on families here in the state in the past three years, on top of the $18.5 billion surplus
• we've imposed on families here in the state in the past three years, on top of the $18.5 billion surplus

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's not yet in the—this is effectively a surplus statement, and I think that one, there's
• this is um I think that's not yet in the this is effectively<00:23:06.480><c> a</c><00:23:06.600><c> surplus
• </c><00:23:07.080><c> statement</c><00:23:07.600><c> and</c><00:23:07.760><c> I</c> effectively a surplus
• statement and I effectively a surplus statement and I think<00:23:08.320><c> I</c><00:23:08.400><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on February 18 and retained several bills for possible inclusion in the budget. House Bill 97, appropriating funds to the Department of Environmental Services for wastewater infrastructure projects, was retained on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 197, which would have the state pay 7.5% of certain political subdivision employees’ retirement contributions at an estimated annual cost of $28 million to $29 million, was also retained unanimously. House Bill 246, creating the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program with a small appropriation of about $50,000 per year for two years, was retained 22-0. House Bill 519, appropriating $500,000 annually to support the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was likewise retained 22-0. The committee then shifted to a broader budget discussion. Representative Maguire said the committee was facing a roughly $732 million gap between projected revenue and spending, based on preliminary Ways and Means figures and the governor’s budget. He noted that the governor’s plan included $81 million from the rainy day fund and $127 million from proposed slot machine revenue, while other potential obligations such as $150 million in YDC payments and prison down payments were not included. Members discussed how Ways and Means revenue estimates are based on current law, meaning proposals not yet enacted would not be counted in the official forecast. Members also asked about the relationship between the education funding committee and Finance, and were told that many education bills would likely come back to Finance after action in the other committee and on the floor. The chair and members discussed donor towns, swept funds, and the possibility of moving more information technology spending into the capital budget if appropriate. The meeting ended with agreement to let Division 2 head to education funding, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prompt rules promulgation may require some tweaks that the ISC needs to do as well, because it's
• For example, it may be that the first phase requires you to apply for the planning dollars first.
• In years when there is a surplus, the legislature often does not fund capital projects with severance
• It would just be a portion of that surplus dollars that would go towards funding projects and it...
• And then the other problem would be that a lot of technology is becoming required for a lot of these

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Um for requirements. Excuse [snorts] me.
• It requires report back to the legislature by July 1, 2028.
• It requires the development of project.
• c> to</c><01:24:19.880><c> the</c> It requires report back to the It requires report back to the legislature
• </c><01:24:28.960><c> $250,000</c> which requires $250,000 which requires $250,000 in<01:24:30.880><c

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SNAP has always had work requirements in the past. They're being extended to new.
• There have never been work requirements associated with Medicaid.
• Require our Attorney General suing the federal government for back payment.
• or work participation requirement.
• Required trade-offs; many federal dollars do not.

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:17.280><c> to</c> for the casinos which were required to for the casinos which were required
• </c> and require ongoing legislation changes. and require ongoing legislation changes.
• that they require experience.
• > uh</c> giving requiring that they require uh giving requiring that they require uh experience.<01:22
• </c> put together a complete surplus put together a complete surplus statement<01:55:19.840><c> for</

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and Charitable Gaming Chief Compliance Officer Kulie Aoyo to review proposed changes in HB 2 and related amendments affecting video lottery terminals, historic horse racing, charitable gaming, and scratch tickets. McIntyre said the late-arriving amendment made revenue estimates difficult, especially because the bill would allow operators to decide when to convert from HHR to VLTs and would change the floor-space rules. He explained that the existing 70/30 floor-space split between machines and table games was negotiated to protect charity revenue, and warned that moving to a 90/10 split could reduce charity revenue, potentially by as much as $17 million, while also changing the character of the facilities. Committee members discussed whether to keep the 70/30 split, and McIntyre said he could provide updated estimates later that day, including net impacts after any offsetting gains or losses under current law. Members also asked about the governor’s proposed operator share versus the Sweeney amendment’s higher operator share. McIntyre said the governor’s 45% figure was based on his own estimate and on comparable rates in other states, and he supported it as a way to maximize revenue for the state and charities. He also described a change to high-stakes tournaments: after speaking with Rep. Sweeney, he said the amendment was clarified to apply only to those tournaments and would lower the house take from 10% to 5% to encourage participation in rare, high-buy-in events. The committee also discussed a separate proposal to raise the maximum scratch ticket price from $30 to $50; McIntyre said the change would take time to implement, would likely increase net state revenue by about $1 million in year two, and was consistent with pricing in neighboring states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut. Additional questions covered sports betting and a separate Kino-related estimate. McIntyre said March Madness is the busiest period for sports betting and that the state’s sports betting revenue has exceeded initial expectations. He also said he had estimated that removing a municipal-vote restriction for Kino could cost about $12 million total, with $2 million in the first year and $10 million thereafter. No formal votes were taken during the discussion; the chair indicated the committee would revisit the VLT amendment and other sections later, and McIntyre agreed to send updated revenue estimates to committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Louisiana Department of Revenue required a monthly filing. He could handle that.
• This one, though, says when we have surplus, we take some of the surplus and we reduce the income tax
• It allows local governments to participate; it does not require them.
• To participate does not require them.
• There would be triggers when we have budget surplus.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 620, a constitutional amendment and companion legislation to centralize collection of state and local sales taxes. The author and supporters from the Tax Foundation, COST, NFIB, and LABI argued that Louisiana’s decentralized system creates high compliance costs, inconsistent administration, and lost revenue, especially for small businesses and out-of-state sellers. Several members raised concerns about the recent rollout of the hybrid e-file system, the effect on local cash flow and auditability, and whether the state could implement a fully centralized system without disrupting parish and municipal revenues. The author ultimately agreed to voluntarily defer HB 620 and its companion HB 658 so the committee could see how the current system performs and continue working with local stakeholders. The committee then heard HB 898, which would dedicate a portion of surplus revenue to reducing and eventually eliminating the state income tax. The author described it as a gradual, revenue-triggered approach to tax elimination, while another member suggested pairing it with reductions in tax exemptions and credits. The bill was voluntarily deferred for future consideration. Next, the committee considered HB 217 and HB 214, a bill and constitutional amendment creating an optional property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict properties. Support came from local government and law enforcement groups, who said the measure would give parishes and municipalities a tool to encourage redevelopment and reduce blight. Members discussed safeguards, including local option, whether the exemption should follow the property for 20 years, and whether a step-down at the end of the exemption period should be considered. HB 217 was reported favorably as amended, and HB 214 was also reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 514 and HB 561, both by Rep. Farnum, which expand property tax relief for seniors and certain trusts. HB 514 creates an optional additional ad valorem tax exemption for homeowners age 65 and older, and HB 561 extends eligibility to certain trusts when the qualifying owner occupies the home. Both measures were described as local-option tools to help seniors remain in their homes, and both were reported favorably as amended. Finally, HB 812, by the vice chair, was heard to allow limited annual compensation increases for parish assessors. Assessor representatives said their duties have expanded and their pay has fallen behind clerks of court; members questioned the lack of direct local voter input, but the bill was presented as optional and funded locally, with discussion of transparency and a possible task force to coordinate future compensation policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that means that they'll have as much time as they require to review the code, the plans relative to
• And the title of this bill being the sale of surplus property... and clear title proven on any of these
• And the title of this bill being the sale of surplus property, The title of this bill being the sale
• of surplus property is not, in effect, what that would accomplish.
• In the United States, we are required to treat that patient.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The committee met in executive session first and took up House Bill 2330, reconsidering a prior due-pass vote and then voting the House Committee Substitute due pass by roll call. It then considered House Bill 2291, where an amendment meant to clarify municipal building-code and zoning authority was discussed at length and ultimately withdrawn after members raised concerns that it would undercut the bill’s purpose; the bill itself then received a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 2336, dealing with state property conveyances and title issues, also drew questions about unclear title and the status of several properties, but the committee adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bill 3136, which would remove the state prohibition on creating a Missouri-based health insurance exchange; the sponsor and a witness argued it could save money, keep exchange fees in-state, and give Missouri more control, while several members objected that it would reverse the 2012 voter-approved prohibition and could entrench federal health-care policy. No action was taken on that bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1833, which would let certain state employees opt out of the state health plan and receive a partial cash payout if they have other coverage. The sponsor argued it could be cost-neutral or save money and give employees more flexibility, while members and the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan raised concerns about fiscal impact, adverse selection, administrative burden, and whether the proposal turns a benefit into an entitlement. The witness for the plan said the fiscal note was based on about 4,112 active employees who already opt out, warned the stipend would be taxable and could create a new benefit that is hard to remove, and said proof of outside coverage would need to be maintained. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2506, which would require DESE to post QR-code placards at licensed child care facilities linking parents to existing inspection and complaint records; supporters said it would help parents make safer choices at no fiscal cost, while DESE explained the portal already exists and complaints are investigated quickly, and a witness described serious problems at one facility to illustrate why the information matters. Finally, the committee opened public hearing on House Bill 1758, a proposal to move Missouri to permanent daylight saving time once federal law allows it. The sponsor argued it would improve safety, boost economic activity, and avoid the inconvenience of changing clocks twice a year, while members raised concerns about darker mornings for schoolchildren and commuters and questioned whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The hearing was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on House Bill 3136, 1833, 2506, or 1758 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the base funding, but even with that modest increase it amounts to about 3.7% of the projected surplus
• <00:02:47.200><c> of</c><00:02:47.400><c> the</c><00:02:47.640><c> projected</c><00:02:48.239><c> Surplus
• </c> about3 3.7% of the projected Surplus about3 3.7% of the projected Surplus that<00:02:49.120><c>
• In particular, there's some funding to DEED, but then also modifications to training and other requirements
• I I I would argue are was requirements I I I would argue are was within<00:15:26.000><c> the</c><00:

Bills: HF1704 , HF1722

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• And this body has already allocated a settlement fund to make the people whose surplus assets that were
• And this body has already allocated a settlement fund to make the people whose surplus assets that were
• 31.800><c> whose</c> settlement fund to make the people whose settlement fund to make the people whose surplus
• 32.880><c> that</c><00:10:33.040><c> were</c><00:10:33.160><c> seized</c><00:10:33.600><c> after</c> surplus
• assets that were seized after surplus assets that were seized after tax<00:10:34.280><c> forfeiture<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Democrats over the last two years have raised taxes by $10 billion, spent down the budget surplus.
• And again, $18 billion of surplus was spent. Taxes and fees were raised by another $10 billion.
• again,<00:07:52.880><c> $18</c><00:07:53.280><c> billion</c><00:07:53.919><c> of</c><00:07:54.160><c> surplus
• </c> again, $18 billion of surplus was spent. again, $18 billion of surplus was spent.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically what this does is it strengthens Florida's judicial sales process by requiring courts to follow
• It ensures judicial oversight, protect surplus funds and mandates independent professionals to handle
• And lawyers in this know that they have to get their Cle requirement shift to every 5 years.
• There's no standing requirement to file a complaint.
• The lawyer is required to answer.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, New Mexico has a constitutional requirement to pass a balanced budget, which means we cannot spend
• If revenues come in a little stronger than we anticipate, the reserves are there to catch that surplus
• No, Madam Chair, there's no cap or statutory requirement.
• With strong mission alignment in New Mexico, we require the one-to-one match.
• So we allow under our policies one year for the Funds to meet their local match requirement.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• These went into that were required.
• And those primarily are from work requirements, redeterminations, and new verification requirements.
• > requirements for um, income requirements for um, income verification,<00:48:42.160><c> for</c><00:48
• </c> primarily because of work requirements primarily because of work requirements or<01:09:24.480><c
• <c> to</c> federal law now requires states to federal law now requires states to perform<01:34:29.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, members, no action is required.
• </c> requirements governing data centers. requirements governing data centers.
• Members, no action is required.
• Members, no action is required. Members, no action is required.
• No action is required, members.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Implementing these solutions identified in the targets requires sustainable and ongoing funding.
• Meng is that the program in the past has had a massive surplus of allowances and offsets.
• So are we having trouble predicting our revenue stream and our pricing because we have such a surplus
• And would you be generally an advocate of decreasing that surplus?
• They do have to qualify with the State Transit Assistance, so there are eligibility requirements when

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support. Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization. Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Bills: HCR6 , HCR36 , HCR175 , HCR197 , HB48 , HB54 , HB86 , HB127 , HB139 , HB177 , HB202 , HB212 , HB214 , HB244 , HB256 , HB286 , HB306 , HB309 , HB344 , HB348 , HB369 , HB370 , HB371 , HB395 , HB423 , HB428 , HB429 , HB432 , HB433 , HB437 , HB448 , HB454 , HB455 , HB472 , HB480 , HB510 , HB549 , HB563 , HB596 , HB606 , HB620 , HB664 , HB697 , HB698 , HB701 , HB706 , HB714 , HB740 , HB773 , HB782 , HB784 , HB833 , HB850 , HB904 , HB918 , HB939 , HB988 , HB1020 , HB1036 , HB1037 , HB1039 , HB1050 , HB1059 , HB1079 , HB1145 , HB1155 , HB1161 , HB1164 , HB1167 , HB1260 , HB1294 , HB1295 , HB1297 , HB1308 , HB1320 , HB1325 , HB1345 , HB1391 , HB1427 , SB21 , SB26 , SB71 , SB109 , SB146 , SB177 , SB183 , SB228 , SB253 , SB298 , SB299 , SB325 , SB382 , SB401 , SB414 , SB440 , SB657 , SB717 , HB2001

Keywords: emergency medical treatment, abortion services, pregnancy care, reproductive health, hospitals, EMTALA, healthcare access, sister-state relationship, cultural exchange, international relations, Okayama, Hawaii, trade, tourism, Pacific governance, legislative cooperation, inter-parliamentary assembly, climate resilience, sustainable development, Hawaii-Japan relations

Bills: HCR6 , HCR36 , HCR175 , HCR197 , HB48 , HB54 , HB86 , HB127 , HB139 , HB177 , HB202 , HB212 , HB214 , HB244 , HB256 , HB286 , HB306 , HB309 , HB344 , HB348 , HB369 , HB370 , HB371 , HB395 , HB423 , HB428 , HB429 , HB432 , HB433 , HB437 , HB448 , HB454 , HB455 , HB472 , HB480 , HB510 , HB549 , HB563 , HB596 , HB606 , HB620 , HB664 , HB697 , HB698 , HB701 , HB706 , HB714 , HB740 , HB773 , HB782 , HB784 , HB833 , HB850 , HB904 , HB918 , HB939 , HB988 , HB1020 , HB1036 , HB1037 , HB1039 , HB1050 , HB1059 , HB1079 , HB1145 , HB1155 , HB1161 , HB1164 , HB1167 , HB1260 , HB1294 , HB1295 , HB1297 , HB1308 , HB1320 , HB1325 , HB1345 , HB1391 , HB1427 , SB21 , SB26 , SB71 , SB109 , SB146 , SB177 , SB183 , SB228 , SB253 , SB298 , SB299 , SB325 , SB382 , SB401 , SB414 , SB440 , SB657 , SB717 , HB2001

Keywords: emergency medical treatment, abortion services, pregnancy care, reproductive health, hospitals, EMTALA, healthcare access, sister-state relationship, cultural exchange, international relations, Okayama, Hawaii, trade, tourism, Pacific governance, legislative cooperation, inter-parliamentary assembly, climate resilience, sustainable development, Hawaii-Japan relations